Outdoors Weekly Fish Tales Archive

April 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 are looking forward to open water now. The shop is closed until April 19th.

BATTLE LAKE - Ben's Bait & Tackle, Josie, Junction of Hwy 78 and 210 (218-864-5596) Sunfish, quit a few good reports. The depths vary, some lakes they have moved shallow, and in some they are in deeper water, but suspended. Try East Lost, Rush, Lida, Dead, South Turtle, Blanch, and Deer Lakes. For crappies, most reports have been coming from 16 to 22 feet of water, and suspended about 6 feet off the bottom, most biting on crappie minnows, a few on waxies. Early morning, or in the evening (about 7 to 9 pm) has been the best. Try West and East Battle, South Turtle, and Walker Lakes. Tullibees have been biting on Molly Stark, Lida, and Pickerel. And the perch are biting on Ottertail, mainly on crappie minnows from 12 to 30 feet of water.

BEMIDJI - Bluewater Bait & Sports, Mark Cook, 1 mile north of the Hwy 2 & 71 Intersection, www.bluewater-bait.com (218-444-2248) The ice and the accesses are good; a good crappie and gill bite is going on. All the area lakes with panfish in are producing right now. The perch are still biting well in Pike Bay. It seems like all the fish have swallowed up a bit. Use waxies and eurolarvae for the sunnies.

BLACKDUCK - Timberline Sport & Tackle, Carl Adams, Junction of Hwy 71 and Blackduck Lake Rd. (218-835-4636) ) Still have lots of ice, accesses are still good, guys are driving still, but a few warm days will make that stop. The perch are in transition now on Blackduck, some are shallow and some are still deep. Pimusch and gull have been good for sunnies and a few crappies on Pimusch too.

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) Guys are still getting out on the ice, the Eagle’s Nest area on Chisago has been the best spot, and pancake Island on South Center has been good too.

CROSBY - Oars-N-Mine Bait and Tackle, Jesse Williams, 22640 Hwy 6 N (218-546-6912) Crappies are active in the evening hours in anywhere from 6-18 feet of water. Focus most of your efforts on the 8-12' weedlines. Still, the most active bluegills are coming from the greenest weeds, which on most lakes are in 5-8 feet of water. Diamond Jigs and HT Marmooskas loaded with eurolarvae are still a great bet for 'gills, and will catch the occasional crappie as well. Small plastics will take both when the fish are on the bite and using these saves time baiting hooks. Some of the best have been Puddle Jumpers, Luretech Pegtails, Custom Ratsos and Shrimpos, and the new Gulp! Fish Fry. These baits have been catching fish in shallow water as well as deep water, but have been working best in sight-fishing situations.

CROSSLAKE - Holiday of Cross Lake, 35610 Cty. Rd. 66 Crosslake, Lee (218-692-2708) Ice conditions remain good the no melting Crappies are turning on with fisherman find fish suspended in 12 to 16 feet of water off of points and weed lines. Try Crappie minnows or wax worms with a small glow jig. Lakes in the area to try are Mission, Pine- Daggett, Clamshell And upper Whitefish.

DULUTH - Fisherman's Corner, Scott, 7 miles north of Miller Mall on Hwy 53, www.fishycorner.com (218-729-5369) Perch fishing still hot on Pike Lake, down on Lake Superior, they are getting loopers in front of French River and coho too. Guys are dragging boats out and tolling off shore and catching a lot of fish. Trolling stick baits. Fish Lake is still good too.

DULUTH - Marine General, 1501 London Road, on the edge of Lake Superior, www.marinegeneral.com (218-724-8833) Guys are trolling off the north shore, and the south shore off the Brule has been good. Crawlers and waxies on the north shore are getting coho, loopers and the occasional lake trout. Water is running on the north shore, we anticipating we are about a week out for the major run. Call for the latest report.

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, www.babesbait.com (218-365-6930) The panfishermen and women are starting to come out of the cabin, to enjoy the now sunny and more comfortable days. Lead lakes this week for crappies are Little Long, Twin, Johnson and Bass. The crappies are hitting jig and waxie combos in 14-30 feet of water 2-4' up from the bottom. Farm and Fall lakes are giving up some bigger crappies, but action is scattered with only a few fish taken. Stop in at Babes for all of your ice fishing needs.

FOREST LAKE - Mikes Bait on 8, Rich, 1/2 mile east of 35 on Hwy 8 (651-464-5150) It’s getting to the point where ATVs and foot traffic only out there. Chisago has been the best around, some doing well on North Center for crappies and sunnies. The river is open up by Taylor’s Falls, some guys are hitting it. Also a few have been out on Clear and Forest Lakes.

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) Guys are still getting out on the ice in the area, and catching some fish. Maple Lake has been giving up some nice sunnies, and they are getting some on Buck Lake by Bertrum. And Big Swan Lake has been giving up some crappies and sunnies.

HACKENSACK - Swanson's Bait & Tackle, Jim Tuller, Hwy 371 on the north end of Hackensack, www.swansonsbait.com (218-675-6176) Crappies and sunfish are getting active. Inguadona Lake has been hot. Crappies are biting on the far end of the lake (opposite the access) in the evening and the sunnies are entertaining anglers during the day by the mouth of the river. Be careful around rivers and some of the public accesses now. The sun is powerful, river openings are getting bigger and the accesses getting the sun are just starting to get soft. Many people are still driving, it won't be for long though. Plan on bringing the 4-wheeler for the next trip. Pleasant Lake has also seen some panfish action. Evening has been best with some scattered Crappies and Sunnies during the day. The fish are moving shallower now as it is warming. Try 8-14 feet of water, some have reported the fish only 2-3 feet below the ice. The perch bite on Leech is still going strong, and will get better as we get closer to ice-out. The flats around Goose Island and the East shore of Sucker Bay have been two good spots. Most of the fish are in 10-14 feet, some have found them as shallow as 6 feet. There has been some activity on Sand Point and Pine Point but no confirmed success stories yet. No word on any Tullibees this year. This past fall there were reports of small schools of Tullibees in the shallow water which is a good sign for years to come. The walleyes bounced back so I would think that they would do the same.

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) At last report there was still plenty of ice on all area lakes. Crappie action on Kabetogama, Namakan and Sand Point has improved as temperatures have risen. Walleye and pike action in the border lakes remains spotty with Northern Pike being the most active. Jig head and minnows still the favorite presentation for Pike and Walleye. We look for crappie action to improve as the ice deteriorates. You might check the Voyageurs National Park website for portage conditions before planning your trip.

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) The ice conditions are great and anglers are having luck finding fish here at Lake of the Woods. Although resorts has pulled their houses off the ice there is still plenty of fishing going on, the action around Pine Island has been picking up with a more aggressive walleye bite. The Rainy River is open at Birchdale, and eager anglers have been pushing their boats across the ice. Walleye season is open until April 14th, and then re-opens May 10th.

LEECH LAKE - Anderson's Resorts, Tim, www.andersonsleech-lake.com (1-800-516-0077) Jumbo perch and tullibies are all the talk up here on Leech Lake. Perch are hitting on almost anything. Try between Ottertail and Goose Island, Stony for the tullibies. People are still driving but accesses are getting pretty rough, so break out the four-wheelers and come have fun. Behind Bear Island can be the best spot on the lake for jumbo perch this time of year. Miller Bay is giving up some slab crappies - if you can get into them you will never forget it. Think spring!

METRO AREA EAST - Blue Ribbon Bait & Tackle, Oakdale, Josh, www.blueribbonbait.com (651-777-2421) The St. Croix is opening up a bit and guys are starting to get out there. Stop in or call and get the latest scoop on what’s happening in the east metro.

MILLE LACS LAKE – Chris Kuduk’s Guide Service, www.kuduksguideservice.com (320-630-1761) Seems like everyone is out on Isle Bay catching fish. The bite is very early in the morning or late in the evening. There are getting them there, but try hitting some of the other bays too, they are biting all over. Also try Anne Lake; they are getting some panfish there too. Also a few on Knife Lake. Good ice all over still, you can get right out from shore.

MILLE LACS LAKE - Malmo Market, Lynwood Elliott, State Hwy 47 and 18 East, NE corner of Mille Lacs (320-684-2295) Jumbo perch anglers have been having best luck on Red larvae or crappie minnows in 28-32 feet at the gravel to mud transitions. Two Mile, Flamingo and the Hennepin Island areas seem to be doing the best. The big crappies down in Isle Bay have started. Anglers on the ice by 6 am are doing the best. Crappie minnows are the key.

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) It's time to start thinking OPENER, with signs of spring in the air, its time to go in the garage and start pulling out all your walleye gear, getting the boat all cleaned and tuned up. I’m hoping for open water soon. If you can’t wait, you can head to the bays and check out the crappie bite. Both Isle and Wahkon bays are hopping, the best time is just before sunset. 7-9 feet. Just watch out for the other hundred anglers. You can check my website at www.johnsonsportside.com for updated reports.

LAKE MINNETONKA - Wayzata Bait & Tackle, Tim or Bob, half mile west off I-494 on Hwy 12 (952-473-2227) The panfish are biting on the area small lakes. A few to try are Sarah, French and Maple. Get in and get your line replaced and take care of any other summer rod and reel or tackle needs.

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) There are still a few crappies and sunfish being caught in the area. Most fish are deep still but it will not be long before they start to migrate towards the shallows. Time to re-spool the reels for the upcoming season.

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) The ice is still good out there, and guys are getting all over. The fish are biting on the north end; just try working away from the crowd a bit.

PELICAN RAPIDS - Park Region Sport Shop, Lee Brenna, Intersection of Interstate 59 and 108 in downtown Pelican Rapids (218-863-5740) Lots of sunnies biting around, Lida, Lizzie are good. Ice conditions are still good, vehicle traffic cannot be advised, but atv and foot traffic should still be good. Spring turkey scouting is in full swing.

RAINY LAKE - Rainy Lake Tourism, www.rainylake.org (1-800-FALLS-MN) Rainy Lake is still drawing anglers onto the ice with walleye being caught early and late in the day. Look for 30 to 35 feet of water near structure. Large Northern can be caught in the shallower areas near Rainy Lake city and Cranberry Bay. Rainy River anglers have been fishing open water. The Ron Hall Access at International Falls is open and you can fish from the dam at International Falls downstream to the mouth of the Littlefork River. If you plan to fish further downstream, check to see if Kuttes Landing near Pelland Junction is open. Walleye seasons on border waters remain open until April 14th. The first weeks of April also bring sturgeon fishers. Sturgeon fishing is catch-and-release only no tag is necessary. When the sturgeon season opens April 24th a tag will be required. Flocks of geese, smaller waterfowl and a handful of songbirds are making their way into the north woods. The spring migrations will be in full swing through April and May providing excellent birding opportunities. There is a birding guide available for the area, call 1-800-325-5766 and ask for a free copy of “Bogs to Rocks.”

RED WING - Ike's Bait & Tackle, Ken, 2109 Old W Main St, Red Wing (651- 388-2111) The walleyes and saugers have been biting well from the high bridge up to dam; guys are getting a lot of fish. And they have caught the occasional catfish in there too. Around Baypoint Park, the ice should be out this week. Bright colored Ike’s hair jigs tipped with a fathead are working, and Ike’s sonars are also working well too.

SAINT CLOUD - Stop Light Bait, 45 8th Avenue SE, St. Cloud (320-255-9689) A lot of our local anglers have been heading farther north last week in search of better late ice conditions. Crappie anglers have been catching some fish on Grand, Pearl and Briggs Lakes. Sunfish anglers have reported catches on Sugar, Anne and Shamineau Lakes. Minnewaska and Lake Alexander would also be worth a try. Perch anglers are headed to Mille Lacs and Mayhew Lake should also be checked out. We have a new fresh supply of freshwater shrimp in stock. Our store will now be opening one-hour earlier everyday of the week. We will be open from 6:30 am to 7 pm Monday through Thursday, 6 am to 6 pm on Friday and Saturday and 6 am to 5 pm on Sundays. Call us for the latest information.

SAINT PETER - Hermies Bait, Brad, 43539 French Hill Rd. St.Peter MN 56082 (507-931-6875) The ice is going out. On the river, they have been getting some catfish. So other then the river, we are kind of in limbo.

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) Fishing is slow here on Tetonka, however this is the time to get your reels and new line put on, bring them in and we will take care of them. We also have custom crawler harnesses here or you can order them. We are in the midst of changing over to spring/summer and will be offering new items as well as the ones we already have.

UPPER RED LAKE - White Birch Resort, Monte Sharbono, vacation@whitebirchresort.net (218-835-4552) They are starting to get a few limits of crappies up on the north shore. The ice is still good.

WACONIA - Mase's In Towne Marine, Cindy, corner of Lake and Elm, www.intownemarina.com (952-442-2096) In Towne Marine will be closed as of March 2nd until the ice is out.

WINNIBIGOSHISH – Walleye Visions, Tom Neustrom, 21622 Airport Rd, Grand Rapids www.mnfishingpros.com (218-327-2312) Call ahead to Fred's Bait, Highbanks, Nodaks, or McArdle's resorts before heading here in the next couple weeks. Ice conditions can change rapidly. The perch have been on the move and the reports are from the North Humps, to Tamarac Bay, to Raven's Point, to Bowen's Bay. Small forage spoons with minnow heads or a couple waxies still seem to be the bait of choice. The shallow bite will be the ticket in the next 2 weeks, right up until ice out. The crappies have been doing pretty good in Big Cutfoot, but again keep moving. Depths of 22-25 feet are best around the Big Island and McAvity Bay. Stop and see us at the Northwest Sport Show at booth #938 and book a trip for 2008.