Blackduck area Fishing Reports

[Roscoe16]

What is the latest report on Blackduck Lake? Can a guy get around the lake with 4X4 pickup? Who has plowed roads open? Any perch action? Thanks.

Roscoe16

[Drake]

Blackduck Lake for the perch you've had to do some sorting, as there has been a mix of the little guys in with the bigger perch, but Blackduck hasn't really kicked into it's normal March madness for the perch fishing yet; our guest have also been reeling in some decent slab crappies out of the southshore (I added a pic to the site of one of the nice 15" crappies reeled in). Best bet for travel is either sticking to the plowed roads on the numerous lakes in the area or using the snowmobiles to get off road; we've had a couple people 4x4 it but it can get dicey with the snow. Aside from the two pay plowed accesses on Blackduck (northside and southside), Gull Lake also has a pay access and the sunfishing there has been pretty good (and like Blackduck Lake there is a 5 sunnie limit). Lakes like Pimusche, Big have been plowed out by local folks out of the public access so do not have a fee, and some of our guests yesterday doing well hitting the area lakes reeling in limits and keeping the fish cleaning room busy. Also look to Round Lake for some decent perch.

The official measurement of snow last night was .2, although it was more like 1-2"; and the Winter Storm Watch is in effect from Sunday night through Monday night with (right now) Blackduck showing a 70% chance. The temps have been more like January the last couple of days, with highs in the teens and lows back below 0; but good news is, they are suppose to start heading back closer to normal later next week, with next weekend showing sunny days in the mid 30's, so some great time for ice fishing at the different lakes in the area!

[Drake]

Nothing like waking up to temps showing -9 and looking at the calendar to see if this really is March? But to get in the 20's today & the sun is shining and folks are already out on the ice. Just a heads up for those heading up north tonight and tomorrow; the ever changing weather forecast (from 10pm to 7 pm tomorrow); that the band of snow is to hit around 10pm tonight and continue until turning to light flurries tomorrow afternoon. Each weather channel shows a different amount of accumulation; "Periods of snow with gusty winds at times. High 21F. Winds WSW at 20 to 30 mph. Chance of snow 70%. Snow accumulating 3 to 5 inches. Snow tapering to light flurries around noon. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph" so just a heads up for those traveling, snow with the strong gusts can cut down on visibility, especially in the open areas..drive safe!

[DunrovinResort]

Well, after all ofthe snow & very strong winds the last couple of days, we now have roads plowed out! All of our roads were filled in with 4' of snow because of all the winds! We are to center bar & north point & are hoping to get more done tomorrow, but it's been a VERY hard go! Will keep ya'll posted! So Dunrovin's access is now back open! Fish on!

[Drake]

With winds gusting up to 30 mph on Monday it was a little hard to tell exactly how much snow we got, but according to the weather channel it was 5.4 inches of fresh snow, so access owners have been busy plowing out their roads again. Fortunately it looks like our temps are going to be heading back closer to normal as the week progresses. Only a few anglers up braving the colds. Island Lake they did some weeding through the smaller fish to get a few larger ones but finding they were seeing the fish coming up to the bait, but not a lot of takers; same with Blackduck, scanning but not a lot of takers. Gull Lake some gills are being reeled in, look to the 20' depths, and a couple of local friends hit Upper Red and managed to reel in 4 crappies and kept a dozen perch in the 10" range. Hopefully as the weather warms up and the pressure becomes steadier the bite will get into the great March madness pattern we are all used to on Blackduck Lake.

[Drake]

Finally some decent weather for some perch & panfishing! Tonight is still suppose to get to 9, but temps this week are in the 30's and by Thursday in the 40's-and no more snow in the 10 day! If you are not hitting a plowed road, the easiest way to get around is via snowmobile. One couple came in last night and said that they had gone out from the public (via snowmobile) and they did well on perch and some crappies fishing along the southshore. One note on Blackduck Lake, near Moose Point someone had popped a pretty good size hole that didn't freeze and they didn't mark it so be careful in that area. Blackduck Lake does have two pay resort accesses with plowed roads, Gull Lake also has a pay access that is plowed, and there are a few other lakes in the area where locals have plowed open the accesses and made some roads which will make it easier for our anglers this week that don't have the snowmobiles so that they can hit different lakes. The spring bite is starting to kick in at the different lakes and you can tell when you drive by lakes, such as Round, seeing all the anglers out there.

[Drake]

Welcome to spring in Blackduck-a week ago it was 11 below; this week was absolutely fantastic with sunshine and temps pushing 50, now tomorrow back in the 20's and a low of 5. Thank goodness that's not going to last long and by Wednesday we're back in the 40's. Still snow coverage on the lakes and the easiest mode of travel is the snowmobiles. With the pressure & temps changing fishing has varied this weekend, while one group came in with a bucket of sunnies the next came back with just a few saying that they had the camera down there and were showing a lot of fish but only were able to get a few to bite. Shorelines are still holding up good on the lakes at this point and while we have a 30% chance of snow flurries for tomorrow there's no rain in the forecast for the next week at this time Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!

[Drake]

Been a pretty quiet week up here in the Blackduck area, and even driving down to Bemidji yesterday and looking around we only saw a couple folks out there. The snow coverage had really limited travel. Fortunately, the snow is melting down (we're starting to see patches of ground) so travel will be easier out on the lakes. Of course, they are saying a chance of 1 to 4" tonight, but so far just a dusting. The ten day forecast is showing highs around 40 (and 50 next weekend) and lows in the mid 20's; so far not showing rain in the forecast. As the season is winding down, we just wanted to say a huge thank you to all the familiar faces and the new folks that stayed with us this ice fishing season; can't believe it was our 12th ice fishing season up here!

[Drake]

OK, so in the 12 years we've been here we've not had an opener where Blackduck Lake still had ice, one time we didn't have total ice out until a couple of days before opener, but this year is not looking promising. What a difference from last year where we had wide open lakes in March. I am going to start a thread to keep the updates for the condition of the lake, and some pictures. But as of this evening the access was only opened about 30' out; the eastside didn't see just a small amount...so check the post I will start "Blackduck Lake Opener"

[Drake]

What can I say, except About Time! Blackduck Lake is finally open, I added a picture in the thread below (Blackduck Lake Opener), and as you can see in the picture it's a pretty windy day (wnw @ 18mph & strong gusts) Plus we got up to 89 degrees (at 4:30 still 81). The smaller lakes in the area have been open since Saturday, and there are a Lot of lakes in the Blackduck area not only for walleye & pike, but also nice sunnies, crappies and even a stocked trout lake. I just took my first Upper Red Lake walleye limit picture today for our site of two of our guests who braved the winds and went to Red & limited out on walleyes and they were back here before 4, presentation was a jig and a minnow and trying to stay anchored in the wind. They said Upper Red was wide open as far as you can see, saw a little floating more to the northwest way in the distance; but with these temps and winds that won't last long. FYI, we did just get a couple of cancellations for next weekend-Memorial weekend, so if you are still in need of a place to stay while fishing in the area for the long weekend, give us a shout & we'll get you set up. Time to get our boat ready to hit the open water!!

[Drake]

What a difference a week has made, all the lakes are open in our area, the dock is in Blackduck Lake and there were a half dozen truck/trailers parked at the public access; and the golf course tonight was quite busy with folks out golfing in shorts. This weekend is the big kick off for us with guests heading out fishing, of which the majority are going to be hitting Upper Red for some limits of walleyes. Everyone have a great weekend!

[Drake]

This past weekend was our real kick off for the walleye season, and what a fantastic kick off it was! Our guests basically all headed to Upper Red Lake and I believe all of them limited out on walleye, the fish cleaning shack was really busy this weekend! Fishing with a jig and a minnow, most were anchored in the 3 to 4 foot depths and casting out with a jig tipped with a minnow (and some said it didn't matter what presentation they used the fishing was hot). One angler even managed to reel in a 14" slab crappie. It was a rain off and on weekend, and today is looking pretty wet out there too, but that's not stopping our folks from heading to Upper Red. With the late arrival of spring we are behind on the trees budding, etc. We've got rain in the forecast the next couple of days and cooler temps, but the good news is this weekend, the long Memorial Day weekend, is showing sunny skies, no rain and great temps. So come on up and start the summer off with some great fishing!

[Drake]

Another beautiful day up here in Blackduck, 70, sunny and a 5mph SE wind. Not much new to report...our folks are still heading to Upper Red Lake and the bite is still HOT; kicking out limits for our folks and Johnny P. (fantastic fishing guide) stopped by and also agreed Upper Red was doing great. For our folks it's been anchoring in 3 to 5' depths and casting out, with about any presentation working. Johnny did say Westwind now has shiners for those wanting to use that as bait. Weekend forecast is showing temps in the low to mid 60's, with a 10 to 20% chance of rain and a SE wind around 10mph. So c'mon up and join us for the first long weekend of the summer!

[DaveZman14q]

Shiners, rainbows, or fat heads? Me and 2 buddies are having a debate. I say fat heads, they both say shiners. What do you guys think works best this time of year up there? Were gonna be on Island...

[Drake]

Hey Dave, typically for this time of year up here Shiners is the best bet;) We haven't had any of our folks hit Island Lake yet. Right now on Upper Red just about everything is working, and our guests have been rolling in today with their limits of Upper Red Lake walleye, still anchoring in the 4 to 5' depths and casting out (only seen a couple of those monster Red Lake crappies). While the majority of our guests have been hitting Upper Red, we have had a couple sets that went to the smaller lakes in the area afterwards to do some panfishing; and that's turning on as well (with the later ice out it was a little behind) but I've had 5 anglers come back with 5 limits of some real nice crappies come back today and four anglers out at a different lake yesterday and brought back near limits; the sunfish haven't quite started their heavy duty bite yet. FYI, the 4th of July falls on a Thursday this year, so many people are able to make a long weekend of it, we only have a few rooms left, so if you are wanting to head up for some fishing at the different lakes in the area give us a call and we'll get you set up ASAP! Good luck on Island Dave and let us know how you did!!

[Drake]

Hope everyone has enjoyed their Memorial Day weekend-and Thank You once again for your service to those out there that are Enlisted or are Veterans, it is because of you that we enjoy the freedoms that we have!

Some very happy anglers headed home today with limits of walleye and crappies and we got a few pictures for our wall in the office as well as the fb page. Upper Red Lake was the lake almost everyone went to for walleye limits, continuing to fish anchored in the 4-5' depths; while we did have some that tried another smaller lake in the area and did pretty well with walleye also with jigs and shiners producing the best. The lakes are a little behind, so we only saw a few sunfish but there were numerous limits of crappies in the 11" to 13.5" range fishing in the shallow 3 to 5' depths on the lakes in the area. There are so many lakes close to us..what a great area for fishing!

[DaveZman14q]

Fishing was pretty slow during the day, but had some pretty good action once the sun started setting and well into dark. We found most our fish in the 10-6 feet of water range on some rock/rubble with best action on either larger fatheads or shiners (they were even hitting our dead shiners). Missed way more fish than we caught (we had a lot of big shiners unfortunately), would throw a stinger hook on if I were to do the weekend over again. Most fish fell in the slot and had to be released. Threw back the eaters as well... All in all, I would say smaller shiners were the minnow of choice and the smaller jig the better.

[Drake]

Thanks for the report on Island Dave! Folks here are still going to Upper Red since the bite is so hot up there and reeling in limits of the walleye (just about to add another pic to our site) and saw a smaller crappie in the mix and a couple of perch. The smaller lakes in the area are continuing to put out really nice crappies in the shallows. One guest this morning was over on Blackduck, said he had to try different spots and ended up in a hot spot in 8 to 10' of water, fishing about 2 feet off the bottom and started reeling them in.

[fivebucks]

We were slow on Island this past weekend also so I only fished a couple hours each day and tended to other cabin projects. Managed to scratch out a meal and that was it other than a slot northern and a nice smallie. Big difference from the weekend before, just a few days after ice out when they were snappin good. Water is still very cold with surface temps at 46 degrees.

[Drake]

Thanks for the report Fivebucks; got some guys over there today looking for some Bass, which they said they've reeled in some nice ones from there before. Island is got a pretty cool temp.

Fishing in the Blackduck area has been going pretty good and the fish cleaning shack has been really busy. and the nice thing is, everyone is spreading out to different lakes. There are a LOT of lakes close by offering a wide variety of fish-from monster muskie and pike to sunfish and perch; with walleye, crappie, bass & rainbow trout! UPPER RED LAKE continues to do Very well, and everyone continues to bring back limits of those eyes. (Don't forget the slot changes to 20" on the 15th). A variety of depths is working, but the more shallow 4-5' is still producing a more continuous bite. BLACKDUCK LAKEis showing an increase in Northern Pike action, and the walleye bite continues to pick up for most of our folks working the breaks bring back some pretty thick walleye, as well as some nice 11-12" perch being brought in. The SMALLER LAKES in the area are continuing to produce crappies along the weedlines, and more sunfish are starting to come in. So far, no one has been out on BENJAMIN LAKE (stocked trout lake) so no reports from there.

[Drake]

Been busy around here so haven't been online much..sorry about that! What a fantastic week to be up here..sunny, 70's, decent winds and good fishing! Upper Red Lake has still been the place for us and our guests for the best walleye action, with everyone still coming back to the fish cleaning shack with their limit of walleyes. Not that many have been on Blackduck (again, Red is going so strong), but the ones that are hitting the Duck are reeling in not only some walleyes (not limits) but also some nice 11-12" perch, and the pike are keeping folks busy too. Everyone has been spreading out and hitting many of the smaller lakes in the area, and there are a Lot to choose from up here, for the panfish, as well as walleye. Again seeing a lot of northern pike action, but also having folks reeling in some nice crappies, the sunnies are starting to come in for spawn now (which our guests are doing catch and release on the females that haven't spawned), and even some bass and a few decent walleyes are being caught while walleye fishing.

[Drake]

Sorry, had to leave unexpectedly for a week so didn't get a chance to do a report; made it back in time for a busy weekend & to take a look at pictures from last week. It has been good up here in the Blackduck area the past week (a little tougher the day after the strong winds), on the Duck, most are finding the best walleye bite in the evening (6pm on) hours, working those bars and using leeches. Upper Red Lake continues to have a very good walleye bite (and an occasional monster crappie in the mix)again with jigs & spinners with leeches or minnows, not as concentrated near the mouth of the river, but spreading out staying in the 5-7' depths; with a few crappies being caught in the more shallows.

The smaller lakes in the Blackduck area (again, there are soooo many lakes around us for panfish, walleye, bass, pike, muskie & rainbow trout) have produced really well for the majority of our anglers. Sunfish and the crappies in the more shallower areas along the weedlines, with the crappies hitting better in the evening; our bass fishermen had a great time with a lot of action this weekend, and saw some very nice walleye-everyone really spread out this past week & weekend hitting different lakes.

The 10 day forecast is looking like a perfect fishing forecast, temps in the upper 70's/low 80's, no rain in the forecast and winds are showing a steady 5 to 10 mph for the next ten days.

[Drake]

Hope everyone had a safe and Happy 4th of July. We had some folks just up visiting; some relaxing & sightseeing at Camp Rabideau (one of the few remaining CCC camps in the nation that is just down the road), and the Lost Forty; and some just swimming at Benjamin Beach and then hitting the festival in Bemidji; and the rest were up fishing, of course! Fishing has been pretty good,and was really happy to see our folks are hitting numerous lakes in the area, and aside from Blackduck I don't think any two groups hit the same lake; we even had some that hit Benjamin Lake for rainbow trout and limited out. Where some lakes had been pretty hot but slowed down, others that were slower are now really kicking in. Blackduck Lake has had some really nice walleye in the evening hours hitting the bars in the 10-17' depths, with fishing varying from group to group-one angler would have 6 really nice eyes and the next would have one; the smaller lakes in the area are producing sunfish during the daytime hours & crappies in the late afternoon/early evening (with many on the weedbeds in the shallows and some larger gills in the 14' depths found while walleye fishing at the smaller lakes).

Upcoming 10 day forecast is looking pretty good, with temps cooling back down to the normal high 70 range, and aside from a 40% chance on Tuesday no rain is in sight (the big storm we were suppose to get Saturday didn't materialize). A couple of upcoming area events: this weekend (7/12-14) the Big Bog Festival in Kelliher; next weekend (7/20 & 21) the Annual Arts in the Park, Quilt Show, Car Show & Swap Meet in Bemidji; and July 27th the 30th Annual Blackduck Woodcarvers Festival in the park next door to us.

[Drake]

Busy busy so sorry for the delay in posting; a lot of things happening in the Blackduck area. Fishing: Pretty much our typical summer pattern on the various lakes in the area. On Blackduck and Gull Lakes look for the walleyes in the 12-16' depths by the bars with a small spinner with leeches typically doing better but some reeling in with bottom bouncers and crawlers; crankbaits are starting to produce to in the shallower areas along the rockpiles, weed edges. Bass fishing continues to do very well in the area, and a lot of great little lakes in the area for panfishing; Sunfish look towards the cabbage and also find the crappies in the deeper parts of the cabbage and in the 10-14' depths. Benjamin Lake continues to have folks busy either on the beachside or on the deeper end of the lake fishing and reeling in the rainbow. Other things happening in the area include this weekends kids hockey and baseball tourneys, the car show in Bemidji; next weekend is the 30th annual Blackduck Woodcarvers Festival and Craft Fair; and Wednesday, July 31st starts the Beltrami County Fair

[Drake]

Hard to believe how fast the summer is going. In a couple weeks it will be Labor Day (last long weekend of the summer), bear hunting begins and my favorite time of the year for walleye fishing-can't believe there is already a few spots where the leaves are beginning to change. Most of the fishing for our guests the last couple of weeks has been panfishing, and they have been doing fairly well hitting many of the smaller lakes in the area and trying lakes that they have never fished before and reeling in the gills; keeping those in the 9-10" range. Part of the reason for the panfishing is we've had some pretty windy days, so a little harder to get out on the bigger bodies of water. Upper Red Lake has been hit for the eyes, with the bigger eyes being caught in the 8-10' depths pulling a shad; finding more of the smaller (12-14" eyes) in the shallower depths, but that's where they are beginning to find more of the large pike. Otherwise folks with us have been hitting places like the Lost Forty, Camp Rabideau and other sight seeing type places.

[DaveZman14q]

Any idea where to begin looking for some walleyes on Island This weekend? I'm thinking those off shore mid lake humps are a good place to start. Any ideas? Certain depths i might try targeting?

[fivebucks]

I will be in the same boat (so to speak) this weekend. It has been a tough year on Island for me so I am not too optimistic on good fishing. I will be trying anywhere from 10' - 20' and narrow it down from there. Normally Labor Day weekend they start picking up again so let's hope for that. Good luck to you.

[Drake]

We haven't had anyone over on Island for a couple of weeks; in fact our anglers the last couple of weeks have been targeting the panfish, and catching the occasional walleye while panfishing. The sunnies have been what the majority are reeling in, most anchoring in the 10' depths then casting out to the 7 to 8 foot depths with a slip bobber, with those who are fishing later in the day catching some crappies. I agree with you on the Sept bite for the walleye, once we start cooling back down (been in the upper 80's to mid 90's here-but next week back to the norm of low 70's and upper 60's for highs) the walleye bite on most all the lakes in the area gets going really well..have to admit, September has been one of my best months for the eyes! Good luck this weekend!

[DaveZman14q]

Are there any good cabbage weed beds on Island that anyone knows about? Preferably in the 6-12 foot range??

[Drake]

The weekend started off really good yesterday with our guests hitting different lakes in the Blackduck area, and the really great thing was we got to add a photo to our facebook site of a group of 4 young anglers with their catch of the day, of with one of the youngest ones reeled in a 35" pike, and some nice walleye..love it when the kids get into the fish! Today mid afternoon a short lived but strong storm rolled through, fortunately our anglers said they all managed to get off the lakes before it it, but our folks out on the golf course weren't so lucky and they got pretty soaked. The strong winds caused some downed trees, mostly at the golf course, and a three hour power outage. But the storm did help to reduce the temps, with tomorrow showing only in the mid 60's (next week in the mid 70's to low 80's-love the cooler temps for that fall walleye bite to kick in).

FIVEBUCKS, did you get hit over on Island today with the storm? Hope everyone has a safe and Happy Labor Day weekend. And good luck to those who are heading out for opener of bear hunting season tomorrow!