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Report 1/25-1/27


Bison_Brotherhood

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We arrived at Hillmans around 10:00a.m on friday and went out on there road and put our house at the very end of the 6.1 mile side road. The bite was really slow and we only managed 2 walleyes by saturday morning, although they were both slot(16.5,15). We were marking suspended fish for a few hours and nothing, all the fish would creep up stop on the bait and then vanish.

After the slow bite we decided to move the house. Our new spot was off of agassiz road at the very end where most of there rentals are located. We were off a break in about 12 feet of water. The bite began at about 2:00 p.m. and we managed to catch 5 more walleyes by Sunday morning. With 2 being slot and all the others over 17in. with two being close to 21in. The bite never really improved and the weekend was fairly slow. I always enjoy Upper Red, even if the bite is slow. I am a student at NDSU and this was my third trip of the year to Red. What really keeps me going back is the chance at getting into a school of slabs. Ill be going back up on the weekend of Feb.22 in hopes of catching a few slabs.

-Nic

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We where also up this last weekend arriving on Thursday approx 1:00pm and left Sunday morning. We set-up out off West Winds road. Almost all of the fish landed after dark. Very slow during the day. The bite would start between 4-5pm and continue through 6am with most fish coming through from 10pm-4am. Many fish in the slot (approx half), not many smaller than 15". 4-5 walleye in the 20-22" range with one monster that after a small fight broke the line, had it to the bottom of the hole twice to see that it was really a walleye and not a northern. The total walleye for the three of us was 69. We have had better fishing trips on Red, but also have had worse. No crappies.

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I had some buddies go up there this weekend and they caught a few walleyes but said that it was really slow. They have a camera and said that they saw some good sized northerns swimming around but couldn't get them to bite.

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Was up 2 weeks ago out of Hillmans and caught 40+ walleyes, in about 12' of water during the day. No crappies, 1 perch. Great day of fishing, took our limit home, 3 guys. Is the bite still on, sounds like it is slowing down.

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 Originally Posted By: 2iceman
Was up 2 weeks ago out of Hillmans and caught 40+ walleyes, in about 12' of water during the day

It could still be good there as almost everyone has headed to deeper water looking for crappies or following the other fishermen. Huge open areas with no fishermen from 11 to 13 feet of water.

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A friend and I are headed for Red Lake on Tues the 5th and should arrive by 6am. Neither one of us have ever been there and we are just hoping that anyone can provide any insight as to where we should start or what we should do. Obviously we will stop by the Waskish Minnow Station and buy our bait and any other essentials.I guess after reading so many post of other peoples trips we are super excited for it to be our turn! I have appreciated all the information shared on this forum by everyone! Kelly & John- your in depth information and truthful post were the main reason for us coming up. Is there anything that you can share that would help our trip be more successful? I know that you are in the guide business and you get paid for your knowledge, but we just can't afford to do that right now. One day though! Any current helpful hints would be appreciated.Is there a chance to meet you guys while we are up there? You both are kindda like legends amongst my group of fishing friends. Anyways, Thanks in advance for your help

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 Originally Posted By: dougr1969
Obviously we will stop by the Waskish Minnow Station and buy our bait and any other essentials.

Actaully you will stop at Hillmans and buy a road pass and bait. Common mis-understanding that the Waskish Minnow Station still has...minnows. confused.gif

Our Family retired from the retail bait business several years ago. The name has been in the family since Waskish was a homestead town so it was retained and Hillmans took over the entire bait and tackle end of it. It works out well for the ice anglers. Stop pick up your road pass, some minnows and maybe a few jigs or the one thing you forgot.

AS for where to go it is anybody's guess at this time. One day the crappies show up 4 miles out then the next they are showing up 8 miles out. The best thing I can think to do is find 11-13 feet of water away from other shacks and set-up. Poeple that are spreading out are smiling big but nobody is close enough to see it. ;\)

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Jonny P,

Thanks for the info. We will make sure to stop at Hillmans. Can't wait to get there. Any suggestions on the fastest route from Maple Grove (close to 169 or 101 ) Thanks.

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Don't know, I only have to go 1/4 mile to get to the lake. ;\)

I'm sure some of the guys that run it steady will chime in and give you some travel ideas.

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i was up the 24 - 27 bite was good we got bait a hillmans they did not have shiners so i would grt them before you git there

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dougr1969- go up to Mille Lacs and at the Y in Garrison and follow 6 all the way to the Deer River shortcut cr11 at the end of the short cut take a left on Hwy 2 towards Deer River and go through town to 46 right after the Casino follow that road till it ends in Northome and take a left on 71 a couple miles down take a right on 1 to 72 north on 72 through Kelliher to Waskish. 4-5 hours depending on stops and speed.....

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last year the theme was find some roughed ice with algae in it and fish those

is there much for roughed ice this year? any algae? what is your guys' strategy for deciding where to set up? (other than far far away from anyone else)

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How well can you get off the road now are you able to drive any where you want with a truck?

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my buddies where up there last weekend.they said you can go about anywhere as long as you watch out for the big snow drifts.

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take I 94 to Clearwater exit turn on highway 10 and follow that to Motley. Get on highway 64 and follow that all the way highway 71 and take that to Blackduck. take hghway 72 the rest of the way to Waskish.

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I was up 1/30 - 2/1 and went out of Hillmans - 8 miles out and was all alone for Thur night, but the Fiday came around and people started coming from everywhere and setting up. Caught a few walleyes on Thur, but nothing on Friday. Caught 1 walleye at about 1:30, and then nothing till I left Sat. morning. Pretty slow, but what are ya gonna do? Talked to a guy that went out 7 miles and took the 2nd road to the NW and caught a lot of walleyes and a few crappies. I guess I just picked the wrong spot. That's Red Lake fishin' though.

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Ozzie,

Thank you very much for the directions. I am writing them down as I type this. Any suggestions for a first timer to URL?

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Keep a line in the water and if you have a wheel house don't be afraid to try a different area or a small move in your general area (50 ft sometimes is all it takes). Don't be afaid to use bigger jigs.....and if you are in a rental bring the portables and move until you find something....Good Luck

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

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