We spent this day fishing, working over mile after mile of Iron Lake shoreline and structure. We caught countless Bass and one thoroughly nasty Northern - who, after dragging the canoe around and diving to the depths of Iron time after time - was finally bought along side the canoe. Well, I was tired any how!

Steve reached for his 'Pike crucifier' - a spring steel device that once inserted into the Pike's mouth and opened takes all the fight out of them just long enough to remove the hooks and release them. His Crucifier was too small - it couldn't spread the jaws enough to stay engaged! Despite our best efforts, the pike thrashed one last time, snapped my 10# mono and headed off to the depths - with my best Rapala. I suspect this one was about 12 pounds or so.

Since this was a fishing day - we pressed on, a couple of Walleyes in tow next to the boat.

We glided around a point and there was a mother Black Bear and her cub. What caught my eye was the absolute and total blackness of their fur - it just absorbs all light. Of course, before either of us could get our cameras out, they turned and lumbered (and ambled) into the forest.

We explored the Bottle Rapids - their usual spring fury greatly diminished. It was interesting to see the water sculpted rock surfaces, normally hidden from view.

We eventually returned to camp and invited the Walleyes to join us for dinner, complemented with peas and hash browns.

We returned to the Bay, but now fishing had completely shut down.