upper red lake Upper Red Lake Fishing Reports by Cookie

[MikeR77]

Cookie,

A few years ago Honda started manufacturing the EU line in Taiwan. One issue they have had since then is varnish building up in the carbs as they sit on the ship while being transported over here. We purchased a new 2000 last year. It ran terrible. It would not idle and could not run a 1400 watt pizza cooker. We were wishing we had kept our older model.  We found out there was a service bulletin and that the carbs are supposed to be cleaned before the unit leaves the shop. 

 

Since they cleaned the carb it has run perfect. Also helps to run mobil 1 in cold, especially at start ups. 

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

I'm pretty sure this is a known issue with some of the Hondas.  There was a post about guys having to bring them inside their fish house to thaw when it gets cold...something about the air filter or intake freezing up.  I can't find the post right now, but maybe someone else will remember it.

One thing to try is leaving the choke on just a tiny bit.  I have to do that in the winter with my Yamaha to keep it running smoothly.

[fsnrod]

17 hours ago, fishing tech said:

I wrap my Honda in a moving blanket sitting on a piece of plywood leaving just the exhaust end exposed. That seems to work so far. I also only run Honda oil and non oxy gas. I will be up Friday so keep the updates coming. Thanks 

You better have some isopropyl with you if you run non oxy when it gets 25 below you'll get freeze ups just like the old days. The blanket helps that.

[hookie]

Honda makes a cold weather kit for these. I have it in my Honda 2000 and really seems to help.

[Lip_Ripper Guy]

One other thing that seems to have helped a little bit in the super cold weather is to run 0w20 full synthetic.  It definitely starts easier.  I never wrap my generator in a blanket, or cover it with a box.  So far it's been run down to -39 without problems.    

[PRO-V]

Fsnrod - explain to me why non-ox would cause freeze ups. Have ran it for years in wheeler, generator, chain saw and auger with zero problems.

[FishWhisper]

hey cookie, keep us informed on the ice status as far as 1/2 ton pickups and ice castles for this coming weekend? We usually go out of Hillmans. We will give them a call by Friday but like to hear from you on daily reports.

thanks

[cookie129]

Yesterday was a bit nippy as Marty and I dug all 5 houses out of there spots and got them on the road. We have a very nice system and things went real well considering all the flooding under the house's. I be leave old Minnesota is still our heaviest house as it had the worst flooding and had only been augured last Thursday. We will scouting out our new area today and again need at least 14 inches of ice. There is something that I can not figure out and has been on my mind. How can reports of 17 inches of ice in one place and under 10 in others? I personally have only measured 15 and that is where my house's were last week. Weird to say the least?  Every year is different and again this year is different then last year and way different then the year before . I spent 2 hours yesterday after we got the houses moved helping clear buddy Hillmens road. Again what a pleasure helping out on such a outstanding road. It's probably been said before but you could land a 747 on it. 5 miles long and straight as a arrow. Very impressive. Marty and I will be auguring a few test holes today and I will report what we find tomorrow. Call the resort your going out of or check out there facebook pages or web sites for the latest ice conditions and what there allowing out.

[cookie129]

Gotta love when a plan comes together. Yesterday Marty and I worked our buts off as all 5 houses are now to the north of hillmens highway. $ of the 5 are blocked and banked to the hilt for the up and coming cold snap. If every thing goes as plan  it should be a easier day today as we  knock out all the hard labor yesterday. 16  holes will be augured  making the count around 125 for the season. We have a little cleaning and vacuuming to do this morning and I still get a kick when I'm vacuuming a fish house it never get old. We had a few things come loose on the move a mini blind came down , a light bulb fell from a ceiling fan, a couple pics from the walls and a couple  trinkets fell.
The red baron was used to cut a new trail and performed like it did when I first got it . Best 1000.00 we could of spent and was way over due. If you need some type of repair up here Barney does some outstanding work and has a shop in kellier and also has a mobile  unit for emergency repairs. You can find his card at North Country Food and Fuel here in waskish.
The area we set up has 14 1/2 inches of ice. The houses will again flood a bit but should not cause us any issues. Still not sure what Budddy Hillmen will be allowing for traffic  at this time but should know by tomorrow morning. Jim and his crew will be arriving later today for north Dakota and montana turns out they use to come up here in the crappie  days. Josh said I would remember Jim when I see him. Looks like another awesome day working on such a grand lake.

 

[fishing tech]

Cookie, I kind of had to chuckle a little at 125 hole. Back about 8 years or ago before I had my 1st back surgery 100 hole a day fishing out of portables was normal. After that it dropped to maybe 30. Now that I have had my 2nd back surgery I might do 10 in a day chasing fish. I will be up tomorrow with the ice castle and only 7 holes to drill. Maybe we will see you. Thanks for the reports.

[cookie129]

I hate it when a plan falls apart. She can be a fickle lake. Jim, Jimbo and Mike arrived for montana around 2. I was working on the lake and told Jim to come on out about a mile and I would meet them on the main road? It must be the excitement of arriving as 5 minutes later they called to say they were  at the orange cones. 3 miles out? I try and meet my customers at hillmens or the landing as for some reason  is all they hear when you give them directions is come out on the lake. To funny. I remembered Jim as soon as I saw him just like Josh said I would. The rest of there crew Bob, Geno, Mike, Ken and Josh arrived a bit later and they gave them directions out to the houses. Sitting on 14 1/2 inches of ice  the houses were flooding just like we expected after we drilled the holes. It wasn't long and Mike landed a 32 inch pike on Jims rod. Of course it tangled up half there lines but it was good excitement to start and it seemed we are in a fishy area. With a small walleye and a couple of perch also caught  while Marty and I were buttoning up florida  and old Minnesota things looked promising. I came off the lake just before dark and in preparing dinner I cut my self washing a couple dishes. Right in between my pinky  finger and finger on the webbing. After cleaning it up a trip to baudett was in order as it did need a couple stiches.  Marty and I rolled back on to the lake around 11pm to check on the guys and top off the generators. The guys in montana had 5 in the bucket and 200 feet away  in North Dakota they had not caught a fish. They were all having fun none the less. I do not mind moving houses when needed but it is very tough to move a house when it has not been fished for at least 24 hours. Saturday with the predicted cold it may not be a option. I do not move houses when its 10 below or colder unless its a emergency. I made a call to Marlo and his other buddy in there wheel houses as I had pointed then to a area to fish. Each house only had one fish so that was not very good news. Lets hope  we have some of that action from 1am to 4 am like we had 2 weeks ago. We will get the holes augured in old Minnesota and Florida this morning for  Pat and his crew and Barry and his buddy respectively. The generators have been running for the last 24 hours and seem to be fine. Lets hope with the cold temps again we have no problems. I do have a couple of back ups in case but would rather not deal with the problem again but only time will tell.

 

 

[FishWhisper]

Made the trip to Red, left cabin about 5:30 this morning and set up about 2-1/2 miles out off of Hillman's road. The new Ice Castle looks good on the ice, now I need to see how the fish come up the hole! So far everything is working and running good for the first outing. Come on fish!!

[pmcrawler]

Fished out of JRs this week. We caught a couple limits. What we found was it is a very light bite. As a matter of fact we only caught fish with a bobber, glow teardrop,  and small fathead. Jigging spoons and big rainbow minnows seemed to spook the fish.  We could have caught more if we had crappie minnows. Many of the bites, the walleye pulled the bobber down 2" and sat there. If you set right away, you lost your minnow. Count to 5, set the hook and fish on. Kinda weird but it worked.. Good luck

[cookie129]

Wow does time fly when your having fun. I was a little disappointed when I checked in on all the guys in North Dakota and Montana Friday morning. Jim, Jimbo and Mike only had 4 or 5 fish in the bucket with no late night bite. Josh, Geno, Ken, Mike and Bob has some poor fishing and only landed one fish. Ouch. I told them we would be moving both houses Saturday to a new area if they did not do better through out the day.
Ryan, Richey, Chris and Pat arrived for Minnesota later in the day Friday. Pat , Richey and Ryan have been coming for years. They have stayed in florida, montana and old Minnesota over the years and always request old Minnesota when possible. Pat has recorded every fish they have ever caught on red lake including  time and date. Pat told me last night that this was by far the slowest fishing they have ever had with me. Bummer. The lowest was 28 fish in a 3 night stay.  As of last night they were only up to 12 ,They did manage to get 4 more in the bucket after I moved them yesterday. Richey also spanked me in a game of cribbage as he was on fire through out the weekend. They still have enjoyed there stay and Pat has made his reservation for just after Christmas next year.
Berry and Earley also checked in Friday for there stay in florida. They had Kellie and I out for dinner Saturday night and caught two while we were there giving them a total of 12 or so. Berry made a chicken and  rice dish that was so good I had seconds. I told them next year maybe I could make them my smothered burritos as this was the second year they have had us for dinner. It sounds like they would like to rent north Dakota next year . Man will that be roomy with only two guys in there.
Jason and Bj checked into north Carolina Saturday .They caught a few fish the first day and yesterday they were up to 10 for the day when I talked to them.  With a few of the guys help we moved montana and north Dakota  saturday to give them another fresh spot for there last night. Jim told me they were happy with the fishing in montana where it was but I had no choice as both houses run on the same generator. I guess I may have to think about purchasing another generator to be able to separate the houses when need be. Again the 3 in montana out fished the guys in montana and got there 9 keepers with Jim winning the overall pot for biggest fish. Sunday was also a turn over for 3 of the 5 houses so I had to hustle to get  3 houses detailed out for the next groups. Being north Dakota and montana had only been fished one night they were staying put for now. Florida had good enough fishing to leave it where it was for Josh and his cousin that came with him at the last minute.
Over all the fishing was pretty poor. I guess if we caught them all there would not be any left. The cold weather -24 sunday morning did bite me in the butt a bit with my older generator. as it stopped running again. I quick trip home with two oil changes got it running again and yesterday I wrapped it in a Viking blanket to try and keep it a little warmer last night. No phone call yet so it must of helped. Two of my three augurs also became stubborn and acted up.  I get so frustrated when they will not run when its cold .There ice augurs what good do they do if they only run when its 70 degrees. Today both need to be addressed to figure out what went wrong with them. A icon may be on the wish list but not sure what the cold does to the batteries? As I like my augur with me on the trucks in the elements and not sitting at home in the warm shop. I will be heading out shortly to gas up the generators and say good by to Pat and the guys. It sounded like Jake may be headed up today as he is dyeing to wet a line on one of his favorite lakes if not his favorite. He will do some scouting for me but if its any thing like the past he will end up finding good fishing miles away from where we are now.  He also has a little more  trim work on north Dakota to finish it up.
Buddy Hillmens road is again in great shape and now open 4 miles out. I spent a giant part of Saturday  pushing snow to the southern berm and I imagine it will start to crack and flood this week as I did see some water seeping out from its banks. To all you off roaders blowing through that bank. It can be bad news and if you need to fish to the north of hillmens pay the 10 bucks and stop blasting through his berm. Not only does it make a mess but once it floods you have less the a 50% chance of making it on to his road.  I did talk to a few different wheel houses this weekend and over all it was poor fishing for every one I talked to with just one or two fish per house. Goofy fish! don't they know I'm trying to scratch out a living here and need better fishing?  

[Weathertite]

I think the ION would be a very good choice for you , just keep the Batteries in the cab of the truck and snap them in place when you are ready to Auger. Or just put the whole Auger in the cab as well. Hope this helps as everyone I talk to just loves their ION.

Mike

[cookie129]

Well today there will be a little venting and a little whining?
 I 'm basically doing the same things I have been doing for 13 years, I can be a little super stiches and maybe the 13 years is effecting the good fishing?  We have been a little handcuffed with the goofy ice conditions this year. Yesterday I did measure 18 1/2 inches where old Minnesota is sitting so that was nice to see. Saturday when I was scouting for a new location Buddy Hillmen ask me not to plow any roads as he is still worried about cracks coming across his road from the weight of the snow berms. He said with the minimal snow I would be able to pull the houses right through it?  I gave it a try and it worked fine. Years ago while towing our Alaska house I attempted the same thing only I drove into a little more snow, When I tried to power through it I broke a right front axel in blue thunder one, Since then I have always plowed a road before I pull me houses into areas. I will never forget that snapping sound as it was very distinct. After 13 years I learned something new from Buddy but I still would rather plow a road before I bring my houses into there spots. I guess that's why I have been called a rouge plower at times. Oh well.
 I 'am also frustrated with the stitches I got last Friday in baudett. He should of flipped over my hand and gave it at least another stich as it is split open on the inside and I have had my two fingers taped together to let it heal. I told him I work with my hands so that's why I had it stitched instead of taping them together. Oh well!  I can't stand needles and I do not have the time to go get another stich or two.
I have had Scott and Trent in montana for two nights. Scott is either Cory or Abbys dad. They have caught a couple fish but I sure am disappointed with the fishing there. Steve Chris and Brett have been in north Dakota for two nights and have also not done that well. They also fished a little bit in north Carolina and old Minnesota yesterday and snagged one out of north carolina. Last night they did have a 4 pounder in there bucket and a couple others plus Steve ate a couple fish. Josh and his cousin have been in florida for two nights. Again not fast and furious but they have scratched out a couple. Brian and Stacy checked into old Minnesota last night and while I was visiting. Stacy lost what we assume was her first ever walleye as they are from Kentuky.
Yesterday time was spent working on augurs as number 1 and number  2  gave me trouble the last two days. The blanket worked good on my old eu2000 but my brand new one stopped running again a few times in the last 24 hours errrr. Trying to keep everything running in this super cold weather is a grind. I got the Chrysler car running again. The bravado is eating antifreeze and may have a head gasket going out. The prospector needs another can of stop leak for the heater core and should cure the problem. The red baron needs the batteries charged if it sits for more then a couple days so I would guess it needs two new batteries? plus I have new injectors for it. But it has been to cold to even mess with them and I still do not need it on the lake for a few more days. It runs fine but has a high rpm miss that just bugs me after spending 500 dollars getting it tuned up last year. I have never changed injectors but it sounds like its pretty simple. Its sure is a challenge keeping everything running with this cold snap Fun Fun Fun as it does keep me hopping. I also put a new box fan in old Minnesota 17 dollars and it quits working 3 weeks into the season. What the f. Sorry about the venting. The great news is Jake is 2 hours from arriving and will be scouting for a couple new location for better fishing . Marty went home with a cold last friday and I hope he is ok as I have not heard from him. He has a few health issues that he has to deal with but Loves being here working on the lake. Just like me. That must be why we get along so well. 
 

[fsnrod]

Back in the day when mille lacs was booming they used milwaukee hole hogs rigged up to drill the holes the reverse flushed the holes'

[cookie129]

Two days of grinding and last night I was beat. Having a cold has not helped. I hit the sack at 8pm as Brian and Stacy in old Minnesota said he would gas up the generator.  At this time both have been running well with there blankets.
Jake arrived Tuesday and got his cold weather gear on and hit the lake looking for the mother load. Brian and Stacy tagged along. Jake found a spot that they were marking fish and saw a walleye and spot tail shiners on a camera. That was good enough for me and I started digging North Dakota and Montana out of there holes . While Jake headed off looking for another area to ruin, I plowed into the spot and hustled to get north Dakota set up for Leroy and his crew. After getting them set up I was off to retrieve montana as they would be together for the up and coming weekend. I then headed over to north Carolina and got her out of its perch. My arms were like rubber by then chopping out all the frozen blocks and shoveling all the snow. Around 4 pm I was headed out to see Lonnie in his wheel house when I realized I had pool?  I turned around made a quick stop to check on Leroy and his crew and headed home. Jake would check on them later in the eve and top off the generator for the night.  The last I heard Leroy and his crew had 4 in the bucket. Tuesday was one of those days where you just soaked in the beauty of red lake .With the sun shining brightly all day you could see for miles on a crisp minus 2 day with no wind.
Yesterday morning heading out to meet Jake and it had done a complete flip flop, Cloudy ,snow flurries and a little wind it was a struggle to see with every thing so white. After checking in with Lonnie and his poor fishing report I was off to meet Jake and do some scouting with him to find a new area for old Minnesota, florida and north carolina . Oh Lonnie's buddy 30 yards away did real well. Figure that one out. The first area we tried had fish and I measured 15 inches of ice. I did not expect that and thought for sure I would see 18? We again marked fish that refused to bite. The second area we tried was a little closer to the main road and again marked fish with no bites? Very frustrating to say the least. Jake headed off to North Dakota to finish off  the trim work and add a few more touches to the house while I headed off to old Minnesota to talk to Brian and Stacy and come up with my plan for the rest of the day. Stacy caught a 24 inch pike while I was having a cup of coffee with them so in my eyes the area is still a fishy area. Jake would be heading home with his 3 fish while Brian would become my helper as we moved old Minnesota to give them a fresh spot to fish last night. I also got florida set up on fresh ice. Then it was off to check out buddies road as Jake said it looked like buddy was expending further out. The road now goes out 6.3 miles with cones set up some where around 4 or 5 miles as the road heals from a couple cracks. I then talked to Buddy as a wheel house coming from the south busted through the berm to the south. He hit some slush and barely made it through. Again I can not stress this enough. If you want to fish north of Hillmens road pay the 10 dollars to use his road. Once it cracks under that snow which it is doing. It happens every year and this year is no different  The berm will sink and it will become a 3 foot slush hole and you will be getting tugged out from the way you came from.
 

[cookie129]

Yesterday was spent getting all the houses augured out for Bruce and his crew of 12 that were stopping by to fish from 1 to 5;30 pm. they would be fishing 4 of the 5 houses and this would give me a idea of how cooperative the fish would be?  I hate to say it but it was not pretty. I always try and have the houses on fresh ice for the customers arriving on Fridays as they have made plans well in advance. If I'm in a fishy area it may only be a 50 yard move but its still clean and unfished. Its hard to say no when some one wants to fish Thursday and I thought what the heck it would tell me a lot. Bruce and his crew have done this before and it was not a issue. Every year is different .I was so upset about the out come of there fishing yesterday that I wanted to move the houses last night. I think its un safe and unwise to move houses and work out there at night especially with out a helper. Unless its a emergency . I have moved a house at night so it can be done but again I would rather be working in the day light. Montana and North Dakota will be moving this morning at the crack of dawn. Followed by old Minnesota and north Carolina with florida bringing up the rear. I not sure if I can get them all moved and 3 of the five augured and prepped  but I'am about to give it  the old collage try as both the areas I have the houses are not even worth ruining. There's a good chance a customer or two may have to wait if they show up before 2 . I guess that's why we have a 2pm check in to give me time to make moves. The other problem is this is going to be a bigger move so you loose a lot of time traveling and prepping the new areas. The good thing is I have a plan. I have done this before when I have had a turn over on a sunday so it can be done. The one good thing is all the houses were wiped down and prepped last night so that will save a little bit of time. I also like to tow the houses nice and slow . I have seen other outfitters flying down the road with houses in tow. I just can not do it. I would guess our houses are pressing 6000 lbs. If for some reason I have to come to a stop the house would smash into the truck as they do not stop on a dime. I have learned this the hard way and its not pretty. I smashed montana  the second year we had it and had to use a handy man jack and 2x4s on the floor to push the wall and counter back into place. I also had the greek tow montana  the first year when we were bringing the houses to shore. The greek hit the gas when he came up the landing, then hit the breaks and the house just kept on coming and smashed into the truck. The tire on the rear helped but not much.
 I did have a couple wheel houses set up yesterday in new uncharted waters and they did well so that makes me feel better then going to a area with a lot of lookers and sniffers. It will be interesting to see how Randy and his buddy did  last night. I hope they call me because I will be way to busy to stop in and talk to them. Same with Ken and his crew as they were also checking out a area for me to ruin. Looking at the weather forecast it looks like I will be working in all most ideal conditions. I will take a moment  when the sunrises to soak it all in on such a grand lake that owes me nothing as that old timer Dave told me years ago. Should be a fun day wish me luck

[gunner55]

Be careful Cookie as I hear you have some trouble( Smurfy & Boar) headed your way this weekend. Good luck & I enjoy reading your daily posts, so keep em comin.

[eyeguy 54]

51 minutes ago, gunner55 said:

Be careful Cookie as I hear you have some trouble( Smurfy & Boar) headed your way this weekend. Good luck & I enjoy reading your daily posts, so keep em comin.

fish upwind from them ! !

[OLE77]

Anyone know were they are going out of? Might have to change my plans.

[gunner55]

I was told they're going out of Hillman's & staying with Cookie. I think Smurfy is in route now & leaving Sunday early. Not so sure about Boar, he may have to work part of the day,  so I believe he's planning on later today,  Might still be safe, OLE, as I think the wives will be there to keep an on them & help them catch some fish   

[cookie129]

Man oh man that was a lot of work. I did not sleep good Thursday night thinking about what I was going to do. It all worked out in the long run though. Nothing broken and no stitches just a lot of hard work. I got out on the lake at the crack of dawn as planned. I was surprised to see 3 wheel houses just behind the houses. Not that I care but one could of plugged right in to my generator he was so close. Imagine there surprise when they came out of there shack and north Dakota and Montana were gone. Both houses were taken up the road to the new area I would be ruining. I mean fishing. I then cut a new trail hooked up north Dakota and off I went. Don and his crew would be bringing there own generator so that meant I could cover a little more ice and spread out a bit more then usual. Once north Dakota was completely prepped holes augured ,house banked,etc I was off to do the same with montana. again same procedure . By then I had worked up a good sweat at it always amazes me that working in the cold you can sweat so much. Old Minnesota was next on the list. I had a completely  different area picked  for Minnesota. Glen and Sue had a group of friends from Minnesota outdoorsman with wheel houses that would be fishing by them. The area I picked Marlo had done well last week and Lonnie had one of two good nights Monday and Tuesday. Glen and Sue had to wait a bit as they arrived while I was still towing old Minnesota. In between these moves I had checked in Don and his crew in north Dakota  and Doug and his crew in montana. After getting every one settled in it was off to get the things I left behind ,blocks that needed to be chiseled out of the ice, boxes for generator, gas can etc. By then blue thunder was running on fumes and pushing 4 pm I headed to shore . Florida and north Carolina would have to wait un tell Saturday which worked out fine as they were not arriving un tell Saturday. Saturday morning upper red lake showed a little of her ugly side as the wind was howling out of the south, I got a call from Glen around 5am the new generator had stopped running EEERRR. I quick trip out there in my tennis shoe was not the best idea as I took the bravado. Luckily I was able to power though the drifts and deal with the generator issue. Not quite sure what happen but oil was good and she fired right back up. With snow drifting across the berm I would be plowing while I attempted moving florida and north Carolina to new fishing grounds. Plus old minnesota's spot was a strike out and I promised Glen I would also move them to better fishing once the other two houses were set up. My good friend Randy who was out fishing with his family was nice enough to come help me move old Minnesota and prep florida . and north caroilina. Thanks buddy. All that worked payed off and all the houses started catching a few fish Friday evening. Making the rounds Friday night I was able to swing in to Randy's shack and play a game of cribbage with him and Chuck. They had got the 6 in the area I had sent them and had moved to a new location looking for better fishing. My new friends Tim ,lance and kimmy also had good fishing  when I stopped in to see them. We are all going to go to church this morning as I ask david if he would play his saw fro them. It sure was  nice seeing all the houses catching a few fish again as last weekend was brutal to say the least. I have a nice break  coming this week with only one house rented starting Monday to  Dave and Sarah . Bob and his crew are  here another day in florida and from the looks of it I will not have to offer them a new location. This has been a crazy 72 hours and I hope to watch a little of the Denver game today. Well its time to hit the lake .I want to top off the generators and catch the sunrise on such a grand lake.

[Randy Kato]

Hey there Cookie its not a problem i enjoy helping you out if people only knew how much hard work you put in to making there fishing trip a enjoyable one they would want to pay you double lol and Taylor had a blast riding around with you in blue thunder plowing we will see you this weekend should be there friday afternoon

[cookie129]

I guess I have been a busy little beaver. Not sure where Monday and Tuesday even went. Monday morning I headed out to say good by to Bob and his crew in florida. They did all right fishing wise but sure did not pound them by any means. I then started cleaning up the road system I have created as I went from house to house cleaning and prepping for there next moves. Monatana needed to be put on fresh ice for Dave and sarahs arrival later in the day. They have been coming for years and Dave use to work at market barbeque in mpls. My favorite. He jumped ship a year or two ago and now works at rudolfs barbeque. quite a few years ago they arrived during a blizzard and the road system out of westwind was closed so the greek and I took them out to montana  with all there gear on sleds.  They hunkered down for two days of wicked weather. When the storm cleared it took the greek and I half a day to plow out to them. All the snow and wind had created giant drifts 4 to 5 feet high around all the houses. The weight of the snow had flooded all the houses. After the storm the temps dropped like a rock and froze all my houses into the lake. Man was that some hard work as the greek and I chiseled out every house. If I remember right it took us 3 or 4 days to get them all moved. Idaho at the time are heaviest house 8700 pounds was the toughest to move and we had to hook up the red baron pulling blue thunder pulling the house as it had sunk into a big bowl. All the houses had the heat on and holes augured during the storm and was part of the reason they flooded so bad. Tough lesson to learn that's for sure.  dave called Monday eve on the way up this week and the roads were so bad they spent the night in deer river and did not arrive un till yesterday. To my great surprise they brought me market barbeque. How sweet was that . Kellie, Marty and I had a meal fit for a king last night. thanks again dave and sarah it was delicious. We also had some high winds Monday into Monday night and yesterday morning there was some drifting on the berm on buddy hillmens road.  Heading out onto the lake with blue thunder yesterday I dropped the plow and pushed the drifts to the south. Buddy's berm has started to flood and crack with the weight of the snow and if you want to fish north of Hillmens road I would highly suggest you spend the 10 dollars to access the lake from hillmens. Going through that berm is a super bad idea.  Once I plowed to the end of the road to the orange cones I headed back to meet marty and we had a glorious day working on the lake. It was a little breezy and chilly but not bad. We worked like a well oiled machine and moved florida, north dakoata  and old minnesota all together for Tony and his crew that arrive  Friday . We then moved north carolina up by montana as Brett and his crew arrive Thursday. All the house are ready to be augured tomorrow morning. Coming off the lake I again dropped the plow and pushed more snow to the south. There were many spots where the water is oozing out onto the road as the berm slowly sinks and floods. Today the hammer and I need to make a trip to bemidji to get my stitches out of my hand and pick up much needed supply's including new plow lites for the red baron as they got destroyed last year.

[gunner55]

I was beginning to wonder what happened? Thought Boar & glen might have got to you 

[cookie129]

Trying to beat mother nature at her own game. Knowing we had some high wind predicted for Wednesday marty and I busted butt Tuesday moving all the houses into position for the up and coming weekend. Time ,gas, and where and tare on blue thunder as I tried to make sure the plowed road into the area we are fishing was nice smooth ice with the berms all to the south.  The generator box for north Dakota, florida and old Minnesota would be set up when Dave and Connie arrived Wednesday. Any object on the lake would be getting some drifting and I tried to plan for that with a nice wide trail/ice road.
I knew the wind was howling out of the south and I expected some snow to be drifting across Buddy Hillmens plowed road but most just sliding across the smooth ice heading north. With the plow down I clipped the edges of the snow drifts and let the wind take it away. Arriving at our turn and darn even with all the snow built up on the east side and nearly none on the west side the snow was still building up . Oh well so much for that plan. Every ware you disturbed the snow the rest of the day was going to catch more snow. We headed down the trail to augur out a couple holes in florida so marty could relax and fish while kellie and I were in Bemidji. We set up the generator box and extension cords and powered up all three house's. I plowed away the major drifts around the three houses pushing all the snow to the east of the houses. I checked on dave and sarah in montana and marked th etrail with tree branches to prepare for whiteout condition. Heading to shore around 12;30 to meet Coonie and Dave from Ill. and that crazy mother nature had done a complete flip flop and was now howling out of the north west? Didn't see that coming. Now all that snow that had been swept to the north was coming back in force across the road the other way. Plus now it started to snow and it was a wet heavey snow to boot. I again dropped the straight blade on blue thunder and clipped the edges of the drifts to let mother nature carry the snow to the south. The berm has now collected quite a bit of snow. Busting through that berm is no longer a option and any fishermen that tries will be getting towed from the same way the came from or doing a lot of digging so bring a number two shovel if you decide to save 10 dollars to access the north side. I greeted Dave and Connie at Hillmens where they got there pass for 4 days and bait. Heading back out to old minnesota and the wind and snow were starting to create white out conditions just like I expected. After checking them in and going over a few rules I stopped to check in on dave and sarah and told them I would be gone the rest of the day and marty would be fishing in florida if any thing came up while I was gone. I was a little concerned or should I say a lot as Marty would be heading back out in the worst of it after he gathered his gear and I don't think he has experienced what mother nature had in order. I did have him call me when he arrived and just as I again expected it was a eye opener for Marty.
Arriving back home  around 8 pm I headed out to check on every one and see if marty caught a couple fish. first stop was at Montana where the fishing report was not what I expected. Slow with only a couple big perch and one walleye caught. Sarah said when the wind would lighten up they would get a couple nibbles through out the day. I was excited to see how Connie and Dave were doing in old Minnesota as I expected they would have a couple fresh walleyes on the ice. To my surprise they had only landed one little scuffit walleye and lost one on a rattle wheel that broke the line. They also had caught one nice perch and had a few nibbles through out the day. Oh well I guess if we catch them all there will not be any left. I then went over to check on Marty and see how he did. He had the best action and had two nice keepers and yes. One elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. He told me the bite was so very light that if the line moved across the hole you tried to set the hook as they were not even pulling the rattle wheel line down. Marty does not use any electronics as he is kinda old school like me. All though I do use a vexlar when the hammer is not fishing with me. Oh forgot to mention the new generator stopped running for no apparent reason again and I call will be made To acme in Bemidji and a little bithing will be in order as I again demand a new unit as that piece is a lemon as far as I'm concerned. They can not blame the cold as it was above 32 degrees. Buddy's road was in pretty good shape but the red baron will be hitting the lake this morning to give the newly re built v-plow a good work out and a taste of what she was built for. Brett and his crew roll inn around 10am today.

[cookie129]

Putting myself in a pickle. What to do what to do. My plans were to move montana today when Dave and Sarah leave. Brett and his crew have montana and north Carolina for the weekend. Marty and I put north caroliana in its new spot and planned to bring montana next to it so they would be running on the same generator. North Dakota, florida and old Minnesota are in a little group for Tony and his crew. I get a call from brett on Wednesday eve, letting me know they would be arriving Thursday ? Turns out I had talked to brett a couple weeks ago and they had decided to come a day early. No problem I said as montana would be open. Problem is I had the conversation on the lake and never recorded it on my calender. Then Dave calls out of the blue and they reserve montana  Tuesday through Thursday. Now I have to shuffle things around and put brett and his crew in north Dakota when its all ready on its new spot for Tony and his crew today. Dave and Connie arrived wednesday for old Minnesota and are with Tonys crew and came up early. They have not done that well and need to be shuffled onto new ice sometime today. Now north Dakota has been fished one day instead of fresh for tony. I let marty fish florida Wednesday night and he did pretty good. kellie and I had dinner out there last night with marty in florida. Now although florida has not had all its holes augured it has been fished two nights? So now instead of having a easy day of just moving montana over by north Carolina. Do I move all 4 onto fresh ice before 2pm? I guess we will go by the over night fishing report and go from there. Yesterday  the red baron got a good work out as I helped Buddy Hillmen clear a big chunk of road after the cones. Learned a little more about moving that much snow which was cool.  The red baron performed admirably and I was way happy with its performance. Marty spent time cleaning up the road we made to our houses and pushing a little snow to the south on buddy hillmens highway. Buddy headed off towards his houses I went and met brett and checked him and his crew in .Then I headed off the lake as when we went to town wednseday I blew right through blackdack and forgot to get my stitches out.  Now I find out this morning that Buddy made another two miles of road and I had no clue and never got to help. Oh well maybe next time. Kellie the hammer and I fished last night in florida for a bit. I landed one nice keeper rip jigging a rattling flyer with no vex. The hammer missed atleast 4 fish. She must be out of practice. She did finally land a nice keeper though. And lost another at the bottom of the hole. Its so funny she never ever says I got one. Everyone says I got one when they set the hook but not her she just sets the hook and quietly reels them in. I did talk to Brett and his crew they landed the first elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie out of north Dakota and as a reward get 50 bucks off there stay as promised for the first one caught out of that house. Time to hit the lake .we usually start at 9 but today we are starting at 8 so Marty can get in a little overtime. On a side note the warm weather combined with the wet snow, strong winds, Wednesday and into Wednesday night has put a nice glaze over all the snow on the lake. The next dusting of snow with wind is really going to blow some snow around.  

 

N

 

 

[cookie129]

I guess all I can say is stupid fish. Making the rounds last night was again a little disappointing. My first stop was to see how Tyler and his two buddies were doing .They showed up with there wheel house and I set them up where Randy and Chuck pounded on them last weekend. They were marking fish but only had one keeper after 5 hours of fishing. My second stop was Brett and his crew in Montana and north Carolina on new fresh spots. Montana had gotten two and north Carolina nothing yet. They were having a big fish fry though as they had fished portables most of the day and had there 15 walleyes and 4 yes 4 elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies. One which had came out of north Dakota Thursday night. I then got a call from Keith. They were trying a new spot and had also caught one elusive yet still catchable red lake crappie and one keeper walleye. My next stop was Tony and his crew. The 5 kids which I have not gotten there names yet had caught 4 fish with one being a smaller northern in North Dakota on its new spot. Tony and Jimmy the kids dads were fishing Florida. They had not caught a fish but they had been helping the kids and were just starting to really fish.. Connie and Dave were in old Minnesota after we had moved them onto fresh ice. Connie had landed a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie and was quite excited. They had also landed a couple more walleyes and now had 5 in there bucket . Still not very good since they arrived Wednesday afternoon. I talked to Marlo and all though I do not know where he is fishing they had 6 in the bucket and there buddies in another wheel house also had some action. I did not get a chance to talk to Matt and his kids in there wheel house as they were trying a new area to the south west of me. Randy and Tammy's wheel house looked very dark so I did not stop as I assumed they may of been sleeping. Boar and his buddies are also out there somewhere in there wheel houses and I will talk to them later today to see how they did over night. So over all my houses were not doing all that well. Marty and I will move Florida on the other side of north Dakota so Jimmy and Tony get a fresh spot for there second night. I will be moving Montana to a completely new area Sunday for Dan, Mel, Rob and Amy as it looks like I may of ruined another 10 acres of area. Who knows maybe I will get out there this morning and the rattle wheels have kept every one up all night as it has been known to happen in a sleeper.