Outdoors Weekly Fish Tales Archive

December 28, 2007

ANNANDALE - B.J.'s Bait & Tackle, Bill, west side of Clearwater Lake, between the two public accesses, www.bjsbait.com (320-274-3730) Spearing good, lots of big pike, mostly right out front to the right. You can see 9 to 10 feet down. Sunnies have been biting good, 6-10 feet of water out front around the rushes. A few crappies are being caught in the 40 foot hole out front and the other hole closer to the island. Haven’t heard much on the walleyes. Ice is 7 to 11 inches thick around. Not a whole lot of slush on the lake. There are a few atv paths plowed out by us.

ANOKA - Action's Fishing, Jack, 809 West Hwy 10, www.actionsfishing.com (763-422-4890) Lots of action on most of the local lakes. Reports of nice crappies from Crooked Lake. Some walleyes from Diamond, Briggs, Beebe and Buffalo. Nice sunfish caught on Pelican. We have shiners and rainbows. Northerns best on Green, George and Twin and Long lakes.

BATTLE LAKE - Ben's Bait & Tackle, Josie, Junction of Hwy 78 and 210 (218-864-5596) The ice is getting better; there is still a bunch of snow on the ice and its thickness varies from 11-12 inches down to 4 to 6 depending on the snow thickness. So still be careful. The sunnies are biting on Wall Lake, Blanch, East Loss, West Loss and South Turtle. The walleyes are biting on West Battle, mainly on the east side. Some walleye reports off Blanch, Ottertail and Eagle Lakes too. The crappies are biting on West Battle and Pelican, some walleyes on Pelican too.

BEMIDJI - Bluewater Bait & Sports, Mark Cook, 1 mile north of the Hwy 2 & 71 Intersection, www.bluewater-bait.com (218-444-2248) They are still getting some walleyes and northerns on Plantagenet and Irving. Permanent house are starting to go out on Bemidji, ice thickness varies from 4 to 8 inches. Perch are biting well on Plantagenet and try Big Turtle for some walleyes.

BLACKDUCK - Timberline Sport & Tackle, Carl Adams, Junction of Hwy 71 and Blackduck Lake Rd. (218-835-4636) A few more are getting out now… mainly still atvs and snowmobiles. Some perch have been biting on Blackduck. And they are also getting a few gills on Rabideau and Gilstad. Guys are driving out on Upper Red Lake and they have been getting lots of walleyes.

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA - S&W Bait and Tackle - Home of Nisswa Guide League, County Road 77 just west of Highway 371, www.sandwbait.com (218-829-7010)

CHISAGO CITY - Frankie's Live Bait and Marine, Brad, Corner of Hwy 8 and CR 77, www.frankies.net (651-257-6334) Crappie action is good, and pike are biting decent as well. Walleyes have started to pick up after a sort of “lull” this past week, with the best reports coming from Serpent and Bay. Crappies tend to be biting better in deeper water, around 20-30 feet, whereas the sunfish have been in shallow water weedy areas. Big northerns are grabbing suckers fished in shallow weeds on several area lakes, and pike in general can be caught on tip-ups fished along the weedlines of the lakes. Darkhouse anglers have started to get out more and more, and are seeing some fish. The best movement of pike seems to be mid-day for the spearers.

CROSBY - Oars-N-Mine Bait and Tackle, Jesse Williams, 22640 Hwy 6 N (218-546-6912) Crappie action is good, and pike are biting decent as well.Walleyes have started to pick up after a sort of “lull” this past week, with the best reports coming from Serpent and Bay.Crappies tend to be biting better in deeper water, around 20-30 feet, whereas the sunfish have been in shallow water weedy areas. Big northerns are grabbing suckers fished in shallow weeds on several area lakes, and pike in general can be caught on tip-ups fished along the weedlines of the lakes. Darkhouse anglers have started to get out more and more, and are seeing some fish. The best movement of pike seems to be mid-day for the spearers.

CROSSLAKE - Holiday of Cross Lake, 35610 Cty. Rd. 66 Crosslake, Lee (218-692-2708) Held’s Guide Service (218-820-0989) Walleye are hitting all Around the Crosslake Area with Crosslake, Pelican giving up fish in the 15 to 25 foot range. Stay close to break lines and jig Buckshot rattle spoons tipped with half a minnow either Rainbows or Fatheads. The best times are sunrise and late afternoon to early evening. Pike are active and are being found in the weeds in shallow areas. Try tip-ups with large shiners or pike minnows about one foot off the bottom stay in 6 to 12 foot water. Crappies are in their normal winter haunts and are suspended 3 to 8 foot off the bottom. Try small glow jigs tipped with a minnow or wax worm.

DULUTH - Fisherman's Corner, Scott, 7 miles north of Miller Mall on Hwy 53, www.fishycorner.com (218-729-5369) The ice is better, we have 8 to 12 inches pretty much everywhere, and guys are driving on Grand Lake. The crappies are biting on Fish and Island. Pike Lake has been active for perch and a few walleyes. Northern fishing has been good on Caribou Lake. On superior, a few guys getting loopers. And on the St Louis River, the pout are biting by Boy Scout landing.

DULUTH - Marine General, 1501 London Road, on the edge of Lake Superior, www.marinegeneral.com (218-724-8833) There has been some good ice fishing on the upper part of the St. Louis River, the walleyes and the pout are biting. They are using bright glow jigs. Guys are still trolling out on the big lake and picking up some fish. There are pulling their boats out from shore and using chartreuse color stick baits. The inland lakes are doing well, but there is lots of slush on them.

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) Babe's Bait in Ely seems to be the information center for the local ice fishermen. New reports are coming in every day from those out scouting area lakes. Crappie action is just starting to heat up. Farm lake, One Pine and Low are showing some nice numbers of fish to 15 inches. The walleye action on Shagawa and Birch has been improving, with good numbers of eyes, but many are under size fish. Jumbo perch are being taken with some consistency with big breeders to 14 inches filling some stringers. Remember to use caution at this time of year. While many areas have safe ice for atv and sled travel, it's still too early for larger vehicles. Six to ten inches appears to be the norm for protected bays, but only four inches over larger open stretches. Keep moving to keep up with the active fish, but test the ice as you go. Give us a call or stop on in for up to date fish reports and ice conditions. Happy holidays to all our friends and fellow fishermen and women from all of us at Babes, and keep our troops in your prayers for a safe return.

FOREST LAKE - Mikes Bait on 8, Rich, 1/2 mile east of 35 on Hwy 8 (651-464-5150) Green Lake has been good; remember there is a 9 inch slot on crappies. They’ve been catching 9 to 12 inch crappies there. Off county road 83, guys are catching a lot of sunnies and crappies, but they are small and you have to really weed through them. For walleyes, try Forest Lake and out by the dinner bell on South Lindstrom, they have been biting after dark. The walleye bite on Forest Lake is from about 3pm to 7pm. Clear Lake has been good after dark, guys are getting few eater walleyes and the ice is a little better. Only about 2 to 3 inches of snow on the lakes now, so should be making better ice. Red and blue glow jigs have been the best, and the little buckshot spoons.

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 panfish bite slowed down in Hunters bay a little bit, but that might have been due to the traffic, there were 50-60 houses out there. The bite is good during the week days. A few crappies on Swan Lake are biting. The ice in most areas is about 8 to 12 inches, in the center of the deeper lakes, its about 5 to 6 inches. So it should be safe for 4 wheelers, but we do not advise any car or truck traffic. The slush is freezing up good. On Big Birch, the walleyes and northerns are biting really well. Lady Lake has been hit or miss for crappies. McCormic is putting out some walleyes, it is a day bite. Kings Lake has also been good. The panfish are starting to bite out on St. Mary’s Lake, there is 5 to 6 inches of is out there. The water has really cleared up out there for the guys who are looking to get out spearing there. The water is also clear on Pine Lake. On Moose Lake, the water is just green. We have silver and gold shiners here, good supply of all other bait.

HACKENSACK - Swanson's Bait & Tackle, Jim Tuller, Hwy 371 on the north end of Hackensack, www.swansonsbait.com (218-675-6176) Ice fishing is picking up. The ice conditions are staying about the same. Walker Bay of Leech Lake has 3" of ice. There are a few guys venturing out with portables to catch evening Walleyes on the humps. The Main Lake has 10" in most spots. There are fish houses and 4-wheelers starting to show up around Sand Point and the main lake flats. Decent sized Perch can be found, move around until you find them. Fatheads on a jig in 8-10 feet has been productive, look for the weed/sand edges. Walleyes will cruise through these spots in the early morning and evenings as well. Pleasant Lake and Birch Lake have 8-10" in most spots. Birch Lake has been doing well with multiple species. Reports of Crappies, Sunfish , Bass, Walleyes, and Northerns all in the same spot have been common. 17' of water over the weeds is the ticket there. Pine Mountain has given up a few Walleyes each evening. Fish the bottom in 15-17' with a small Golden Shiner or Fathead on a jig. I hear more with each day so keep checking in. Stop and say "hi" at Swanson's Bait & Tackle on your way to the lake for the most recent report or call 218-675-6176.

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) Winter weather dominates the scene and is still making life difficult for anglers and spearing enthusiasts alike. Many bay areas have the necessary ice to support snowmobiles with caution, however the main lake has yet to be deemed safe. Slush in some areas has frozen down, but most lake surfaces have some level of slush to contend with. Ice thickness is being checked a few times a week by the Park Service and when enough load bearing ice is found, the lake trails will be staked. Anglers using tip-ups and spearing folks are doing fair for pike in the shallow bays. Deeper water reefs aren't seeing any action due to questionable ice. Nothing to report on crappies yet, while we patiently wait for more ice.

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) Ice fishing at Lake of the Woods is in full swing. There is more then 12 inches of ice on the lake, and bombers have started going out. Anglers are catching their limit in 20-28 feet of water using shiners. The hot spots are around Pine Island and by Zippel Bay, where limits are being caught quickly. The land snowmobile trails have been groomed and are in great shape. Now is a perfect time to come enjoy the snow at Lake of the Woods, and catch some fish while you're here. The Northwest Angle and Islands should be up and running in the next couple weeks. Call now to make your reservation at one of the great resorts at the Angle.

LEECH LAKE - Anderson's Resorts, Tim, www.andersonsleech-lake.com (1-800-516-0077) Pine Point and Sand Point are both very active with people and early walleyes, ice is getting thicker. White jigs tipped with minnow seems to be the hot bait right now. Call us for an update!

METRO AREA EAST - Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle, Oakdale, Josh, www.blueribbonbait.com (651-777-2421)

MILLE LACS LAKE – Chris Kuduk’s Guide Service (320-630-1761) Perch bite going in Wigwam Bay and out on the mud. In Wigwam Bay out from Northstar Resort, ice is 8 inches with the foot of snow on top still. A 4 wheeler trail has been plowed out from Northstar all the way, 3 miles out to Sherman’s flat.

MILLE LACS LAKE - Malmo Market, Lynwood Elliott, State Hwy 47 and 18 East, NE corner of Mille Lacs (320-684-2295) Most resorts have marked paths or plowed roads to the mud. Ice depths are slowly thickening. Ice depths are ranging from 8"-12" ,with some scattered slush spots. Anglers are still pulling jumbos from the shallow rocks and gravel on the east side. Walleye anglers have been having good luck fishing the mud flats. Most are accessing the lake via snowmobile or atv. Be sure to check in with your favorite resort for ice conditions as they are checking ice conditions daily. Most of the trails are still in good shape as the groomers are out daily. Have a great holiday and hope to see you soon.

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) The ice is getting better everyday. It’s just a bit slower then we would like to see. Several resorts on the southeast side of the lake have plowed roads. Ice depths are ranging anywhere from a foot in the bays to 6 to 9 inches as far as the graveyard. Most of the fishing reports from the past weekend was the perch where biting more then the walleye.

LAKE MINNETONKA - Wayzata Bait & Tackle, Tim or Bob, half mile west off I-494 on Hwy 12 (952-473-2227) Guys are getting out; the ice is iffy, varying from 3 to 9 inches. Evening bite going on for walleyes in about 20-24 foot water with a jig and a fathead. Some northerns are biting in Crystal and Grays on tip ups during the day, and the panfish bite has been spotty. But your best bet is North Arm and Crystal Bay in about 12 feet of water with a small jig and waxies.

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) Ice thickness really varies so please use extreme caution as you head out on our lakes during the next weeks. Anglers have been out on Round, North Long, Gull Chain, and the bays on Pelican. Walleyes have been biting pretty good on small jigging spoons tipped with fatheads. Crappies are hitting small crappie minnows. So far the best bite has been in the evening. For the latest reports call Sportland Bait and Tackle!

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) Some good reports coming from the north end in front of the Head of the Lakes Resort on the grass flats, the walleyes and the northerns have been biting. And there have been some crappies mixed in with the walleyes. In the town bay, guys have been spearing some northerns. Stop in at Fisherman’s Corner bait shop for some more up to date reports or call 320-859-2181.

PELICAN RAPIDS - Park Region Sport Shop, Lee Brenna, Intersection of Interstate 59 and 108 in downtown Pelican Rapids (218-863-5701) Fishing has been good. Walleye fishing has been excellent; Lida and Pelican have been hot in 18 to 20 foot water. Some sunnies and crappies are biting on the smaller lakes, Prairie has been good. There is some limited small truck mobility, small being the key. The ice thickness ranges from 8 inches to a foot. Best thing to do is give a call for the most up to date ice info.

RAINY LAKE - Rainy Lake Tourism, www.rainylake.org (1-800-FALLS-MN) Guys have been catching a few crappies and sunnies down in the dock area in Baypoint, and a few walleyes out in the bay. Some are still getting out in boats up by the dam, they are getting out on the Wisconsin channel. And they are starting to catch some crappies at Wilcox.

RED WING - Ike's Bait & Tackle, Ken, 2109 Old W Main St, Red Wing (651- 388-2111) Guys have been catching a few crappies and sunnies down in the dock area in Baypoint, and a few walleyes out in the bay. Some are still getting out in boats up by the dam, they are getting out on the Wisconsin channel. And they are starting to catch some crappies at Wilcox.

SAINT CLOUD - Stop Light Bait, 45 8th Avenue SE, St. Cloud (320-255-9689) Merry Christmas to all our customers, we hope to see you soon. New products are arriving almost daily. We are having a great sale right now on Eskimo two man fish houses. The walleye bite is still going on Little Rock, Grand and Alexander. Small shiners or fatheads along with jigging spoons or jigs are catching the fish. The crappies and sunnies are biting on Clearwater, Julia and Anne Lakes. Fishermen are using wax worms and eura-larva for bait. We have a great selection of ice fishing jigs, stop in and see them. We will have nice size fresh water shrimp in stock and we are still taking deer hides. The pheasants are still providing a lot of fun for the hunters who are going out after them.

SAINT PETER - Hermies Bait, Brad, 43539 French Hill Rd. St.Peter MN 56082 (507-931-6875) We’ve been making good ice, sunnies and crappies are biting in the bays at both Mud and Bakers Bays on Washington. Walleyes are biting on Widow Lake, and a few walleyes are hitting on Duck Lake in 10 foot waters. The crappies are also biting on Madison in 20 to 30 feet of water.

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) Some real nice perch are being caught on Lake Tetonka by the beach area, fish in the 10 - 11" sizes are normal. Good ice conditions also on the area lakes. The warm weather for this week will most likely be good for ice conditions with snow melting and freezing. Lake Francis is giving up panfish but they tend to be a bit smaller then normal. Area northern "harpooners" are getting a few also on Sakatah. Check for up to date info on my website: www.axelstackel.com.

UPPER RED LAKE - White Birch Resort, Monte Sharbono, vacation@whitebirchresort.net (218-835-4552) The bite is still pretty good out on the lake. The walleye action has been the best at night. A few people are now reporting that they are catching a few crappies, but they are still farand few between. The ice is generally around 12 to 14 inches, but in some spots where the snow is banked up, it can still be as little as 8 inches. On the south side, JR’s road is about a mile out, and on the East side Westwinds has a road out almost 2 miles. The pike are still shallow around the river mouth just off the break.

WACONIA - Mase's In Towne Marine, Cindy, corner of Lake and Elm (952-442-2096) They have been catching a lot of sunnies out there on Waconia Bay in about 9 to 12 feet of water, but you really have to sort through them to get some keepers. Some are also getting out on Pillsbury Reef and getting some crappies in the evening. The walleye action has been okay. We are limited still to foot traffic or atvs/snowmobiles.

WINNIBIGOSHISH – Walleye Visions, Tom Neustrom, 21622 Airport Rd, Grand Rapids www.mnfishingpros.com (218-327-2312) The snow line has gone down of late and getting around on Big Winnie has been a little easier. There are quite a few slush spots to maneuver, but all and all mobility with a snowmobile or 4-wheeler is pretty safe. If the weather remains consistent, there should be plowed roads any day. The mid lake Humps are giving up walleyes pretty consistently and the morning and afternoon still seems to be the best times. Use your electronics to find some of the humps that top off at 18-23 feet and keep moving, until you get bit. For many of us that have a couple secret spots, we will drill 6-8 holes early and get ready for the flurry the last 2 hrs.. The humps 1 1/2 miles East of Raven's are always good this time of year, and there always seem to be bonus perch to boot. If you have a couple humps that have rocks, so the better. Over the years we have found these spots to out produce others on a regular basis. The northern pike have been cooperating and several fish in the 7-10 pound range have been taken. Stop at Fred's Bait in Deer River or Ben's Bait in Grand Rapids for the latest info on Big Winnie. Crappies have been biting near the Williams Narrows Island in 20-24 feet and again near the points in McAvity Bay. Forage minnow spoons and a couple euro larvae or plain red hook and a minnow have been working well. Little Cutfoot has been turning out some nice bluegills and neighboring Little Ball Club Lake might be an additional choice. Happy New Year to all and remember to book your 2008 guide trips early. Give me a call and we'll find a date that will work for you.