Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Moose's Report - Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing Reports


Recommended Posts

21 hours ago, monstermoose78 said:

It’s really hard to make the switch because we’re creatures of habit, but it’s so nice to just grab and go now without live bait. 

I agree with this, in both the hard and soft water fishing realm.  Stopping, buying, and trying to keep live bait fresh and alive simply got old.  I've almost exclusively used artificial lures now for the past decade.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Meh....... i personally dont think its all that hard to deal with live bait!!!!!!!

 

dont get me wrong..i use plastics but i also have live bait. i the summer its leeches 99% of the time. i like to think of it as a security blanket!!!!! during hard water, depending on what i'm chasing its minnows or waxies............

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Part of my issue with live bait is that it generally results in a higher hooking mortality than artificial does, especially in the heat of summer.  95% of what I catch is intended to be released, so in order to maximize that, it helps to avoid using live bait.  I'm not saying you can't accidentally kill a fish with artificial that is deep hooked, because you certainly can.  But as a general rule, they are more often hooked in the mouth with artificial.

 

The cost is also ridiculous for some live bait too.  Crappie minnows and waxies aren't bad, but when you start talking shiners, jumbo leeches, and decoy suckers...it gets out of hand quickly.  The last time I bought a big decoy sucker for muskie fishing years ago, they were $14 each.  15 bucks for a dozen shiners and half of them are dead by the time you get to the lake?  Take my left arm too why don't ya.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

45 minutes ago, gimruis said:

 

The cost is also ridiculous for some live bait too.  Crappie minnows and waxies aren't bad, but when you start talking shiners, jumbo leeches, and decoy suckers...it gets out of hand quickly.  The last time I bought a big decoy sucker for muskie fishing years ago, they were $14 each.  15 bucks for a dozen shiners and half of them are dead by the time you get to the lake?  Take my left arm too why don't ya.


I rarely buy live bait in the summer also, with the exception of leeches.  But all of it needs to be kept cool and oxygenated so the bait coolers do prove their value.

 

You might want to shop around for bait prices though.  Maybe out of the 7 county metro you could call ahead.  I found decoy suckers for $3 each over the winter.

  • Thumbs Up 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

I got this photo yesterday I don’t know know why the dates are screwed up. 

F40F02A4-D102-43AD-ACF0-BD460123E869.jpeg

  • Thumbs Up 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just bought my spring turkey license the other day.  Season C it is this year.

 

Figured with the colder temps and abundant snow pack, it might be a while before "spring" is in full swing.  I normally hunt season B.  I really have no interest in hunting in the snow.

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
37 minutes ago, gimruis said:

Just bought my spring turkey license the other day.  Season C it is this year.

 

Figured with the colder temps and abundant snow pack, it might be a while before "spring" is in full swing.  I normally hunt season B.  I really have no interest in hunting in the snow.

That's might be a good strategy. Just can't see the snow gone in the northen area I'm thinking of hunting the first or second season. 

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

2 hours ago, leech~~ said:

That's might be a good strategy. Just can't see the snow gone in the northen area I'm thinking of hunting the first or second season. 

mayhaps Wanderer would let you use his glider rocker..........at least you'd be comfortable!!!!!!🤣🤪

  • Yayyyy 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
3 hours ago, smurfy said:

mayhaps Wanderer would let you use his glider rocker..........at least you'd be comfortable!!!!!!🤣🤪

Sure, that would be nice. 🤗     Probably better then that tree I was leaning against last spring with a knot in my back!  <_<

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • Yayyyy 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

8 hours ago, smurfy said:

mayhaps Wanderer would let you use his glider rocker..........at least you'd be comfortable!!!!!!🤣🤪

You know that it glides???

 

Did you sit in it?  WTH?

  • Yayyyy 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

5 minutes ago, Wanderer said:

You know that it glides???

 

Did you sit in it?  WTH?

dang..i let that slip out!!!!!!!😣🤣

Link to comment
Share on other sites

22 hours ago, leech~~ said:

That's might be a good strategy. Just can't see the snow gone in the northen area I'm thinking of hunting the first or second season. 

I'm not saying you can't fill your tag with snow on the ground, just to be clear.  You can.  I just prefer to hunt them in "spring-like" conditions instead of "winter-like" conditions.  The snow inhibits my ability to sneak into the blind like a ninja too.  Its crunchy and makes a lot of noise when its in this thawing and freezing cycle.

Edited by gimruis
  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

1 hour ago, gimruis said:

I'm not saying you can't fill your tag with snow on the ground, just to be clear.  You can.  I just prefer to hunt them in "spring-like" conditions instead of "winter-like" conditions.  The snow inhibits my ability to sneak into the blind like a ninja too.  Its crunchy and makes a lot of noise when its in this thawing and freezing cycle.

i wanna see a picture of you in your ninja outfit and sword!!!!!!!!🤪🤣

  • Yayyyy 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
2 hours ago, gimruis said:

I'm not saying you can't fill your tag with snow on the ground, just to be clear.  You can.  I just prefer to hunt them in "spring-like" conditions instead of "winter-like" conditions.  The snow inhibits my ability to sneak into the blind like a ninja too.  Its crunchy and makes a lot of noise when its in this thawing and freezing cycle.

I'm sure when it's time to mate, it's time to mate.  But, who wants to have their cloaque hanging out when it's cold!  :unsure:  :grin:

  • Yayyyy 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Spent the day on the lake with my dad and Riverrat316. We had a blast catching gills, crappies, perch, bass, and pike. We were fishing for gills and crappies. 8-13 feet was the ticket for us. 

  • Thumbs Up 4
Link to comment
Share on other sites

moose...what are the conditions on top of the ice.???  lot of slop up in the northern part of the state from the reports i'm getting!!!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

There was a good crust not much slop. Where the plowed road was its slushy and full of water. 

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

I think it should be all froze up after tonight it said -2 this morning on the truck.

Edited by monstermoose78
Link to comment
Share on other sites

4 hours ago, monstermoose78 said:

Added another decoy to my collection I believe its a long tail duck decoy. You tell me?0AFD7A85-F083-47B2-8D9A-A4332B9CEAB4.thumb.jpeg.e123b03b3b87a66e280c3a2ce5f6bfb4.jpeg


I agree!

  • Thumbs Up 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

Well I busted through near shore knee deep and twisted my knee. The fishing was good in the 6-10 range. I am done unless I head up north. I am doing ok but that water is cold. I did not take many photos as I was trying to get some fish for one last fish fry.

57A40DC4-4169-4BCC-9A13-A92BFF0E31AB.jpeg

50F07E88-4E8B-4143-8911-D9A8A785572A.jpeg

  • Wow, ❤ 2
  • Yayyyy 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
57 minutes ago, Wanderer said:

Glad you didn’t get hurt worse!

 

Its getting to be Turkey time now anyway.

E97A1947-B732-4416-B6A5-7FD6F4C53207.thumb.jpeg.cb668fd065380b997f8e4d7a7e65beda.jpeg

Can I shoot, shoot one of them!  :grin:

  • Yayyyy 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
14 hours ago, monstermoose78 said:

Well I busted through near shore knee deep and twisted my knee. The fishing was good in the 6-10 range. I am done unless I head up north. I am doing ok but that water is cold. I did not take many photos as I was trying to get some fish for one last fish fry.

57A40DC4-4169-4BCC-9A13-A92BFF0E31AB.jpeg

50F07E88-4E8B-4143-8911-D9A8A785572A.jpeg

Early and late ice is a good time to use your head, oop Spud!  :P

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders
6 hours ago, leech~~ said:

Early and late ice is a good time to use your head, oop Spud!  :P

Well I am not good at using my head 

  • Yayyyy 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I don't consider the season to be done until I fall through at least once😁. Well done Moose🥶

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 4/9/2023 at 8:56 AM, leech~~ said:

Can I shoot, shoot one of them!  :grin:

They changed their pattern today.  I set my blind yesterday just cuz but figured things would change by Wednesday and they did.

 

I’m gonna actually have to hunt them now if I want one!

  • I Like it 1
  • Yayyyy 2
  • l Love It 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
    • 11-87
      Looking for recommendations on scope or red dot    I basically hunt turkey and whitetail, live in southern MN. So it’s all deer/ shotgun    looking to add a scope/ red dot as my eyes don’t work like they used to to with the open sights.    my gun options are 11/87 12. Browning BPS 12    not looking for the most expensive or the cheapest    pros and cons of one over the other
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.