Happy Fourth of July, Independence Day from all of us at Piragis Northwoods Company and the Boundary Waters Catalog. May your paddles always find new adventure and the free spirit of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness always guide you home! photo @vnick763 Nick Jones #piragis #piragisoutfitting #boundarywaterscatalog #visitelymn#boundarywaters_elymn #fourthofjuly #independenceday2023
Please note the fire restrictions (aka fire ban) in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness have been lifted as of July 3, 2023. A fire ban is still in effect for Quetico in Canada. Stay safe and keep the fireworks out of the wilderness.
Remember to check out the biggest kayak sale of the year.
Call Tom or Tyler 1-800-223-6565 to save today
BUY ONE GET ONE 40% OFF KAYAK SALE Over 80 Kayaks in Stock Solos, Tandems, Specialty, and composite models of Current Designs, Perception, Wilderness Systems Brands June 28th to July 11th 2023 *Discount taken off lowest priced kayak Piragis Boathouse Open 9 am to 5 pm daily.
Welcome to Piragis Northwoods Company and the Boundary Waters Catalog Gift Room. Below is a short video tour of our most visited room in Ely. We offer a wide variety of products to choose from. Each room in our retail store in Ely, Minnesota holds a world of treasures. From camping supplies, to clothes, and of course the room we are currently walking through The Gift Section. We try to do our best to mirror this variety online at boundarywaterscatalog.com, however the best way to enjoy this shopping experience is to visit us in person. Why not take a Boundary Waters canoe trip while you’re here!
The gift department of Piragis Northwoods is full of delightful items that are sure to wow anyone you gift them to, or to hold a sweet spot in your heart as a souvenir of your time in beautiful Ely Minnesota with Piragis Northwoods Company.
From wonderfully crafted pottery, to amazing photographic prints, you are sure to find something that catches your eye. Our wide selection of gifts doesn’t end there though. We also have candles that will fill your home with the sweetest of fragrances, and of course, blankets and pillows that will pair perfectly with those same candles to make your home a cozy wonderland.
Everything in our gift shop is meant to make you think back on your Boundary Waters trip fondly, so that even after you can no longer see the pristine wilderness forest you can still have a part of it with you. We do this by not only keeping a consistent wilderness theme in the room, but by also having local small businesses and artisans items available in our gift shop. This means that with every purchase you are taking a little bit of Ely Minnesota back home with you.
From handcrafted jewelry, to lotions, to kitchen ware, and even a loon whistle so you can never forget the sounds of our introverted state bird the gift shop is sure to have you leaving with something that will fit perfectly in your home. And of course if you’re still missing the little critters of the forest we have a whole section to bring home a buddy from the Boundary Waters that will never leave your children’s side. So come in today and find your next gift for someone else, or even yourself, because everyone deserves to treat themselves and a trip to the Boundary Waters is a perfect occasion.
With the rain and the recent cool down (thank goodness) the fishing report is in flux, but here’s what we know so far. Bear in mind that these are always a few days old and much affected by the current and upcoming weather fronts moving in. Plus it is Minnesota, if you don’t like the weather, just wait, it’ll be different soon. And. So. Will. The. Fishing.
Walleye – Walleyes have been moving around more in the last week, most likely due to the warmer temperatures of the water and heat that still persisted at the end of last week. That bumped up against our last storm front and the roughly inch and a half or more of rain over the weekend. It is raining now, a slow soaking rain and last night we received about 3/4 of an inch. As this weather varies, so does the depth of the walleye while they seek out sunken structure, sometimes up about 10 – 12 feet but mostly deeper around 15 – 18 feet above sunken reefs or rock piles. This is pretty good time of year for jigs with half a nightcrawler or half a fake darker colored worm.
Jigging for walleye seems to always work best when you find the bottom and then come up about a foot and jig from there. Trolling Spinner baits at this time of year works better if they are tipped with crawlers (a combo of flash and natural food). Reported top colors recently include gold (one of our favorites), pink (standard) and orange (pretty hard to beat). When the normal colors aren’t getting a response, I like to go with very dark colored jigs like black, purple or blue and after 7 p.m. I tie on a glow painted jig. I have always gotten better results with darker colors the deeper that I fish. This goes for panfish too although lately, with almost all of my fishing I lean towards the flash of gold jigs and gold spinners, whatever the size.
Smallmouth – The hunt for Bronzebacks has become elusive on some of the local lakes and Boundary Waters lakes but topwater is still winning the catch on many others — just like it has been for the last several weeks. If you can’t get strikes from any of the common topwater lures, then any rig with flash to it should help. Getting down towards fallen, sunken trees or rock piles near shore is key. Spinners tipped with worms (again – like for Walleye) will produce strikes. The old glacier ponds up here have some fantastic drop offs, sometimes very close to shore, and these are particularly great places where shadows meet sunlight in the late afternoon and early mornings to hit smallmouth where they are hunting. As the Summer continues, you will also find smallmouth bass in faster currents where rivers/streams and lakes join together.
We’ve got a variety of soft bait selections from Gulp Minnows, Powerbait swimmers, to Yamamoto and Kalins worms, including New Bang Lures Bass Assassins and some of our old standby Super Flukes from Zoom and of course Mister Twisters in stock here at Piragis Northwoods Company in Ely.
Pike – With the arrival of rain and fluctuating temps, the Northern Pike suddenly become more active. Esox lucius, wolves of our northern waters are more aggressive now that June is ending. Things that flash and grab attention are the norms like larger Mepps Spinners and Daredevle spoons. Fishing with sucker minnows and a large bobber has been working on Ely lakes, though it is hard to mimic this when you are days deep into the BWCAW. Setting up a rig off camp that includes a larger bobber and lighter colored worm or fake minnow (ie: Berkley Gulp Paddle Shad, Zoom Super Fluke or Super Fluke Jr., 5 inch Yamasenko Worm in Chart/Shad in our Retail Store) with a weight several feet up from the bait may work best to mimic a sucker minnow. Let this drift through the edge of current “bobbing” your worm up and down creating the mimicry of a dead or dying minnow. Anything you can do to present something that looks like a natural bait works better than not. This is why the varied retrieve of spoons and shad rap type baits (ie: something like a weight in front of a Strike King KVD 2.5 Wake Bait or other lures like Rapala Countdowns and Deep Tail Dancers in our Retail Store) works well (off speed, jerky, vulnerable motions). Shallow bays with vegetation, river mouths, the points on islands and weedbeds are hotspots for big pike. Pike are normally opportunistic and aggressive. They hunt for food that appears to be vulnerable and available with the flashes that make them angry.
The Lake Trout can still be mostly found deep (think 75 feet or perhaps has shallow as 50). That’s a lot of line. Big trolling spoons and larger lures like a Deep Tail Dancer work well. Sometimes, if you do find them shallower they’ll be over sunken islands. Sometimes they will hit off deeper points when you paddle around an island and the bait you are trolling behind you naturally follows your course as you change directions and it changes speed and depth with the slack of your line. Big, heavy jigs, larger spoons, something that can get deep, perhaps with the aid of a bottom bouncing weighted rig, these are things that help you present bait to the Lakers.
Photo below: Paul Knapp
If you are sensing a theme with each species that seems like we are suggesting odd ways of fishing then you’ve got the point. In the wilderness the fish can be obviously more plentiful, but your tackle that you’ve brought along will be naturally less plentiful. Giant, fully stocked tackle boxes don’t often make it into the list of weight you want to portage and fit into your canoe. Being creative with a select set of multi-use, very good producing lures and well-designed lures is a must. Trying something in a new presentation to the fish with an old standby lure (ie: Mepps Spinner tipped with a Gulp minnow) can be both fun and productive.
Be creative with what you have. Make sure what you take on your trip can give you a shot at success. For example, if you want to catch panfish but don’t take any small jigs or hooks or waxworms you probably won’t be eating any bluegill or pumpkinseed or crappie. If you only have smaller jigs and hooks along by mistake, you’ll have to use more weight ahead of your hook to get the bait down low enough for walleyes. If you only have full sized twister tails, gulp bait and artificial worms you’ll need to cut off pieces to use for panfish :).
Roll with the punches and if you have mustard and crackers you can use that instead of fish batter in case you run out.
Don’t forget to grab a copy of the New Boundary Waters and Quetico Fishing Guide The long-awaited update of Furtman’s original guidebook for the Boundary Waters, this book is an integral piece of any fisherman’s gear. It’s got all the right info and more info to back that up. Besides being an interesting read, it is a book that so many paddlers and anglers before us have trusted in the wilderness and a great thing to put inside a dry bag in your pack. $14.95
Superior National Forest to Close area around Spice Lake Wildfire within the Boundary Waters Canoe Area WildernessA portion of lands within the BWCAW in the Superior National Forest will be closed effective June 16
Duluth, Minn., June 13, 2023—Due to the Spice Lake Wildfire on the Superior National Forest (SNF), Forest Supervisor Tom Hall is closing a portion of the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) with an Emergency Forest Order – effective June 16 – prohibiting visitor entry at specific campsites, portages and lakes, and Pristine Management Areas (Forest Order 09-09-23-03#). The restrictions will go into effect beginning Friday morning (12:01) a.m., June 16, 2023; see Exhibit A of the Forest Order for a map of the area. The closure may be modified or extended as conditions allow.
The Forest Order closures include:All trails, portages, rivers, and lakes within the closure area (see in Exhibit A), including but not limited to 47 locations as noted.All zones of the of the Pitfall Pristine Management Area (1 through 3), and the Mugwump Pristine Management Area (1 through 5).The Kekekabic Trail- the area from the BWCAW boundary west of the Gunflint Trail to the series of portages between Thomas Lake and Ima Lake (see Exhibit A). The Forest Service has notified permit holders and outfitters and is encouraging permit holders to seek an alternate area of the BWCAW or consider non-wilderness areas of the SNF (see below) for similar experiences. At this time overnight paddle, day use and motorized day use is not permitted in the closure area.
We understand that this will have a significant impact on our visitors, cooperators, and communities near the SNF. This emergency closure is necessary for the safety of our visitors, our wilderness rangers and our fire-fighters.
Northern Minnesota is facing severe to extreme drought conditions, causing active and increasing fire across the landscape. A Type 3 team is managing suppression actions on the Spice Lake Fire with additional resources on standby. Additionally, the Forest is monitoring the fires in Canada. The Forest is coordinating with Ontario counterparts.
Beyond the closures for the Spice Lake Fire, the Forest is open to the public. We do have a campfire restriction in place across the Forest– see website for details.
There are 254 backcountry campsites outside the Wilderness that offer remote paddling, camping and fishing. Here you can experience solitude without reservations, fees or permits and still have similar amenities to that of a BWCAW campsite. Many backcountry campsites are located on canoe routes outside the BWCAW. State forests and parks and county lands are also available for recreation.
For more information on recreation alternatives outside the BWCAW, please visit: Superior National Forest – Water Activities:Boating – Non-Motorized (usda.gov) For a list of canoe routes with backcountry campsites in the Superior National Forest, visit: Canoeing 2012 rev 0415 final.pub (usda.gov) The Superior National Forest also offers 23 developed campgrounds and 18 rustic campgrounds. Rustic campgrounds are free of charge and available first come, first served year-round. Fee campgrounds are open May – September and may be reserved at Recreation.gov. See the Forest website for more information.
Piragis Northwoods Company Bookstore is sponsoring a Book Signing with author John Pastor for his book White Pine.
Tuesday, June 20th, 2023 12:00 pm to 1 pm at the Grand Ely Lodge in Ely, Minnesota during Tuesday Group. Lunch is available for purchase at the event.
Tree enthusiasts will love John Pastor’s book White Pine: The Natural and Human History of the Foundational American Tree. A small, but sturdy read that weaves together the history of the iconic white pine tree.Throughout the book, ecologist and writer John Pastor takes readers on a walk through history, connecting the white pine forests we have today to a legacy of destruction and renewal. Through this book you will grow a new understanding as to why the white pine is both important and should be protected. Learn the trials and tribulations of what scientists had to go through to keep this tree alive to this day.
From the clear cutting era to the glorious white pine forests that we have today, Pastor’s book gives us a charming, yet informational story that will interest any nature lover. White Pine tells the century long tale of naturalists, foresters, and scientists attempting to restore the great white pine forests. Through this quest to save the white pine we learn how much of Americans’ understanding of key scientific ideas was shaped by this endeavor, from forest succession to the importance of fire, the white pine has been a strong pillar of truth and knowledge in the forest community. White Pine: The Natural and Human History of the Foundational American Tree doesn’t just highlight the past destruction of the white pine forest, but also gives us understanding of the importance and hope for the future of the pine tree.
The beauty isn’t just in the story, but also in the drawings spread throughout the book to further illustrate the importance of the white pine. This book will leave you both feeling more informed on how our knowledge of nature has been formed, but also feeling a sense of hope for the future of nature. With John Pastor’s combination of analytical and optimistic story telling, readers are sure to feel warm hearted and positive about the future of our world after reading this book.
From the back of the book
“White pine, a cultural icon and source of riches to generations, remains an awe-inspiring and yet enigmatic species in forests across eastern North America. Through engaging history, delightful personal narrative, and wide-ranging research, all accented by his wonderfully detailed pen and ink drawings, John Pastor presents the most insightful book yet on one of America’s foundational trees.” — David Foster, Director Emeritus, Harvard Forest, author of “A Meeting of Land and Sea” and editor of “Hemlock”
“In a beautiful blend of cultural and natural history, White Pine takes us on a journey to deeply know one species. From that depth comes the surprising discovery of all the life connected to it and a hopeful guide for our shared future.” — Lauren E. Oakes, author of “In Search of the Canary Tree”
“John Pastor’s wonderfully evocative writing about this iconic American tree is rooted in a lifetime of science and scholarship. It’s as much a deep history of the relationships between humans and nature as it is the story of a tree and its environment.” — Charles Canham, Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, author of “Forests Adrift”
About the Author
John Pastor is an ecologist and Professor Emeritus at the University of Minnesota, Duluth, where his teaching and research focused on the natural history and ecology of northern ecosystems. He is the author of What Should a Clever Moose Eat? and Mathematical Ecology of Populations and Ecosystems, is co-editor of Large Mammalian Herbivores, Ecosystem Dynamics, and Conservation, and has authored or coauthored 22 book chapters and over 120 papers, mostly about the North Woods. He is a past co-chair of the Natural History Section of the Ecological Society of America and founding editor of “The Scientific Naturalist” series in the journal Ecology.
Starting today, there’s a fire ban in the Boundary Waters. As of June 14, 2023.
Previously, Quetico Provencial Park in Canada had issued a Fire Ban beginning June 1st.
After a winter of record snowfall, our season has started off without rain, with higher temperatures and with plenty of wind. All of these conditions have combined to dry out the forest. In addition to obeying the rules and not having campfires, this result calls for increase diligence (defined as careful and or persistent effort) while in the forest and on its edges. As visitors we all need to be careful not to start any fires intentionally or unintentionally.
During this time it is important to make sure to pack and take enough fuel along to supply your camp stove for the duration of your canoe trip. Having a good stove is important in the wilderness and it is equally important to be careful with your stove as it has an open flame and can obviously cause a fire to start if you are not careful with it.
Are you craving an escape from the daily grind and the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of the natural world? With solo travel on the rise, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness offers a unique and rewarding adventure for those looking to venture out on their own. Nestled in northern Minnesota, this vast wilderness beckons with the promise of solitude, serenity, and the opportunity to reconnect with the natural rhythms of life.
So, join me as I take a closer look at what makes camping alone in the Boundary Waters such a memorable and transformative experience. From navigating the waterways to finding your inner calm, I’ll share some tips and insights to help you make the most of your solo journey into the wild.
Of course, with great adventure comes great responsibility, and solo camping in the Boundary Waters is no exception. As you venture into the wild on your own, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and hazards that you may encounter along the way. Here are a few things to keep in mind as you plan your solo camping trip:
Staying Safe in the Wilderness: What you need to consider for solo camping in the Boundary Waters
Picture yourself standing at the edge of the water, gazing out into the vast expanse of the Boundary Waters. The sun is just starting to peek over the treetops, casting a warm glow on the still, glass-like surface of the lake. The only sounds you can hear are the rustling of leaves in the breeze and the gentle lapping of the water against the shore. You take a deep breath of the fresh, crisp air and feel a sense of calm wash over you. This is why you came. You’re here to experience the serenity and solitude of the wilderness, to challenge yourself and test your limits, and to create memories that will last a lifetime.
But hold on a sec before you dive headfirst into your solo camping adventure! We’ve got some important stuff to cover to ensure your safety and peace of mind out there in the wilderness. One of the biggest challenges of camping alone is the risk of getting lost. Trust me, you don’t want to find yourself wandering aimlessly in the vastness of the Boundary Waters. You’ll definitely want to have a solid grasp of navigation and route planning!
To start, make sure you pack a detailed map of the area. I highly recommend checking out theVoyageur Map Bundle. It’s like having your very own treasure map, leading you to all the hidden gems and secret spots within the Boundary Waters.
Now, let’s dive into another essential resource: guidebooks! If you’re serious about navigating the Boundary Waters like a seasoned pro, these three beauties have got your back:
Exploring the Boundary Waters – This little gem from the U of MN Press is an absolute goldmine. It’s chock-full of insider tips and detailed insights on the best routes to take and the most jaw-dropping spots to explore. Think of it as having your very own wilderness guru guiding you along your journey. Trust me, you won’t want to leave for your solo adventure without it. You can get your hands on a copyhere.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Eastern Region – Ready to conquer the eastern part of the Boundary Waters? This guidebook is your ultimate resource. It’s like having a local expert by your side, showing you the ropes and giving you all the insider knowledge on campsites, portage trails, and more. You can snag a copyhere.
Boundary Waters Canoe Area Western Region – Now, if you’re itching to explore the western region, this guidebook is an absolute must-have. It’s jam-packed with detailed descriptions of lakes, rivers, and forests in that area, along with invaluable navigation tips and camping know-how. Consider it your trusty sidekick, ready to accompany you on your solo adventure. You can find ithere.
With these guidebooks and your trusty map in tow, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate the wonders of the Boundary Waters like a true explorer.
Of course, getting lost isn’t the only concern you may have on your solo camping trip. While wildlife encounters are rare, it’s important to take precautions. The Boundary Waters is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including black bears, moose, wolves, and more. While these creatures generally avoid human contact, it’s always a good idea to be prepared. Consider carrying bear spray or other deterrents in case of an encounter. It’s worth noting that black bears are generally not threats to humans under normal circumstances. Moose are perhaps the most dangerous animal because of their size and unpredictable behavior.
Another important consideration is your safety in case of accidents. Always wear alife vest when on the water, and carry aspare paddle. It’s also advisable to have a well-equipped first aid kit, such as theMYFAK Medic Basic First Aid Kit to stay prepared for the unforeseen when you are traveling deep into the BWCAW lakes and sites.
PRO TIP: make sure to leave a copy of your entry point, route, and exit date plans with someone you trust and your Canoe Trip Outfitter so that you can be found more quickly in case of an emergency.
Finally, be prepared for inclement weather. The weather in the Boundary Waters can be unpredictable and change rapidly. Bring high-quality clothing, including rain jackets, rain pants, and a warm, waterproof layer for colder temperatures. Our retail store in Ely, Minnesota has everything you need in the wilderness clothing department and when you do a Canoe Outfitting Trip with us we offer a discount on those purchases.
Check the weather forecast before you set out and be prepared to adjust your plans accordingly. If you’re caught in a thunderstorm, seek shelter in a low-lying area away from tall trees and water, and wait out the storm before continuing your journey.
By following these safety tips and taking a cautious approach to your solo camping adventure, you’ll be able to enjoy all that the Boundary Waters has to offer with peace of mind and confidence. So, take a deep breath, embrace the solitude, and let the wilderness work its magic.
Final Thoughts: Why Solo Camping in the Boundary Waters is Worthwhile
There you have it, folks! Solo camping in the Boundary Waters can be a truly unique and rewarding experience. We hope this post has provided you with some valuable insights and inspiration to embark on your own solo adventure.
We have taken some of the first steps down the path to solo adventure, but before you choose which solo canoe you’d like to rent or decide how many portage packs/food packs you need the next step is to call us T 1-800-223-6565 and discuss permits and further trip planning. We have years of experience planning, routing, outfitting and guiding canoe trips (we’ve been doing this since 1979.)
Please understand before you leave our blog, we want to hear from you! What safety considerations do you keep in mind when solo camping? What’s your favorite route to explore on your own? Do you have any tips or tricks for enjoying the solitude and serenity of the wilderness alone? Do you have more concerns or questions that this introductory article hasn’t touched on?
Drop us a comment below and let’s keep the conversation going. Feel free to post a picture of your recent solo adventure in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.
Gear Review: Best piece of gear for Blackflies, gnats and Mosquitos while taking a canoe trip in late May/June in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness is hand’s down besides cans of spray, our Elite Original Bug Shirt! With tons of features and a loose fitting design that allows for breathability and most of all, YOUR SANITY, it is a no-nonsense approach to the outdoors. We mow the lawn, garden and walk in them and have been know to even swing a golf club wearing one here in town. Out in the woods whether you find yourself on a lake with no breeze or on a portage any time of the day, especially after the heat and dusk or dawn settle in, this piece of gear is a must have.
Here’s some pictures up close and a direct link to a great product. We just resupplied and stocked up because we sold out already. So now we are ready with what we refer to as canoe trip insurance. Insurance money well spent on your pleasure while camping because without it you’ll have a bad time. Why tempt it? It’s a long paddle and drive back to town. Pick yours up here: Original Bug Shirt.
