upper red lake Upper Red Lake Fishing Reports by Cookie

[ozzie]

Happy thanksgiving Cookie to you and your family!!!  Glad to see you made it through the summer and are getting ready for the long winter on such a Grand Lake!

[cookie129]

not sure why its not showing I'm posting? Anyway walking out on the south shore gets you in deeper water quicker. Yes they do bite on red lake during the dark. I hardly ever go on the lake early ice unless Buddy Hillmen needs my help. Once I drive on the lake with blue thunder I will be on her just about everyday un  tell mid march if mother nature cooperates.

[CLPDB]

Was hoping to come up with a 1/2 ton and a 16ft wheel house Dec. 1st.  Any thoughts if the ice will be think enough to go out of Hillmens?

[cookie129]

i would say no looking at the forecast  after sunday single digits every night. better chance the following week

[ZachD]

Well went out Friday got 2 in the morning while it was cloudy then the sun came out and just got a bunch of lookers kind of just bs with the other people I met up there. Sunset I got another and at dark got my limit.

One was on a set line with a fathead the other three on a white and pink buck shot tipped with a minnow head.

Was fishing in 11fow didn't go far out. 9 inches of ice where I was fishing. But that does not mean 9 inches everywhere!

 

[cookie129]

Not even sure where to start? As quite a few fishermen may know we had a tragedy here on upper red lake this past weekend. A young couple Zeth and Melissa lost there lifes  doing what it looked like they loved to do from pictures and comments I have seen and heard of the couple.
I'm a little different then most guys and I can become a little more emotional then others and I will flat out say I have shed a few tears and am choking up right now as it breaks my heart. I have read a couple of post out loud to the hammer My wife and can not get them out with out tearing up..
Facebooks Ice Fishing Minnesota has a post where you can post a fishing picture in there honor. what a beautiful tribute in my opinion.
It turns out that Zeth was from Stacy Minnesota. My wife's sister shell chick lives in Stacy. I raised our family in Wyoming Minnesota just down the road from there. My helper from years ago Tony had played softball with Zeth as a team mate and against him. Mark works with his dad. Renea son was best friends with him, Bob's daughter's boyfriend was a friend . Paul had just talked to him. Its such a small world sometimes.
Melissa brother posted a story about spotting a couple dark objects on the lake that led him to the recovery site. The dark spot were two eagles, When we had my grandma Olga's funeral  here in waskish there were eagles flying over the church.
 The hammer does not want me going on the lake at this time, I feel very confident to venture out but  just like every year I stay back un tell I can drive blue thunder on the ice. Once I'm on the lake I could possible be out there close to 100 days in a row so I'm never in that big of a hurry ,plus my mentor, cousin Pete who has lived here all his life and was best friends with my dad  has always said slow and patient, don't be in a hurry, that how things get broken. By the way my father died in a car accident heading home from waskish in 1978.  I never got to here all the stories he had of his stomping grounds up here as a teenager. I can only imagine as he was a daredevil as he raced figure 8s in Colorado when I was a kid. I know they use to water ski up and down the tamarac river and try and sling shot each other into the reeds. I have also heard a few car stories but will not share as I do not want to give any one any ideas.
 I had a close call or two on this lake . When I was 6 I was on the lake with my cousin Stan and my sister when we ran out of gas  and a storm blew in. We lost both oars and were at the mercy of the wind and the waves. We had no clue we were in danger un tell a rescue boat retrieved us.
 Mother nature can be extra wicked up here as I have blogged over the years as well as summer,
I try and request a prayer every year in church that all the fishermen and workers on the lake have a safe season. Do to the circumstances  of what happen I would rather not share any fishing reports for a few days. I'm not even sure how I'm going to feel when I do get on the lake. As Dave the old timer told me ITS A GRAND LAKE AND IT OWES ME NOTHING NOTHING
 May you rest in peace Zeth and Mellisa, and I'm so so sorry
 

[cookie129]

Here at my place I'm making progress for the up and coming ice fishing season. Slow and steady. The fleet keeps getting bigger .We now have the red baron running great "Knock on wood" all though it does need a couple parts. He does not go on the lake right away so were good  for now.

Blue thunder went from what I assumed was a little job to remove and replacing the whole front differential, We were able to remove a different one from the original  blue thunder 1.  Blue thunder 1 was a heavy duty 3/4 ton and even though we thought it was the  same  one major part was different. The steering arm was shaped just a little different . It took 5 saw blades and a small tank of acetylene to remove it. Then we realized the u-joint was shot so that had to be replaced and the left axle had to come out. He is all put back together now . I also picked up a new set of rear shocks to match the new front ones. Looks like there will be some more torching to remove them, but that's to be expected when your dealing with a 33 year old truck.
 The new edition is another chevy we nick named White lightning aka Cheyanne. He is a she and needs a new radiator . Then once she is on the road we will deal with any other issues that may arrive.
 The old dodge prospector is in the woods for now .It may be time to say goodbye but will see.
There may also be a runner vehicle in the future but we will know more later on.
 We did have a couple cancelation for this weekend due to the tragedy last week which I completely understand as no ice is completely safe. Buddy Hillmen has been on the ice every day since she locked up and has traveled around quite a bit watching and keeping notes of any thing that may concern him. He has his road staked out to about 3 miles where he does not recommend any one  traveling past the pressure ridge that formed. It heads to the north where it turns and heads west north west. I did venture out on the ice yesterday just to check where I would like to start the season and found 12 inches with a little less the further you go west where I never found any ice under 10. I also talk to a few fishermen and they were catching a couple that's slang for more then two .
Mike and his crew had a few, again slang for over 3.
The other Mike in the cabin with his two buddies did not fair as well and got a honest few 3.
 The to do list has been shrinking as we get closer to hauling the houses out of the woods. A little snow would help that progress but good old mother nature will make that decision unless I have to do a snow dance and I sure do not want a lot of snow so it may have to be a modified slow snow  dance. Its 25 here this morning so that's good.
 Buddy is allowing wheelers, sleds, side by side off his access and asking not to venture past the pressure ridge at about 3 miles. Please remember to use common sense if your coming up.
 

[cookie129]

Well yesterday was a very busy and productive day to say the least. All our guest caught a few fish through out the day and came off the lake just after or before sunset to be on the safer side.. everyone reported 10 to 12 inches of ice. on our end of the lake. Buddy Hillmen was planning on letting single axel wheel house 16 feet and under out with wheelers. There phone number is 218 647 8504.
 Its so nice to have close friends. Chris came up and we went for a walk in the woods hoping to spook up a grouse and also look for a flu flu arrow I lost when I missed a grouse this fall. We did see one bird but he was out of range. when we got back Chris was kind enough to help me button up old Minnesota's project.
The guys in the cabin struggled finding fish, but yesterday stumbled onto the mother load and I was able to visit them and have a couple pieces of fresh fish last night.
Deb and Jim are coming up to give it a shot today while everyone else here will be packing up this morning.
I was hoping to make it to church for advent but saying goodbye too our guest may throw off the timing.
Today I need to spend the time picking up any thing on the ground lying around as snow is predicted starting Monday afternoon.
I would also like to take chris to my honey hole for grouse as it was huge for him to take the time to help me yesterday.
 The vexlars are charged and tonight the rods and reels will be prepped for the up and coming ice season.
 All the vehicles are starting and will see what this cold does to them. They still have a few small issue but they always do. I'm going to do a no snow, snow dance today and tomorrow but not sure if its going to work. Mother nature is getting ready to show her nasty side with snow and high winds out of the north then nw.
 Well its getting lite and I have ton of things to do. I can not empathize enough if your fishing on upper red lake please use common sense , Talk to the resort before you go on the lake. Be safe and have a buddy fishing with you. There's plenty of good fishing with in the first mile or two. We have all season to work our way out further as the season progresses.

[cookie129]

My no snow slow snow dance started off as rain? Guess I made a mistake and did a rain dance. Cleaning off the trucks last night I would say we got 3 inches far less then they predicted 9 to 11. The winds picked up last night and are howling right now. The snow was wet and heavy to start so I'm hoping its not blow in my landing to bad.
 Barny from Kellier is coming up today to do a little welding for us before we pull the house's off the shore line. Montana needs a hook re welded and the metal grade step repaired, Florida also need some work on the step.
 I got the radiator ordered for white Lightning aka Cheyanne. I'm hoping it arrives before Saturday and I can get Devon to install it while there here. We also have a lite bar for blue thunder that Devon gave me this summer. I noticed the wipers quit working on the red baron and we will have to check that out as there kinda important out there on the lake.
 Josh from Annandale is running a snowbear out there this year. He has a helper Travis that was out there yesterday guiding some customers. I talk to him briefly before the rain and snow started and he landed a 16 incher while I was talking to him, kinda curious how he did after that.
 I expect quite a few rentals will be working there way out on the lake starting Wednesday, my plans are to check my area one more time before I make the move onto the lake. I'm hoping to find 14 inches of ice the whole route so will see how that goes.
 I'm sure Buddy Hillmen will start dragging his road this morning if there's good visibility. He like to get that snow off asap to make the ice thicker on the road. Plus with a good wind a lot of it catches the air and its much less plowing.
 I know I have said it many times but it is one heck of a road and he takes a tremendous amount of pride in building it. Its a lot of work, a lot of ware and tare on the trucks, but I also enjoy being part of his operation.
 Crazy but I have heard and saw pics of a few. " More then 3" elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies this  year. Deb and Jim did not fair to well sunday fishing. I think it was there first time on red lake. They did manage to get two in the time they fished and also missed a couple. They came off the lake before dark to be on the safe side.
 If you decide to come fish upper red lake in the near future please check in with the access resorts. With the snow cover they will have information Of any areas to avoid since they have all been checking condition daily. Remember common sense and if it does not look right it is probably not. Do not try and go to saved waypoints un tell we have weeks of ice making temps. Its just a fish. There's plenty of fishable ice that's average 10 inches. And the last Thing is remember as the old timer Dave told me" ITS A GRAND LAKE AND IT OWES US NOTHING!, NOTHING!

[cookie129]

My no snow slow snow dance started off as rain? Guess I made a mistake and did a rain dance. Cleaning off the trucks last night I would say we got 3 inches far less then they predicted 9 to 11. The winds picked up last night and are howling right now. The snow was wet and heavy to start so I'm hoping its not blow in my landing to bad.
 Barny from Kellier is coming up today to do a little welding for us before we pull the house's off the shore line. Montana needs a hook re welded and the metal grade step repaired, Florida also need some work on the step.
 I got the radiator ordered for white Lightning aka Cheyanne. I'm hoping it arrives before Saturday and I can get Devon to install it while there here. We also have a lite bar for blue thunder that Devon gave me this summer. I noticed the wipers quit working on the red baron and we will have to check that out as there kinda important out there on the lake.
 Josh from Annandale is running a snowbear out there this year. He has a helper Travis that was out there yesterday guiding some customers. I talk to him briefly before the rain and snow started and he landed a 16 incher while I was talking to him, kinda curious how he did after that.
 I expect quite a few rentals will be working there way out on the lake starting Wednesday, my plans are to check my area one more time before I make the move onto the lake. I'm hoping to find 14 inches of ice the whole route so will see how that goes.
 I'm sure Buddy Hillmen will start dragging his road this morning if there's good visibility. He like to get that snow off asap to make the ice thicker on the road. Plus with a good wind a lot of it catches the air and its much less plowing.
 I know I have said it many times but it is one heck of a road and he takes a tremendous amount of pride in building it. Its a lot of work, a lot of ware and tare on the trucks, but I also enjoy being part of his operation.
 Crazy but I have heard and saw pics of a few. " More then 3" elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies this  year. Deb and Jim did not fair to well sunday fishing. I think it was there first time on red lake. They did manage to get two in the time they fished and also missed a couple. They came off the lake before dark to be on the safe side.
 If you decide to come fish upper red lake in the near future please check in with the access resorts. With the snow cover they will have information Of any areas to avoid since they have all been checking condition daily. Remember common sense and if it does not look right it is probably not. Do not try and go to saved waypoints un tell we have weeks of ice making temps. Its just a fish. There's plenty of fishable ice that's average 10 inches. And the last Thing is remember as the old timer Dave told me" ITS A GRAND LAKE AND IT OWES US NOTHING!, NOTHING!

City: waskish
Remote Name: 209.191.208.74
Date: 03/11/2003
Time: 11:30:31 AM

Upper_Red_Lake

To all fishermen, If you spend 1/2 hour reading the past reports on here you should have all the knowledge you need to find those elusive crappies. Come and enjoy the lake , give every one plenty of room, Please bring your garbage home. Who ever left the 12 pack of empty bud cans I picked them up for you. Where do you think this garbage goes?I will tell you it ends up on the bottom of the lake or on shore so please take it home with you.This lake is pristine lets all keep it that way. THANKS COOKIE

[cookie129]

Here's the scoop, Buddy Hillmen is now allowing 1/2 ton trucks with single axle wheel houses..

Also any size wheel house pulled by wheeler or side by side.

Drive slow there's a bridge plate about a mile out. Do not try and cross berm to the south of road. I have all ready seen a couple tracks where they did not make it through.

be safe use commom sense and enjoy such a grand lake.

On a side note. Last weekend a small fish house was set up about 200 yards from me. Sunday I was driving by and noticed a plastic bag so I stopped to pick it up. It was pushed down into the augured hole and turned out to be a bag of poop. From now on I will be taking random pics of wheel houses and if I find that kind of crap again I will be reporting to dnr and expect a possible ticket in the mail.

 

[cookie129]

Day 7 of having the houses on the lake and I hate to say it seems a lot longer. North Dakota has been moved for its third time as well florida . I'm hoping to get montana and old Minnesota moved today followed op by north Carolina.
 Criag and his family Mary, the kids, Addison, Carson and Conner. Craig had it all dialed in to how and fish with small kids and brought up tip ups that he placed in the holes then put the hole covers back on. each one had a beeper alarm that triggered a bite . They had a Grand time and I escorted off the lake in somewhat whiteout conditions Tuesday morning.
 Dale and Bobby rolled in Monday  fro old minnesota. Last year I promised them a fish dinner and due to a blizzard on the lake last year we did not go out there that night. It could not of worked out better as The fish we  kept while wayne was here were just sitting in a bowl of ice, cleaned from the day before . The hammer and I headed out around 4 to have dinner and fish a bit. We were only in the house for less then 15 minutes when dale set the hook on a nice fish. When he saw it and thought he had a sheaphead but low and behold a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie was splashing in the hole. It was 14 1/2 inches,  not only the biggest he has ever caught but also his first upper red lake crappie, they have been here numerous times over the years winter and summer, that's just says how elusive they truly are. Then to boot it was in the hammer's favorite spot but she took it like a trooper.  As I was taking a pic, the rattle wheel went off and the hammer lost what could of very well been another elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. :pouty: Then Bobby jo says hey my bobbers gone, another swing and a miss. Wow! did a small school happen to pass by . The world will never know ?
 Dinner could not of turned out better and Dale commented it was the best fish fry he had ever had. 
  Mel, Dan and Robbie were also here installing new carpet in florida montana and old Minnesota. They had a hoot while they were here as always. They sure love having fun and fishing. They managed to eat some fish and also take home a few. The carpet turned out great .
  Of course in between all this action, mother nature had to throw in her two cents. Most of the main road stayed open by design but the side roads drifted in pretty good and also left some pretty good drifts around houses on the lake. Then the berm on the south collapsed sending a few cracks through the road. So if your on Hillmens highway, please drive slow, its not a freeway! Think of it as a school zone or your out on a sunday drive.
 Today Rick and Dianne roll in as well as Ryan and his crew, so I again have plenty to do this morning. 16 holes to augur and I would like to get old Minnesota moved as well as montana.
 I did stop and check on Matt and Billy in old Minnesota as I was leaving the lake and matt had caught a fishing pole  with a nice 19 incher attached. Turns out Bobby jo's pole was missing Tuesday morning. I took the pole but they would not give me the fish to also return to her.
 

[cookie129]

The first thing is I say Merry Christmas. So Merry Christmas to all.
 Been battling the elements here on the shores of upper red lake. The wind and snow squalls seem to never stop. Keeps a guy a little busier that's for sure.
 Ryan and his family Shannon, Leo and Jack arrived right on time for one night in north Dakota. They did well and took home 10 fish for sure. They may of caught a couple more after I said goodbye.
 Rick and Dianne met us at  westwinds customer appreciation Thursday eve and just like every year westwind the premier resort here in waskish did a outstanding job. Rick was edgy to get back out to florida and start there mini vacation on the ice. they to did well and went home with 8 keepers.
On the other hand the hammer and I fished old Minnesota Friday night. We spent the night on the lake, With the house on a new spot I expected we would catch a few fish. Lets just say the honey bun might want to hire a guide next time because we could not bye a fish. The rattle wheel did go off twice in the middle of the night with nothing there both times. Mean while every one else had action. I'm thinking there was something wrong with our minnows. We did enjoy the sunrise and I made eggs and hash for breakfast on the ice.
 Sam and his better half were fishing a bout 200 yards away and got 6 Friday night. Pat and Long hair also arrived Friday and had 7 Saturday morning. Another wheel house just to our left got a couple? and a 34 inch pike. I was thinking that pike may of been under are house as another reason we could not by a bite as I did have a fish on twice that felt big Saturday morning before we packed up.
 I also had a phone call Saturday morning as a guy lost his hand gun down a hole. We were able to retrieve it with a magnet, camera and a little ingenuity. He sure was happy to get that back.
 Friday morning I stopped in to check on Rick and Dianne .I was having a cup of coffee figuring out what I had to do and why I had so much time on my hands? Once I got to work I was behind with in minutes as the vacuum quit working. I then had to install new handles on the hole covers and darn if the drill was not in the other truck. What should of taken a few minutes turned into a hour of work. Its so funny how many times during the season  it will be in the other truck. Even if I have two of something they end up in the same truck.
 Blue thunder is in the process of getting a new radiator before this cold snap coming. I did have a cancelation for Tuesday and Wednesday for florida. I guess it was going to be to cold, as Lance said the kids would go stir crazy. 
 Today Rick and Heather are spose to arrive .They had planned the same trip last year and a blizzard kept them form coming up.  I guess if it works out I will move old Minnesota again for the hammer and I to fish again because where its at was horrible.
 There plenty of plowing to do this morning as the winds were  blowing like crazy yesterday

[cookie129]

Wow with the major part of the season starting tomorrow, good old mother nature  has decided to make things just a little tougher. -19 as I type with a high today of -14. Will be waring a face mask today as I plan on moving Montana after Pat and Long hair Mike  take off. They said last night when I check on them I should leave the house there as the fishing has been outstanding? Both times I stopped there yesterday they caught a fish while I was visiting.
 I'll have to come up with a plan when I get out there as Blue thunder is down right now as I wait for the right radiator. So frustrating as The guy I had on the phone was reassuring I would be getting the right one. Measured twice ordered once and crap.
 I have never liked leaving a house in the same spot very long and if the fishing is good it may only be a 30 yards move. Banking the houses with the red baron can be done but that  big old v-plow makes quite a mess?
 After fishing old Minnesota with the hammer one night, I am not quite sure what I plan on  doing as we only drilled 3 holes. All the houses are banked to the hilt at this time. More then once mother nature decides what can be done and this may be one of those days. -20 and I do not move houses so were right on the cut offline. With this cold snap lingering right into the weekend it has to be slow and patient. Slow and Patient
 I was all ready outside this morning and the Red baron is running, it may be running 16 hours a day for the next few days if not more. It started fine but needed to be restarted a few times, a true 3 times before he kept running.  My trucks are not spoiled and there is no warn garage for them, all though its always been on the wish list.
 White Lightning aka Cheyanne 's radiator will have to still wait untell I get our torpedo back.
The sky is kicking over so its time to get busy . Every one have a safe holiday and lets hope for peace and love as a grand gift.
 

[cookie129]

darn its been so crazy busy,  plus battling the elements has made it tough for me to stay on top of my fishing reports from the shores of upper red lake.
 Just keeping everything running and organized takes time, then throw in some plowing, helping out fellow fishermen, moving the houses ,checking in on the customers checking out the customers, checking emails, returning phone calls, answering the phone, checking message's at home, checking emails. cleaning the houses, I was also trying to get some physical therapy for my shoulder, but that's has been thrown out the window so I just need to stay focused on the exercise's they have given me for now.
 The fishing has just been so so for the houses, I found a pretty good fishy area but it may be getting to the point of ruined and the whole fleet will have to be moved to greener pasture or whither ice in this case.
 If your not here you would not believe all the wheel houses on the lake. I'm hoping to see some drone pics as its just crazy out there. 1 wheel house leaves and 2 more show up ,2 leave and 3 more show up. Its lights as far as the eyes can see out there. 
 Trying to remember everyone names has been a little tougher then usual and I'm a little frustrated with that.
Ryan and his family stayed in north Dakota and caught some fish, they had to leave early so I did not get to say goodbye,
Jamie and his crew had 7 or 8 there first night, we had to get there truck running after the first night as they may have a weak battery.
Ryan and his family were in montana and caught some fish. They were here 3 nights so we moved them the  rd day but it did not pay off as I had hoped.
 Old Minnesota  had a cancelation so  I let Guy and his family stay one night. I think they are from chisum. They only caught a few fish , There little daughter had some cinnamon  cookies, shaped like letters and I just had to have 1  then 2 and 3. Plus there may be some home made chocolate chip cookies in the future.
 I then had jeff in there for one night and he had 3 before he left so not sure if he got his fourth. 
 Our son Jonny boy came up to help us so we were able to move 4 houses and reset them in a day,
 Andy, Andy and Travis are all by them self's and I was hoping they would have some outstanding fishing but as of yesterday it was not that good.
Pat and the kids in North Dakota had  enough to go have a fish fry and it was nice seeing Pat again, he was able to hook up with my good friend the greek and spend a week in Alaska last summer. I was hoping to get in a game of cribbage with Pat but it just did not pan out as last night I was spent. Fighting this cold weather seems to ware a guy out.
 I was planning on moving the houses this morning but with the temps at - 24 not sure how that's going to pan out at this time. The sky is kicking over the trucks have been idling for over a hour and I got to go.
Lets hope we have a grand day on such a grand lake that owes us Nothing! nothing!

 

[cookie129]

Happy new year to all my family,fishing friends customers and potential customer's.  Its been so busy and with mother nature having her 2 cents I had no time to make new year resolution. Oh well maybe next year.
 Rick and his brothers showed up Saturday morning, they have been coming for years so it was quite easy to check them in and keep on trucking,
The temps have been brutal and started to affect every thing as the cold snap lingers on. Jonny boy and I took our time as we moved and prepped north Dakota for Cory, Abby  2 of the 4 kids Vida and Cash. This is there 3rd year coming. They sure are a nice family. I always enjoy visiting with them.
Plus its sure is fun watchin them kids grow up, one other plus is the kids always offer me cookies.
 They ended up heading home with 11 keepers and a few perch.
 Bian and his crew Derrick,Tracy and Patty have not done the greatest and we moved them yesterday to a fresh area.
 Andy ,Andy and Travis also ended up with 11 I think plus a few perch so we did find a new fishy area to ruin. They have always stayed in montana house but this year they ended up in florida.
 Old Minnesota was kind of  a dud for Rick Matt  and other brother sorry . They come back in a couple weeks to redeem them self's, When we moved the house they had forgot 2 fish laying on the ice under the house.I know they did eat a couple fish
 We moved florida after Andy left and Tim and Amanda  have done pretty well.
 Blue thunder decided the cold was enough and I had to go to Bemidji yesterday and purchase 2 new batteries and a fuel filter. Yesterday Jonny boy and I had to move both house with the red baron  it is a little tougher banking the house with a giant v plow.
 The temps the last week were just brutal with many generators , heaters having problems on the lake. Plus a few diesels and other vechicles.
Buddy Hillmen looked like a proud poppa pulling that double decker out onto the lake sunday afternoon. I have nicked named it the behemoth and he also nick named it the money pit . It is quite the monster and will sleep 12 with 20 holes. I know there some opening left I believe it around 500 per night. The store number is 218 647 8504.
 Lonnie and his wife ended up catching some fish the last night and its always a treat to stop in there. Lisa makes incredible soups and I think it may be campbels  or she works for them or should?
 Jeff broke in a new ice castle  with temps 29 below . He did have some furnace issues but our friend Boar was able to walk him through it.
 Lets just say the temps have been brutal its been a world wind and it feels good to catch my breath. We have a day or two to reset but mother  nature is going to throw a wrench in it as I noticed the winds are picking up.

 

 

Happy new year to all my family,fishing friends customers and potential customer's.  Its been so busy and with mother nature having her 2 cents I had no time to make new year resolution. Oh well maybe next year.
 Rick and his brothers showed up Saturday morning, they have been coming for years so it was quite easy to check them in and keep on trucking,
The temps have been brutal and started to affect every thing as the cold snap lingers on. Jonny boy and I took our time as we moved and prepped north Dakota for Cory, Abby  2 of the 4 kids Vida and Cash. This is there 3rd year coming. They sure are a nice family. I always enjoy visiting with them.
Plus its sure is fun watchin them kids grow up, one other plus is the kids always offer me cookies.
 They ended up heading home with 11 keepers and a few perch.
 Bian and his crew Derrick,Tracy and Patty have not done the greatest and we moved them yesterday to a fresh area.
 Andy ,Andy and Travis also ended up with 11 I think plus a few perch so we did find a new fishy area to ruin. They have always stayed in montana house but this year they ended up in florida.
 Old Minnesota was kind of  a dud for Rick Matt  and other brother sorry . They come back in a couple weeks to redeem them self's, When we moved the house they had forgot 2 fish laying on the ice under the house.I know they did eat a couple fish
 We moved florida after Andy left and Tim and Amanda  have done pretty well.
 Blue thunder decided the cold was enough and I had to go to Bemidji yesterday and purchase 2 new batteries and a fuel filter. Yesterday Jonny boy and I had to move both house with the red baron  it is a little tougher banking the house with a giant v plow.
 The temps the last week were just brutal with many generators , heaters having problems on the lake. Plus a few diesels and other vechicles.
Buddy Hillmen looked like a proud poppa pulling that double decker out onto the lake sunday afternoon. I have nicked named it the behemoth and he also nick named it the money pit . It is quite the monster and will sleep 12 with 20 holes. I know there some opening left I believe it around 500 per night. The store number is 218 647 8504.
 Lonnie and his wife ended up catching some fish the last night and its always a treat to stop in there. Lisa makes incredible soups and I think it may be campbels  or she works for them or should?
 Jeff broke in a new ice castle  with temps 29 below . He did have some furnace issues but our friend Boar was able to walk him through it.
 Lets just say the temps have been brutal its been a world wind and it feels good to catch my breath. We have a day or two to reset but mother  nature is going to throw a wrench in it as I noticed the winds are picking up.

 

[cookie129]

 

Happy new year to all my family,fishing friends customers and potential customer's.  Its been so busy and with mother nature having her 2 cents I had no time to make new year resolution. Oh well maybe next year.
 Rick and his brothers showed up Saturday morning, they have been coming for years so it was quite easy to check them in and keep on trucking,
The temps have been brutal and started to affect every thing as the cold snap lingers on. Jonny boy and I took our time as we moved and prepped north Dakota for Cory, Abby  2 of the 4 kids Vida and Cash. This is there 3rd year coming. They sure are a nice family. I always enjoy visiting with them.
Plus its sure is fun watchin them kids grow up, one other plus is the kids always offer me cookies.
 They ended up heading home with 11 keepers and a few perch.
 Bian and his crew Derrick,Tracy and Patty have not done the greatest and we moved them yesterday to a fresh area.
 Andy ,Andy and Travis also ended up with 11 I think plus a few perch so we did find a new fishy area to ruin. They have always stayed in montana house but this year they ended up in florida.
 Old Minnesota was kind of  a dud for Rick Matt  and other brother sorry . They come back in a couple weeks to redeem them self's, When we moved the house they had forgot 2 fish laying on the ice under the house.I know they did eat a couple fish
 We moved florida after Andy left and Tim and Amanda  have done pretty well.
 Blue thunder decided the cold was enough and I had to go to Bemidji yesterday and purchase 2 new batteries and a fuel filter. Yesterday Jonny boy and I had to move both house with the red baron  it is a little tougher banking the house with a giant v plow.
 The temps the last week were just brutal with many generators , heaters having problems on the lake. Plus a few diesels and other vechicles.
Buddy Hillmen looked like a proud poppa pulling that double decker out onto the lake sunday afternoon. I have nicked named it the behemoth and he also nick named it the money pit . It is quite the monster and will sleep 12 with 20 holes. I know there some opening left I believe it around 500 per night. The store number is 218 647 8504.
 Lonnie and his wife ended up catching some fish the last night and its always a treat to stop in there. Lisa makes incredible soups and I think it may be campbels  or she works for them or should?
 Jeff broke in a new ice castle  with temps 29 below . He did have some furnace issues but our friend Boar was able to walk him through it.
 Lets just say the temps have been brutal its been a world wind and it feels good to catch my breath. We have a day or two to reset but mother  nature is going to throw a wrench in it as I noticed the winds are picking up.

 

With this cold snap never ending it has again been a bit of a grind. We checked Amanda and Tim into florida sunday afternoon. They had 2 days of Pretty good fishing in my book. They took home 8, released 6 and had fish for dinner.
Brian, Derrick and the two gals Tracy and Patty did much better after we moved  montana for there last night. I then put Linda and Tracy in the same house, same spot and even though it had not been fished 24 hrs they had to grind out the fishing to get 5. Hind sight is a tough thing.
After Tim and Amanda left we moved Notrh Dakota to the south east of florida where I expected more good fishing, man was I wrong for Jack and his grandson Josh and Ben. Brand new spot and they were only up to 4 fish. Tom and John fished old Minnesota 2 days, not spending the night and only managed a couple fish per day also a new spot. I would love to blame the weather but you always here someone saying there catching  double digits  every day? oh well.
 Today is going to be a tough day as we would like to move Monatana ,North Dakota to new locations. I had a family spending the night in montana last minute and they were comfortable when I check in on them last night.
 I also had Joanne and Steave in florida last night and the fishing was not that good on another new spot. Lets hope this morning they had some action.
 Jonny boy was spending the night in old Minnesota so we shall see if he had any action last night. I did catch one last night while the hammer and I had pizza and watched a movie  out there.
 It may be  time to make a big move with old Minnesota and florida today. With the temps -30 this morning I'm not the happiest camper. I have no problem moving houses but I still have not figured out what's going on with blue thunder as it seems to run out of gas under power?
Every day on the lake is a challenge to say the least. I 'm not even sure how many days its been on the lake. Just like every year, its plan A turns to plan B,  plan B turns to plan C. Improvising on a grand lake it quite the challenge .
 
 

[cookie129]

She is a grand lake and it owe us nothing that's for sure.  Day 33 of working on the lake and its been a blast. Its been a grind, its been a struggle. The fishing has been all over the board, from great to horse sh.
  I'm a little superstitious so when I talk about all our equipment I always knock on wood. It finally got warm enough to install  the new fuel filter in blue thunders carb. and just like that's she is running much better. I'm always leery when it come to screwing  that fuel line back into the carb base. I got another torpedo, the third one I decided to go a different route and went with the diesel fuel one. Nothing is ever easy in these conditions using the only fuel available in waskish for it  has made the use of it a little more then aggravating. We will get her dialed in before this next cold snap. I wonder why I seem to call our equipment her? Must be the way I try and  take care of it all.
 The hammer and I celebrated our 40th year of marriage ,fishing ,eating ,playing poker with our good friend Wayne and our first son. Jonny boy.
 I grilled behind old Minnesota in a study wind of 25 miles an hour out of the south. I got Darrin to pick us up some steaks, not sure where he purchased them but oh my they were all most unbelievable, the only thing that could of improved them would of been fresh morel mushrooms
This next spring Wayne and I our going om a mission to find the mother load of morel's.
 Wayne decided to put on a little clinic when I switched up my set up to a smaller forage minnow tipped with a fathead. I got the vex all dialed in and proceeded to prep  the dinner. He set down in my chair and banged out a few fish from 7 to 8 pm.  Totaling out fishing the hammer? He was setting the hook like it was a shark, driving that hook into its mouth, not loosing any of the bites he had he was in a zone for a bit. Sunday morning I cleaned up a batch of fish and fresh fish is on the menu.
 Don had his crew shrunk before arrival and it opened up florida for the weekend. I bumped Mike and his sons out of north Carolina as a up grade and they did horrible. Spitting chew in the holes  is a bad idea in my book. Wayne and I  agree the golden rule. Nothing gets thrown down the holes. I was pretty disappointed when I went to  clean and move florida yesterday.
 Don and the guys managed a fish fry, they also did a outing on the snowbear of Joshes. They did not do that well but got to tour quite  a big portion of the lake at night.
 Mother nature was again a factor as the winds picked up enough with a snow squall to make visibility tough for part of Saturday,  with drifting snow around everything sunday mornig.
The warm temp also made some pressure ridges . One Saturday night that gave the hammer/honey bunny quite the scare as it sounds like its going to explode right under the house. I would say it has to be all most like a earthquake only not lasting quite as long. She cringed and Put her hands over her face as she rumbled for a good 20 seconds before squeaking and settling down. Sunday morning she again exploded. It looks like the south berm of buddy Hillmen's highway is now a active pressure ridge. It always quite the sight to see as it will be moving  the rest of the year.
 Our good friends Mel and Dan have rented the big double decker from Buddy Hillmen's. They are pumped to fish out of the behemoth/ money pit/ and beach house as Lisa coined it. That house may set a record for nick names with many, many stories to come out of that house.
 Jonny boy had a rough day yesterday and smacked his fingers pretty good plus may of lost the key to our newest edition white lightning / aka Cheyane that made it debut on the lake Saturday. What a treat to drive a warm truck with a comfortable seat to boot.
 Its all most time to fire up the fleet and check the fluids. Mike and his wife Tracy and there friends were in north Dakota last night. I hoping to go jam with my harmonicas with them to night as they both play guitar with Scott bringing a 12 string.
 Reggie and Garmin were in florida last night and had a couple when I came off the lake.
 This warm air is a treat and I plan on enjoying working out there the next few days, I may even get a nap in ole Minnesota, maybe even a nap nap on such a grand lake.
 

 

[cookie129]

Hump day and we have a lot of prep the next 24 hrs as snow is predicted starting tonight.
Yesterday was a long day as I hit the lake  at 8 am and finished up at 8 pm.
Buddy Hillman extended the main road another mile or snow and all the snow on the north edge had to be moved to the south of the road. I 'm headed out in a bit to try and finish what I started.
Sunday we got Florida and north Dakota moved and ready just as they arrived. Mike, Irv, Pat and Tracy/Terry were in north Dakota . The first night was slow  but Monday night they did much better. The hammer and I had fresh honey crusted walleye in old Minnesota Monday night and never made it over so I could practice Jam with the  harp.
 We got skunked in old Minnesota but as always it never gets better. We caught and missed fished in there for 2 days.
Reggie and Garmin were in Florida for just one night, she had never ice fished and was born and raised in Africa. They had a fish fry and went home Monday with there 8.
 The jersey boys arrive tomorrow with John and his crew checking in yesterday just as I was putting the finishing touches on moving and prepping north Dakota.
They only had a couple when I checked in on them last night but did miss two while I was visiting.
With some snow predicted we now have over 10 miles of main road to maintain plus my side roads. I totally expect white out conditions Thursday if the weather idiot is right.
I did get our new cookie's on upper red lake  Hoodies ordered and can not wait to see them.
That was a huge chore.
last thing is Hillmen tall tale tavern have  the crappie floopers playing some music on the 27th and feb 4th is there chile cook off

 

[cookie129]

• losing tracks of days can be grueling to say the least.
  Will start with John, Bernie, Ryan and Tom the giraffe slayer first. This is there third year and I be leave staying the longest of all my guest over the years on the ice. 4 nights. Two of them left the lake after we dug out for a few supply's other wise they just fish, play a little cribbage, eat good and enjoy each others company. Just a great group of guys that fish hard.
  The first night they got 7. Wednesday when the temps kept climbing they all fished outside all day and managed to catch around 30 fish with one, yes one elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie.
  While they fished Jonnny boy and I kept busy as I made moves and plans for the up and coming snow and winds. I had every thing scouted out as I had a funny feeling my main road would be gone come Thursday. Its feels good when a plan comes together and after the wind stopped and the sun came out I was able to cut in a new road/trail with no problems. The red baron is such a huge tool, I'll never understand how I managed to just use blue thunder 1 in the old crappies days. Looking back man did that good old gal take a beating  she still lives on with many parts of her on blue thunder 2. the boom, the rear end, the front diff just to name a few. More then 3.
    Jonny boy and I brought California out by us, blocked and banked, we then moved montana and north Carolina to new fishing grounds as the jersey boys would be rolling in Thursday.
   Then old Minnesota was also moved and prepped. Jonny boy was shocked when he went in there and said dad what th e! I have never seen your house this messy? oops I guess I have been kinda busy and had never cleaned up much after our fantastic honey crusted walleye dinner out there Monday eve. Plus its my office, lunch room. when I'm on the lake all day. To funny.
   About the time we headed in the ice was melting off the trucks as the temps had hit 34 degrees, The good old jan. thaw was here for 1 and a half days. As we were coming in I called Ron / jersey boys to verify there arrival only to be told they would not be making the trip?
  Plan A had just changed to plan B. .
   After coming home I loaded up the red baron and back on the lake to prep and clean old Minnesota, wet a line, and chill for a bit. My plan was not to fish the house hard as Steve and his crew would be arriving Friday. I have a pet peeve and do not like my houses fished before a guest arrival but again I was not going to fish it hard? Its kinda of a running joke how do you not fish a house hard. I only drilled two of the 6 holes and never dropped a line the first half hour out there. I finally dropped a rattle wheel down with a hammer gold gemieye and fat head. About the time I climbed up on the top bunk the rattle wheel went ding ding ding. I scrambled off the bed and gave it a good hook set plus a couple more  as landed a nice 16 inch walleye. I threw him outside thinking it was still warm out I guess. I then kept cleaning and at some point put another minnow on the gemieye and dropped her down again. This time I was running the vacuum and ding ding ding my second fish . After throwing him outside I again ignored getting a line down and got all the dirty dishes put away before I re baited. At some point I dropped her down and it just kept going as the third fish must have been looking for his buddies. Lets just say he found them, as just like that, not fishing hard! I had another  honey crusted walleye dinner on the menu.
   Josh that is running a snowbear with guided trips om Red lake stopped by to visit for a bit before I packed it in. I stepped out side and the snow has started, the temps had dropped big time and my fish were frozen cigrs?
    Thursday morning  with 4 to 5 inches of snow and winds howling out of the nnw just as I expected the roads were gone and the lake looked like the moon.
   I found out the hard way as I got a call from a guy named Rick that was stuck out there in a snow bank. Blue thunder and I headed out and 2 hours later we had him safe to shore but it was quite the adventure. Slow and patient was the key as there was no one to pull me out if I got stuck.
   By early afternoon the snow stopped, the sun came out and the winds dropped just enough to re open all the main roads. with 5 plow trucks running full steam we had 90 percent of it  reopened and called her a night around 9 pm. 7 hours straight plowing.  Buddy and his help Kelly headed out earlier in the white out conditions to move houses before we started plowing. Talk about experience and confidence.
  Yesterday we got all our customers checked in and last night every house had a few? plus I had set up Keith and his son  Andrew in there wheel house on a secret spot and they had 5. Ken in his wheeh house also had 5 and got 1 while I was visiting. I also got a spot plowed for Barndon in his wheel house as he wanted a spot away form everybody. I had been plowing and checking a spot so looking forward to see how they have done over night.
   well the red baron is running and I'm off to at good bye to john and his crew and get north Dakota on a new spot for Scott and his crews arrival.

   

[cookie129]

Not sure what's going on  but I'm still loosing track of days. Bouncing around in the red baron, checking on customers ,enjoying the football game at Hillmens Tall tale Tavern man was that fun, getting a few games of pool in last night to practice for my next match. Playing a round of texas hold em with the wells fargo boys in north dakota, visiting with all the customers, moving houses, plowing new roads, plowing old roads, battling mother nature, the winds were howling  sunday night after another small dumping of snow.
 I wrote in my note book on Wednesday the 17th CLOSED.
 The fishing has been crazy good? Not sure what's that all about but will take it as its so nice to see everyone catching more then a  few.
 Stevejames won my giveaway on Minnesota Outdoorsman, I have been giving a way a free night as a prize on there fishing challenge for a few years. He arrived Friday for old Minnesota with his buddy Mike and there 2 boys Nolan and Ayden. They rented one day so they were here for 2 nights and did real well. I got a great pic of there stringer of fish, It was a treat seeing the kids  outside playing ,enjoying the great outdoors.
 Terry, Sarha ,Carl and Kenny were in florida for 3 nights. They also had a grand time on a grand lake. This was there third year with me. They said they will be back again next year if I will have them? There such nice people, I was able to visit off and on wth them as they fed me breakfast burritos , French dips after the Viking game. Carl got 4 deer  so they also brought me a care package of venison. I'm making my coleslaw for them next year and may treat them to a night of my cooking to boot. I mentioned to Sarah the first day she should tie a string to her fishing pole? OOPs darn if it did not go down a hole.
 Scott the wells fargo boys have also did well, they went to Westwind for fish and the Viking game and also had a hoot. Then when they got back to the house Scott got treated to "yes a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie" A beautiful 14 a half inch masterpiece. Another great group of guys and they got my 10 dollars last night. I played a little to loose and lost all my chips.
 Mel, Dan and Dane arrived for old Minnesota sunday, I told Dan get a line down first thing. Before they were unpacked they had 2  in the bucket. Yesterday Dane was catching fish on the rattle wheel from the top bunk. They enjoyed Fish for dinner last night as Mel is a master chef, she also fed me hodgepodge for breakfast yesterday. They have been coming up here for 14 years summer and winter.
 Snowbear Josh headed home for a couple days so I'm taking care of a couple of his guest and they were slaying the fish the last two days.
 I just talked to Jarred and his buddie Jim they were in montana last night and got there 8.
 Angie and here hubbie and there friends were in montana sunday.  I think they ended up with 9 with there friends, The kids fished in one of Joshes 2 man houses and there friends went home sunday eve,.
  Mother nature has been kicking my but. Yesterday I plowed off and on all day, cleaning up the drifts. Buddy Hillmens Highway is again in great shape. I expect we will be making more main roads in the next day or two.
 I did here form Brandon I had set up in a secret spot and they also did real well Friday eve,
Ken and his buddies also did well where I plowed them a spot. Throwing darts and hitting bulls eyes feel good. Well its past my starting time. we start at 9, so again its time to check the fluids and hit the ice on such a Grand lake that owes us nothing! Nothing!

 

[cookie129]

The plan  this morning has again changed from plan a to plan b as yesterday afternoon.  The red  baron broke her front drive shaft, taking out the transmission pan to boot. Darn the luck! I may of heard it clunking if I had the exhaust fixed. Hindsight  I try and always look at these things as they are ment to happen for a reason and its part of the business.
 Sunday night after the Vikings game when I headed back on the lake, mother nature has pretty much taken out my 1/2 mile or more side road to the houses. When I was visited Dan and mel Robbie was on the phone with there friends that were on the way up and they were going to go meet them to bring them out in a car? So funny as they had no clue the road/trail was completely drifted in?  I had to plow a new trail to get the to Buddy Hillmen's Highway which was not drifted in. When I got back to old Minnesota I was standing there visiting nad look at the rattle wheel . For some reason they did not have it down so I said, Hey I'm fishing this one and put a minnow Tail hooked on this huge big pink banana looking jig. With in 3 minutes I had the big one of the day 18 1/2. Last night Robbie beat it out with a dandy just under 20.
 Last night the hammer and I went to check on snowbear Joshes customers so we took his truck out there, wow what a treat to have good heat in a truck. I'm so use to being in a cold truck I was baking in there. The family he has in his grand ice castle are having a grand time on a grand lake. Scott and Jen were playing a  game with the kids. Olivia and Conner. I took a pic of the game as it looked like a fun game for our grand kids. Grama Joe was worn out from all the fish they had caught I think. Grandpa Mike was watching all the lines. really nice family.
 joshes other customers called at the bewitching hour to see what the slot size was so they must of started to get some action. I'll swing in and check on them this morning.
 Jonny boy spent Monday night in florida and got his 4, crazy any other year and the house would of been burned out after 3 days. He was going to sleep in montana last night so it will be interesting to see how he does as there have been  at least 20 fish caught out of that house in two nights. The guys were also doing real good in north Carolina and that little 2 man sleeper seems to have some good ju ju when it come to catching fish. Phil sure built a cozy  house.
 Hoping to have all our parts by some time Friday to put the red baron back on the ice, It sure is nice having Jonny boy be able to help as I can not work like that anymore. Barny from Kellier is going to braise up the pan as its a specialdeep pan due to it being a fire rescure truck before it became a lake truck.
The last thing is last nights sunset was spectacular, it just went on and on from a gorgeous pink, in to a dark orange glow. I got a couple pics I posted on our facebook page Cookies on upper red lake.

 

[aczr2k]

Sounds like fishing has been good, that's always a great thing to hear.  Is there much snow on the lake away from the roads or pretty much impassable?  I can't believe no one has asked if we need an extension yet...a remembered frequent post back from the old days. ha ha.

 

Edited January 17, 2018 by aczr2k

[Rick]

Do we need to bring an auger extension?  

[cookie129]

24 inches of ice where I'm at . Will be installing soon with the houses over a foot off the ice i'm right down to the power head. There places a guy can still off road but many big drifts and old blown in plowed spots

[Kloby]

Thanks for the snow update. Heading up tomorrow. Thinking about starting around Center Bar. Always had good luck there in January. Castle will go there and mobile with trucks if we need to be. 

 

We usually try to find 13 feet so assuming that’s what we will do tomorrow around Center Bar.  Tight lines!

[cookie129]

Just looking back a bit I have been driving out onto the lake since dec 5th. 47  days on the ice. It has caught up on me a bit as the last couple nights I have been a little worn out, falling a sleep sitting up Thursday night after eating  dinner.
 The hammer and I fished old Minnesota after Jonny boy and I moved every thing Wednesday. I'm proud to say I out fished the hammer. She did lose a fish twice and then it refused to bite. She marked that fish or a fish the rest of the evening in tell we pack it up around 9 pm. I also tried to catch that fish but he would just come up and look them back to the bottom.
 Randy and Tammy from Mankato would be arriving Thursday evening to stay in old Minnesota. Chad and his crew also arrived Thursday for north Dakota. Checking in on them on there fresh spot after getting randy and Tammy checked in and they had more then a few all ready in the bucket. 
 Friday early morning I was headed to baudett to pick up the red barons new drive shaft  plusother parts as Jonny boy would be checking in Andy and Andy into montana and Aron and Brad into florida.  When I arrived back to town I took the hammers truck out to say good morning to every one and see how they did. The rattle wheels in north Dakota were busy all night while Randy and Tammys house 200 feet away never went off? we have had a decent to real good day bite out there and that still continues. Chads crew had 12 keepers and were planning on having fresh fish for lunch.
 Jonny boy  and I met back at home where we worked on blue thunder and the red baron. All that went real smooth un tell I took the red baron for a test drive. No drive or third gear? I'm hoping we have a vacuum leak but after taking her out on the lake I brought her back home where she will rest untell I talk to my tranny guy Monday morning. I sure hope the transmission is not damaged for a forth time in 10 years.
 Checking in with all the houses, they all had action through out the day. It sure has been a good fishy area.
 I had also plowed a spot for Preston and they had a few fish. Jonny boys friend Mannie only had a couple but did head up to low with 6.
Ken and his gal Kelly went down the road a little further then where they fished last week and also were doing pretty well. Lonnie's friend did manage to catch another elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie.
 I also pointed a guide named Randy from deer river to a spot where him and his buudy got there 8. They had a great morning bite and were out of here after 3 hours of fishing. I sent Chuck and his wife over there with there wheel house where they had a little morning run and got 4 lickity split.
I also tugged a couple trucks out of snow banks yesterday, if your planning on off road travel common sense and a good number 2 steal shovel can be a tremendous help. Every year I end up picking up broken plastic snow shovels and this year is no different. They may work for banking a wheel house but they sure do not work for digging out.
 Buddy Hillmens Highway is again in great shape. This little January thaw always helps the road get a little smoother.
Beacon Harbors berm sank and become a pressure ridge just like the one on the south side of hilllmens highway. There are some spots where that beautiful blue ice is sticking up in the air 6 feet. I had set Lonnie's buddy Rob in a area and they said when it blew water came up there holes. The fishing was not that good there so there plan was to move.
 Snowbear Josh  has been doing real good with his snowbear trips and again that machine has quite the advantage to go to some great fishing spots. I may take him up on a offer to go do a little fishing in it this week. He is bringing his daughter up today for a little father daughter trip. He sure is a nice guy and has a passion to give people life time memories of fishing trips.
 Jonny boy and I will be moving north Dakota once they leave as Paul and hid family will be arriving later today. I'll say good bye to every one else, get all the houses cleaned and detailed and ready for there next moves hopefully all before the big game.
 Hillmens Tall Tale Tavern are having a spaghetti dinner/fund raiser during half time so we plan on attending that and rooting for the home team
 The sky is kicking over so I'm headed out to top off the generators and hopefully enjoy a upper red lake sunrise this morning, they never get old on such a grand lake that owes us nothing
 

[cookie129]

What the heck is going on. The fishing sure has been good .
With more then a few fish caught this past weekend. Andy, Andy, Aron and Brad did real well and were happy where I set the houses.
Heading out to catch the sunrise was a bust as the fog was so thick it was hard just to stay on the road. When I arrived every one was packing up for the long drive home. Chad, Jessica, Matt and Andy  had there best fishing the first night but plan on coming  back next year.
 Randy and Tammy also went home with there 8 but have had better fishing. I thought it was great but felt bad that we had fished in old Minnesota the night before.
 Brad and Cindy did real well there one night in North carolina . They figured they caught at least 15. They did make a mistake on how many they could keep but we were able to give there fish to a couple other guys that had got skunked.
Jonny boy and I got north Dakota and montana moved yesterday. Paul, Dex, Derrick showed up right on time for north dakota . They  had 7 last night when I checked in on them.
 Les and his wife arrive today for montana. Its her birthday so I ask Les if he would bring her a German chocolate cake? My favorite.
 The plan is to move old Minnesota and florida today and then I'm taking the day off and getting that nap I chase after every year on the top bunk of old minnesota
 I talked to my tranny guy and will be running the red baron in low and 2nd gear for now as the damage is all ready done. I totally understand how hard my trucks work and its always part of the business but it still bums me out.
 I did get to take white Lightning out on the ice Saturday for a bit and that was a treat. Comfortable seat ,good heat and a radio that picks up the radio station the whole time. She has a couple issue that we will address later in the year.
 The hammers trail blazer needs a tune up so that's on the honey do list.
 
 

[cookie129]

Getting a nap in old Minnesota was again a bust, I got out on the lake before light Tuesday morning as I wanted to capture one of upper red lakes grand sunrises. I was not disappointed as I set at the end of Hillmens Highway  listening to some music watching another  gorgeous sunrise.
 Paul, Dex, Derrick and Chad were also up early as they came to shore to clean there bounty. they had pretty good fishing to my standards and said they had a good time. They ate a few and cleaned up 16.
 Rita and Les checked in Monday right on time. After getting them dialed in a was off to old Minnesota for that long awaited nap. I settled in around 3 and dropped down 2 rattle reels put in a movie and climbed up on the top bunk where its always a little warmer. Just as I drifted off the rattle wheel went ding, ding, ding. I hustled off the bed where I landed a nice 16 1/2 fish. Resetting the line I again climbed back up on the bed ,not 5 minutes later the ding, ding, ding of the phone went off. After a few minutes I was back on the top bunk and ding, ding,ding. 4 o'clock and another fish was about to be caught. Number two another brother to the first one. One more time I re baited , 2 more phone calls one more fish a very healthy 18 incher and my nap time was over.
 So here's the new nap plan, turn off phone. After I move the Old minnesota today, do not augur the holes, then I will not be tempted to wet a line. I have Garret arriving after 9 pm tonight with our new hoodies in tow so it will be perfect timing to get in that nap as I start to get real tired around 9 pm every night.
 Les and Rita headed home yesterday ,they also ate a few fish ,not sure how many they took home as I never asked when I was visiting and saying good bye. Rita did bring some cupcakes German chocolate man were the tasty.
 Jonny boy has been doing a little scouting as the area I'm ruining is bound to burn out at some point. Lets hope doing the cookie shuffle keeps working.
 I also was able to help Buddy Hillmen on the hillmen's highway monday. The road extends around 7 miles straight west where it ends at a pressure ridge. we cleaned up the north edge and pushed all  the snow to the south plus a round 5 miles a huge area of broken ice was crushed, smashed and moved with a skit steer to the south.
 After Jonny boy and I got montana, north Dakota, and florida moved yesterday I came in to take the red baron out and make a few new trails. To my great surprise coming in after giving her a good work out I had drive? I never put her back in low but I sure hope it cleared it self up as a 4th rebuild was not planned in the budget.
 Snowbear Josh headed home for a day and half so I'm going to keep a eye on his customers. He sure has been busy with guiding out of that snowbear and maybe next week I can get that ride. hey we may even wet a line in a area I have been trying to get back to for many years?
 Its time to check the fluids and fire up the fleet.
One last thing, prayers are need for my sister in Colorado leah as there has been back to back tragedy in her life.

[cookie129]

Wishful thinking I guess as  I'm back to first and second gear on the red baron. If I manual shift she will catch drive on occasion though. You just have to love a chevy though. Take a licking and keeps on ticking. I'am a little curious why you can catch drive sometimes so going to give my tranny guy a call.
 It was quite the busy but fun, fun, fun weekend. Scott Wakefield from Red lake adventures has a big walleye challenge every year. Its a 24 hour fishing contest ,with a heck of a prize I enter thinking I would have some time to fish? Plan A turned to plan B and lets just say plan B did not get me the winning fish. In fact it did not even get me a fish . Oh well being a gluten for punishment I will attempt to win the whole shebang next year. With checking in on all 5 of our five houses plus swinging in to 7 wheel houses that I either plowed or picked a spot for as I made the rounds Friday, Saturday during the contest I ask or claimed a hole in every house I visited . I even fished with snowbear Josh in the snowbear for a couple hours Friday night. I never got a bite and never seen a fish on any one's electronics? Talk about a cold hand. Still gave it the collage try.
 Thursday night we had to late check ins. Jaron and his crew would be arriving after 10 pm with Garret and his crew also coming after 9 pm. Garret and his crew were nice enough to swing by and pick up our cookies on upper red lake hoodies. The 2 boxes were so big the only way to bring them up were to load them in the truck out of the boxes in the cab on there laps and where ever else they could pack them. Talk about hand delivery. They fished in florida and had limited success. I think they only took home 10 fish, all though there were some misses in there.
 Jaron and his crew also arrived Thursday with 2 of the guys a hour or two behind. Jaron was convinced he could go meet them when they arrived. I saw that coming and somewhere around midnight I got the phone call, were lost on the lake. Trying to get them on the right road over the phone was a challenge. Once I got then close Jonny boy was out on the lake so he was able to track them down and get them back to north Dakota shack. At some point Friday night Jonny boy again had to go find a couple of there buddies that had showed up in a wheel house after dark. With all these crazy lites on wheel houses it realey gets a little more confusing out there that's for sure.
 Jaron and his crew ended up with 11 or 12 keepers? Plus there buddie Chris with  quite a few misses and never landing a fish. He might want to take up another sport?
 Rick arrived with his crew for old Minnesota Friday morning. This was Ricks second of 3 trips planned this year. By no means did they have any epic fishing. They did land a few but over all it was on the slow side for sure. Taking home maybe 12. Rick comes all the way from Illinois. and sure has been a great customer over the years, even bringing the hammer and I a couple lobster tails and steaks  as he must know I get tired of eating walleye all the time. I sure expected better fishing in that spot as blue thunder had to work extra hard to get the house in that spot .
 Lucas and his crew  were also late arrivals for montana Friday night. It was well after 10 pm when I got them settled in. They did about as well as the other house's with Tyse landing a elusive yet still catchable 13 1/2 inch upper red lake crappie. Then to boot they released it to fight another day or as I say educate all the others. They also managed to take home 12 fish.
 We also checked in Ken and his 2 buddies Bob and Berry into florida Saturday on a new spot there happy where there at and said they will be just fine fishing  right there again today.
 Now all the wheel house. Marlo and Butch with there 2 wheel house ended up on the hot bite with Butch's buddie also landing a elusive yet still catchable 14 inch upper red lake crappie while I was there. That one did go in the bucket though. Marlo  also battled a big pike twice with the second time the fish holding on to a 16 inch walleye for over ten minutes before letting go at he bottom of the ice. Another life time memory  was made as Butch was in the shack when the battle began and ended. Marlo  also caught close to 30 walleye on the spot. With Butch right behind him .
 Not sure how Preston did after they moved? He set up where they did so well last time up but ended up moving the second day. closer to marlo's spot?
 Lee and his cousin  also did will where I plowed them a spot. Nick  left his shack so we know he did well.
Ken did not do so well and moved after the first day , the second spot he moved to only produced 5 more fish. I was so surprised as I thought for sure that plowed area was going to be real good.
 Jonny boy also had a wheel house friend  that tried a spot . They only got one so they moved to another spot where there buddies had done real well only to get skunked.
 I also had plowed spot for a gentlemen, I think his name was duey? He only had a couple the first night but he  never moved so I'm thinking it got better for him.
  Hillmens had the crappie floppers playing some music in tall tale tavern Saturday night . They get together every year. I have been dying to play my harmonica so I was able to jam on one song with them and man was that fun. Even got a couple pats on the back.
 The hammer,  Jonny boy and I also went out to the icog festivities on the ice out of Rodgers . We met Lonnie and his wife lisa at the tent then went and visited in there dream shack for a bit.
 Yesterday was cleaning and moving day as we moved old minnesota and montana over where marlo was. The hammer and I fished there last night from 6 to 9 and never got a nibble all though I did manage to get that cat nap I have been chasing,
 Time to get to work as Jim, Sten and Dustin are on there way up for old Minnesota. Plus Greg from Iowa is also coming early.