12-29-07

The holiday season is almost over here in the beautiful Nisswa area.  Conditions have improved since our last report.  The ice on Gull Lake is sitting between 8-10 inches right now.  It has been a slow process but we have been able to access most areas of the lake via atv or snowmobile.  On some recent trips our guides have done quite well out there.  We have spent pretty much all of our time on Gull.  The walleyes have been relating to green weedlines in 13-18 feet of water.  Some days they want the action of a Northland Buckshot Spoon other days they want a plain hook tipped with a shiner minnow.  So be sure to bring both.  We have caught a nice mix of keepers and smaller ones.  Mornings and evenings have both produced for us but I think it is starting to lean towards evenings being a little better.  There have been some good reports from a few other lakes but the snow conditions have limited the travel.  It is the easiest to get around on the bigger lakes right now.  If you are interested in reeling a few in please give us a call we are doing guided ice fishing trips and our guides also have a few rentals houses out and ready.  Happy Holidays!

12-03-07

The start of the ice fishing season is here.  But with the new ice we also have received a blanket of new snow, about 10 inches of the fluffy white stuff.  It should make the lakes a little tough for travel.  Some of the bigger lakes like Gull and Whitefish did not freeze over completely before we had all the snow.  So we should be in good shape there after they seal up for good.  Some of the smaller lakes and bays have 2-6 inches of good ice under the new snow.  Ice thickness really varies so please use extreme caution as you head out on our lakes during the next few weeks.  A few anglers have been out on Round, North Long, the Gull Chain, and the bays on Pelican.  They have been catching a few fish.  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.

11-07-07

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 I think we are adding some ice fishing guides as well as some rental houses to the lakes.  More to come on that soon.  Most of my time I have spent with my wife and our new son who was born in early October.  It has been just awesome and I think things are starting to get into a normal routine if there is one.  We have also been spending some time in the fields.  The pheasant season has been one for the record books across the midwest.  My most recent trip was capped off by a perfect point by our German Shorthair.  My uncle and I were making our way down the roadside to a strip of thick cattails that we had permission to hunt when my dog just locked up solid.  I signaled to my uncle to walk in and flush the point.  As to our surprise to beautiful roosters exploded into flight.  After two perfect shots the dog made two prefect retrieves.  What a rewarding hunt.  I have been hearing and seeing pheasants absolutely everywhere this fall.  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.  Patience is key.  I passed on a nice 6 pointer that meandered on by me last Saturday morning.  I hunt with a bow and arrow and he walked by at about 35 yards.  Without practicing much this summer I didn't feel safe making a clean kill.  Plus I am hoping that next year he may be a real bruiser.  If he can only make it through the gun season.  The rest of my family has seen some small bucks and a few 8 pointers.  They also passed on their shots hoping for something bigger.  I'll keep you posted as the season progresses.  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.  That is about it for new news but keep checking back for the latest.  The outdoor world is ever changing. 

09-24-07

Fall colors are nearing their peak here in the lakes area.  It is absolutely beautiful.  The shorelines are covered in reds, gold, and orange.  The lakes are full of golden walleyes and the part about it all is that the walleyes are snappin.  We are slamming the fish on a daily basis.  In between dodging the storms we have had some great days on Gull, Pelican, and North Long Lake.  Fish are biting on a variety of baits.  We have spent most of the time Lindy rigging with a redtail chub or jigs and minnows.  It has been primarily a minnow bite but with the full moon coming I expect that the trophy walleyes will cruising the shallows at night.  Perfect timing for trolling Rapalas.  The hunting seasons are starting crank up as well.  It is hard for me to stay focused this time of the year.  So many things to do so little time.

09-12-07

We have seen some of the best walleye fishing we have seen all season over the last ten days.  Gull has been the top lake, but we have also a had a few good days on North Long and the Whitefish Chain.  On Gull we are catching fish from up in the weeds all the way out into the 30s.  The fish are just gobbling up everything in sight.  Jigs tipped with a fathead, a rainbow, or a small redtail is working as is a live bait rig tipped with a redtail chub.  Mornings or afternoons?  It doesn't seem to matter that much.  This bite should continue until we hit the fall turnover time period.  The bass are still all over the place.  On one of our trips this morning we caught about 40 bass right along with the walleyes.  So I guess it is a time of plenty right now.  Enjoy it while it lasts.

08-28-07

I’m recovering today after a pontoon trip yesterday with 16 people. It was a lot of work but it was a great time. With lots of kids on board we went chasing after the mighty sunfish. Lots of untangling and keeping a safe distance from youngsters learning to cast, I’m glad today looks a little slower. While most folks are thinking about the food at the state fair I’ve been thinking walleyes. We are starting to see a more consistent bite taking place out on Gull and Pelican. Really had some nice trips out there last week split between catching bass and walleyes. For the walleyes the Patterson group tore into them a few days with Todd. Lenny also had a nice trip on Gull with Roger from Lykins resort. Our guides have been trying a few different presentations. Jigs and fatheads or small redtails has worked pretty well for numbers of fish, for bigger fish they have stuck with a lively redtail chub on a live bait rig. The key has been to keep moving from spot to spot until you locate active walleyes. Windy days have been better than calm ones. We are starting to see a transition towards slightly deeper water. Some walleyes have moved out into 22-28 feet of water. It’s about time to go get a couple fresh walleyes for a fish fry. The next couple of months could be outstanding. The other end of our one-two punch continues to be the tremendous bass fishing that we have experienced this season. Pitching jigs and minnows to the weedlines has produced so many fish for anglers; the bass are starting to wear us out. Most lakes here in the Brainerd offer excellent opportunities to catch a bunch of largemouth bass. We are also catching a nice sized pike here and there on our walleye trips. The Whitefish chain has given up the most pike over the last week. Dragging a live bait rig tipped with a big redtail has worked best for pike. 25 feet of water seems to be the magic depth lately. I think I’m going to snag a corndog at the fair tomorrow, but after that I’ll be back on the water chasing old marble-eyes. Stop in to see us over the holiday weekend we’ll be in the bait shop most days. Congratulations to the little leaguers from Georgia, way to hit big!

08-07-07

It has been another great week here in the northwoods.  We sure had some memorable trips.  The big bass fishing continues to be just awesome.  We had a couple of youngsters boat their all time bests.  It started out with an epic battle between a young man and a 20 inch largemouth.  As his brother cheered him on he kept the rod high while the 20 incher made run after run.  Pretty soon the fish tired and conceded victory.  After a photo she was released to swim again.  Ten minutes later the other sibling dug into his bag of tricks.  He decided to piggyback 2 minnows on the same jig.  As soon as the bait hit the water, Wham!  The battle was on.  After a few minutes the fish was in the boat.  He had outdone his brother with a 21 incher.  I think it was a sibling rivalry at its best.  Both kids were very happy and were able to go home with a tremendous story.  This summer has been filled with days like these for our guide boats.  The bass fishing has been going strong lately but we are starting to see the walleye action getting a little better.  We are still fishing weedlines with redtail chubs.  It has been a variety when fishing close to the weeds, walleyes, bass, and pike.  Both Lindy rigs or jigs have worked well.  Schools will be opening up before we know it so be sure to get the kids out on the water one more time before the end of summer.  It is well worth it.

07-16-07

It sure has been busy around the bait shop and in our guide boats.  Over the last couple of weeks we've hosted former Minnesota Vikings wide receivers as well as a bulldog pitcher that brought home a world series trophy for the Twins.  You just never know who you are going to bump into here at the store.  Fishing just keeps going and going.  It has been awesome for the largemouth bass.  Gull, Hubert, Whitefish, and North Long have all produced some great trips for our guides.  Pitching jigs tipped with plastics or minnows has been working.  Weedlines are holding the largest concentrations of fish.  We had a trip earlier this week where the guide and customers started the morning by catching about 60 bass and then switched lakes and went chasing pike.  After another 40 fish they called it a day.  They slept good that night, a 100 fish day can really where out the cranking arms.

The pike fishing continues to go pretty good on Gull, Whitefish, and Lake Edwards.  Lindy rigs or spinner rigs have produced along the deep weedlines.  We've found pike from the weed edges out to 32 feet.  You can also catch them with a bobber rig and a big sucker minnow.  Coming up are the dog days of summer.  Look for the big pike to get very active. 

The walleye fishing is still a little spotty.  Seems like we are still catching a few here and there along with the other species.  But it seems a little tougher to go out and target just walleyes.  Mostly we have found them hanging along the weedlines.  Redtail chubs or leeches have been working best.  The evening bite has been a little better than the day bite.  We did have one lucky customer hook a dandy 27 incher the other day out on a trip with Todd.  Catch and release is a big reason why our fishing continues to be the best in the nation.  Let them go so they can grow.

The big sunfish have been tearing up leeches and worms.  Many lakes are going good for panfish.  Some of the best are North Long, Gull, Hubert, Cullen, and Whitefish.  You can find sunnies on the weed edge in 12-16 feet.  Crappies are starting bite in the evenings in 12 feet of water.  Northland Thumper jigs are the ticket.

06-25-07

Summer has arrived here in the lakes area.  For us fishermen that can be good or bad, depends on how you look at it.  The fishing is picking up for some species like Bass, Pike, and Panfish.  While the fishing for walleyes has slowed a little.  We have still been able to find and catch a few each day.  Gull lake has been a little slower recently but we have had decent success on the Whitefish Chain and North Long Lake.  This time of the year try a few different tactics until you contact active walleyes.  Some of our favorite techniques have been dragging a Northland spinner and a Gulp nightcrawler.  Another option worth trying is trolling a number 5 Rapala Shad Rap along the weed edges.  Lastly once you have located a school you can hover over them with a Live bait rig.  Leeches have been pretty effective as have redtail chubs.  We've been finding fish from right up in the weeds out into the mid 20s for depths.  This is the beginning of the busy season on the area lakes.  Fishing in the mornings and evenings are usually the most productive for the walleyes.  If you are looking to catch a bunch of fish now is prime time for the largemouth bass, northern pike and scrappy panfish.  There are lots of options for bass and they all work.  Right now I prefer a jig and plastic worm or a weed weasel tipped with a lively minnow.  For pike try trolling anything with flash.  Sucker minnows are also a mainstay for pike action.  Sunfish are very active out on the weed edges.  Small hair jigs tipped with a wax worm will produce an awesome fish fry.  Should be a great week up here.  If you want to go fishing with one of the famous fishing guides from the Nisswa Guide Service please give us a call.  We still have a couple of openings this week.

06-11-07

What an amazing weekend here in the northwoods.  I wouldn't go so far as to call it the bite of the century but it has been very good.  Over the past few days we have been spending time on the big water of Mille Lacs Lake.  It has been phenomenal.  There must have been over 1000 boats out there today.  The walleyes are active all over the lake in all depths.  We have been catching most of our fish on either a Roach Rig tipped with a leech or a spinner tipped with a nightcrawler.  Today  Northland Tackle's holographic spinner blades outshined everything else we through at them.  One guide boat reported catching 50 fish during the four hour trip.  I highly recommend giving us a call soon if you would like to get in on this non stop fun.  Our guides still have a couple of openings this week.  We have been catching dozens of big fish up to 29 inches and plenty of smaller fish perfect for a fish fry.  The fishing has been hit or miss here on the smaller lakes.  We've had a few decent reports from Gull, North Long, and Whitefish.  Redtail chubs or a leech are providing steady action along the weedlines.  The bass fishing is really starting to heat up in the Brainerd area.  Some of the best bassin lakes have been Hubert, Gull, North Long, and Cullen.  Our go to lure has been any of the Slurpies tubes or Dip-stick worms fished weightless.  Bass are cruising the shallow flats in 3-8 feet of water.  Panfish have been pretty active out in 6-10 feet of water.  Worms or leeches will keep you busy.

06-04-07

The walleyes were on the Chomp. We have been catching walleyes up to 28 inches, most of them measuring in between 15-22 inches along with a few smaller throw backs. On Mille Lacs we have been nailing them out on the Mud Flats on Spinners or Live Bait rigs tipped with a leech or a nightcrawler. It is such a blast when the fishing is this good. The time to get out there is now; it won't get a whole lot better than it is right now. On Gull the walleyes are a bit fussier. We are mostly catching them on a Live Bait rig and a lively redtail chub, but when they don't go for the minnows we have caught them on leeches or trolling with Rapalas. The key depths on Gull have been 8-17 feet. The night bite out there has been fantastic too. Another sleeper lake that has turned out some nice walleyes for our guides is North Long. Most of these fish on North Long were holding tight to the weedlines. Lots of hefty 17-20 inch fish were eating up Northland Fireball jigs tipped with shiners minnows. We also had lots of bass mixed in to our catch on North Long.

The pike fishing has been decent on a few lakes now as the water warms up. The Upper Gull Chain continues to provide steady action as well as Whitefish and Lake Edwards. A Northland Rainbow Spinner tipped with a shiner or sucker minnow has been a deadly tactic. We haven't seen many trophy-sized pike yet, but we have caught a few up to about 12 pounds. They can give us quite a battle. Lots of fun, that's for sure.

The bass fishing has been very good since the season opened last week. Leeches are working well along with small spinner baits or weightless Senko style plastic worms. Backwater bays or areas with bulrushes have produced some scrappy largemouths.

The sunfish are still very active in the shallow water. A small leech on a Fire Fly jig is my go to rig right now. The crappies are showing up now along the first weed edge. Thumper jigs and a small plastic tail are producing some nice slab crappies.

This action lately is what is termed pre-summer or summer peak. The fishing can be very good. So do not hesitate to give us a call. Our guides are on the water everyday so we have the latest info on where and how.

05-30-07

What a wild weekend here in the Nisswa area. There were people absolutely everywhere in the area. With the Professional Walleye Trail pros in town the bait shop was packed all weekend, it sure kept us on our toes. I guess they figured out where to get the best bait.

The fishing was pretty good over the weekend. We had some great trips on a variety of lakes. Gull has been pretty good for walleye. We've been getting them from all the way up in the weeds(9 feet) out into the mid twenties. Seems like fish are active on both the north end and south end of the lake. One group of customers had three guide boats out there on Saturday. It was windy but they had an awesome day, about 50 walleyes in total. What a great trip! Other lakes are really turning on too. Round has had a hot bite going but most of the fish are running on the small side. Pelican is heating up with a few limits being caught. Key depths on Pelican are 24-27 feet. My sleeper lake this week is Whitefish. A few limits were caught over the weekend in some specific areas for angler using leeches on a live bait rig or a slip float. The weedlines are the ticket right now up there. Seems a little early yet for whitefish but I think it is worth a shot. The walleyes are slurping up shiners, redtails, or leeches. This morning I was pre-fishing with Nisswa Guide Richie Boggs for the upcoming PWT tournament on Mille Lacs. Without going into details, I have to say that Mille Lacs is red hot right now. Nice fish are biting all over the lake.

We even did a crappie fishing trip on Sunday. It went better than expected. With the crappies disappearing after the spawn we had to search a little deeper. There they were holding just at the weed edge in 10 feet of water. It was a slab fest. Good job Todd on a great trip.

The pike fishing continues to be very good on Gull. Troll anything with a spinner and you will get plenty of pike action. 6-15 feet is a good depth to key on.

We'll keep you posted on the latest happenings. Give us a call if you would like to cash in on the good fishing.
 

05-14-07

The 2007 Minnesota fishing opener is in the books.  Here at the bait shop every year seems to be getting better and better.  We did record numbers this year for the first weekend, even better than last years tremendous start.  Thanks to all of you loyal customers.  The fishing was fair to good for most boats.  With the perfect weather on Saturday the lakes were plum full of boats chasing the fins.  The walleye action started out pretty decent on the first morning then the mid-morning sun popped out and the fishing slowed until later in the day.  We had guides from the Nisswa Guide Service on a number of lakes.  They each reported similar results from Pelican, Gull, Round, and the Whitefish Chain.  Sunday the wind picked up and so did the fishing.  The walleyes were biting pretty good on Gull along the new developing weed edges in 13-15 feet of water.  A lindy rig or a jig tipped with a spot-tail shiner was the key to success.  The crappies are starting to move out of the shallow water.  There should still be a few stragglers in the reedbeds over the next few days, after that the bluegills and bass will take over the shallow water areas.  The pike action was very good over the first weekend.  Anglers fishing walleyes reported lots of pike striking their walleye rigs.  We are on the water pretty much everyday this week with trips so be sure to check back with us for the latest hot spot.  Good luck and we will see you on the water.

Tip of the week: Wear a PFD.  They make some great lifejackets now that are lightweight and pretty comfortable.  Strange things happen once in a while.  I know that I'll be wearing one much more often now.  Especially when fishing alone.

05-07-07

We are getting closer and closer to the big weekend and we sure are getting excited.  It should be another awesome opener here at the bait shop.  It's our 32nd opener.  Last year we had one of the busiest on record and this year looks to be following the same pattern.  The walleye fishing should be pretty good again this year in the Nisswa area.  Some of the lakes I would key on are Gull, Pelican, Round, and Mille Lacs.  These choices always seem to be producers early in the year.  Over the last few days it has been darn windy.  When walleye fishing wind can be tolerated but for crappie fishing it makes things difficult.  Most anglers were fishing areas that they could hide from the wind a little.  They still caught some decent fish.  Next weekend it should be great for both crappies and walleyes, it's nice to have a couple of options.  The bait tanks are filling up fast and I'll be busy scooping minnows all week.  Stop in meet the crew and we'll give you a few pointers for this year's walleye opener.  Good Luck!

05-02-07

The crappie fishing has been just great lately.  Over the weekend the crappies made a big push into the shallows.  I tried to make it again yesterday but the wind was just too much.  I called it a short day.  Some great places to try are lake Margaret, Upper Gull, Breezy Point, Hubert, and  the docks at Bar Harbor.  The walleye opener is just around the corner and boy are we excited.  It should be another great one on Gull Lake again this year.  The bait tanks will be full again so be sure to stop in.  I have to run right now but I'll update this fishing report shortly.  Stay tuned.

04-23-07

All is well here in the north country now that we have open water pretty much everywhere.  Our rainstorms the last couple of days took care of the remaining ice cubes that were floating around.  Anglers have been out in full force chasing crappies and sunnies.  So far it has gone quite well.  There are lots of sunnies up in the shallows and the crappies are just starting to show up a little.  The boats that have fished a little deeper are finding some crappies that are willing to bite.  The water is a little cold yet ranging from 43-50 degrees.  It looks like promising weather all week so the fish should start biting like crazy.  Some of the hot spots to try are the docks at Bar Harbor, Margaret, Breezy Point, North Long, Mission, and Lake Hubert.  The hot baits are pretty simple.  All you need is a fishing rod rigged up with a small bobber, small jig, and a small minnow or worm.  Stay small early in the season, it'll produce big results.  Be sure to stop in for the latest.  Good Luck!

04-17-07

Well the first Professional Walleye Trail event of the year at Chamberlain South Dakota went very well.  The weather was a little rocky but we battled through it.  With temps hovering in the 20s and 30s and the wind howling the tourney officials were forced to cancel days 1 and 3.  So it was a one day tournament.  My partner by random draw was none other than our very own Richie Boggs.  The odds of that happening were very slim so I knew that luck was on our side before we even started.  We were very excited to get fishing and I'll be the first to say that I was impressed.  Mr. Boggs is one of the best anglers that I have shared the boat with.  He is always in a great mood and I had a great time.  We caught lots of fish and ended up weighing in 9.46 pounds for our five walleyes.  Good enough for 8th place.  We were very close to winning the entire event, just one decent fish away.  It was a great day on the water.

Here at home we are sort of in a rut.  Still ice on the lakes.  In fact some of our best customers have still been out pounding the big crappies through nearly 16 inches of ice.  But that won't last much longer, the lakes were looking very dark the last couple of days.  Hopefully if things go right we will have some open water on the smaller lakes by this weekend.  Keep checking back.  I'll be updating this site as everything starts to happen.  Our guides are raring to go as soon as we get some open water.  Just give us a buzz, we'll help you get set up for some fast crappie action.  It isn't uncommon in the next 3-4 weeks to catch 60-80 fish in a morning or afternoon.  In fact our guides are running a springtime special through early May.  A 6 hour guided fishing trip for big slab crappies, only $200.00.  Everything provided too.  All you need to do is show up, it is first class all the way.

03/27/2007

Things are starting to change around the Brainerd area.  Over the last week we have had 75 degree weather and some rainshowers.  This weather has really done a number on the lakes in the Brainerd area.  The ice fishing was very good while folks were still able to get out there.  Big crappies and sunfish have been biting in 4-12 feet of water.  Over the last 10 days or so the anglers were sight fishing with small jigs and plastic tails or wax worms.  The ice is now starting to creep away from the shorelines, making it more difficult to get out there.  I think my season is done and now I will be getting ready for open water crappies.  We've started getting a few calls for guide trips for this spring.  If anyone wants to get into some of our big black crappies please call and book soon. We are running a spring special until May 11, call us for details.  It is some of the most fun we have all year.  It isn't uncommon to have those 100 fish days in April and early May.  By the looks of things it will not be long now and we will have open water somewhere here around Brainerd.  Last spring it was around April 10.  My guess is it will be similar this season.  Our remodelling projects are nearing completion at the bait shop.  The new flooring is going in this weekend and the new bait tanks will follow. Be sure to stop and check out the new look.  Also check out the fishing pictures on this site.  I added the rest of the pics from the 2006 season.  I'm headed out to South Dakota for my first Professional Walleye Trail Tournament.  I leave this afternoon.  I'll give you my report plus a local update when I get back.

03-04-07

The Brainerd lakes area just was hammered by a couple of dandy snowfalls.  We have at least 20 inches of snow covering everything in sight.  The snowmobilers are out in full force now.  The fishing has been at a stand still for the last few days, not many anglers out.  There were a few diehards out chasing panfish.  From the sounds of it, the fishing was pretty good.  Now that the walleye/pike season is closed and we are finished digging ourselves out of the snow.  We will be hitting the lakes hard for crappies and bluegills.  Late ice offers the best panfishing of the winter season.  If you are heading out to try your luck be sure you have 4 wheel drive or a snowmobile and be sure to bring a shovel just in case.  Just a reminder, be sure to buy your new fishing licenses.  Last season's are now expired.

02-12-07

The crappie bite keeps plugging along on many of our smaller lakes.  I've heard good reports from all over.  Some of the best reports were from the Gull Chain, Cullen, Mission, and Gladstone.  They are still holding in the deeper water but now they are really starting to suspend off the bottom.  I'm sure it will vary from day to day but that is a sign that they are starting to feed more aggressively.  Hopefully it will continue right through the next month.  Small crappie minnows, maggots, and wax worms are all producing crappies and sunfish.  Sometimes we are catching the sunfish mixed in with the crappies, other times they are a little shallower.  As the weather warms look for the bite to get even better.  The walleye action has even been pretty steady the last 10 days.  Gull, Pelican, and North Long have been producing a few fish each evening.  Small/medium shiners on a plain hook under a bobber has been the top tactic.  The walleyes aren't real aggressive but if they look at something long enough they will bite sooner or later.  Sounds like the best action has been from 13-18 feet, but some fish have been caught deeper as well.  I think weeds are a good spot to key on for these late season walleyes.  The pike action has been steady but nothing to exciting.  Weedlines, smaller lakes, tip-ups, and suckers minnows for pike.  Good luck everyone.

01-26-07
The crappie fishing continues to be good on the Gull Lake Chain.  Small crappie minnows or wax worms are working the best.  The best bite varies but fish are being caught throughout the day into the evening hours.  The walleye fishing has been so-so.  Most anglers are now just catching one here and one there, but the fish have been a little bigger now than they were earlier this winter.  Shiner minnows in 26-38 feet of water is the best tactic.  The ice conditions are pretty good now, but I would still be careful out there.  There have been just too many horror stories with the ice this winter.  A few more weeks are left in the walleye season, wow it went fast.  I guess we got a slow start at it this winter.  I just returned from the annual spring/summer fishing tackle dealers show.  There are some neat things coming out this spring, be sure to stop in and check them out.  We should receive all the new stuff and have it on the shelves by late March. 

01-17-07

Extravaganza week is here!  The ice is looking to be in great shape for the Brainerd Jaycees 17th Annual Fishing Extravaganza on Gull Lake, Saturday, January 20th.

The fishing has been a little bit spotty this week.  It could be due to the arctic weather that the area has received.  It was the first real cold front that we've seen all winter.  We are still catching plenty of smaller walleyes on Gull Lake.  Seems like most anglers are still able to scratch out a couple of keepers along with a few throw backs each evening.  Golden Shiners have been the bait of choice for the walleyes.  The best depths vary a little.  Some guys are catching fish close to the weeds in 13 to 18 feet, while others are catching them a little deeper in the 22 to 26 foot range. 

The crappie bite remains steady on the smaller lakes.  The fish are stacked up in the deep holes and are feeding on crappie minnows or wax worms. 

01-10-07

The fishing continues to be pretty good for walleyes and crappies. We are moving into a cold front period so it hard to say what will happen now. I know that we are making ice and we need it. Most lakes have 10-14 inches right now. Hopefully we will get enough for the big Brainerd Ice Fishing Extravaganza on January 20. If we get the 16 inches required we will be ready to rock here at the bait shop. It is always an exciting day. Lots of anglers will be winning big. As for the fishing we are seeing some big walleyes showing up during the overnight bite on Gull. Big Golden Shiners are starting to produce on set lines. Gull Lake and Pelican Lake are the best bets lately. Anglers are finding the walleyes in 20-30 feet of water. Crappie fishermen are enjoying the evening bite on many of our smaller lakes. Roy, Margaret, Upper Gull, Gladstone, and Love Lake have been good locations for slab crappies. Small glow jigs tipped with a maggot, small crappie minnow or a wax worm is catching crappies from 4:00-7:00 pm. Pike are hitting sucker minnows along the weedlines on Gull and Lake Edwards. Good Luck this week and stay warm!

01-01-07