brainerd Brainerd Fishing Reports

[Traxxx]

Went out yesterday for a couple hours in the afternoon. The ice is still holding up fairly well but the shorelines are starting to get weaker. The south facing shore sees more sun, so that is usually the first to go. The spot we fished still had nearly two feet of ice. Fishing was very good up in 7-12 fow, in or near the weeds. Cleaned a few for dinner and heres what I found them to be feeding on. Good luck and be safe.

[JP Z]

Ryan were you out on the Gull Chain? So this snow didn't hurt the ice that bad?

[Traxxx]

JPZ..I'll take you there but you might have a hard time reading the flasher blindfolded. The ice is still in pretty good shape. There is about 3-4 inches of snow left on top. That has to melt before the sun can really start working its magic. We went out tonight and did some exploring. Found numbers of fish stacked up in a deeper hole. The action was great but size kinda ran on the picked over side. The ice was a consistent 20" or so out from shore. The south facing shore looks to be melting pretty good. Watch out for creek and channel areas.

Jpz probably going out tomorrow afternoon if your'e interested. Shoot me an email if you want to go. [email protected]

[Traxxx]

The suckers are starting their run in the streams. Hook, good sized splitshot or two and a chunk of crawler should do the trick. Look for them to stack up in the deeper holes.

[JP Z]

Ryan,

I missed the fishing figures....Maybe this summer we'll get out, or there is always next winter...in 16months hopefully. Nice Suckers.....And I know exactly where you're fishing. Watchout man.

[Traxxx]

I knew you would...

[JP Z]

You fishing there opener or the like? I will be there for the proper species......and suckers.

[Traxxx]

Not sure yet..I walked it a couple times earlier, when the water was real clear and didn't see any of the proper species. Does that stretch stay open all winter?

[JP Z]

Beats me, I only go there when I'm supposed to be.....and you won't see them. The undercut banks keep them where they need to be.

[Traxxx]

• Taking any species in designated trout waters during the closed trout

season is prohibited

JPZ, is "taking" the same as "fishing for"?

[JP Z]

I've asked the DNR about Sucker fishing at that time. And most of them say your fine, just if you get the guy who won't look at the obvious you are fishing in a body of water that you shouldn't be at the moment in their eyes.

[nwa1819]

Trax, do you live in the Brainerd area?

[Traxxx]

Yes, near Nisswa

[Sportland_Bait]

Its time to get started for 2009. Open water is here and a few reports are coming in. Lets share some.

The last couple of days there have been a few anglers stopping by the baitshop to get their crappie fishing gear. The reports were a little mixed. Which is typically for the early season. Some anglers reported some really good fishing. It should keep getting better and I'll keep you posted on the latest results. Including the latest ice out updates. Most small channels, bays, and ponds are open now. We should see some of the smaller lakes and bigger bays open this week. It sure is an exciting time of the year. Time to get out there and chase some slab crappies and sunnies.

Jason Erlandson

[Lakeside]

Not much open water to work with on my "secret bay" on the Whitefish Chain (as you can see in the background). Didn't find any crappies, just one little bass. Still the feel of the first fish of the season is always great.

[BoxMN]

Put my dock in Saturday, with the ice just out from it. Sunday it was about 30 or so feet out from the end of the dock. Should be gone by next weekend. This is on a small lake.

Tried for some early crappies, casting from dock, but no dice. Next weekend

[ozzie]

alot of ice looking real dark in the area.....LAKESIDE- does your "secret bay" have 2 entrances one with a bridge and the other through a little oppening in the north part of the bay? Just curious cause I fish out there alot and the backround looks kinda familliar.......hopefully the bays have crappies in them this coming weekend!!

[Sportland_Bait]

I drove by a few of the small lakes and bigger bays this morning. They are looking good about 80 percent open. Should be ice free by tonight, especially with the wind we have today.

Jason Erlandson

[MNUser]

How about Merrifield Bay? Is that open yet?

[pike2eye]

hopefully the ice doesn't shift

[pike2eye]

I think i know where your secret bay is located

[Lakeside]

alot of ice looking real dark in the area.....LAKESIDE- does your "secret bay" have 2 entrances one with a bridge and the other through a little oppening in the north part of the bay? Just curious cause I fish out there alot and the backround looks kinda familliar.......hopefully the bays have crappies in them this coming weekend!!

If I told you that and you looked for the dock at the south end with two green boat lift canopies you'd know exactly where I am. So I better not say.

[MNUser]

Looks like the opening from the WFC to Bertha. The marina would be on the south end.

[ozzie]

haha.....I think I was catching crappies around your dock last opener......

[big_shooter02]

Traxxx, I've been told by DNR at that stream that you are not allowed to fish in there or any other designated trout waters until trout is open...no matter the specie.

[WalleyeJeff]

Went to the landing in Merrifield last night, yes it is open (95%)

[JP Z]

I was going to say 100% percent open but either way it will be fishable. Anyword out on Pelican yet?

[pegleg]

You can go on Breezy Points webcam and check it out... looks about 20% open in the bay by Breezy.

Can anybody tell me if Round is open yet? Might try fishing it this weekend if the ice is out.

[Sportland_Bait]

The ice on Round should be gone by tonight. There is still a small bit of ice stacked on the south side. But this wind is making quick work of it. Good luck if you make it out there.

Jason Erlandson

[Dubleaa]

Anyone have information on the condition of the WFC - specifically Lower Hay?