Kabetogama area fishing, ice conditions and snowmobile trail report. 1/21/20
A week later and almost two feet of snow has left the snowmobile, snowshoe and cross-country ski trails in premier condition. Unfortunately, off the trails, Kab is experiencing significant slush and deep snow with 4-5 ft drifts scattered throughout. This has made fishing tough for most, if not all, that don’t have machines that can handle the extreme conditions. Fishing has been consistent for those that make it to their destination as the bite seems to be picking up some. As anglers are noticing that fish being caught are filled with larvae, deeper soft bottom structure is producing best. Recently, downsizing your bait with a less aggressive approach has worked best but with the weather turning that could change as fish become more active. Tipping you favorite lure with a wax worm has been extremely productive.
The National Park Service is presently trying to get the ice road in shape for travel but as of this morning it is still closed. They were hoping traffic would be non-existent on the road plowed last week to allow the slush and water to heal up, but that didn’t happen. Heavy track machines that broke up the healing process have forced the park service to reroute the original road. Please respect the fact the road is closed. It is not a “hard” close but with the heavy snow and slush there is a reason they would prefer NO traffic. Heavier machines that were out there over the weekend have broken up these areas which has delayed their progress in getting the ice road in. Please check the most recent updates on Voyageurs National Park website as well as their Facebook page. You can also give Gateway a call as we are in contact with them on a regular basis.
Switching gears, the area will be hosting the famed Arrowhead 135 next Monday, Jan 27th. This race is one of the hardest in the world as athletes from around the world will attempt to start from International Falls and make it to Fortune Bay Casino/Resort, 135 miles! The first stopping point is Gateway General with another at Mel Georges then on to Fortune Bay. With trails in great shape and the weather taking a turn for the better, this could be a record-breaking year!
Here at Gateway, we are exciting to be a sponsor of the race and will be ready for the brave athletes when they arrive as well as spectators. We will have warm soups, hot beverages and plenty of other goodies as well as a warm place for all to hang out and chat while waiting for their athlete to check in. We will also have the race on our TV with live updates so you can see where each athlete is located! You can also check out the Arrowhead 135 website for all the race info.
GOOD LUCK!
Stay safe and have fun!
Gateway
