A Measure of Success

I’ve often jokingly described my Boundary Waters fishing success by whether or not I would’ve gone hungry on a canoe trip if I was solely relying on fish to eat. On some occasions, success might be dependent upon what the goal is. Still other times, success might be measured by all the “ingredients” that make up a particular BWCA fishing adventure. Then there are times when fishing success simply can’t be measured with tangible results.

Spectacular Fall Weather!

Spectacular Fall Weather in the Boundary Waters

Spectacular Fall Weather in the Boundary Waters

Amazing Fall Weather and Colors

For the better part of forty years now, I’ve tried to “sell” a fishing trip into the Boundary Waters as much more than just a “how many fish you’re gonna catch” proposition. Veteran paddlers of the Boundary Waters know that fishing is only one facet of the experience. Fall Boundary Waters fishing in 2020 was admittedly slow for a lot of folks but sharing the fishing experience with friends or family was certainly one of those intangibles of a Boundary Waters adventure that made countless trips successful.

A couple things that weren’t hard to catch though, were the stunning weather and spectacular fall colors. Counting how many fish were caught on any Boundary Waters trip might overshadow many of the other magnificent sides of the Boundary Waters experience.  

Wonderful Fall Colors in the BWCA

Wonderful Fall Colors in the BWCA

The Pleasure of Meeting Folks

With ongoing health concerns along with a multitude of restrictions being what they are, the Boundary Waters became a haven for people to get away from it all, even if it was just for a couple days. We had the pleasure of meeting many first time Boundary Waters visitors and see many other “old friends”. With the issues of 2020, we’ve considered the opportunity to take advantage of what the Boundary Waters has to offer, a chance for people to exercise the body but relax the soul.   

We hope your experience has turned you into a regular visitor and that your Canoe Country successes have given you a chance to refresh the spirit.

20 Seasons at Williams and Hall and Counting

With the close of our 2020 outfitting year comes the end of my 20th season at Williams and Hall. I look forward to bright blue days, light tailwinds and more years ahead with friends…old and new. 

Editors Note - Congratulations to Dave on 20 amazing years at Williams and Hall. Please feel free to send Dave a note of congratulations at dave@williamsandhall.com

Fall fishing isn't always a numbers game but persistence does pay off!

Fall fishing isn't always a numbers game but persistence does pay off!

Dave Sebesta

Dave’s passion for canoe country was born in 1980 when he came to Canoe Country fresh out of high school to work for the summer. Since that time, Dave has traveled throughout the Quetico Provincial Park and Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness learning their portages, lakes, campsites, and fishing spots. Over the years, Dave has built a reputation as one of the great fisherman of the BWCA and Quetico.  He has been working in the outfitting industry for many years and just completed his 20th year with Williams and Hall. He is our General Manager. You will find him pitching in wherever there is something that needs doing. Dave is also an excellent nature photographer and you will find his prints at many of the finer shops in Ely. Dave lives on Moose Lake year-round and besides photography enjoys hiking, fishing (he is superb), canoeing and camping with his wife Eva, and son, David.

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Boundary Waters Canoe Trip Hygiene

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An Unusual BWCA Season