Unusual Canada Crossing and Fishing Up North

A FAVORITE, BUT UNUSUAL, BORDER CROSSING INTO CANADA

Welcome to The Northwest Angle, Minnesota, USA….by way of Canada.



Nomads, if you think crossing the US/Baja border at TJ or Tecate is sometimes a bit of a chore, you’ll get a kick out of this slightly different one I regularly use Up North.

We all know that border crossings are never easy and ever since September 11, 2001, life has become more difficult for travelers in and out of Canada, USA, and Mexico.



The following is a somewhat different story….

The Northwest Angle, known simply as the Angle by locals, is a part of northern Lake of the Woods County, Minnesota. Except for minor surveying errors, it is the only place in the United States outside Alaska that is north of the 49th parallel, which forms the border with Canada from the Angle west to Washington State.

And, as you can see from my photos, the border is never that busy!



This is an unusual border crossing because the entire area is only accessible to the rest of the USA by crossing the Lake of the Woods or by coming in from Canada. There is no direct driving route from the US. (See the map above.) The Angle is the only part of the United States outside Alaska that is north of the 49th parallel and one of only four locations in the contiguous United States not directly connected to it, the others being nearby Elm Point, Minnesota, Point Roberts, Washington, and the town of Alburgh, Vermont. Obviously this port is used primarily by locals and those looking for recreation….like me.

The short and very pleasant drive of 65 miles…opps, make that 101.3 kilometers!...through scenic woodlands and lakes goes quickly. Note: In this country, it’s always a good idea to keep alert for moose, deer, and other ‘pedestrians’.




How to get to the Angle?

The Angle is accessible from the rest of Minnesota by one of two ways:

1. The Angle can be reached without crossing the international border by crossing the Lake of the Woods by boat when the lake is free of ice, by ice road in the winter or by flying over it in a plane. There is a privately operated airport in the Angle. No automobile ferries currently operate on the lake anymore, so vehicles coming from the rest of Minnesota can reach the Angle without crossing the border only in winter. While the ice is forming in late autumn and breaking up in the spring, the lake's surface cannot be crossed safely – at these times domestic access to the Angle is possible only by air.

2. To reach the Angle by land, (which is the way for campers & fishermen with boats) travelers take a Minnesota highway northbound from Warroad, Minnesota, cross the border as shown in the photo above, and on into Manitoba, connecting to a Provincial gravel road, then finally crossing back into the United States in the Northwest Angle.

The border crossing from Canada back into the USA ( at NW Angle) is unstaffed. Which in itself is quite a novelty, right? Travelers using the single gravel road in and out of the Angle are expected to use a telephone at Jim's Corner to contact Canadian or U.S. Customs and make their declarations. Which is what most of us ‘summer’ anglers do regularly. Naturally, ‘winters’ mean Baja fishing &living for me. If you don’t use the phone to check in….you have mucho problemas, hombre. As most of us know from experience, our US border guys are serious …and Canadian officials are the same.



Angle Inlet Port Information
•There are no permanent customs or immigration officials who work at the checkpoint.



•The small shack with a videophone marks the customs building. You are to stop your car when you get there, get out, and pick up a videophone which communicates with the Warroad border crossing. They will ask you various questions and request that you hold your passport in front of the camera.
•Customs officers do make patrols to the checkpoint and they are installing cameras providing surveillance over the area, not just inside the shack.
•Residents are given special permits to avoid going into the shack
•The videophone eliminates the need to purchase a Remote Area Border Crossing Permit. However, frequent travelers like me recommend that if you are going to be in Canada on a daily, or extended basis the RABCP is still the best plan.



Although the Angle is listed as one of several distinct regions of Minnesota, its total population was only 152 at the last census. The land is mostly forest and the area is mostly water.


A little history of how this came about….…and it’s very interesting to boot.


The initial establishment of the Northwest Angle being in the United States was due to a map-maker's error. Benjamin Franklin and British representatives established the initial U.S. and Canadian borders in the Treaty of Paris in 1783 from a map of colonial American geographer John Mitchell, which mis-represented the source of the Mississippi River.

The Treaty of Paris, concluded between the United States and Great Britain at the end of the American Revolutionary War, stated that the boundary between U.S. territory and the British possessions to the north would run "...through the Lake of the Woods to the northwestern-most point thereof, and from thence on a due west course to the river Mississippi..."

The parties did not suspect that the source of the Mississippi River, Lake Itasca (then unknown to European explorers), was south of that point. The entire Mississippi was too far south to be intersected by a line running west from the Lake of the Woods. The parties had used the Mitchell Map during the treaty negotiations; that map showed the Mississippi extending far to the north. In the Anglo-American Convention of 1818, the error was corrected by having the boundary run directly from the northwest point of the lake to the 49th parallel and then westward along it. The Webster–Ashburton Treaty of 1842 reaffirmed this border. (See how much you didn’t know about American history and geography??)

When a survey team finally located the northwestern-most point of the lake and surveyed this north–south line, it was found to intersect other bays of the lake and therefore to form the boundary of a section of U.S. territory to its east, now known as The Northwest Angle.

Here’s some handy tips for you to remember if going into Canada:

On visiting Canada, these are some of the most common mistakes made:

1. Racking Up Cell Phone Charges…Though many cell phones will work just fine in Canada, roaming charges and other data plan fees for using a cell phone that doesn't have a Canadian or international plan can easily add up to hundreds of dollars.

2 Misjudging Weather Conditions…it’s a huge country with many different climates..and changes.

3. Thinking the Border Guard Will Be Easygoing if You Don't Have the Right ID…Canadians are a friendly, helpful lot, but the border guards take their jobs seriously and there's not a whole lot of gray area when it comes to the proper travel documents. Long gone are the days when just your driver's license gets you across the border. Today, necessary ID includes a passport - for everyone - and possibly additional papers, including a travel visa, custody documents or note of permission if traveling with a child or veterinary papers if your pet is in tow.


4. Forgeting to Spend Your Coins…Those Toonies and Loonies (the Canadian two dollar and one dollar coins) can really add up, so scour your pockets and the bottom of your purse for them before you head home. Banks will only exchange bills, so they're worthless once you take them out of Canada. However, you may want to hang on to a Toonie as a souvenir for kids. Children seem to dig this bi-metallic coin with an image of a polar bear.

5. Forgeting You're in a Foreign Country…this is especially for U.S. visitors…a gentle reminder that though the overall impression of Canada is very much like that of the U.S., Canada is indeed a separate country that has its own laws, currency, languages, foods, climate, customs and cell phone carriers. Be aware you are not at home, be as polite as most Canadians are… and learn to say things like ..Eh?...and Yah-hooooo! Also translate walleye to pickerel and pike to jacks.


6. BE SURE NOT TO BRING:

•Firewood
•Guns or Pepper Spray
•Live minnows or leeches

7. Border Restrictions

There are no longer restrictions on alcohol or tobacco when Americans are transporting goods to the Northwest Angle. However, you must still declare everything when crossing into Canada. Long arms must be registered at the Canadian border, and handguns and personal protection devices (such as Mace) are not permissible. Don’t even think about bringing sidearms to Canada…a big no-no. Rifles and shotguns require a records check and registration plus about a $50 fee per gun. Easy to do if you have a clean record.

8. WARNING

DWI/DUI CONVICTIONS IN THE PAST 10 YEARS ARE CONSIDERED FELONIES IN CANADA AND YOU MAY BE REFUSED ENTRY. Any crime or felony conviction could cause you to be refused entry into Canada. If this is a concern for you, you can contact the nearest Canadian Consulate and apply for a permit to allow entry for a fee. Allow at least 6 weeks for processing.


Why go to the Angle?

Simple answer is …because it’s God’s Country. A wilderness land, full of clean, clear, island-studded lakes which in turn are full of FISH! Walleyes (pickerel), pike (jacks), trout, smallmouth, muskies, plus plentiful forage species…all make this land of pine and rock islands a paradise for anglers, canoeists, and nature lovers. Not an ‘easy’ adventure.…and you have to’ want to get there’…fill a special need for your soul….something like the Baja Sur trip was 40 years ago.

45 years ago…two nice lakers for our dinners. Taken on one of my early camping trips before owning a home there. I knew I wanted a home there after I cast a ‘Five of Diamonds’ from the boat while tied up at this dock and Blammo!…quality fishing at it’s best and a damn good introduction. By the way, those Lund boats like my 16ft here are still the most popular boat at any fishing camp in Canada. Built like a tank, they are dropped from a floatplane into remote lake resorts….quite a sight.



Home Up North. One of the few places to live and watch river otters play in your yard…or catch a walleye for lunch without getting into the boat.



Minnesota may have 10,000 lakes, but this place on the Ontario/Minnesota border has it beat. It’s almost ALL lakes. So many nearby….so many good times.



The Provincial Parks of Canada are some of the best I’ve ever camped in…and I’ve been to quite a few. Almost always on a good fishing lake, each has a well-built and maintained boat ramp. Lots of free firewood if there’s not a restriction. And my favorite feature…. It’s never crowded Up North.






I can remember the first time I learned to properly fillet a fish for a boneless dinner….I was 9 when my Dad taught me while on a Canadian fishing/camping trip. I may have learned too well…because nowadays everyone wants me to do the job. Hmmm….should probably change the name, walleye, to…sucker?



Of course, running up on a nice pine/rock island for a deliciouis shore lunch of fresh walleye or pike is one of my favorite things! Cooking becomes a downright pleasure when you've built up a good appetite on the water.



Last summer the Northwest Angle marina was a welcome sight coming back from a long day on the lake and needing fuel & refreshments.



My solid Yarcraft BT tiller is a perfect boat for fishing these waters…well, perfect for me anyway.



Lakers and huge pike are great, but the walleye is what lures most fishermen here. A prized fish to catch…and nothing better for the table.



A good Co-pilot should not only like boating and fishing,, but also handy with tools for those ‘in-a-pinch moments’.





Proper fishing attire is also a plus.


Some of the other reasons I like the area….




The sunsets are outstanding.



It’s a truly huge lake with southern shores in the USA and the bigger portion in Canada. Lots of open water…..so….
Water Border? Here’s the only boundary you will see when out on the water fishing the Angle. It’s up to you to honor & respect it.




Well, folks....that’s The Angle for now. If you ever have the chance to vacation there, I’d highly recommend it. It’s a very special place.

Tails and Tales from Canada…..To be continued.





[Edited on 2-10-2014 by Pompano]

Great posts pompano !!

In Reality

The concept of owning part of this spinning rock (aka land) and borders .. which are just lines on a map is a funny human trait.. your lucky if your here for 75.3 years...I suggest you have fun while your here and give to your fellow man and the planet !!

Hah! That made me laugh. I haven't been patted down in the 'package' area yet either!

But is sure it reminded me of an old Baja amigo who flew into Loreto in 1986 to visit..and was ‘patted in the package’ by customs. Hoo-boy! Kind of caught my Wisconsin pal by surprise! We laughed about that for years and years. I told him it was just a local greeting… like getting a lei when arriving in Hawaii. I’m glad I snapped this candid photo at the time..

Thanks Steve, I'm sure you know how great those walleye/pickerel are on a plate…especially for a shore lunch!



Somewhere nomad, chuckie, posted that he used to go Up North Canada to hunt grouse. We make a lot of trips up there for just that reason. Here’s a 1979 photo from the sharptail capitol of Manitoba at the town of Ashern. There’s a special 1-box sharptail hunt here every year. Great fun meeting new Canadian friends.

Sweetwater, indeed the NW Angle and the wilderness lake routes across Lake of the Woods were a popular place for the rumrunners during Prohibition. My Dad told me he recalled seeing a few when he was a teenager. I ‘think’ he may have noticed a couple of his uncles.

barario, you most likely stayed close to our place in the Angle. Islands with lodges there are Flag Island, Oak Island, and Black Island. Some others on the Ontario side are Nestor Falls, Frolander, and King Islands. Massacre Island, Hidden Island, Totem Island…. All great places.

Way back in the day, Co-pilot & I flew by floatplane from Warroad to Flag Island and stayed at the lodge there.


We were very comfy in a grand old two-story house that had been hauled across Lake of the Woods on the ice road in winter. Quite a feat. The island had a 'cantina' bar called the Blue-Eyed Chieftain. The house had huge bookcases full of good reading....we'd read chilling murder mysteries in front of a warm fireplace. Lots of fun and that trip ensured that we would be back as residents.

Speaking of larger walleyes and creating mounts, here’s a photo of my biggest from that lake and another from a lake much further north named Caribou. It now hangs on the Baja wall. The largest is 10 ½ lbs and note the different colorations on these fish from different colored waters. Turns out the large one was lots younger than the smaller one…note the head size. The tree branch I had them mounted on came from a day on the lake fishing with my Dad many years ago. We saw that branch floating way out on the lake and thought we should pick it up…first because it was a serious boating hazard…and second because Dad said, ‘Y’know, sport, that would make a great fish mount for the cabin wall.” It did, and also made the trip to Baja later on.

Udo, winter this year is one of the worst we've ever seen. Blizzard after blizzard and extreme cold. I've been back to Baja twice since October, but just quick flights to Cabo for some personal stuff. Boring and never even wet a line! I've been hitting the fishing pretty hard on the Rogue, Sixes and Elk rivers near the Oregon Coast for a while...( Port Orford is becoming home away from home)...and will be soon heading west for some bonefish. After that back to Baja, I hope, for reunions with amigos, yellowtail, and pintos. Who knows, maybe another rally in Asuncion? (if the wind’s not roaring again!)

Now you got me thinking of winter Up North. If we were fishing today at the Angle, we’d go out in this vehicle brought down from Alaska to my hunting shack. Rugged rig…and best of all… warm.



This rig below reflects a new industry in the northland community…has gotten very popular with winter-time enthusiasts.


We would fish from inside this icehouse project….which first needs finishing next summer when it’s a bit warmer!



Fishing Up North is slightly different for sure….and as for WINTERS, give me Baja anytime!

More later….

Simplest US/ Canadian border crossing I've seen ...

but you need a Remote Area Border Crossing Permit to use it



[Edited on 2-12-2014 by durrelllrobert]

robertdurrel

Pompano, Thanks for all the pics and info.

Sharpies and a Hun..Pontex Saskachewan ....Big country

Nice photos of Saskatchewan, chuckie. One of my long-time favorite places to hunt & fish.

You were mostly likely there in the fall and so were not bothered too much by the following....

MOSQUITOS-SKEETERS-BLOODSUCKING LITTLE.....

Oh Yes, Canada has a few mosquitos! Well, okay..SWARMS of mosquitos then! (Minnesota has been known to have a few also)



Actually not that bad most of the time, but when they do ascend on you it's a real nightmare. Zzzzzztt-slurp, slurp...and thousands of little needle-nosed vampires are sucking out your blood, raising red welts, and making you itch like crazy. Totally maddening.

It's no wonder thousands of Canadians launch themselves over cliffs to escape them. Or maybe that’s the caribou?

Anyway, there's the mosquitos and there's us. We're food for the little Draculas. They are out to drain every drop of blood from our bodies. The only way to defeat them is too reduce their sheer numbers....depleat the population...eradicate them!
Kill them all!! grrr...puff-puff...

Okay, okay….it’s just unreasonable to exterminate a species. After all, they do provide some benefits. Toads have to eat, too.


So then, how to tackle the problem of mosquitos? For many years I thought purple martins were the answer to controlling lotsa skeeters. I noticed over the years that folks who lived in buggy areas like Minnesota and Ontario all had martin houses in their yards. They’re built like little condos high up on a pole. Like these shown at the Northwest Angle.





PURPLE MARTIN STUDIES on controlling mosquitos.

Maybe this is just another Urban Myth?



The purple martin is an excellent example of a natural mosquito predator whose mosquito controlling ability has often been grossly exaggerated. Yes, they will and do eat mosquitoes but nowhere near the amount that would be needed to consider them effective at controlling mosquito populations.

Ornithologist James Hill, founder of the Purple Martin Conservation Association (PMCA) writes, "The number of mosquitoes that martins eat is extremely insignificant, and they certainly don't control them. In-depth studies have shown that mosquitoes comprise no more than 0 to 3 percent of the diet of martins".

In fact during daylight hours purple martins most often will feed on larger flying insects such as June bugs, moths, bees, butterflies, wasps, and unfortunately dragonflies, another natural mosquito predator. In the hours just before and after sunset is usually when mosquitoes are most active and during this time our friends the martins are usually feeding in the treetops, which puts them way above most mosquito activity.

Well, that news blew me out of the water. So, with all the new research, the purple martin is a beautiful bird, but like other natural predators who occasionally consume mosquitoes they probably would rather snag a nice juicy Japanese beetle or some other large bodied flying insect than a scrawny little mosquito.

A review of the pertinent scientific and popular ornithological literature leads to the following conclusions:
(1) Mosquitoes appear to be a negligible item in the diet of the Purple Martin.
(2) Behavior patterns of mosquitoes and martins are such that most mosquitoes are not flying in martin feeding areas when martins are active; contact between the two is minimal during day light hours.
(3) None of the published statements appearing in the popular or ethnological literature that attribute a mosquito-feeding habit to the Purple Martin are based on a factual study; the oft-quoted statement "a martin eats 2,000 mosquitoes per day" has no evident means of support.
(4) No evidence exists that any avian species can effectively control a species of insect pest upon which it feeds when that pest is at or near peak abundance.
(5) The Purple Martin is one of our most beautiful and friendly birds. It daily consumes a large number of insects. Its aesthetic qualities alone recommend it highly to man. There is no need to ascribe to the martin abilities greater than those it already possesses in order to encourage its protection and propagation.

Okay, then...I'll still be keeping up my yard condo for the friendly purple martins, whether or not they eat every bothersome mosquito buzzing around.


Any other ideas on how to control nasty swarms of mosquitos?

Nothing nuclear, please.

Yup, chuckie, mosquitos don't fly much after a nice freeze...but... I am usually 'leaving' after that frost happens.

edit to add...I do recall one fall day hunting in a harvested pea field in northern Saskatchewan. It was a warm day...and we were swatting mosquitos while hunting honkers. This was in late September.

[Edited on 2-13-2014 by Pompano]