Outdoors Weekly Fish Tales Archive

November 23, 2007

ANNANDALE - B.J.'s Bait & Tackle, Bill, west side of Clearwater Lake, between the two public accesses, www.bjsbait.com (320-274-3730) The shop will be closed until the ice season starts. Have a great fall.

ANOKA - Action's Fishing, Jack, 809 West Hwy 10, www.actionsfishing.com (763-422-4890) Call for any info on ice conditions as they develop in our area. Happy Thanksgiving.

BATTLE LAKE - Ben's Bait & Tackle, Josie, Junction of Hwy 78 and 210 (218-864-5596) Not much for hunting and fishing going on right now. A few guys are having some muskie luck out on Battle Lake trolling with plugs. The accesses are getting pretty bad around here. We look to be making some ice around here this weekend.

BEMIDJI - Bluewater Bait & Sports, Mark Cook, 1 mile north of the Hwy 2 & 71 Intersection, www.bluewater-bait.com (218-444-2248) A few are out chasing muskies with some success. We had a good finish to the deer rifle season last weekend and are now looking forward to muzzleloader season this weekend as the deer are still in rut. Stop in for all you black powder needs. Some small lakes have been skimming over with ice, when we get some colder temperatures, some guys could be getting out next weekend. But as always, please use caution when going out on ice. Remember, no ice is safe.

BLACKDUCK - Timberline Sport & Tackle, Carl Adams, Junction of Hwy 71 and Blackduck Lake Rd. (218-835-4636) As rifle season ended last weekend, the numbers look like they are up from last year and the hunters are excited to stay out for muzzleloader season. A few small lakes are skimmed over with a sheet of ice, give it another week of cold temps and low winds. The lakes are at the right temp to freeze up good.

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA - S&W Bait and Tackle - Home of Walleye Dans Guide Service, County Road 77 just west of Highway 371 www.sandwbait.com & www.walleyedan.com (218-829-7010) Visit our web site for updates.

CHISAGO CITY - Frankie's Live Bait and Marine, Brad, Corner of Hwy 8 and CR 77, www.frankies.net (651-257-6334) Out from the Dinner Bell, some guys are still getting some fish from shore. Other then that it’s been pretty slow, as not a lot are going out. Most are waiting for ice now. And it looks like our deer registration numbers are up for the season.

CROSBY - Oars-N-Mine Bait and Tackle, Jesse Williams, 22640 Hwy 6 N (218-546-6912) We are all out hunting… call the shop for the latest reports.

CROSSLAKE - Holiday of Cross Lake, 35610 Cty. Rd. 66 Crosslake, Lee (218-692-2708) Held’s Guide Service (218-820-0989) Fishing on the Whitefish Chain continues to be very productive, however Walleyes have moved back into deeper water in the 40'+ range. Crappies have scattered, and bite has slowed down a bit. Try for bigger walleyes trolling crankbaits at night. Catching bigger northerns on big sucker minnows off of deep weed lines.

DULUTH - Fisherman's Corner, Scott, 7 miles north of Miller Mall on Hwy 53, www.fishycorner.com (218-729-5369) The guys that are still out fishing are doing well. On Fish Lake they are getting some walleyes in 8 to 12 feet of water and a few crappies in the deep holes. About 15 feet down in 20 to 25 feet of water. And out on Island lake in 17 to 22 feet of water. Jig and a minnow are working for all types. On Lake Superior, some are catching a few loopers in front of the rivers from shore. Deer hunting has gone well, 279 pounds continues to be our biggest deer so far.

DULUTH - Marine General, 1501 London Road, on the edge of Lake Superior, www.marinegeneral.com (218-724-8833) Shore casting on the big lake has been ok, it’s been producing a few fish, mostly loopers, for some anglers. The best fishing has been for the guys who have been getting out trolling for coho about 2 miles out from Gooseberry Falls to Knife and outside the harbor. Also, some big walleyes have been getting caught in the bay. Dragging big minnows right on the bottom very slowly has been working the best. We are expecting to make some ice this weekend.

ELY-Babe's Bait and Tackle, 451 W. Sheridan St., Ely, MN, first business on the left as you are entering town of Ely from the west on Hwy 169 (218-365-6930) Traffic on most area lakes has become limited, but the few anglers who are willing to endure the cooler temps are bringing in limits of walleyes. The usual spots are producing well. Shagawa, White Iron, and Fall lakes are the top choices, but some of the smaller lakes such as Little Long and One Pine are turning some nice fish. Gun season closed this week so it's time for the archers to return to the woods. Deer have been active throughout the day. It's not too early to begin getting gear ready for the upcoming hard water season. Babes Bait and Tackle in Ely carries a complete line of ice fishing gear.

FOREST LAKE - Mikes Bait on 8, Rich, 1/2 mile east of 35 on Hwy 8 (651-464-5150) The river has still been good for fishing above the Taylor’s Falls Dam for smallies, walleyes and sauger. Also, Clear Lake after dark bobber fishing has been good. We’ve had lots of big bucks registered this year.

GREY EAGLE - Nancy's Bait & Tackle, Rex, 4 miles east of the Rock Tavern on Big Birch Lake, 4 miles west of Upsala (320-285-2405) The walleyes are still biting on Big Birch, it’s been a pretty good bite. Some have also been having luck on Cedar in the evenings. They’ve been biting on fatheads, shiners and redtails… all of which we have in stock. We are stocked up on all muzzle loader supplies. Stop in and get outfitted with everything you need to hunt blackpowder this season. A few guys are still getting out hunting pheasants, it has been our best season in a long time.

HACKENSACK - Swanson's Bait & Tackle, Jim Tuller, Hwy 371 on the north end of Hackensack, www.swansonsbait.com (218-675-6176) We had a good deer season, the numbers might be down a little bit from last year and we saw a lot more little deer registered. The small ponds are starting to ice over and the bays and smaller lakes are not going to be far behind.

KABETOGAMA-NAMAKAN - Gateway Store, Phil Hart, US Hwy 53 & Co Rd 122, 30 miles south of Int'l Falls-Canadian border, kabfishingreport.com (218-875-2121) Fishing wasn't a priority for many last week, personally I only know of a handful of anglers, as most were hunting deer. The firearm season closed as this report is written. Ice is finally appearing behind break walls in the mornings and is usually gone later in the day, so the season is rapidly changing. The anglers that were out during the week didn't give a report, however at this time of year your choice should be jig and minnow, deep water or at the Ash River/Kabetogama entrance. Deer season for this area matched last year, with the exception of buck, whereas more were harvested this year versus last year. Overall deer hunters were satisfied with the season. The future weeks could provide some excellent grouse hunting opportunities if they can be found. Muzzleloader season prospects looking good for those who are still interested in shooting that elusive big buck. Congratulations to all hunters, hope you had a great season.

LAKE OF THE WOODS - Area Tourism Bureau, Denelle Hovde , near Junction of Hwy 11 and Hwy 172 in Baudette, www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com (1-800-382-FISH) There is still some great fishing on the Rainy River, if you can brave the cold temperatures you're sure to get a nice limit of eaters. The temperatures are supposed to dip into the 20's this week, with some overnight temps in the single digits we should start making ice. We're already seeing a skim of ice on the creeks and bays. Area resorts are busy getting ready for the hard water season, now's the perfect time to book your winter adventure. Be sure to check out our website for the latest hot deals. You can visit us on the web at: www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

LEECH LAKE - Anderson's Resorts, Tim, www.andersonsleech-lake.com (1-800-516-0077) Call us for the latest.

METRO AREA EAST - Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle, Oakdale, Josh, www.blueribbonbait.com (651-777-2421) The sauger are biting in the narrows of the St. Croix. The bow hunters are getting back out now and having some good success. Stop in and check out our Christmas trees!

MILLE LACS LAKE – Chris Kuduk’s Guide Service (320-630-1761) Guys have been out trolling on Rocky Reef. And some perch are biting in Isle. The deer are still very active right now; the muzzle loader season should be very good.

MILLE LACS LAKE - Malmo Market, Lynwood Elliott, State Hwy 47 and 18 East, NE corner of Mille Lacs (320-684-2295)

MILLE LACS LAKE – Johnson's Portside, Kelly or Steve, 1 mile north of Isle on Hwy 47 SE side of the lake, www.johnsonsportside.com (320-676-3811) Well we are looking forward to this year’s ice fishing season, with the slot giving us a little better bet of getting some keepers, my guess it is going to be a awesome winter. Right now we are revamping the tackle and bait room full of jigs and spoons, maps and Aqua-Vus, buckets, fatheads and waxies. This year we also have out a new waxie that is preserved and comes in asst colors, perch will love them. We also are getting in our new line of Portside Sweatshirts. Be sure to stop in at Portside's web at www.johnsonsportside.com

LAKE MINNETONKA - Wayzata Bait & Tackle, Tim or Bob, half mile west off I-494 on Hwy 12 (952-473-2227) A few guys have been out bow hunting in the area. That’s about it. Most are waiting for ice now.

NISSWA - Dave's Sportland Bait & Tackle, Jason, 2 miles south of Nisswa at the Intersection of Hwy 371 and Cty Rd 77, next to Schaefer's Foods, www.sportlandbait.com (218-963-2401) It has been one of the best fall seasons for my family and our businesses. I have taken a little break from the computer lately to get recharged for the upcoming ice fishing season. The bait shop will be seeing some new things and we are adding some ice fishing guides as well as some rental houses to the lakes. Most of my time I have spent with my wife and our new son who was born in early October. We have also been spending some time in the fields. The pheasant season has been one for the record books across the midwest. It is truly a great time to be a bird hunter. Recently we have also been spending some time in our tree stands chasing the elusive Whitetail Buck. It is prime time right now as the rutting season has started. We have been out a few times so far and we have seen some decent bucks but nothing huge. I passed on a nice 6 pointer that meandered on by me last Saturday morning. I have put the boat away for the season, even though it was a great one. We had some awesome fishing this fall. The winter season should be great. I found a few new spots I'm going to check out. Keep checking back for the latest.

LAKE OSAKIS – Buck Point Resort on the N.W. corner of the lake, Brad, 115 miles west of Twin Cities on I-94W, take Hwy 3 North out of Osakis to Hwy 10 West, www.lakeosakisresorts.com (320-859-2530) Please contact Fisherman’s Corner Bait Shop at 320-859-2181 for the latest fishing reports. Thanks from the Lake Osakis Resorts.

PELICAN RAPIDS - Park Region Sport Shop, Lee Brenna, Intersection of Interstate 59 and 108 in downtown Pelican Rapids (218-863-5701) Nothing to report this week. Nobody has been out fishing. Guys are wrapping up their hunting seasons and then waiting for ice.

RAINY LAKE - Rainy Lake Tourism, www.rainylake.org (1-800-FALLS-MN) It looks as though anglers are getting some bonus fall weather and fishing. Walleye are biting in 18-24 feet of water around Sand Bay, American Narrows and Black Bay. Rainy River walleye are being caught at the mouth of the Littlefork River, below the dam at International Falls and at Ranier Rapids.

RED WING - Ike's Bait & Tackle, Ken, 2109 Old W Main St, Red Wing (651- 388-2111) Fishing is going really good at the dam, many limits of walleyes and sauger are being caught. The walleyes are averaging 2 to 4 pounds with some bigger ones. And some big cats are being caught by accident too. They are biting on brighter color Ike’s hair jigs tipped with a fathead or sonars. The panfish are also biting in the Baypoint Park area by the docks.

SAINT CLOUD - Stop Light Bait, 45 8th Avenue SE, St. Cloud (320-255-9689) Deer hunters this year are still reporting mixed success. So far it appears that the deer harvest is down from last year. Muskie fishermen are still fishing on Lake Alexander and Sugar Lake and have been getting some nice fish. Walleyes are still biting on the Mississippi River using fathead minnows. We are still taking in deer hides and we are a big game registration station. Our grand prizes for our deer hide program this year are a .243 Savage rifle with scope and a Parker compound bow. Ice fishing is coming up and we have a great selection of ice jigs and more are still coming in.

SAINT PETER - Hermies Bait, Brad, 43539 French Hill Rd. St.Peter MN 56082 (507-931-6875) The walleye bite on the river has been picking up as the water continues to cool down. And on Lake Madison they have been getting a few walleyes towards the evening. The pheasant hunting has been going good. Guys are getting some birds as most all of the crops are out now. And as the swamps start to freeze up, guys should be able to get in and get them out of there.

SOUTH CENTRAL MINNESOTA - Axel's Tackle Box, Axel, 2 blocks north of Hwy 60 on Hwy 13, next to Casey’s, on Lake Sakatah in Waterville, www.axelstacklebox.com (507-362-4444) Things are pretty slow here as far as fishing goes, hunting is the story right now, some real nice deer have been registered here in the last couple of weeks. Lot of deer sightings as well, more so then last year. Pheasants have been plentiful also. As far as fishing goes the perch have been hitting minnows in the 8 - 12 foot range, on Tetonka and some walleyes have been caught from shore on Elysian. Lets get that ice gear ready wont be long.

UPPER RED LAKE - White Birch Resort, Monte Sharbono, vacation@whitebirchresort.net (218-835-4552) Not much going on right now as the deer hunting season comes to an end. Be sure and call and reserve your spot now for the upcoming ice fishing season. Some of the best walleye fishing in the state.

WACONIA - Mase's In Towne Marine, Cindy, corner of Lake and Elm (952-442-2096) The shop is closed until we get good fishable ice. So check back for ice reports in December. Until then, we wish you the best of luck during the hunting season!

WINNIBIGOSHISH – Walleye Visions, Tom Neustrom, 21622 Airport Rd, Grand Rapids www.mnfishingpros.com (218-327-2312) The warm weather still has not allowed lakes like Big Winnie to show many signs of freezing up, but a few cold nights, and calm conditions, is about all it will take. The deer hunting has been good, and there were a lot of nice deer shot this last week. Dave Neitzke of Grand Rapids shot a beautiful 14-point buck on the final Sunday. There were several 8-12 point bucks taken the last 8 days of the season. All and all it was a great deer season and the weather cooperated for the hunters. Fishermen are waiting for the lakes to freeze, and it won't be long. There have been a few fishermen on the Mississippi River below the Winnie Dam with a few walleyes being caught. Jigs and minnows have been the preferred bait.