Guided Basswood Day Trip - Record size Fish!

When husband and wife, Chad & Jill set out fishing with professional guide Jim Blauch on the Basswood Chain of Lakes, they didn't know they would be catching record size fish! They did have to help push/pull the boat over a couple of portages to get to Jim's favorite 'honey holes' within the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area - 25hp motor restricted area), but they felt at the end of the day...all the hard work was well worth it!

Chad's walleye measured 30".

Jill's smallmouth measured 21 1/2".

Both fish were the largest species of fish both of them had ever caught!

More 'fun in the sun' at Moose Track Adventures

With weather in the 80's continuing, the kids here this week spent lots of time cooling off in the water and trying to stay cool.

Fly-Fishing Lessons for the Beginner

Jim Blauch, a Federation of Flyfishers Certified Casting Instructor at Moose Track Adventures in Ely, MN has developed a fly fishing program for those seeking an introduction into the art of fly fishing or those looking to improve and fine tune their casting skills. From knots to casting to technique, his personalized guidance will enable each angler to gain the skills necessary to begin enjoying the unique rewards of fly fishing.



Sunny blue skies made a perfect setting for beginning fly-fishing lessons for this group of 3 women.







They spent the first part of their day on land learning the basics in casting, then went to a local lake to put it all together while fishing out of a boat.






You don't need to have any equipment to get started, loaner equipment can be provided upon request.

All-Inclusive Outfitted & Guided Canoe Trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area

A Moose Track Adventures All-Inclusive Outfitted and Guided Trip brought this family from Wisconsin to experience the Boundary Waters. During the 6 day/5 night trip, they had fun soaking in the sun, cooling off in the water, exploring for blueberries and bones and learning about the history of the area. The combination of perfect weather and awesome fishing made for fun times and great memories.

Taking in the scenery & sun.








'Treasures' found during exploration.








Jim Blauch - a professional guide with years of experience guiding in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area, also had a chance to pull in this nice size lake trout that fed everyone for dinner one evening.












Fresh lake trout over a fire.









Wild blueberries were still found in the woods and were a great addition to morning pancakes.









Sky turning yellow and orange at sunset.









Last Day - on the way back to 'civilization'!

Basswood Lake Guided Day Fishing Trip

'Sunny and no wind' ended up being the ticket for Sunday's guided day trip for Diane and her husband on the Basswood Chain of Lakes with guide Josh Bullivant. Her big catch for the day was a 20" smallmouth. Also, not only did they have a delicious shore lunch by noon, but brought home a stringer of walleyes to take back home to Ohio with them.

17 1/2" Smallmouth on Farm Lake

Chuck arrived on Monday afternoon and by Tuesday he brought in a 17 1/2" smallmouth caught on Farm Lake. He has the rest of the week to explore White Iron, Garden, Farm & South Farm Lakes (about 11,000 acres of water accessible from our docks) for walleyes, northern pike and crappies.

Wednesday Float Plane Rides at Moose Track Adventures

'Simply Beautiful' air tour with Van Air - Take a 20 minute air tour of the surrounding lakes and region departing from our main dock around 1pm on Wednesdays. (Advance notice by Tuesday evening for scheduling purposes requested). This is a popular choice for those who wish to experience the unique "eagle-eye" view of Minnesota's Lake Country. Price - $45 per person. 10 yrs or under $35 ea when accompanied by an adult.
'Voyageur's Route' - BWCAW / QUETICO - Take a one hour flight following much of the route of early fur-trading Voyageur's. Trace the historic route as it flows from Basswood Lake near Ely, up through Crooked and Iron Lakes, past Curtain and Rebecca Falls to Lac La Croix - home of the Ojibwa People. See the untouched wilderness and take in the true meaning of "10,000 Lakes". This flight often encounters larger wildlife such as moose, deer, bear, and wolf. Price per flight: $ 295 total cost, Cessna 180, (max of 3 passengers*)$ 325 total cost, Cessna 206, (max of 5 passengers*) This flight is most spectacular in early morning and evening. (*weight restriction may apply)

Minnesota's State Bird - the Common Loon

The Common Loon - larger than a mallard but smaller than a goose, this water bird has a thick neck and a long, black bill. Its legs are set far back on its body, so it has an awkward gait on land. The male is slightly larger than the female, but otherwise the two sexes look identical.
Weight: Adult loons weigh 8 to 12 pounds.
Color: The common loon has a black bill and a red eye. In summer it is a spotty black and white with a black/iridescent green head. In fall a "winter coat" that's gray above and white below replaces its summer plumage.
Sounds: The common loon has four calls. The tremolo, which sounds a bit like maniacal laughter, is an aggressive call. The wail is a long, drawn-out sound. The hoot, a shorter call, is used to communicate among parents and young. The yodel is sounded by male loons guarding their territory.
Minnesota has more loons (roughly 12,000) than any other state except Alaska.

Fun facts to know about loons:

• Loons' lives are filled with fun facts. For example:
  The bones of most birds are hollow and light, but loons have solid bones.
• The extra weight helps them dive as deep as 250 feet to search for food. They can stay underwater for up to five minutes.
• Because their bodies are heavy relative to their wing size, loons need a 100- to 600-foot "runway" in order to take off from a lake.
• Loons can fly more than 75 miles per hour.
• The red in the loon's eye helps it to see under water.
• Scientists think loons can live for 30 years or more.

(Information provided by the MN Department of Natural Resources)

Half way through the week & sunny skies!

It's Wednesday and the guests have had sunny skies and just a slight breeze so far this week - rain is always in the forecast as a chance, but we've yet to see it!

Lots of kids playing in the water this week with the beautiful weather. Today was Claire's first day for 'solo' floating (without holding on to anyone). After watching all the kids this week (and her big brother), she got up the nerve to climb down the swim ladder and give it a try all by herself!

17" Smallmouth on White Iron Chain of Lakes

A guided day trip for Chris, brother Matt and Dad landed them this 17" smallmouth on Sunday, along with a stringer of walleyes and a few other smallmouths. Fishing in the mornings/evenings, playing golf in the afternoon, an hour float plane ride tonight is how their week is working out.

Black-shouldered Spinyleg Dragonfly

Gavin has always been our 'dragonfly catcher' here at Moose Tracks. He is sly and quick enough with his bare hands to catch them just about anywhere - on the docks, boats, outdoor chairs.

18" Smallmouth on Farm Lake

Anna caught this 18" smallmouth yesterday morning out on Farm Lake. Her family is one of 2 families this week that have been staying at Moose Track Adventures (formerly known as 'Ojibway Resort' before September 2002) for 20+ years. The two dads have their 'secret spots' where they can always catch smallmouth, walleyes & a northern pike or two!