May 2021 - Two Week Fishing Trip in Minnesota - May 29th - June 3rd.

May 29th grandson Kellen flew in from California to join us on a two week fishing trip in Minnesota. We picked him up in St. Louis and immediately headed north. We made it to a KOA campground in Waterloo, Iowa. A long day. He had started out at 3 a.m. in California. We were lucky to get a campsite for the night because it was the Memorial Day weekend. The place was crowded. Here is a picture from our rig. Campers as far as you could see.

We were tired from driving all day and went to bed early. We also got up early Sunday and headed north. The directions John gave us to the resort in Minnesota were great but we missed the resort entrance and had to back track a couple of miles. We got parked, set up and visited with Carlene and John before turning in for the night.  There are only about six campsites.  Here is a picture of our site.

Carlene and John rent a three bedroom cabin because their kids and grandkids join them later on. With a bedroom not being used until their kids arrive they offered to let Kellen stay with them rather then sleeping on the blowup mattress in the RV. Here is a picture of their cabin as it faces the lake.

Monday morning Kellen, John, and I went fishing for Northern Pike. We did well. Here are some pictures of our catch.

They were fun to catch. The next day I got one over 28 inches, you are only allowed two that size the whole season. Monday afternoon Kelly, Carlene, and John went out. While John and Carlene caught a few Kelly didn’t catch any.

Tuesday Kelly and Kellen went out fishing with John and really did well, getting well over 15 bites. Kellen caught two over 28 inches so he has caught his limit of the big ones for the season. Kelly caught several she had to throw back because were not large enough but she also caught a couple of keepers.  Here is a picture of their catch.

Wednesday we took a day trip to Lake Itasca State Park where the headwaters of the Mississippi River begins. Here are some pictures of us walking across the Mississippi there.

It was great fun. Afterwards we ate some lunch and took a ride on the “Chester Charles” boat  around Lake Itasca and to the head waters. Here is a picture of the boat and the headwaters from the lake side.

A couple pictures of the boat riders.

After the cruise we walked to the “Old Timers Cabin” which was built using huge fallen logs in the park. The logs were so big it only took four high on each wall. Here are some pictures.

John caught a Walleye. They are hard to catch so he was thrilled. Here is a picture.

John has also caught the largest Northern Pike so far. Here is a picture.

This morning John and I went out and caught a couple of pike. Then the ladies went out with John and did quite well. Kelly caught a monster but it broke her line.  Carlene caught a big one over 28 inches. Here is her picture.

This morning, Thursday, it is starting to get really hot. The next couple of days may be record breaking heat. That won’t help the fishing. John said we are lucky they have been biting as much as they have been so far. We are having a blast. We are all going out to eat tonight to celebrate John and Carlene’s 54th Wedding Anniversary. We are glad we get to celebrate it with them.