DNR Ready for Squeezing on Big Sand & Emma

[TroutYammer]

I talked a Park Rapids DNR marine bioligist today and they stated that they have a walleye sampling station on the creek between Emma and Big Sand ready to go. It's a little early yet but they have had a few "green" females show up already. So the early ones are getting ready to stage for spawning already. The guess is by next week (or by May 1rst) they will already have some spawning action.

[TroutYammer]

I looked at the 10-day weather forcast for Park Rapids Area...looks like cool weather and rain. That should slow the spawking down for an extra week or so.

[Jason Durham]

They don't have the nets set up yet, just the sign. I talked to Doug Kingsley (PR Fisheries Supervisor) this morning. They are going to wait until the ice is off of Emma.

They'll sample eyes that swim through, but strip the suckers to use as food for muskies in the rearing ponds.

[TroutYammer]

Jason: Is Big Sand a good lake for walleyes opening weekend? I have never tried it except in the fall. Do the mid-lake humps product on opener weekend or are they too deep so a guy shouls stick to the shroeline structure?

[Jason Durham]

Big Sand used to be "THE" lake to fish around opener, or at least the week or two after. The fishery is down quite a bit, but that doesn't mean there isn't good fishing to be had. I'd avoid the steep drops. If you go, head to the north end on the massive flat and use a jumbo leech.

Ten years ago it was hard to find a parking spot at the access around opener, now it's thinned out some because of the decline in both numbers and size. But I'd still recommend it, Big Sand is a dynamic fishery.

[TroutYammer]

Thanks for the tip. I never would have thought to use leeches on opening weekend. I have always used minnows because I never thought of using leeches or crawlers that earl in the season.

[fur taker]

jason thanks for putting up the info on the trap, we are expecting to put the trap in late next week but that is still tenative. As far as where the spawn is at, the walleyes are giving eggs everyday, even with the cold or cooler weather. Sunday some of the nets were fishing around the area but most of the fish were held for the next day. the runs are going good right now with good numbers of quarts being taken each day but we will see what mother nature does with the runs on firday.

if you guys want I can let you know when the trap goes in and maybe post some pics of fish or the trap working

[TroutYammer]

Fur Taker: Any pictures would be great..keep the information coming. It is all really interesting.

[fur taker]

we started setting up the trap today and plans are to be fishing it tuesday night after we finish setting it up I will try to take some pics for ya

[TroutYammer]

Any idea day you expect to see peak spawning activity for walleye at the trap?