Outdoors Weekly Fish Tales Archive

January 4, 2008

ANNANDALE - B.J.'s Bait & Tackle, Bill, west side of Clearwater Lake, between the two public accesses, www.bjsbait.com (320-274-3730) We have 10 to 16 inches of ice, and roads past Bungalow Island and out to the 50 foot hole and also to cupies. They are catching mostly sunnies and northerns out front, there is 8- to 10-foot vision for spearing. They are catching some crappies and walleyes out by the 50 foot hole.

ANOKA - Action's Fishing, Jack, 809 West Hwy 10, www.actionsfishing.com (763-422-4890) There is a lot of slush on the ice and wet snow. The ice is safe for ATVs and snowmobiles, but hard to get around. Walleyes are biting on Blue, Green and Buffalo Lakes. For crappies and sunnies try it on Pelican, West Rush and Buffalo. Sunnies are also biting on Round Lake, and for northerns try on Lake George. Some spots on West Rush, there is only 4 inches of ice.

BATTLE LAKE - Ben's Bait & Tackle, Josie, Junction of Hwy 78 and 210 (218-864-5596) People are getting out, not driving big vehicles yet. On Battle Lake they are getting some nice sunnies and crappies in about 7-10 feet of water and some walleyes at night too. On Ottertail Lake from 7 to 20 feet of water they are getting some walleyes and some nice perch too. The sunnies are biting on West Battle and South Turtle, Wall, and Blanch in 10 to 15 feet of water. The northerns are biting on Ottertail too, on tip-ups with big sucker minnows. The lakes are really slushy, and there is a big hole that opened up on Ottertail, it’s about 8 by 16 feet wide out in front of Greystone towards the middle. And on Battle Lake there are a few spots that are only 2 inches, so still be real careful.

BEMIDJI - Bluewater Bait & Sports, Mark Cook, 1 mile north of the Hwy 2 & 71 Intersection, www.bluewater-bait.com (218-444-2248) We’ve heard of some nice perch action on Plantagenet Lake and the guys who have been out spearing are having good luck on the normal spearing spots. The walleye action has been spotty on Bemidji; some are getting limits while others aren’t seeing anything. Some people are driving out on Lake Irving and Plantagenet, but there are some big slush pockets out there, so be careful. There have been some crappie reports coming in on the smaller lakes and a report of the sunnies biting on Grant Lake. We are fully stocked for all your bait needs; we have shiners, redtails and suckers.

BLACKDUCK - Timberline Sport & Tackle, Carl Adams, Junction of Hwy 71 and Blackduck Lake Rd. (218-835-4636) Blackduck has a good evening walleye bite going, lots of little ones, but still getting a few keepers. The perch have been biting too. Most of the traveling is by 4 wheelers still because of the slush. Crappies are biting on Pimusch and Gilstad and Rabideau.

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) Fish are biting on south end of Chisago, and the crappies are really biting in Sunrise. North Center out below Bluewater has been good too if you can get back in there. The walleyes have been biting on South Lindstrom out by Dinner Bell. Kroon has been good for crappies, but there is a bad spot of ice out there, so be careful. The channel in Chisago is putting some fish out, it’s mostly an evening bite. And a bunch little ones can be caught off county road 83.

CROSBY - Oars-N-Mine Bait and Tackle, Jesse Williams, 22640 Hwy 6 N (218-546-6912)

CROSSLAKE - Holiday of Cross Lake, 35610 Cty. Rd. 66 Crosslake, Lee (218-692-2708) Held’s Guide Service (218-820-0989)

DULUTH - Fisherman's Corner, Scott, 7 miles north of Miller Mall on Hwy 53, www.fishycorner.com (218-729-5369) Pike Lake has been good for perch and a few walleyes in 18-21 foot water. There are some trails going out there. Fish Lake by the dam has been ok. Off the trails, there is a bunch of slush. Walleyes are biting on the river by the Barkers Island area on the point side, in 8-12 feet of water. Boy Scout landing has been the place for eel pout. A few loopers have been getting caught out in front of the Lester and the French Rivers.

DULUTH - Marine General, 1501 London Road, on the edge of Lake Superior, www.marinegeneral.com (218-724-8833) The fishing has been good, on the river we have good ice… inland lakes are really slushy. On the St. Louis River, the best fishing is out up closer to the dam. At Park Point the ice is good too. Shore casting on the north shore has been day to day. Lots of ice around inland lakes, but lots of slush and water on it.

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) Babes 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) 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. Red and blue glow jigs have been the best, and the little buckshot spoons. Green Lake has been good; remember there is a 9 inch slot on crappies. They’ve been catching 9 to 12 inch crappies there.

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) They are catching some nice crappies and smaller walleyes on Kings Lake. McCormic is still putting out walleyes. The north end of Big Swan is putting out some nice sunfish. They are also getting walleyes on Mound, Big Birch, and Cedar; they have been using fatheads shiners and rainbows. We have been selling a lot of big rainbow chubs. We have a good supply of shiners and rainbows. You should stop in the shop to find the right spots to go on these lakes. Rex can point out on the map the hot spot to go. We have been seeing a lot of walleyes caught. Also on St. Mary’s Lake, they have been catching some sunfish there and some nice northerns. One thing to note, the ice thickness really varies on the lakes, it can be from 6 to 14 inches, so be careful.

HACKENSACK - Swanson's Bait & Tackle, Jim Tuller, Hwy 371 on the north end of Hackensack, www.swansonsbait.com (218-675-6176) It is looking like a long winter as far as ice fishing goes. The ice conditions are not improving, and the snow keeps coming. The biggest obstacle on the ice right now is the slush. There are spots with slush a foot deep or more. You will see snowmobiles, ATV's and some trucks on the ice. You CANNOT assume that it is safe though. The ice thickness still ranges from 3-12". The anglers that are battling the slush and water are catching fish. Walleyes are going pretty well on Leech Lake. The humps in Walker Bay are producing good numbers in the evening. Birch Lake has seen some mid-day Panfish action with a few Crappies in the evening. There are also good reports of small Northerns and Bass. Most of the other small lakes are really hard to get around on. Webb Lake and Five-Point Lake both have knee deep slush. The anglers that were fishing there last week have given up and moved to other lakes.

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) Happy Holidays from a Winter Wonderland! Land Trails are Open and Groomed - with the exception of the DNR Arrowhead Trail. Come on up and try out all that winter gear you got for Christmas or have put away for a few years – as Winter is Here. A white December has limited fishing availability on the big lakes; some bays have afforded anglers and spear fisherman opportunities for northern pike - small and large. Walleye anglers have limited choices to set up near reefs with structure, due to ice thickness, that would improve their catch rate. Ice thickness varies greatly with ice and slush; caution should be taken throughout the lakes when choosing areas to set up your ice houses Snowmobile land trails are in excellent shape with plenty of snow. Lake trails are not expected to be groomed or staked till sometime after the first of the year. This should not limit snowmobiling as we have an extensive land trail system in our area. We hope to see you soon - Wishing you all a Very Happy 2008! UPDATE 1-2-07: Poor ice surfaces on Kabetogama and Namakan still impede anglers and spearing by limiting the areas they may travel. This past week conditions improved as slush areas were traveled and getting packed down, making travel easier. In addition to the spearing/angling in Tom Cod, Duck and Irwin Bays, anglers have found the Ash River/Kab Lake vicinity to be a nice accessible area for walleye and sauger. As the ice surface improves for traveling, the crappie holes should be accessible as well as some favorite spots for walleye. Live bait and small glow jigs have been the best presentation thus far for walleyes. Small suckers for pike and live decoys for spearing. Snowmobilers will find our land trails in great shape; hopefully, our lake travel will continue to improve.

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) Happy Holidays! Ice fishing at Lake of the Woods is in full swing. With 14-15 inches of ice resorts and anglers are driving out the big rigs now. The access road is in great shape, and the Big Traverse snowmobile trail has been staked. Fish are biting morning and evening with sporadic luck mid-day. Depths of 20-30 feet, around Pine Island, have been giving up nice limits. Hot colors have been pink, orange, and gold. Over by the Clementson Rapids there is about 10-11 inches of ice and anglers are having luck finding the walleye in 15-18 feet of water. In the deeper water the current is stronger, so a ½ oz or heavier is necessary. The evening bite has been really well lately, but morning has been producing some nice trophy walleye as well. The Northwest Angle is up and running, with reports of excellent fishing in 24-26 feet of water this is sure to be a great season for Lake of the Woods. Anglers have been doing very well in the evening around Oak Island and Flag Island.

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

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) Knife Lake has a decent panfish bite going, and the jumbo perch are biting in Wigwam Bay out from Northstar Resort. The perch are hitting jigging spoons tipped with minnow heads and waxies.

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) The walleye bite looks to be picking up, using a fathead or a rainbow minnow… even a shiner. The snow last week was blowing around a lot which made it difficult to see the roads, resort owners are working hard to open them back up. Things should be good to go by print time. There have been a few cars out in Isle Bay area, other then that it’s been ATV and snowmobile traffic only around here.

LAKE MINNETONKA - Wayzata Bait & Tackle, Tim or Bob, half mile west off I-494 on Hwy 12 (952-473-2227) The walleyes are going in 30 foot water with shiners and fatheads; it’s mostly an evening bite on Independence and Tonka. The northern action has been just off the weedlines, in 15-18 feet of water using tip ups and suckers. The panfish bite has been sporadic, try Grays Bay or Black Lake. Ice thickness ranges from 4 to 12 inches.

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)

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) 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) Our ice, snow and slush conditions continue to get worse. We have ½ truck access on Lida that is ok. Northerns and walleyes have been biting on Lida are biting good. ATVs are having issues on the lakes due to slush. Fishing has been good, just need to find a way out. Prairie Lake is an option for sunnies and crappies, they are biting well, but you need a snowmobile to get out there, the atvs are getting stuck. Sunnies on North Lida, has been ok, 3 to a pound average and every once and a while you get some ½ pounders.

RAINY LAKE - Rainy Lake Tourism, www.rainylake.org (1-800-FALLS-MN) More ice anglers are venturing out, with growing numbers of spear houses or small fish houses appearing. Ice conditions remain a concern, there is adequate ice in many areas, but travel is hampered by slush. You will still find some open water and thin ice in areas with current. Jigging with a minnow in somewhere between 25 and 35 feet of water has been working for Walleye. Groomers have hit 90% of the land trails for snowmobilers, but the deep slush and potentially thin ice will keep the lake trails closed for now. The land trails are in good condition with just a few low swampy pockets not yet frozen enough to support the groomers. 2-to-3 inches fo fresh snow helps as well. To get the latest report, visit the local club’s website at www.ridetheborder.com Area cross country ski and snowshoe trails are also open and in good shape. Snowshoes and skis are available through the Rainy Lake Visitor Center of the voyageurs National Park, they are open Wednesday through Sunday weekly with easy access to nearby trails heads for both skiing and snowshoeing.

RED WING - Ike's Bait & Tackle, Ken, 2109 Old W Main St, Red Wing (651- 388-2111) Panfish, crappies and sunnies, are biting by the docks in Baypoint and down by Allmans. In Cannon falls, Lake Byllsby has been putting out some 18-22 inch walleyes. Few guys are still getting out in boats up by the dam, and getting some fish.

SAINT CLOUD - Stop Light Bait, 45 8th Avenue SE, St. Cloud (320-255-9689) We got our fresh water shrimp in and we have a good supply of shiners. Clearwater has been good for panfish and the sunnies are also biting on Pearl Lake.

SAINT PETER - Hermies Bait, Brad, 43539 French Hill Rd. St.Peter MN 56082 (507-931-6875) Lake Washington has been the best for pannies and guys are picking up a few walleyes in the evening. And they have been getting some walleyes on Jefferson too.

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) Red Lake has been good in the evening for the walleye bite, and we a re starting to hear a few crappie reports now too. On the south end guys are getting out a little better. Early mornings and the evenings have been the best.

WACONIA - Mase's In Towne Marine, Cindy, corner of Lake and Elm (952-442-2096) The conditions have been a little tough, no driving cars or trucks yet. Waconia Bay has been okay for panfish in about 9 to 11 feet of water. And Harms Point has produced a few panfish too. The walleyes are biting out on Center Reef late at night, on the weedlines and out on Pillsbury too.

WINNIBIGOSHISH – Walleye Visions, Tom Neustrom, 21622 Airport Rd, Grand Rapids www.mnfishingpros.com (218-327-2312) Slush seems to be a bit of a problem, but fishermen always find a way to battle the elements and get out on the ice to their favorite spots. There's anywhere from 10-12 inches of ice most places, but one still needs to be cautious. The off-shore spots on Big Winnie have been giving up walleyes in the area of the Humps, and there has also been walleyes, northern pike, and perch coming in off the Main Bar and Center Bar. Try to find the edges first before you start drilling and then make sure you drill a few holes on the top of the structure for the afternoon bite. Buck Shot Rattle Spoons, Jigging Rapalas, Kastmaster spoons, and just a plain hook and a medium shiner have been working. Some of the points and bars in Big Cutfoot have also been turning out some decent walleyes in the afternoon. The perch fishing has been fair with Bowen's Flats, Raven's Point, Stony and the inside of Sugar Bar giving up decent catches of perch. With a little sorting at times you can leave the lake with a nice batch of perch for the pan. The northern pike fishing has still been good and there are fish being taken on the Main Bar, Third River, Stony Point, Tamarac Bay, and Bowen's Flats. With more mobility on the big lake, there will be excellent fishing to be had for weeks to come. Happy New Year to everyone and travel safe.