Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Recommended Posts

I just thought about this today, but if the shutdown lasts through the summer, will national forest campgrounds be closed? What about the boundary waters? I was planning on reserving an overnight pass online at the end of the month, but unless a miracle happens, I won’t be able to.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

No go for getting a permit and it would be closed. Huge loss for towns like Ely 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your a tax paying american, just pick a secluded entry point and go on your own....dont let Uncle Sam tell you what you can and cannot do! 

  • Thumbs Up 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

If I was just going paddling around for a day, then yeah, I wouldn’t even worry about it. But I’m looking to get an overnight motor pass for Basswood Lake. I won’t be up there until September, so I’d really like to believe everything will be up and running by then. However, if it’s not, I’m guessing the truck portage wouldn’t be open. I’m not quite as concerned about the campgrounds. The national forest campgrounds I’m looking at are more rustic anyway, so they’re really aren’t any services anyway.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I went into the BWCA a few years back during a shutdown and things were business as usual for the outfitters. from what I remember they said the only thing different would be that the dnr folks were short staffed. It feels different this time though so who knows. That time the government seemed sympathetic to folks who had plans that were affected, this time not so much. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Basswood motor permits are hard to come by. Be ready and get it the first day that permits are offered. JIM P.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

This may be old news, but I came across this upon visiting the recreation.gov website today...the permit reservation system will be available despite the government shutdown this upcoming Wednesday morning. It did advise that if the government is still shutdown during the dates you intend to visit, there may be some issues. So anyway, that’s good news.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

What? And After Trump caved in?  ?

  • Yayyyy 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Well, website didn’t work today. Lot’s of very upset people on the bwca messageboards. Supposedly will be up and running tomorrow. 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Also, the few people that were able to reserve a pass, will have to do it all over again, as they will be canceled and refunded.

 

My boundary water pass history is limited to fishing sea gull, sag, and snowbank lakes, where I could easily get a motor pass on the same day I planned to fish those lakes. Today was the first time I’ve ever tried on “opening day”. I didn’t know that it was such a big event for so many people! So many people were mad because they took off from work to reserve a pass today.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • jparrucci
      Very low, probably 2 feet lower than last year at ice out.
    • mbeyer
      what do they look like this spring?
    • SkunkedAgain
      I might have missed a guess, but here are the ones that I noted:   JerkinLips – March 27th, then April 7th Brianf. – March 28th Bobberwatcher – April…. MikeG3Boat – April 10th SkunkedAgain – early April, then April 21st   Definitely a tough year for guesses, as it seemed to be a no-brainer early ice out. Then it got cold and snowed again.
    • mbeyer
      MN DNR posted April 13 as Ice out date for Vermilion
    • Brianf.
      ^^^45 in the morning and 47 in the evening
    • CigarGuy
      👍. What was the water temp in Black Bay? Thanks....
    • Brianf.
      No, that wasn't me.  I drive a 621 Ranger. 
    • CigarGuy
      So, that was you in the camo lund? I'm bummed, I have to head back to the cities tomorrow for a few days, then back up for at least a few weeks. Got the dock in and fired up to get out chasing some crappies till opener!
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   Lots of ice on the main basin, but it is definitely deteriorating.  Some anglers have been fishing the open water at the mouth of the Rainy River in front of the Lighthouse Gap.  The rest of the basin is still iced over. Pike enthusiasts caught some big pike earlier last week tip up fishing in pre-spawn areas adjacent to traditional spawning areas.  8 - 14' of water using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring has been the ticket.  Ice fishing for all practical purposes is done for the year. The focus for the basin moving forward will be pike transitioning into back bays to spawn,  This is open water fishing and an opportunity available as the pike season is open year round on Lake of the Woods. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. With both the ice fishing and spring fishing on the Rainy River being so good, many are looking forward to the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11th.  It should be epic. On the Rainy River...  An absolutely incredible week of walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rain Rainy River.     Walleye anglers, as a rule, caught good numbers of fish and lots of big fish.  This spring was one for the books.   To follow that up, the sturgeon season is currently underway and although every day can be different, many boats have caught 30 - 40 sturgeon in a day!  We have heard of fish measuring into the low 70 inch range.  Lots in the 60 - 70 inch range as well.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  Open water is continuing to expand in areas with current.  The sight of open water simply is wetting the pallet of those eager for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th.   A few locals were on the ice this week, targeting pike.  Some big slimers were iced along with some muskies as well.  If you like fishing for predators, LOW is healthy!  
    • Brianf.
      Early bird gets the worm some say...   I have it on good authority that this very special angler caught no walleyes or muskies and that any panfish caught were released unharmed.        
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.