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.

Grindstone Lake Fishing Reports


Recommended Posts

hopefully all the same great guys come this year again and some new faces as well. i'll bring the polish and some venison summer, thuringer, and salami so you guys can make some sandwiches in between the noon get together. i'll bring the 4 wheeler and help haul people around to different spots if ice is not safe for truck traffic. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Well I'm sitting here thinking about getting some Walleye and more of a tan this weekend, but count me in again for a Ice fishing GTG. May want to make it late Jan or early Feb as GS ice doesn't get hard to fast at the front part of the winter. Plus I maybe up bugging Foss and others on Burntside in Jan. wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites

let's see what happens as far as the ice conditions. i think most would come on a confirmed date. it would be great to have a condition where we can drive our trucks and the snow conditions were good too. it's early yet so let's plan on a date when most everyone can come. we will work it out and it will be a great one. last year the ice conditions were ok but every year is different. looking forward to your grill. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

i'll be going to grindstone next week primarily for smallies but will give the portaable downrigger a shot also for trout. anyone been there lately? i would think that landing is still good with all the rain we have had. i will correct that having looked at the calendar , it will be monday or tues the 29th or 30th. i will be testing a rig i designed for pike as well. my wife will be going with me and she is excited also. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll swing out and look at the landing early next week, I have not fished it, picked up a third job..... the 22nd is my fist day off in 19 days, so no reports on my end frown

Kettle

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks Kettle i appreciate it. this is what my wife and i are doing on our anniversary, going fishing. although grindstone is always our first choice, if the landing is low there's always lake ll or quamba. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Swung out there about a half hour ago with the coworker in the rig, level looked to be at a moderate level, not too high or too low. I work up on this end of the county on Sunday, will recheck then. The water fluctuation on this lake is frequently changing it seems. I get off tonight at 6pm so might try out there this evening if I don't end up on a late call. When the state was shutdown I bought a lakemaps book for this area, noticed some humps on the west end, I might jig around. They appear to be in front of the red barn, also the structure on the point just down from the camp on the east end might support some fish. I have a humminbird LCR 8000, it just shows blocks for fish so not sure if it will pick up schools of smelt, I think most would call it vintage.

Kettle

Link to comment
Share on other sites

those humps you speak of are one of my favorite ice fishing hangouts. jigging there would be a good idea. the humps are actualy south of the red barn. if you have a boat by the first point down from the barn and went out at a slight angle north east you should hit them. i dont know if i gave you my number last time we pm'ed but if you want it PM me and i could explain that area and the eastern hump as well. thanks again.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Made it out after work, nice day a little light rain. I jigged spoons for an hour, I did find one of the humps, not sure if it was the top went from 60' up to 36'. No luck there. Should have brought the fly rod fish were surfacing everywhere, guessing by the area of the lake and about 100' off the weed-line in roughly 60' they were rainbows. The launch was at a moderate level, barely hit the rim on the back tire to back it in far enough to drop the boat, it was lower earlier in the year. Ended up casting the original silver and black no 11 Rapala, had a nice follow up could see a wake behind the lure and then bam! Fish engulfed the whole lure and sheered the line, guessing it was one of those large Grindstone Pike! Very cool to see. I tied another one on and ended up with this dandy 21'' smallie, PB for me. Can't wait for my day off next week!!! Sorry about the pic quality, cell pic with me and some nice boat hair smile Almost forgot it was a CPR

SMALLIE.jpg

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks for that report. yes there were many times when i wish i could returned to a few years ago when i used a fly rod. i remember in the 70's there were always a few guys standing in front of the boat landing on the lake's shoreling walking up to the drop off and using their fly rods. yes there are some monster pike in that lake.

glad you got a dandy smallie. you will probably get your next personal best there as well. sounds like you found one of the humps. when i go there next time i will take my aqua view with and drift over the humps and see whats down there. again, congrats on that fine smallie. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

With the access a bit "iffy"... what are the chances of a 18' with a 150 making it through? Or is it too shallow now?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i'm going up early next week to find out myself but i may get a report before that. i have a 1850 crestliner with a 115 merc. i usualy dont have a problem and the landing has been better this year as far as the level. it all depends on the rain. if you look at kettle's post i would say it would be good to go at that time. some use electric motors and some your hydrolics to get out. stay tuned for a report. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i'm going up early next week to find out myself but i may get a report before that. i have a 1850 crestliner with a 115 merc. i usualy dont have a problem and the landing has been better this year as far as the level. it all depends on the rain. if you look at kettle's post i would say it would be good to go at that time. some use electric motors and some your hydrolics to get out. stay tuned for a report. good luck.

Thanks much for the info. I'm fine with having to walk the boat out to deeper water. Been there, done that at this very landing.

BUT... If worse-comes-to-worse, what other lake in the area is worth trying?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

my other options will be quamba which is off 23 near the town of quamba or lake 11 which is just about 5 miles of grindstone. quamba is a good panfish lake with pike and walleys present. i got a 31 incher [walleye] there fishing for crappies which i released. lake 11 is more of a bass panfish lake but it has walleys but i have never caught one there. i will probably hit quamba just for some fun. the sunnies are nice in there along with the crappies. it has a history of winter kill at times but so far so good. if you do walk your boat out there at grindstone [hopefully that is not the case] stay on the left side and on the shore if possible. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

my other options will be quamba which is off 23 near the town of quamba or lake 11 which is just about 5 miles of grindstone. quamba is a good panfish lake with pike and walleys present. i got a 31 incher [walleye] there fishing for crappies which i released. lake 11 is more of a bass panfish lake but it has walleys but i have never caught one there. i will probably hit quamba just for some fun. the sunnies are nice in there along with the crappies. it has a history of winter kill at times but so far so good. if you do walk your boat out there at grindstone [hopefully that is not the case] stay on the left side and on the shore if possible. good luck.

Thanks again, reinhard1!! I'll keep those in mind "just in case". As far as the left side of the creek... Are there issues on the right side? Quick sand? Snapping turtles? Irate land owner? I'll have at least hip boots with so getting a little wet is not a problem if necessary.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i believe the right side is private property as far as i know. plus the ground there is softer until you get to the slight curve right before it enters the lake. at that "curve" there is a little sand bar comming out but opposite fron there there is a deeper spot on the left side. if you can drop your boat in there you should have no problem with your electric motor or even with your prop just under the water, so there may be no need to walk out. keep in mind it stays shallow maby two feet deep even as you leave the creek and onto the lake and then she drops down quickly. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

i believe the right side is private property as far as i know. plus the ground there is softer until you get to the slight curve right before it enters the lake. at that "curve" there is a little sand bar comming out but opposite fron there there is a deeper spot on the left side. if you can drop your boat in there you should have no problem with your electric motor or even with your prop just under the water, so there may be no need to walk out. keep in mind it stays shallow maby two feet deep even as you leave the creek and onto the lake and then she drops down quickly. good luck.

Roger that... Thank you sir!

Now just to find the time to go. wink

Link to comment
Share on other sites

it will get better later in the fall and you will probably have the lake to yourself. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I think the access will be fine if you trim the motor up, it is shallow even when you hit the main lake like Reinhard said. I took some time off this week Thur-Mon, should be out several times with a report of the lake depth and hopefully some fish reports too! I fished Lake 11 twice this year nice panfish, was not able to pull out any eye's, pomaroy which is east of Hinckley is also a good panfish lake! If your looking for some bigger fish and you don't hit Grindstone, Oak lake up Hwy 23 by Kerrick hosts some larger pike in good numbers.

Kettle

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks Kettle, you have been a big help. today i rigged up rods for deep cranks and stuff for the shallows including panfish. i'm looking forward to have a good day with my wife on our 20th wedding celebration. thanks, good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Reinhard congrats on the 20th anv. I hope to get up to the grind to wet a line atleast once this summer. I am waiting for the cooler temps so I can try for some shallow lakers.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hitting it in about 6 hrs, will be back with report on the landing and hopefully a fish story or two grin going to head back to the folks this weekend and grab my dads portable downrigger for next week.

Kettle

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks Kevin. the humps on the west side should be good toward the end of september into oct. trolling deep cranks off the audobon point also should be good. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Out there today and I look like a lobster now, perfect day, quite a few smallies nothing huge a 14'' rainbow, I think I have them figured out if I would have brought a rod with more backbone I prob would have ended up with five, actually had one break my line at the boat around 17'' but water magnifies too. The landing has gone down, however I did see a 16' deep v with a forty horse make it out. I plan on sat or sun out there will update on the levels then. Caught the trout in about 25' 15' down under a slip with a worm, est side right off a submerged point break

kettle

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks for the report although it isn't exacty what I wanted to hear. Good that you got into a few. Bad that the water level dropped. Is there 18" to 2" yet at the landing? The deep V you saw launch... Did they idle out under power, or use electric or did they walk the boat out?

Kinda sounds like my larger boat may have issues.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

thanks Kettle. i usualy go by the tires on the landing. if the water level is below the half way mark of the tire it means i will be haveing problems with the big boat. i'm determined to make it out there monday with my wife so i will be looking forward to your report. thank you. good luck.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
    • 11-87
      Looking for recommendations on scope or red dot    I basically hunt turkey and whitetail, live in southern MN. So it’s all deer/ shotgun    looking to add a scope/ red dot as my eyes don’t work like they used to to with the open sights.    my gun options are 11/87 12. Browning BPS 12    not looking for the most expensive or the cheapest    pros and cons of one over the other
×
×
  • 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.