The beginning of spring is here, however the deep chill in the air would lead you to believe otherwise. The nights are still cold but the warmth of the daytime sun makes up for what the chill of the night has taken. This is an excellent opportunity to chase after some pre-spawn bass. This is a transition time of year for the lakes and ponds. A time when the water temperatures are beginning to rise and the weed growth is very sparse and small. A lake or pond goes thru this spring transition or “turn over” just as it does in the fall. The warm water is at the bottom and the cold water is at the top. During this turnover period the water begins to mix and it can create quite a mess of the water. Prior to this transition however, the bass can become quite active and feed heavily on ... [ Read More ]
Spring Time Panfish.
Spring Time Panfish My favorite time of year is quickly approaching. The time when the Red Wing Black Birds start arriving, when the call of the Loon greets my morning, and the chill of the crisp morning air hits my face as I launch the boat on to one of my favorite crappie waters. YES, I love chasing springtime crappies! Typically they are eager to bite if you put in the time to pattern them at this time of year. I usually start my open water fishing within 3-4 days of the ice melting off my favorite lakes. Shallow, dark bottom bays will attract the ‘bugs’ and minnows…and the crappies and ‘gils will follow as they are interested in putting on the feedbag before the spawn. A few people have the misconception that the fish are spawning during this early period, because when they clean ... [ Read More ]
Late Ice Safety
The time has come when all the permanent ice houses are off the lakes. There is far less traffic on the lakes. With spring just around the corner and warm temperatures this past week and more certainly to come, today I want to remind everyone about late ice safety and the effect that the warm spring thaw has on the lakes. As the temperatures rise to the 40’s during the day and are only dropping just below freezing at night, all the snow on top of the ice is turning into one big “lake.” if you will, on top of the ice. Even with less than a week of these warm temperatures, travel on the lakes has already come to a screeching halt, and very soon we will need to pull out the rubber boots, cleats, and possibly the waders to get on that hot panfish bite. The fishing picks up a ... [ Read More ]
The Perfect Turkey Hunting Plan
I love to turkey hunt but, for me, sitting for long periods is a challenge. When I first started turkey hunting, I’d hunt in the same spot until about nine o’clock and then head home. On the way home, I’d see toms strutting everywhere. Through observation, I soon realized something was wrong. Since this time of 'enlightenment', I've developed a solid turkey hunting plan that is carried out in phases. The plan has worked very well for me and hopefully it will for you too! The key to the plan is, each phase of the hunt consists of the time of the day that typically corresponds to certain turkey behaviors. I hate wearing a watch, but when I am executing my hunting plan, I use the clock on my cellphone to keep me on track, work my hunting phases, and remain disciplined. If I get bored or ... [ Read More ]
The Skinny on Bulls – Late Season Panfish Ice Fishing Adjustments
Some of the shallowest panfish we catch each winter happen in March during late ice on many fisheries. Fun sight fishing patterns often emerge. Fish can sometimes be found in a few feet of water under the ice. Shallow weed patterns often come alive at late ice. Many anglers assume that aquatic vegetation has to be green and vibrant in order to hold fish. While still green weeds do hold fish, dead stands of weeds will also hold fish if the weeds provide cover and there is good oxygen. When the ice begins to rot along the shorelines and water begins to seep into the lake along the shorelines, shallow water can be extremely productive. One of my absolute favorite locations for looking for shallow water bluegills at late ice is really shallow pencil ... [ Read More ]
Minnesota Fishing Reports
Minnesota Fishing Reports Do you want to read and share Minnesota fishing reports? Because if you do, you too can gain exclusive, members only access to Inside Traders! Current Minnesota Fishing Reports (Don't forget, when you share your fishing reports, you can earn credit towards gaining access to an exclusive group of Inside Traders!): Go to the Forums and become a member today and then ASK FOR A FISHING REPORT. Alexandria, Miltona Fishing Reports - Hunting Annandale, Buffalo, Big Lake Fishing Reports - Hunting Backus, Emily, Hackensack, Longville, Outing, Remer Fishing Reports Bemidji Fishing Reports Blackduck Fishing Reports Brainerd Fishing Reports BWCA-Duluth-Gunflint Trail-North Shore Lake Superior Fishing Reports Cambridge-Elk River-Foley-Milaca-Mora-Ogilvie Fishing ... [ Read More ]
Walleye Fishing – Early Season Blockbusters
Some of the earliest open water walleye fishing opportunities occur each season on river systems and flowages or bottle neck areas that open up because of current. Open seasons and open water are necessary and there are so many good early season fishing opportunities. The Mississippi River, Rainy River, Fox River and the Missouri River all come to mind. Each of these fisheries are drastically different with different terrain features, different forage and ultimately different fishing strategies. While there are differences from one fishery to the next, there are also many similarities. The beauty of fishing rivers is that fish location does get dictated by current… or a lack there of. Across the board on a variety of river systems, we find ... [ Read More ]
Minnesota Fishing Reports Feed
Minnesota Fishing Reports - Most current fishing reports from around the state. by Fishing Guides, Minnesota Resorts and Members. If you can't find what you are looking for below, #1 - Become a member and ask for a fishing report, then please be sure to check out the Minnesota Fishing & Hunting forums. Latest Southern MN Fishing Reports [wp-rss-aggregator source="4234080"] Latest Metro MN Fishing Reports [wp-rss-aggregator source="4234092"] Latest Central MN Fishing Reports [wp-rss-aggregator source="4234107"] Latest Northern MN Fishing Reports [wp-rss-aggregator source="4234122"] Latest Minnesota Fishing Reports [wp-rss-aggregator source="4233354"] ... [ Read More ]
Better fishing thanks to MN DNR musky study
The MN DNR musky study involves collecting information and studying musky populations; measurements are recorded, sex of the fish is identified, and an electronic tag implanted in the fish is scanned, before it is returned to the lake. One day, it could take an angler's lure and provide a long-remembered thrill. This process allows the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to make well-informed decisions about how to stock musky and manage harvest. “As anglers head into the musky season that began June 4, they are enjoying opportunities that came about largely due to research-based management,” said Don Pereira, fisheries section chief. “Better information can lead to better fishing in a state that’s already a renowned musky fishing destination.” The DNR studies musky in a ... [ Read More ]
Minnesota state park bike trails offer tune up stations
Purchased as part of the Pedal Minnesota (www.pedalmn.com) initiative, which strives to make Minnesota the “Bike Friendly State”, Minnesota state park bike trails are available at several state parks and trails. The stations are equipped with basic bike maintenance tools, including air pumps. Funding for most of the stations was made possible through a grant from the Federal Recreational Trails Program and matching state funds. One station was purchased by the Gateway-Brown’s Creek Trail Association and another by the Preston Community Foundation and the Preston Tourism Board. “These stations are a convenient amenity on our trails,” says Andrew Korsberg, DNR state trail program coordinator. “They make it easy to pump up tires or do some light maintenance on your bike while out on a ... [ Read More ]