Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Decisions decisions


Recommended Posts

I have a small delema. Not this weekend(opener) but the following, I think I'm going to take an extended weekend for some ducks, now I access and free lodging at two different locations, I'm not sure which would be better. What you you folks do. One is a cabin on a lake north west of Grand Rapids, cant remember the name of the lake..I've never been there but I have permission to use it. The said it's full of wild rice. The other is my Aunt and Uncles farm in Sauk Centre, I've never hunted out that way, but I know there is plenty of water and with my Uncles contacts maybe even a chance at some fields. What to do what to do? Your opinions are extremely valued.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

What's the duck report at each? grin.gif

That IS a tough decision! Personally, I like Grand Rapids area and I would go with the cabin. I guess it depends what information you have of the lake(s), if it has a history of good hunting, etc. If not, you never know what your going to get.

If all fails you could go fishing in GR.

Maybe someone like Bushwacker can put his $.02 about hunting the Sauk Rapids area. grin.gif

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ironman, I would vote for going 'up nort', I have seen lots of local clutches and I have heard of good numbers of early migraters on area lakes, mainly ringers. The rice crop this year is great, nice thick stands. And if you fill early(ha-ha), you can grouse hunt or fish.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Ironman,

Who are your Aunt and Uncle? I live in Sauk Centre and have Sauk Lake on one side of my house and a small pond on the other, just in the past 4 days the ducks have really started showing up. All mallards though, that I have seen, the woodies that were flying a couple weeks ago are now non-existent as far as I see. This has been one of the worst early season goose years in the past couple around here too. I have no idea why, but the numbers are just not as they usually are in the area. I would actually head north if it were up to me if the trip was going to take place in the next couple weeks. Later in the year it could be really good around here, but from the DU banquet last night in Sauk, the reports are not looking very good for opener. I am personally heading 45 miles north to give it a shot on Saturday and 90 miles north on Sunday. Good luck and if you decide on Sauk Centre it would be nice to meet another fellow FMer.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Yeah..I'm thinking up nort might be the way to go for early season anyways. I can always head to Sauk anytime later when the migrants start showing up. Dont feel right putting to much info out there but my My Aunt and Uncle's first names are Dora and Andy, if you know them that should be enough. The other good part about the northern MN area is if they aren't using that lake there is only another couple thousand around to check out. Thanks for the input! Any scouting reports from either local are greatly appreciated.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • mulefarm
      With the early ice out, how is the curlyleaf pondweed doing?
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   The big basin, otherwise known as Big Traverse Bay, is ice free.  Zippel Bay and Four Mile Bay are ice free as well.  Everything is shaping up nicely for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th. With the walleye / sauger season currently closed, most anglers are targeting sturgeon and pike.  Some sturgeon anglers are fishing at the mouth of the Rainy River, but most sturgeon are targeted in Four Mile Bay or the Rainy River.  Hence, pike are the targeted species on the south shore and various bays currently.   Pike fishing this time of year is a unique opportunity, as LOW is border water with Canada, the pike season is open year round. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. Back bays hold pike as they go through the various stages of the spawn.  Deadbait under a bobber, spinners, spoons and shallow diving crankbaits are all viable options.   Four Mile Bay, Bostic Bay and Zippel Bay are all small water and boats of various sizes work well. On the Rainy River...  Great news this week as we learned sturgeon will not be placed on the endangered species list by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.     The organization had to make a decision by June 30 and listing sturgeon could have ended sturgeon fishing.  Thankfully, after looking at the many success stories across the nation, including LOW and the Rainy River, sturgeon fishing and successful sturgeon management continues.   A good week sturgeon fishing on the Rainy River.  Speaking to some sturgeon aficionados, fishing will actually get even better as water temps rise.     Four Mile Bay at the mouth of the Rainy River near the Wheeler's Point Boat Ramp is still producing good numbers of fish, as are various holes along the 42 miles of navigable Rainy River from the mouth to Birchdale.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  A few spots with rotten ice, but as a rule, most of the Angle is showing off open water.  In these parts, most are looking ahead to the MN Fishing Opener.  Based on late ice fishing success, it should be a good one.  
    • leech~~
      Nice fish. I moved to the Sartell area last summer and just thought it was windy like this everyday up here? 🤭
    • Rick G
      Crazy windy again today.... This is has been the norm this spring. Between the wind and the cold fronts, fishing has been more challenging for me than most years.  Panfish have been moving in and out of the shallows quite a bit. One day they are up in the slop, the next they are out relating to cabbage or the newly sprouting lilly pads.  Today eye guy and I found them in 4-5 ft of water, hanging close to any tree branches that happened to be laying in the water.  Bigger fish were liking a 1/32 head and a Bobby Garland baby shad.   Highlight of the day way this healthy 15incher
    • monstermoose78
    • monstermoose78
      As I typed that here came a hen.  IMG_7032.mov   IMG_7032.mov
    • monstermoose78
      So far this morning nothing but non turkeys. 
    • monstermoose78
      Well yesterday I got a little excited and let a turkey get to close and I hit the blind!!
    • smurfy
      good......you?? living the dream..in my basement playing internet thug right now!!!!!! 🤣 working on getting the boat ready.......bought a new cheatmaster locator for the boat so working on that.   waiting for warmer weather to start my garden!!!
    • monstermoose78
      How is everyone doing? Holy moly it’s chilly this morning I stayed in bed and will hunt later today when it warms up.
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.