Border Open for a NW Angle Fall Getaway
It’s the news many were looking to hear since the border closed March, 2020. The Canadian border is open as of August 9th to Americans who have a vaccination card combined with a negative COVID PCR (molecular) test less than 72 hours old. This is great news for those wanting to take advantage of fall up at the NW Angle.
Americans will have to download the ArriveCAN app. Canada Border Services Agency launched the ArriveCAN mobile app to make it easier for travelers to provide their contact information upon entering the country. Travelers must download the ArriveCAN mobile app, available on the Apple App and Google Play Stores, prior to your arrival to reduce wait times and limit points of contact.
Once the ArriveCAN app is downloaded, travelers from the U.S. into Canada will upload their COVID-19 vaccination card. Travelers must also have a COVID-19 PCR (molecular) test showing a negative test that is less than 72 hours from when the test was taken.
Yes, we knew there could be a couple of additional hoops to jump through to ensure safety but the bottom line is access to the Angle via vehicle will once again be available. And what’s waiting?
It’s the northernmost point of the Contiguous United States. It is where the 14,552 islands of the lake begin. It is surrounded on three sides by Canada. It is Minnesota’s Northwest Angle. This area is special all of the time, but fall up at the NW Angle is definitely one to add to your list, it’s spectacular.
Sometimes reading about something from the eyes of someone who lives it every single day is enlightening. Such is the case in remembering a short update from a past fall up at the Northwest Angle from Deb Butler. Some might remember Butler as the person who ran Islander Passenger Service amongst the islands before stepping into another chapter of life. Others know her as a fun conversationalist with a wealth of knowledge. Some know Deb as a friend and neighbor. Here is a passage from Butler during a normal fall up at the Angle… enjoy!
It’s Sept and fall is in the air. Jeans and sweatshirts are what’s in the laundry now. A little welcome rain last night and a great light show but, seriously, we could do without all the wind!
Tonight’s sunset at the Point brought an ominous ‘woof’ from the woods that had us scurrying to the cabin before sunset. The bears are on the move and looking to bulk up before winter. If you, a screen door, screen window or other flimsy barrier are between them and something that smells like food, they’re going to prevail. Fact. If they want to open it and can hook a single claw in it, they can. Fact.
Their sense of smell is phenomenal. The best defense is a good offense… do not have garbage bags outside – a bag of garbage or cans (beer, pop) smells like food, as does a grill or a deep fryer or a container of used oil. Shut doors and windows at night. Play a radio in unoccupied buildings or when you’re gone for any length of time. Keep in mind that bears think it’s theirs unless you convince them otherwise. Noise is a very good deterrent.
Fishing is still good if you understand the fish. Being able to fish is still good if you understand the wind and know some spots. Muskies have been good, crappies are ok and have gotten some nice big ones, rock bass are plentiful (minus points for them) walleyes are big or small – consider keeping 16s and 17s. Lots of slot northerns. Weeds are dying off. Typical fall. 
The 1st Annual Hog Roast last weekend at Jerry’s, put on by the Volunteer Fire Dept, was a huge success. Thanks to all who participated and supported!
The water level has dropped a bit and a few ‘new’ rocks have been found. Again. And, unfortunately, Mergens’ Point still continues to confound the uninformed. Jordan, not all heroes wear capes.
The night sky when there’s no cloud cover, has been amazing. It looks like you could almost touch the stars. The Big Dipper hits your eyes as soon as you walk out of a north-facing door. No northern lights yet that I’ve seen but it shouldn’t be long.
Yea Fall!
Crossing the border and traveling up to the NW Angle anytime, but certainly in the fall is special. The muskies put the feed bag on and many catch them trolling this time of year. Fall puts into motion fish putting on the feedbag, certain patterns and activity not seen other parts of the year.
More anglers are coming up solely to target big black crappies. These fish get schooled up and they are big, often averaging 12 inches and larger. It’s fun to get into a school of crappies with the changing foliage and migration happening around you.
Walleye fishing remains excellent and most have no problems finding limits for a fish fry.
Duck hunters also show up this time of year with visions of blue bills buzzing between the islands. This is a cast and blast mecca. Imagine shooting a mixed bag of diver ducks while hunkered down amongst boulders on a point of an island. After the hunt, many go back and grab breakfast and head out fishing. What a day for an outdoorsy person.
Yes, it’s fall on The Walleye Capital of the World. Don’t let the tagline fool you, there is a lot more to offer than just walleyes!
As of August 9th, the Canada border is open to non-essential travelers. Consequently, there are many ways to travel north. Driving the 40 miles through Canada is one great option.
Traveling to the Angle is across the lake and staying in MN waters is another good option. For some, the 40 mile trip with the right boat and experience is no big deal. For others, hiring the Lake of the Woods Passenger Service which takes you across the lake via charter boat or Lake Country Air, a float plane service to the Angle are still viable means of travel north. Either way, fall up at the Angle… It’s something special!
