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Brainerd Fishing Pictures! |
Hello Mr. Pike |
Life is Good |
Nice First Walleye |
Nice Mess of Walleye |
Happy, happy, happy |
The Daily Double! |
Nice Mess of Walleye & Pike |
The Action is Good |
Hello Mr. Pike |
Life is Good |
Nice First Walleye |
Nice Mess of Walleye |
Happy, happy, happy |
The Daily Double! |
Nice Mess of Walleye & Pike |
The Action is Good |
Hello Mr. Pike |
Life is Good |
Nice First Walleye |
Nice Mess of Walleye |
Happy, happy, happy |
The Daily Double! |
Nice Mess of Walleye & Pike |
The Action is Good |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 6-16-15
The water temperatures have finally broken 70 degrees, but
only within the last few days. The colder weather has kept
local water temperatures cooler than normal. The walleye
action has been spotty. Some days the bite has been good,
other days only fair. The good news is the best bite of the
summer is just around the corner. I expect local water
temperatures to creep into the mid 70's within the next few
days. The walleye have been holding just off the first break
in 18 to 22 feet of water. The schools are definitely
starting to stage with more fish showing up on the breakline
daily. There has been no clear favorite choice for baits
this last week. One day it's a leech, the next day it's a
minnow. Don't spend too much time nursing walleye schools.
Fishing quickly and effectively will produce the most fish
at this time. The walleye bite should only improve as water
temperature inch closer to the mid 70's. The bass action has
been good. Key locations have been located on the back edge
of good stands of cabbage in 5 to 8 feet of water. The bass
should start to drop deeper as the water temperature rise. I
would expect the bass to start relating to the outer edges
of the weeds in the near future. The sunfish are still
spawning in 5 to 8 feet of water. Sandy locations with a
good southern exposure are prime locations at the current
time. The crappie have moved out of the shallows but are
still present in good numbers in 8 to 12 feet of water.
Deeper holes located near good stands of pencil reeds are
prime locations. Small tube jigs suspended below a slip
bobber are effective baits at the current moment. It's hard
to believe the Fourth of July is just around the corner. I
expect the local bite to heat up in the next few days as the
water temperatures continue to rise. Life is Good! JOHN
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That's a BIG Walleye |
Brainerd Fishing Pictures! |
Hello Mr. Pike |
Life is Good |
Nice First Walleye |
Nice Mess of Walleye |
Happy, happy, happy |
The Daily Double! |
Nice Mess of Walleye & Pike |
The Action is Good |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 6-06-15
The water temperatures have started to creep closer to the
magical 70 degree mark. It's been a weird spring so far but,
thankfully, a summer pattern is located on the near horizon.
The walleye schools have dropped from the shallow water
flats and have started to show up on the deeper weed edges
in greater numbers. Key locations have been the outer weed
edges of wind blown structures. This is one of my favorite
times on the year. The walleye schools read very well on
electronics right now. Don't waste time but fishing
structures where fish are not present. It might take a
little searching, but your efforts will be rewarded. The
walleye are currently staging for their annual spring
feeding binge. The current water temperatures are hovering
around 65-67 degrees, so we are not too far off. We should
hit the 70 degree mark within the next week or so. The bass
action has been good. Key locations continue to be on the
backside edges of major weed lines in 5 to 7 feet of water.
The crappie have moved to the second break line and are
holding near good stands of cabbage. There are still a good
number of sunfish spawning in 3 to 5 feet of water. Search
out locations with a southerly exposure that have a mixture
of cabbage weeds and sand. Small teardrop jigs tipped with a
panfish leech and suspended below a bobber are effective
baits. The best pike fishing is still to come. Stay tuned for more reports. Life is Good! JOHN
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That's a BIG Walleye |
Brainerd Fishing Pictures! |
Nice Pile of Walleyes |
Life is Good |
Another Nice One |
Show me the MONEY |
Happy, happy, happy |
Hello Mr. Johnson! |
Friendly Competition |
The Daily Double! |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 5-25-15
The weather has finally started to return to a more normal
pattern. Last
week's "mini ice-age" was an unwelcome guest to the Brainerd Lakes. The colder weather pushed active fish
out of the shallows
in droves. Current water temperatures are about 6 degrees cooler than
those ten days ago
but are warming fast. The crappie had started to spawn before the big chill
hit but stalled when the water temps fell. The good news is the sun is back and the shallows
have started to become alive. Key water depths for crappie have
been 3 to 4 feet with sunfish even shallower. The bulk of
the largemouth bass are relating to the back edges of weed lines in 3 to
6 feet of water. The shiner minnows have resumed their run, so
the hungry schools of walleye are sure to follow. The best walleye bite has been
occurring after sunset in 4 to 6 feet of water. Long line trolling #11 floating raps in blue/silver, black/silver, and black/gold has been the most effective method for catching
walleye after dark. The best daytime bite has been taking place on Upper Gull near current areas.
Stay tuned for more reports. Life is Good! JOHN
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Fish Catching Machine! |
Brainerd Fishing Pictures! |
The Bass are Shallow |
Nice Mess of Crappie! |
Another Nice One |
This is how it's Done |
Life is Good! |
Hello Mr. Pike! |
Shallow Water Crappie |
Future BassMaster |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 5-11-15
The weather on the Saturday of Opener was nice but
unfortunately short lived. Rain showers and colder
temperatures moved in that night and have been with us
since. The cold front we experienced mid week prior to the
weekend slowed fishing more than expected. There were still
fish willing to bite. It just took a little more work to
find them. The walleye schools were scattered. There was no
pattern to their depth. It was literally fish where you
found them. Some fish were shallow while others were deep.
The only constant was the lure selection. Blue/white colored
jigs, and solid green, tipped with shiner minnows were
responsible for all the walleye we caught. The bites
were not aggressive by any means and we missed way more fish
than we caught. Our hooking percentage was terrible,
pathetic would be a better word, until we finally forced
ourselves to slow things way down. Quick hook sets were
rewarded with skinned minnows and no fish. Unbearable
waiting, 5 to 7 seconds, resulted in the most hookups
with the majority of the fish still only hooked in the lip.
The good news is warm weather is in the forecast. Which
means the fish can only get more aggressive. See you next
week. Life is Good! JOHN
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Fish Catching Machine! |
Brainerd Fishing Pictures! |
Off to a Good Start |
Opener's First Fish! |
Another Nice One |
It's Fish Fry TIME |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 5-08-15
The eve of the Minnesota walleye season is finally upon us. It's been a long, sometimes tedious, wait but it's finally here. The weatherman
threw us a curve ball yesterday in the form of a major cold but there
should still be plenty of fish to catch. Start your search shallow. The shiners started to spawn
early last week and the shallows are full of minnows. The
best option is to match the "hatch". Good bait options will
be 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz jigs tipped with shiner minnows. Current areas
always hold fish this time of year. One of the best spots is located on the north end of Gull Lake. There is a community fishing pier on the south
side of the CR 77 bridge by Zobra's. Deep holes are located
on both sides of the bridge. The spot is a local favorite. Many walleyes are taken from this area each spring. Life is Good! JOHN
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Crappie Action is Good! |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 5-02-15
The frigid temperatures are now behind us. It's time to
think of crappie fishing. The local lakes have warmed up and
the hungry schools of crappies have moved into the shallows.
There's nothing like crappie fishing to celebrate the end of
another winter. Key location are in 4 to 6 feet of water.
Search out soft bottom areas and look for large clumps of
cabbage. Don't waste too much time sitting in one location.
Crappies travel in big schools, find one and more are sure
to follow. Good baits are small jigs, 1/32 oz, suspended
below a bobber. Fan cast likely locations until you make
contact with the first crappie and then ease an anchor over
the side. Then it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy. This
is what spring is all about. Life is Good! JOHN
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Time to catch Crappies! |
Brainerd Fishing Pictures! |
Having Fun! |
Can you say, "Fish Fry" |
It's crappie time! |
Perfect "eater" |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 4-20-15 The Brainerd lakes are ice free! I love those words. It's
such a good feeling to have soft water again. I was out
breaking in my new 620 FS on North Long last night. The
water temps are still a little chilly but warming quickly.
I'm planning to put a few poles in the boat next time and
start looking for some crappies. The transition routes
between deep water wintering areas and the shallows are key
locations this time of year. Search for good cabbage beds
located on the first deep break of known springtime crappie
locations. Fish quickly with beetle spins or road runners to
make first contact then slow down. Crappies are a numbers
fish. Rarely will you find one without finding a bunch this
time of year. The trick is locating the first one. Keep it
touch! JOHN
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It's Break in Time! |
Brainerd Pictures! |
Life is Good! |
Beautiful Sunset |
She's a KEEPER! |
It's ALL Good |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 4-11-15
The ice has finally started to pull away from the shorelines on most of the smaller lakes and ponds throughout the area. The migrating ducks have returned on the river and I even witnessed a great blue heron the other day. It's a nice feeling be on the tailing end of another winter. The open water will be here before we know it. It's time to start getting ready. I picked up my boat this week. I will be running Ranger's new 620 FS model this year. There's still a few nights of rigging to do but I'm hoping to have it all finished before open water arrives. My prediction for ice out is April 15th if current conditions hold. Life is Good! JOHN
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Edwards is open! |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 4-05-15
Where did March go? The local lakes have finally started to
turn dark. Most smaller swamps are ice free and the sound of spring peepers has returned to northern
Minnesota. It's always great to hear their chorus while
driving with the windows down for the first time in the
spring. We are still two to three weeks away from open water. It's The current areas Round have opened in Rogers, MN from 10am to 4pm to answer any questions you might have about early season walleyes and crappies. Stay warm and think spring.
Life is Good! JOHN
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Gilbert is starting to turn dark! |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 2-25-15
The cold weather just doesn't want to leave the Brainerd Lakes Area. The daytime
highs have only been in the single digits for much of last
week. I'm not kidding when I say, "It's getting old". The
Minnesota walleye season is now officially closed on island
waters until the Opener in May. The panfish activity has
been good for those willing to brave the elements but I've
been spending most of my spare time preparing for spring. There
really hasn't been much activity on the ice this week.
Thanks to everyone who came up ice fishing with us this winter.
Let's hope the ice will melt quickly and we can get back on the water soon. I am itching to get a few hours on the new boat. Stop in and visit me if you get bored on Saturday, February 28. I will be at the Cabela's store
in Rogers, MN from 10am to 4pm to answer any questions you might have about early season walleyes and crappies. Stay warm and think spring.
Life is Good! JOHN
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Sneak Peek of the New Ranger! |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 2-03-15
The cold weather has returned to the North Land. Mr.
Groundhog says we can expect another six weeks of winter but
I'm hoping for less. My new Ranger 620 FS rolled into town
last week and I anxious to get it into the water. I know
spring is still a long ways off, but you can't blame a guy
for dreaming. The walleye bite remains fair throughout the
Brainerd Lakes area. We've been catching most of the fish on Gull and North
Long lakes in 12 to 18 feet of water on tip ups. The best times
have been mornings and late afternoons. A golden shiner
minnow hooked through the dorsal fin with a
chartreuse colored size #4 hook has been producing the best results.
The northern pike action remains steady. The sunny days have
been good for
seeing numbers of fish but we've
been seeing the largest fish when it's been overcast.
Tip-ups rigged with a sucker minnow have been effective. The
best action in the area has been the panfish. There's been a
good bite on Clark Lake in 6 to 9 feet of water. Small tear
drops tipped with waxworms have been producing steady
action. Stay warm and think spring. Who cares what the
Groundhog thinks! Life is Good. JOHN
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Nice Gull Lake Eye! |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 1-27-15
The last few weeks have been nothing short of unbelievable,
with daytime highs in the mid to upper thirties, it's been a
great time to be on the ice in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The
best action has been the northern pike. We've had some
stellar days the last few weeks in 14 to 18 feet of water.
The best action has come on sunny days. If current weather
patterns hold, the action should be a good for the few weeks
to come. The walleye fishing has been fair. The best bite is
still occurring in the evenings from 3:30 to 5:00 o'clock.
The best tactic has been a set-line rigged with shiner
minnow on a plain hook. The crappie action has been fair
with most of the fish being caught in 10 to 12 feet of water
around sunset. Smaller baits have been the most effective.
The sunfish have been shallow. Search for open pockets
amongst the weeds in 6 to 9 feet of water. There is little,
to no snow, on the lakes at the present time. These are
prefect conditions to drill a few holes and "troll" with the
Vexilar. Pop a few holes on a point and investigate them
with a flasher, you will not be disappointed. Side note: I
got a peek at the new 620 FS I will be running this year at
the Ranger pro-staff meeting in the cities. I can hardly
wait for open water! Stay warm and think spring. It will be
here before we know it. JOHN
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The Pike Action is Good! |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 1-13-15
The weatherman is finally calling for a break from the frigid
temperatures we've been experiencing. We might even see
daytime highs in the mid 30's by this weekend. The walleye
action remains fair with most of the fish being caught from the
shallows. The best depths have been 12 to 18 feet. Set
lines, or rattle reels, are still producing the best action.
A small shiner minnow on a plain hook has been the best bait. The northern pike action remains strong with several 39+
inch being caught this week. Gull and Whitefish have been
producing the most action for pike. The crappie bite on
North Long has slowed with the best action taking place
after hours. Large crowds have forced fish to change their
feeding times on several lake. Lake Hubert had been
producing prior to the big freeze and we are hoping the
return of warmer weather will also bring back the bite there
as well. The pan fish have been located in 6 to 8 feet of
water near healthy stands of cabbage. If you haven't
purchased your Extravaganza ticket yet, there is still time
but I would wait. It looks like it will be a great day to be
on the ice if the current weather predictions hold. Stay
warm! JOHN
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That's a BIG "gill" |
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Brainerd Fishing Report: 1-06-15
The frigid temperatures over the past few weeks have created excellent
ice conditions in the Brainerd Lakes area, The few exceptions have been located near strong current areas between lakes and river inlets. Most of the worst locations are well marked but use caution when unsure. The spearing action has been great. The best locations have been located near large healthy cabbage beds which drop off quickly to deeper water. The walleye action has been fair. There are two active patterns right now. Some of the walleye schools have been relating to the cabbage weeds in 12 to 18 feet of water while the rest are being found in the deeper water anywhere from 34 to 42 feet. The majority of the walleyes seem to prefer a set line at this time with little to no movement. The best baits have been smaller shiner minnows on plain chartreuse or pink
hooks. The best crappie fishing has been occurring on the smaller lakes. The larger crowds on some of the bigger lakes has shifted the evening bite to late at night on those lakes. The best crappie baits have been small glow demon jigs in green or red tipped with a small minnow or a waxworm. Stay warm and keep posted. JOHN
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That's a BIG Gator! |
Brainerd Ice Fishing Pictures! |
Having Fun! |
Another Nice Pike |
Nice Pike! |
Perfect "eater" |
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