From the perfect fishing trip to the dog house

The perfect fishing trip blends together quite a range of different elements. Good company, great scenery, steady good weather, safe and easy travel, family, good food and a fresh fish fry, good lodging, and peace of mind. I was fortunate and blessed to experience a four-day fishing trip to International Falls, the home of Voyageurs National Park and Rainy Lake. The fishing trip was perfect!

 

The plan was two days of travel keeping me on the road headed north for seven hours. The destination was my brother’s house on the Rainy River. Dan has spent his entire teaching and coaching life in the “Falls.” He has a huge boat, knows how to fish the Rainy, and is a great guide for his brothers. His son Luke also lives, teaches, coaches and raises his family in the “Falls.”

 

When we make these trips, my younger brother Bob drives from Durran, Wisconsin. We meet in Northfield and drive north together. Bob is also a retired teacher and coach and is ten years younger than I am. With the difference in our ages and the status of our families, we talk all the way and learn so much about each other: families, experiences, stories, things we never knew about each other. The trip goes fast with no hitches both up and back. No detours, four lane most of the way, only a rest area for lunch and gas and potty breaks.

 

Sharon is Dan’s wife, also a retired teacher. She is the best host we could hope for. Our designated beds, the shower, and a movie after supper are better than any luxury hotel. Dan has a special breakfast every morning and is a master at the meal. Spaghetti, beef au jus (beef served with its own natural cooking juices) and a bun to dip made supper a feast. I must also mention salads, Jell-o, French bread, and many other side dishes. We always had several choices for dessert. Buster Bar Sundae was my personal favorite. Root beer floats with the movie closed our day. The fishing lunches were excellent: Sandwiches with cheese and layers of beef, turkey, and ham, chocolate chip cookies, plenty of snacks and apples. Bro Bob brought along special beef sticks and cheese curds from a meat market; the finest from Wisconsin.

 

The weather cooperated and we were able to fish for the two days. The scenery on Rainy Lake is spectacular and it isn’t uncommon to pass a houseboat on your boat ride to fish. The many islands are beautifully scenic; the Bushyheads are my favorite. Many of the islands also have fantastic campsites provided by Voyageurs National Park.

 

We pulled into the Voyageurs parking lot, were preparing the boat for launch, and experienced a worrisome surprise. We were headed to Black Bay just around the corner to fish slab crappies. All around us were others we suspected had the same goal. In pulled one of Dan’s fishing partners with a pickup full of friends–the friend and he tend to fish the same weed beds and favorite spots. To make matters worse, Wes’s brother’s pickup and trailer were also in the parking lot; he was already on the lake fishing the hotspots. The brothers have a fishing podcast together. Despite our worries, though, six hours later we had a live well full of beautiful crappies. Brother Bob caught his personal biggest and brother Dan and nephew took excellent care of family. Bob also made history; he caught a bullhead. Dan and Luke had never seen one caught on Rainy. Then Bob performed a miracle. No, he didn’t walk on water: He caught another bullhead. 

 

On our second fishing trip we were going to the big portion of Rainy and targeting the reefs. The reefs are the home of Rainy Lake gold, the walleye. After a beautiful, scenic trip through a friendly passage, we entered open water. Waves were beating on island shores and rocks making Rainy a sea of huge, intimidating white caps. 

 

Walleyes seldom visit the shallow bays during the heat of summer. Our only option was the fish one: Captain Dan chose Last Bay because the wind was blowing into it. We caught a walleye, figured it out, and after six hours of fishing, had placed 13 beautiful walleyes in the cooler. I caught and released two, big, gorgeous walleyes. The slot is 18” on Rainy.

 

Zika fisherman of the day, and I fished my favorite way, a slip bobber and leeches. I might add that Dan and Luke didn’t do much fishing, they were busy taking care of Dave and Bob. 

 

That evening Luke had a fantastic fish fry with fries. He used his secret batter and fried fillets and French fries in peanut oil. Sharon had the table full of side dishes and closed with a great dessert. Luke’s family was there. I’d missed his oldest daughter Macy’s wedding, so it was a joy to meet her husband. Macy and Colter haul logs and garbage when they can. The Falls hauls its garbage 100 miles away to Virginia. Macy is a real cowgirl, Colter a cowboy; together they have several horses. 

 

After supper I made my call to report back to Waseca. Lisa was doing fine along with wonder dog Sammy. After a thankful prayer, I had one of my best nights of sleep ever. Hugs and goodbyes, a huge lunch, a safe, enjoyable drive with my brother, and I arrived home in the late afternoon. 

 

The next morning I was reporting and having coffee with Lisa. I went from the perfect fishing trip to the dog house. Lisa asked, “Do you know what day it is?” I replied, “I believe it's Thursday” Lisa, “I mean the date, Aug. 6!” I’d forgotten our anniversary!!