Outdoors Weekly Fish Tales Archive

February 8, 2008

ANNANDALE - B.J.'s Bait & Tackle, Bill, west side of Clearwater Lake, between the two public accesses, www.bjsbait.com (320-274-3730) Some sunnies and crappies are biting out front in about 20 foot water in weeds… they are there, guys see them on the camera, just need to induce them to bite. Spearing has been good, clear water still; they can see 10-15 feet down. Out front to the left of the bait shop, some walleyes are being caught off the weedy point in about 10-20 foot of water. There has been some panfish action on Pleasant Lake too.

ANOKA - Action's Fishing, Jack, 809 West Hwy 10, www.actionsfishing.com (763-422-4890) It was a great weekend for fishing. The weather was fantastic, the fish were active and biting on: Crooked Lake - bass and keeper size crappies, with an occasional walleye. Green Lake - nice crappies and northerns. Pelican Lake - sunfish and crappies. Centerville - panfish and northerns. Independence and Medicine - crappies and walleyes. Winterkill is happening on some of the smaller shallow lakes.

BATTLE LAKE - Ben's Bait & Tackle, Josie, Junction of Hwy 78 and 210 (218-864-5596) The walleyes have slowed down, the best reports cam from Ottertail and Battle Lakes in about 25-35 feet of water. They are catching a few on Eagle Lake too. As for crappies, they’ve been getting them on West Battle, Ellingson, and South Turtle catching them in 15 to 25 foot water, the bigger ones in deeper water on waxies or crappie minnows. Sunnies are in the same lakes as the crappies, just a little shallower, fishing in 12 to 17 feet of water. On Clitheral Lake, they are getting a few walleyes too.

BEMIDJI - Bluewater Bait & Sports, Mark Cook, 1 mile north of the Hwy 2 & 71 Intersection, www.bluewater-bait.com (218-444-2248) There are still few walleyes biting on Bemidji out in the 30-foot range water. Also, Plantagenet and Cass have been ok. Some nicer perch have been coming off Cass. The walleye fishing has been sporadic. And there has been some panfish action on Hennepin and Hattie. We have golden shiners.

BLACKDUCK - Timberline Sport & Tackle, Carl Adams, Junction of Hwy 71 and Blackduck Lake Rd. (218-835-4636) There have been a few out on Blackduck catching perch. Rabideau and Gilstad have been good for panfish. Upper Red Lake has been a little off, still getting fish just not as many.

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) Call us for the latest reports!

CHISAGO CITY - Frankie's Live Bait and Marine, Brad, Corner of Hwy 8 and CR 77, www.frankies.net (651-257-6334) Good panfish bite going in the shallow water on the south end of Chisago. Kroon Lake has been okay for crappies in about 26 feet of water, the bite starts around 3 pm. They have also been picking up a few walleyes in front of hospital on South Lindstrom. And the bite in the channel between South Lindstrom and Chisago is picking up. On Pancake Island on South Center, the panfish bite has been good, just get away from everyone.

CROSBY - Oars-N-Mine Bait and Tackle, Jesse Williams, 22640 Hwy 6 N (218-546-6912) Walleye activity on Serpent is about the same, and rainbows and large shiners are producing fish. Look at that 22-26 feet of water for best results. Crappies have been pretty good on Cedar, Clearwater, Nokay and Bay, as well as many of the smaller lakes in the area. Small jigs tipped with a crappie minnow or a waxie have produced the best results. Sunfish can be caught right with the crappies in that deep water, but the shallow water still produces the bigger fish. Pike have been breaking crappie angler’s lines quite frequently, so throwing a tip-up in that deep water with a shiner or a small heavy pike sucker will do the trick for a few bonus pike. No really good reports for lake trout yet.

CROSSLAKE - Holiday of Cross Lake, 35610 Cty. Rd. 66 Crosslake, Lee (218-692-2708) Held’s Guide Service (218-820-0989) Anglers have been getting some walleyes out on the Whitefish Chain and Pelican, some big ones too. Generally they are using fatheads and jigging spoons or shiners when they can find them in about 20 to 30 feet of water. Eagle Lake has been producing some crappies in 15 to 18 feet of water, and a few trout are being picked up in 50 to 60 feet of water on Trout Lake.

DULUTH - Fisherman's Corner, Scott, 7 miles north of Miller Mall on Hwy 53, www.fishycorner.com (218-729-5369) The bite on the St. Louis River has been good, guys have been getting some nice walleyes by Boy Scout Landing, and off the Clyde Ave landing, and also down by Park Point on the edge of the channel, in about 10-18 feet water. They have been getting some bigger ones down there. Fish Lake has had some good action too for crappies and sunnies; they have been a little deeper. Pike Lake perch action has been good in 5-8 fow, lot of action. On Superior, they have had good looper and coho action.

DULUTH - Marine General, 1501 London Road, on the edge of Lake Superior, www.marinegeneral.com (218-724-8833) We are standing on Superior ice in the shallows, about 3 inches of ice. Some guys are getting out on it, also by the Lester River there is also about 3 inches. Check the shop for the latest report, we might be out on ice this weekend. The walleye fishing in the bay has been good. Crappies have been doing well on the inland lakes.

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) The roller coaster that is ice fishing continues. A lake may be hot one day, and then seemingly devoid of fish the next. That's why you need to fish more places, more often, to increase your odds for success. Don't be afraid to change target species on an hour-to-hour basis. When the walleye bite slows, fish for perch or crappies. In the Ely area you can jump from lake trout in one lake then in the next hour you can be jigging for walleyes on another. Take advantage of the variety of opportunities this region has to offer. The most consistent bite of late has been for lake trout on Burntside Lake. Other notables are crappies on Low Lake, Bass, and Farm. The walleye fishing has been sporadic, with Shagawa Lake getting the most attention. Bring the family along to enjoy Ely's winter festival running through the 10th of this month. Babes is "the best little bait shop in Ely".

FOREST LAKE - Mikes Bait on 8, Rich, 1/2 mile east of 35 on Hwy 8 (651-464-5150) Ice conditions are good. The panfish bite getting better with the warmer weather… there have been some bigger crappies caught out on Forest Lake. Pancake Island panfish bite is picking up. The crappies are suspended in about 30-foot water. The walleyes are in that 20-30 foot depth. Nice crappies on Big Marine off north end. Not many, but nice ones.

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) Latimer Lake has been producing a lot of crappies, and a few walleyes here and there. Big Birch is still producing walleyes. St. Mary’s Lake has been good for sunnies and crappies. Little Sauk Lake (long bridge) is producing some big sunnies. The northern pike action seems to be doing well; St. Mary’s has been good for both spearing and angling. We still have shiners, a good supply.

HACKENSACK - Swanson's Bait & Tackle, Jim Tuller, Hwy 371 on the north end of Hackensack, www.swansonsbait.com (218-675-6176) Perch are the hot ticket right now. Leech Lake and Woman Lake have both been productive. Leech Lake perch are in 12-16 feet of water, look to Agency Bay or Sand Point for the best action. Woman Lake Perch have been the most active in 18-30 feet of water with a jigging spoon and fathead. As the days get longer and warmer, the panfish will begin to pick up. Most anglers are having some luck with the sunfish, putting a lot of time into it though. Pleasant Lake and Five Point Lake have been the two best. The northerns are also picking up again. Grab the folding chairs and tip-ups and head out for the afternoon. Try Webb Lake or Portage Lake for quick action. The walleye bite has been slightly scattered. A lot of little fish on Pine Mountain, a few decent fish on Pleasant Lake, and of course, Leech Lake. Shiners and Rainbows have been the bait of choice.

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) A full week of more seasonable weather has attracted more anglers and snowmobilers. Better ice conditions have opened up more areas and various depths for fishing. Walleye action continues to satisfy most anglers. Pike and walleye both provide enough occasional hits to keep interest levels up with the best presentation being live bait. Glow jigs and horizontal jigs with either a full minnow or just the minnow head attract the walleyes. Light northern suckers with tip-ups using plain hook is a good presentation along with your rod and reel set-up. Crappie action is mostly at a standstill with an occasional good day. Lake trails in good shape, some rough spots, no grooming yet. Land trails groomed up and remain in very good shape.

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) Fishing on Lake of the Woods remains steady, and with a little patience you’re sure to catch your limit. Houses are placed all over the lake, from the south shore, to the gap, and up to Garden Island. Everyone agrees that 28-33 feet of water is were the fish are while some anglers are having luck near the reefs others are sticking to the mud flats. Fish seem to be going after pink and glow jigs, rattle jigs are still working great also. The Northwest Angle and Island continues to have great fishing this season. The reefs around Oak Island are still giving up great limits of fish, mostly walleye and sauger although more perch are making an appearance. Houses are currently set on 26-28 feet of water. Over by Clementson Rapids the walleye bite has slowed a bit, but the northerns have been hitting the tip-ups hard. A 41 inch northern was caught in 7 feet of water, so it seems shallower water is the place to be. The sturgeon bite has been good in the morning and evening, while the sauger have been active through out the day.

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) Lot of northerns are being caught on Lake Jane. The St Croix crappies are biting from the Bay Port area, and north, Big Marine has been putting out some nice sunnies, mainly up on the north end. South Center has lots of sunnies and we are hearing that the White Bear crappie bite is picking up.

MILLE LACS LAKE – Chris Kuduk’s Guide Service (320-630-1761) Shakopee and Anne lakes were the place to be for a good panfish bite last weekend, if the weather holds; they should be the place to go this weekend too. Out on Mille Lacs, some nice walleyes and perch were caught; you have to move around out there to stay on them.

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 got the reports we have been looking for perch are on the bite... looks like the flats is the place to be, going deep, a good 28 plus should do it. You can hang around the gravel too, again staying deep. Walleye are on the prowl in evening hours, and hour before dusk to a few after dark. We are looking at the Perch Extravaganza in just 3 short weeks, February 23rd, go to www.johnsonsportside.com or www.hunterspoint.com for more info.

LAKE MINNETONKA - Wayzata Bait & Tackle, Tim or Bob, half mile west off I-494 on Hwy 12 (952-473-2227) The fish are still biting. The walleyes in the evening on a jig and fathead and the northerns on top of the weed flats,in about 8-10 feet of water on tip-ups and suckers. There has been some crappie activity around 30 fow suspended in about 15, late afternoon evening bite. Sunnies are biting really well, but they are smaller in size. We have about 20 – 24 inches of ice and guys are driving everywhere.

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) There has been a walleye and perch on the north end off Coon Point out on 2 mile. The crappies on Smith Lake are biting well.

PELICAN RAPIDS - Park Region Sport Shop, Lee Brenna, Intersection of Interstate 59 and 108 in downtown Pelican Rapids (218-863-5701) Fishing has been very good; crappies and sunnies are going on Lida, Prairie, and Lizzie. For walleyes, try it on Star, Lida and Pelican. The tulibees are biting around the area now too; we can smell it on the guys coming in to buy waxies. Try Lida or Pelican for them.

RAINY LAKE - Rainy Lake Tourism, www.rainylake.org (1-800-FALLS-MN) The best spots are Snad Bay, American Narrows, Rainy Lake City and Cranberry Island. Those are also the most easily accessible areas. Some big northern pike have been caught around Black Bay and Cranberry Bay.

RED WING - Ike's Bait & Tackle, Ken, 2109 Old W Main St, Red Wing (651- 388-2111) The panfish and walleyes are still biting well at Baypoint. The Panfish are around the Baypoint docks. Some nice northerns are being caught in Frontenac Pond on tip-ups and sucker minnows. And some trout are biting in Pottery Pond.

SAINT CLOUD - Stop Light Bait, 45 8th Avenue SE, St. Cloud (320-255-9689) The sunfish bite on Pearl, Cedar and Indian Lakes has been keeping anglers busy. Also try Pelican Lake by Monticello and East Lake has been producing sunfish and a few walleyes. Waxworms, euro larvae and fresh water shrimp are the preferred bait. Crappies have been biting on Pelican, Pearl and Clearwater Lakes. The walleyes and crappies continue to bite on the Mississippi, with a 7-½ pound walleye being reported today. And some large crappies reportedly caught last week. Northern pike fishermen have been busy on Clearwater and Pearl Lakes. We continue to carry a good supply of freshwater shrimp. A few perch are being caught on Mayhew Lake. We continue to improve Stop Light Bait, stop in and see us.

SAINT PETER - Hermies Bait, Brad, 43539 French Hill Rd. St.Peter MN 56082 (507-931-6875) They have been getting a few walleyes on Washington between 2nd and 3rd point in 20 foot water. Out on Hanska they have been getting a few walleyes right at dark, and West Jefferson is giving up a few northerns. Out on Duck Lake the crappies are biting 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) Lake Sakatah is producing a few walleyes by the narrows, while Tetonka is also giving up a few near Best Point. Crappies can be caught in the deeper water in the 20 - 30' range. Red spikes seem to be the ticket. Barometric pressure is dropping should produce some fish soon, its been slow other then a occasional bite lasting a hour or so.

UPPER RED LAKE - White Birch Resort, Monte Sharbono, vacation@whitebirchresort.net (218-835-4552) Glow, glow, glow…that is the main thing for getting the fish to bite. In the evenings the walleyes are still biting, but not as fast and furious as they could be. Glowing seems to increase the action quit a bit. There are good roads out and good ice to drive on. The crappie reports are far and few between. The northerns are still biting okay.

WACONIA - Mase's In Towne Marine, Cindy, corner of Lake and Elm, www.intownemarina.com (952-442-2096) The crappies and sunnies have been biting better out here, out by Pillsbury and south of Pillsbury in deeper water. Out by Center reef in 11-12 feet of water, it has been good for both sunnies and crappie. The northern bite has been tougher… there have been a few here and there. For walleyes, get away from the crowd… out by Andersons reef and Nelson’s Flats on the NW side of lake, fishing the weeds with fatheads. The guys fishing over night are doing the best by putting in the time.

WINNIBIGOSHISH – Walleye Visions, Tom Neustrom, 21622 Airport Rd, Grand Rapids www.mnfishingpros.com (218-327-2312) The weather plays such a key role whether or not we can get out on the water, or the ice, and this last week was a typical element of the last statement. Ten days ago the weather was almost balmy on Big Winnie and there were all kinds of anglers trying their luck. The perch were cooperating, Big Cutfoot had several crappie fishermen, and late in the day walleye anglers were hurrying to their favorite hump or bar. Then things changed last Monday night and man did they change. Thirty to forty mph winds and a severe drop in temperatures made for a tough bite again for a couple days. The areas about a mile off Stony Point, along the edges of Third River Bar were producing perch in 22-28 feet of water, but you had to keep moving to stay with the perch. Some of the deeper humps 1-2 miles N/E of Ravens were also doing pretty good, but mobility again was the key. Tamarack Bay is still giving lots of perch, but sorting to get a limit is the norm. The action is definitely worth the effort. On the South side of Big Winnie give Moses, Horseshoe, and the outside edge of Sugar Bar a try for jumbo perch. The Forage Minnow Spoon is still the bait of choice with either chub head, or a couple of waxies, or 3-4 eurolarvae. I'm kind of partial to the red ones! When the action picks up some of the good anglers are trying pieces of the Gulp Alive (minnow) on the treble and having pretty good success. The weather will only continue to get better as the weeks wear on. If you will be in Duluth from the 13th to the 17th, stop and see me at the Duluth Sport and Travel Show. Don't forget to book your guide trip for the 2008 season at www.mnfishingpros.com