Fishing Report September 16, 2010

Posted on September 16, 2010 by Bonnie Cook

Fishing Report September 16, 2010 Walleye fishing on Lake Winnie was the main game plan for Wednesday but first we had to stop and see if we could get a head start by catching some Crappies. As we arrived at stop #1 and put the boat in the water, we found surface temperatures at 61 degrees and there were many signs that the cool water is finally beginning to force baitfish, small gamefish and in turn, predators out of the shallow weeds and into open water. The screen of my Humminbird was lit up like a Christmas tree as I cruised across the deep water. Minnows, big fish, little fish and who knows what else, were all occupying the open water now.
During the past month, you’ve heard me describe hovering over the top of a school of Crappies and fishing vertically below the boat to catch them. This will still work if you can locate a school that’s tightly grouped. But during the past few outings, I’ve noticed more and more Crappies are spreading out horizontally near the bottom. On the screen, they look more like Walleyes and when you see this image , you’re going to be better off trolling slowly instead of trying to fish vertically. There’s no real magic to it, just find an area where you’re marking fish and work through the fish at a trolling speed of about .5 to .7 MPH. The weight of your lures will depend on how deep the fish are, in our case 1/16 ounce jigs with a 3 inch white twister tail was enough to get down to about 20 feet. Any deeper than that and 1/8 ounce would be needed. Keep the jigs light so that they tend to “float” around above the bottom. Avoid dragging or bumping the bottom, this is not necessary for Crappie fishing.
Hey, One of the better little surprises for me came about mid-morning, just after we wrapped up the Crappie session our plan was to fish Walleyes. We all love surprises and sometimes a little stroke of luck comes in really handy!
We moved out onto Lake Winnie to see how the Walleye bite was holding up and I somehow managed to land in an area where the Walleyes were really moving. Fishing on the weedline in 7 to 8 feet of water with 1/8 ounce jig and minnow combinations was all that we needed. Our first drift yielded a half dozen fish and although subsequent drifts varied in producivity, each was successful, some better than others. We caught a few “slot fish” that were released, but most of the Walleyes ranged from 14 to 16 inches and catching our limit of eaters was not a big problem.
On our way back home, we stopped again to check out the Crappies, but this time found Bluegills instead. We didn’t make a career out of fishing them, but plan to return today for another run at them.
Don’t forget, you can always catch additional reports on the radio program too! Listen every Thursday at 6:20 AM. KAXE 91.7 FM Grand Rapids, 105.3 FM Bemidji and 89.9 FM Brainerd.

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FISHING & CONSERVATION

Posted on September 15, 2010 by Bonnie Cook

Responsible Angling
It seems like everyone likes to go fishing! Boys, girls, moms, dads and even grandparents like to fish. More than 50 million Americans fish. Fisheries are responsible for maintaining healthy and productive fish populations. But with so many anglers, this isn’t easy. More and more fishery managers are starting to become people managers too!

What is good fishing to one person, may not be good fishing to another. Some anglers don’t care what they catch as long as they catch something. Other anglers are only interested in certain species of fish. Some want to catch lots of fish while others want big fish. Still others don’t care if they catch anything as long as they get to relax in the beautiful outdoors.
Managing Fish Populations
A fishery manager must first consider the habitat in order to manage fish. As you have likely learned, fish require the right water temperature, oxygen level, food source and cover. If you stocked a trout in warm water, it would not survive very long. Likewise, if you put pike in a lake without vegetation, it wouldn’t do well either.

Most fish will spawn naturally and produce their own young. In these cases, a fishery manager does not have to stock fish every year. The fish replenish the waters on their own. A manager will improve the habitat, regulate the catch and try to balance the populations of fish species sharing the aquatic environment.

Hatcheries and Fish Stocking

Federal and state hatcheries raise many kinds of fish for stocking. Most hatcheries raise freshwater fish, but saltwater fish such as striped bass, red drum, salmon, snook, and sea trout are now being raised successfully. Fry, the smallest fish stocked, are the least costly to raise, but many of them die after release. Adult fish survive better but cost more to raise. Many states stock a combination of large and small fish in many lakes and rivers each year. States often stock trout because they are fairly easy to raise, are good sport fish, and aren’t as costly as other species.

Raising and stocking fish, however, is costly and sometimes not necessary. Why stock trout in a lake if the yellow perch fishing is great? Why risk upsetting the balance in a great bass lake by stocking northern pike? Fishery managers realize that each lake or river has its own unique combination of fish. This assortment of fish represents the “carrying capacity” of that aquatic system. Smart anglers know that if they sample different waters, they will discover a wide variety of fish. They also know that all of them are fun to catch and just about all of them are great to eat!

http://www.takemefishing.org/fishing/fishopedia/fishing-and-conservation

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For variety and quality of fishing, Minnesota’s the best

Posted on September 14, 2010 by Bonnie Cook

There’s Minnesota Nice and Minnesota Modest, but when it comes to fishing, Minnesota Swagger rules.
From Blue Earth to Baudette, the Land of 10,000 Lakes arguably offers better and more diverse fishing opportunities than any other state in the Lower 48. There’s a reason why Minnesotans are No. 1 in fishing licenses sold per capita: They have fish. Lots of them. A species for every angler.

“For overall fishing, no other state can compare,” said Minnesota fishing legend Al Lindner. “For multi-species angling, the amount of lakes, the diversity we have and the quality of fishing, there’s nothing like Minnesota.”

Said Tom Neustrom, a longtime northern Minnesota fishing guide: “There may be places that have a better individual species, but when you look all around, I don’t think there’s a better state.”

Henry Drewes, an avid angler and a state fisheries biologist, looks out his window in Bemidji and sees the possibilities.

“Within two hours of where I sit, I can catch a 100-pound lake sturgeon, 30-pound catfish, 40-pound muskie, northern pike over 20 pounds, 10-inch bluegills, 14-inch crappies and some of the best bass fishing and walleye fishing in the country,” he said. “I can’t think of anywhere else that you have that.”

Besides species diversity, there’s the unparalleled variety of fishing experiences. Anglers can fish from a pier on a quiet lake in the heart of the metro or bob in a boat beyond sight of land on vast Lake of the Woods, Upper Red or Lake Superior. They can cast for bass on a small southwest prairie lake or unfurl flies on intimate southeast trout streams.

And no state except Alaska can match its wilderness fishing.

http://www.standard.net/topics/sports/2010/05/21/variety-and-quality-fishing-minnesotas-best

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Lake of the Woods Original Weekly Fishing Report 9/12

Posted on September 13, 2010 by Bonnie Cook

Lake of the Woods Original Weekly Fishing Report
Lake of the Woods sports the finest Walleye fishing in the world!

The fishing report is updated every Sunday, for more recent information please call the lodge. 1-800-PRO-FISH (1-800-776-3474)

9/12/10

It’s been a wet and windy week. The lake has been stirred up pretty good at times. Considering that, fishing has still been good. As long as our guides have been able to get on the lake and stay out, coolers full of Walleye have been coming in. Water temperatures continue to drop. The temperature off the end of the dock is 59 degrees today. We’ve seen some light frosts already. The ten day forecast does not show an Indian Summer in our future either. The ten day shows mostly sunny days with day time highs in the upper 50’s to low 60’s. The cool weather may get those shiners going sooner than later. Schools of tiny sized shiners are showing up in the Rainy River already.

The best fishing is still out on the lake. No doubt about it. Our boats have been fishing several areas, with the biggest determining factor being the weather. The last few days have brought steady west southwest winds, so our guides have been fishing in somewhat calmer water off of Zipple Bay and Long Point. The larger schools of fish are still out on the deep mud flats in 28-32’ of water. But that is beginning to change a bit as the water cools. Our guides have found good fishing this past week in water as shallow as 18-24’. Downrigging continues to be productive, but the live bait bite is beginning to come back around with the cooling water.

The river fishing on the Rainy River is still somewhat slow, but there have been various good reports. The Sturgeon and Pike action seems to be good. Most of the Pike are running small in the 20-28” range, but some big fish are being caught as well. Casting or trolling has been productive. The Walleye & Sauger action is slower, but on occasion fishermen are doing well. Mornings and evening seem to be the best for Walleye with a jig and a minnow.

Fish On!

Here are just a few pictures from the week…

Fish On!

http://www.borderviewlodge.com/fishingreport.htm

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Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods and Rainy River September 7th (2010)

Posted on September 10, 2010 by Bonnie Cook

Looks like fall is here to stay. Temperatures have dropped and it’s
predicted to be in the 60s during the day and in the 40s during the
nighttime this next week. Water temperatures are beginning to drop
also and register at 67 degrees compared to the 70s from last week.
There are actually a few signs of shiner minnows showing up which
means fall fishing is gearing up also. September is often the time of
big trophy fish showing through. Walleyes are starting to show up in
the river and along Pine Island as well.

Launches are heading out into deeper waters traveling 20-30 miles
where water clarity is the best. Downrigging is the technique being
used and anglers are heading home with their limits of walleye and
sauger.
Fish just continue to be hungry in these waters which has been the
case all year long. A fantastic year for fishing on Lake of the Woods.

The islands report fishing excellent in deeper water of 30 feet just
off the reefs. They are catching walleyes using a jig and a chub
minnow or frozen shiner. Good success is around Garden Island as
well. One resort reported fishermen catching 3-25 inch walleyes, a 29
inch and also a 30 inch pike. All great sport!! Now is the time to
come for that fall excursion on Lake of the Woods.

For more information call 1-800-382-FISH (3474), or look us up on the
web at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com. Watch for our new website shortly.

Looks like fall is here to stay. Temperatures have dropped and it’s
predicted to be in the 60s during the day and in the 40s during the
nighttime this next week. Water temperatures are beginning to drop
also and register at 67 degrees compared to the 70s from last week.
There are actually a few signs of shiner minnows showing up which
means fall fishing is gearing up also. September is often the time of
big trophy fish showing through. Walleyes are starting to show up in
the river and along Pine Island as well.

Launches are heading out into deeper waters traveling 20-30 miles
where water clarity is the best. Downrigging is the technique being
used and anglers are heading home with their limits of walleye and
sauger.
Fish just continue to be hungry in these waters which has been the
case all year long. A fantastic year for fishing on Lake of the Woods.

The islands report fishing excellent in deeper water of 30 feet just
off the reefs. They are catching walleyes using a jig and a chub
minnow or frozen shiner. Good success is around Garden Island as
well. One resort reported fishermen catching 3-25 inch walleyes, a 29
inch and also a 30 inch pike. All great sport!! Now is the time to
come for that fall excursion on Lake of the Woods.

For more information call 1-800-382-FISH (3474), or look us up on the
web at www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com. Watch for our new website shortly.

http://www.fishandgame.com/content.php?num=36

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DNR to hold public information meetings on Mississippi River rules

Posted on September 9, 2010 by Bonnie Cook

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) will hold two public information meetings on the rulemaking currently underway for the Mississippi River Corridor Critical Area (MRCCA).

The public information meetings will provide an opportunity for people who are not members of the DNR’s work groups to learn about the rulemaking and provide early input.

The meetings will be held on:

Wednesday, Sept. 15, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Bunker Hills Activity Center (Oak & Maple Rooms)
550 Bunker Lake Blvd. NW, Andover, Minn., 55304

Wednesday, Sept. 29, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Schaar’s Bluff Gathering Center (in Spring Lake Park Reserve)
8395 127th Street East, Hastings, MN, 55033
The DNR will present the same information at each meeting. The meetings will be in an open house format.

Interested parties are invited to stop in anytime between 4 p.m. – 7 p.m. to learn more about the MRCCA rulemaking, and provide “on the record” feedback on draft districts and standards. Comments received at these meetings are not part of the formal rulemaking record, but will be considered as draft rules are developed. “On the record” comments will be noted if the DNR formally proposes the rule for adoption.

The 2009 Legislature directed the DNR to initiate rulemaking for the MRCCA (Laws of Minnesota 2009, Chapter 172) and required the DNR to establish new districts and standards for managing land within the MRCCA. Local governments in the MRCCA will incorporate the new districts and standards into their land use plans, zoning, and regulations, and will be responsible for overseeing development in the MRCCA corridor within their communities.

As part of the rulemaking, the DNR published a request for comments; developed preliminary bluff maps; met with more than 25 communities that have been administering MRCCA plans and regulations in the corridor for the past 30 years; and convened four geographically-based work groups to provide input at key points as the draft rules are developed.

The DNR plans to complete a draft rule and statement of need and reasonableness (SONAR) by the end of the year. Public hearings likely will be held during early to mid 2011. The meetings would be followed by an administrative law judge review and rule adoption, possibly as soon as July 2011.

http://news.dnr.state.mn.us/index.php/2010/09/03/dnr-to-hold-public-information-meetings-on-mississippi-river-rules/#more-43816

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Lake of the Woods Original Weekly Fishing Report 9/5

Posted on September 7, 2010 by Bonnie Cook

Lake of the Woods Original Weekly Fishing Report
Lake of the Woods sports the finest Walleye fishing in the world!

The fishing report is updated every Sunday, for more recent information please call the lodge. 1-800-PRO-FISH (1-800-776-3474)

9/5/10

September is here and it sure feels like fall. We’ve been having some
comfortable temperatures during the day in the upper 60′s. It’s refreshing to
get the humidity out of the air. After a couple cool nights, the bugs are
disappearing as well! The ten day forecast shows day time highs in the 60′s
with overnight lows in the 40′s. Fall may be here to stay.

How’s the fishing? It’s been good; there’s no doubt about it. We had a couple
windy days this past week…AGAIN. One windy day forced our guides to stick in
the river. It’s still slower fishing on the Rainy River. With the cooler
temperatures starting, it shouldn’t be too long before the Walleye action
starts to pick up in the river. There has been reports of smaller sized shiner
schools beginning to show up. The water temperature is down to 67 degrees as of
today (it was in the 70s only a week ago).

The south end of the lake is dirty after some strong north winds swept across
the lake a few days ago. It’s beginning to clear up now. The past few days our
charters have been heading 20-30 miles north on the lake where the water isn’t
so stirred up. Downrigging in deep water is still the best tactic to fill a
cooler full of Walleye and Sauger. That will likely begin to change if the
water temperatures continue to fall. The live bait bite should begin to pick up
steam as move through September. Guest’s continue to leave with limits of
Walleye and Sauger, and eating fresh fish during their time here as well. It’s
tough to complain about that!

With the way fishing has been all summer, we are expecting great fishing to
continue through September and October.

Here are just a few pictures from the week…

Fish On!

http://www.borderviewlodge.com/fishingreport.htm

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September 2, 2010 Explore Minnesota Fishing Report

Posted on September 3, 2010 by agweek

Northeast Minnesota

International Falls -Rainy Lake & the Rainy River

Walleye fishing on Rainy Lake remains good, with anglers finding fish on the reefs and windward shorelines in 25-35 feet of water. On the reefs, jig with a minnow; at the shorelines, troll a spinner rig with crawlers. Crappie fishing is heating up, especially in Black Bay towards the west side where the Rat Root River flows into the bay. Smallmouth bass are active in both Rainy Lake and the Rainy River. Walleye fishing in the river has been best above the dam and below Ranier Rapids. To learn more, dial 1-800-325-5766, or visit www.rainylake.org

Kabetogama

On Lake Kabetogama, the walleye bite has slowed, with fish schooling up in deeper waters and feeding in 28-32 foot depths at times. Minnows remain the bait of choice, however crankbaits are providing some great results as well. For the most fish, use a jig and minnow combination, or a slip sinker rig tipped with minnow in roughly 30 feet of water, especially if deep water is adjacent.
East Kabetogama and Lake Namakan provide great structure for fishing at this time of year. Large northern pike are hitting buzzbaits and crankbaits at the deep weed edges during mid-day, and topwater baits worked over the weed tops during early morning hours. Smallmouth bass have been an easy catch on the shorelines with a rock and gravel bottom which offers the best habitat. To find out more about Lakes Kabetogama and Namakan, dial 1-800-524-9085, or check out www.kabetogama.com

Ely

Recent hot temperatures have kept many anglers off the water, however those that have ventured out are reporting some impressive catches. While the walleye are somewhat scattered, they are responding well to lindy rigs tipped with a crawler worked in 12-20 foot depths. Some nice crappies are being pulled from the submerged rockpiles and trees in the 12-16 feet of water. Smallmouth bass have been very aggressive, and are hitting topwater baits early and late in the day; during mid-day hours, use diving crankbaits. Crayfish patterns have been best around the rocky points and shorelines. Large northern pike are pounding trolled crankbaits and casted spoons just outside the weed beds down to ten feet. Nickel or brass spoons with a splash of orange or yellow are working well. For more information, dial 1-800-777-7281, or visit www.ely.org

Cook/Tower – Lake Vermilion

On Lake Vermilion, anglers are reporting more action. Muskie anglers are doing well using blade baits in areas with a combination of rocks and weeds. Walleye numbers are up. Weeds are fading and drooping earlier than usual, forcing perch out of their hiding spots, where they are heading for deep water. This window lasts about two weeks, and anglers are encouraged to hit the water using a lindy rig or crankbait for some great action! The minnow bite usually takes off around Labor Day, so bring along some rainbows or chubs to test these out as well. To learn more, dial 1-800-648-5897, or visit www.lakevermilionresorts.com

Cook County: Lutsen-Tofte, Grand Marais, Gunflint Trail, and Grand Portage

To find out when and where to fish, check out www.VisitCookCounty.com

Grand Rapids

For information on what’s biting and where, check out www.visitgrandrapids.com

Northwest Minnesota

Baudette -Lake of the Woods & the Rainy River

On Lake of the Woods, walleye fishing remains great for anglers that use the right techniques; for the most fish, use a brightly colored 3/8-ounce jig tipped with a minnow, bait fishing with a gold spinner, or a trolled shad rap in depths of roughly 30 feet of water near Little Traverse or on the rock reefs. The North West Angle is still producing good numbers of northern pike, muskie, walleye and smallmouth bass! Spoons and bucktails are turning the majority of bass, pike and muskie. Walleye are responding best to spinners and jigs worked in 20-25 feet of water. To learn more, dial 1-800-382-FISH, or visit www.lakeofthewoodsmn.com

Bemidji

Surface water temperatures are hovering around 70-degrees. It is about this time that fishing starts to really heat up, and most species become more aggressive as water temperatures dip into the 60s. In the deeper lakes such as Bemidji, Cass and Pike’s Bay, walleye have been moving off the sides of the structure into deeper water. Some successful anglers are using live bait rigs, while others have switched back to jig and minnow combinations. Most of the walleye action has been in 18-26 feet of water, while most of the perch are coming from depths of 6-10 feet. At this time of year, walleye may exhibit a variety of patterns on the same lake. Fish can be found at the edges of mid-lake structure, on top of the bars and humps, at the cabbage weed edges, or feeding on the shallow or deep rocks. Lake Winnibigoshish offers the best shallow walleye bite in the area, with fish found on the large shoreline points, the patches of rock and gravel, and on cabbage weed edges. Many anglers are doing well using jigs and minnows or live bait rigs, however crankbaits, jigs and plastics, and spinner rigs have also been effective. Muskie action has been slow, but fishing should pick up as the water begins to cool. Muskie anglers have been catching some nice pike, especially those anglers using smaller jerkbaits or large crankbaits. Crappies are at the deep weed edges on most lakes, where coontail or cabbage weeds offer direct access to deep water. For the most fish, use small jigs tipped with minnows or plastic tails. Sunfish can be found in similar areas; the green weeds are often the key to areas holding panfish. Once the weeds start to die-off, the fish generally relocate. To find out more, dial 1-800-458-2223, or check out www.visitbemidji.com

Walker – Leech Lake

As of late last week, the jumbo perch bite was amazing on Leech Lake. The hot spot was the Walker Narrows, both the main lake side and Walker Bay side. The Mounds Point area of Steamboat Bay, and Walker Bay’s Erickson Landing were also good for lots of fish. The best approach was a multi-colored jig tipped with a fathead minnow. There were also reports of walleye coming from the Walker Narrows on jig and minnow combinations. During evening hours, crankbaits were turning fish in the Walker/Sand Point/Cedar Point area, and in the main lake at Pine, Star, and Stony points. Muskie anglers reported fish coming from Portage Bay and the Pelican Island area. The rice beds of Steamboat and Miller bays offered great bass action. For further information, dial 1-800-833-1118, or visit www.leech-lake.com

Cass Lake/ Deer River – Winnibigoshish & Cutfoot Sioux lakes

As of late last week, walleye fishing was very good. On Sand Lake, walleye could be found in 12-15 feet of water when using a jig or rig presentation, with lots of crappies also being taken. On Bowstring Lake, walleye action was best in depths of 8-9 feet. The majority of fish were taken on a spinner tipped with half of a nightcrawler or red-tone shad rap. Lake Winnibigoshish was also giving up lots of fish. On days with a strong south wind, Muskie Bay and Stony Point were producing fish for anglers using spinners tipped with half of a crawler, a rig and 3 foot leader tipped with a crawler, or jig and minnow combination; on the calmer days, depths of 17-19 feet of water at the main bars were best, especially for those using rigs and 6-7 foot. leaders tipped with a crawler or leech. And, all signs indicate that there will be a good fall crappie bite on Cutfoot Souix. To find out more, dial 1-800-356-8615, or visit www.casslake.com

Park Rapids

For information on which techniques are working best, dial 1-800-247-0054, or check out www.parkrapids.com

Detroit Lakes

Lake temperatures have dropped considerably, and are now holding at roughly 70-degrees. Anglers are taking advantage of the full moon, and doing very well using crankbaits at night. For the most fish, work the flats in 6-12 feet of water using shad baits or minnow imitators. During low light hours, hit depths of 9-14 feet in mid-lake areas. Minnows are becoming the bait of choice. Otter Tail and Cormorant lakes have been best for late night trolling; during the day, hit Cotton, Big Detroit, Pelican, White Earth, and Big and Little Pine. A pitching technique remains best for muskie, especially on Detroit and Pelican lakes. Bass are active at the deeper weed edges during the day, hitting jigs and sucker minnows. For the most fish, check out Cotton, Detroit Lake, Mellissa, Floyd, the McDonalds, and both Long Lakes. Northern pike action has been sporadic, with Sallie and Melissa giving up the most fish. To learn more, dial 1-800-542-3992, or go to www.visitdetroitlakes.com

Central Region

Otter Tail Lakes Area

For information on what’s biting and where, dial 1-800-423-4571, or check out www.ottertailcountry.com

Miltona

On Lake Miltona, water temperatures have started to drop, with most area lakes now in the low 70′s. The best walleye bite remains during morning and evening hours in 17-22 feet of water. For the most fish, use night crawlers and spinners. Crappies and sunnies are coming from the cabbage weeds in depths of 12-15 feet on white twistertails tipped with a worm, leech or small minnow. Muskie anglers are taking a few fish from the weeds on tubes and cowgirls. Bass can be found in a range of depths, in anywhere from 1-16 feet of water. The best approach has been a crankbait or jig-n-pig. With cooler temperatures this weekend, fishing may really take off! To find out more, dial 1-877-833-2350, or visit www.VisitLakeMiltona.com

Whitefish Chain of Lakes Area

Walleye action on the Whitefish Chain and many other area lakes remains good. Fish can be found in 24-28 feet of water using redtails, leeches and nightcrawlers on long lindy rigs. A good night bite is being reported by anglers trolling crankbaits over deep water. Northern pike anglers are taking lots of smaller fish along the weedlines on spinner baits or spinner rigs with sucker minnows. Bass are active, and hitting plastic worm rigs and spinner baits worked in and along the weedlines. Crappie anglers are taking fish when vertically jigging minnows and worms in 18-20 feet of water. Large bluegills are being pulled from depths of 18 feet. To learn more, visit www.whitefish.org

Brainerd Lakes Area

For information on where and when to fish, dial 1-800-450-2838, or visit www.explorebrainerdlakes.com

Isle/Onamia -Lake Mille Lacs

Walleye anglers are doing well using leeches under bobbers during evening hours and shortly after dark. Deepwater trolling has been very effective during the day, especially at the big gravel, such as Curly’s Flat and Matton Flat. The muskie bite is starting to heat up, with reports of nice fish coming from Anderson’s and Rocky reefs, as well as just out of the Hunter’s Point area. For a great smallmouth bass bite, hit Anderson Reef and Indian Point. To learn more, dial 1-888-350-2692, or check out www.millelacs.com

Willmar

To find out what’s biting and where, dial 1-800-845-8747, or visit www.seeyouinwillmar.com

Twin Cities Greater Metropolitan vicinity

Northeast Metro/Chisago Lakes Area

This time of year is generally the best time for bass fishing, with fish nearly jumping into the boat. For some exciting fishing, hit the deeper weedlines of South Lindstrom and Chisago lakes. Please note that this is catch and release only for bass; all bass measuring 12-inches or more must be returned to the water on these lakes. Sunnies and crappies are also active on South Lindstrom and Chisago. For the most fish, use waxworms, angle worms, and flu-flu jigs. For the most sunfish, hit the outside weedlines on South Lindstrom Lake, with the largest fish coming from depths of 6-12 feet of water. Walleye have become more difficult to catch, however it is not impossible. To find out more, dial 651/257-1177, or visit www.chisagolakeschamber.com

White Bear Lake Area Lakes

To learn when and where to fish, dial 651/653-5122, or check out www.ExploreWhiteBear.org

Waconia

For information on what’s biting, dial 952/442-5812, or check out www.destinationwaconia.org

Southern Minnesota

Lake City -Lake Pepin/Pool #4 Mississippi River

To find out what’s biting and where, dial 1-877-525-3248, or check out www.lakecitymn.org

Lanesboro

As of Monday, August 30, conditions remained excellent on area rivers and streams. Several small caddis species had recently been reported. Crane flies and several Light Cahill-type mayflies were also present. And Tricos were still coming off the South Branch of the Root River at Forestville State Park. To learn more, dial 1-800-944-2670, or visit www.lanesboro.com

Albert Lea

For information on where to fish, dial 1-800-345-8414, or check out www.albertleatourism.org

Fairmont Area Lakes

To learn where and when to fish, dial 1-800-657-3280, or visit www.fairmontcvb.com

Ortonville -Big Stone Lake

Perch fishing remains very good on Big Stone Lake. While trolling a shad rap or a bottom bouncer/spinner/crawler combination remains very productive in 10-11 feet and deeper, anglers are now doing just as well anchoring at some of the traditional perch hot spots. Limits of perch are being reported, and the average size remains roughly 10 inches, or more. Crawlers, pieces of crawler, minnows, spikes and waxworms are all producing fish. The key is to stay on the move, and use a light technique. Anglers are now concentrating on the Windmill Reef area from the Rocky Ledge public access all the way up to Shady Beach. There have also been many reports of dock anglers catching 10-15 perch off their docks during evening hours! To find out more, dial 1-800-568-5722, or check out www.bigstonelake.com

“The information in this report is provided courtesy of community organizations throughout Minnesota. This report is brought to you by Explore Minnesota Tourism.”Contact a travel counselor1-888-TOURISM (868-7476)
On the Web: exploreminnesota.com
By mobile device: m.exploreminnesota.com

By postal mail:
Minnesota Travel Information Center
121 7th Place East, Suite 100
St. Paul, MN 55101-2112
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Lake of the Woods Fishing Report 9-1-10

Posted on September 2, 2010 by Bonnie Cook

Today should be generally sunny despite a few afternoon clouds, high 73F with winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight we should have cloudy skies early with showers later at night, low 54F with winds SE at 5 to 10 mph…there will be a 50% chance of rain. Thursday we should see showers early then thundershowers developing later in the day, high around 60F with winds E at 10 to 20 mph…there will be a 70% chance of rain. Friday we should see thundershowers, highs in the low 60s and lows in the low 50s. Saturday we should have more clouds than sun, highs in the upper 50s and lows in the mid 40s. Today’s fishing report will be provided by Billy “The Sniper” Kloos, Kevin “Tall Tale” Olmstead. The dynamic duo of The Sniper and Tall Tale were on the fish as usual, and today the Road (Graceton Road) was the marker. They downrigged in 30 to 33 feet of water and were limited out in 3 hours. After talking with the duo they knew the wind was going to pick up so they went out and got them early. I love those two guys; they are truly the best at what they do, and we’re lucky to have them at the Wigwam. Today was no different than most average days on Lake of the Woods. We still have been absolutely crushing the Walleyes all over the lake. When we have a south, southwest and west wind the area straight out from Graceton Rd has been a little honey hole of sorts. We are still using the hammered gold and pink/gold spinners with crawlers and leeches. You can purchase your Jigs, Frozen Shiners, Spinners, Crawlers, leeches, and Rapalas from the same place that I get mine, Log Cabin Bait, which is about ¾ of a mile south of the Wigwam on 172. I must state this again, in my 18 years of fishing Lake of the Woods; I’ve never seen the fishing this good on such a consistent basis. Don’t wait too long to make your plans to visit us, because you never know how long it will last…I hope forever! Keep checking out the fishing report…I’ll give you all the hard facts as soon as I find out where they’re hiding next. Good luck and Happy Fishing to all! Thanks for fishing with us and visiting with us at the Wigwam Resort on Lake of the Woods.

Announcements…4 Wheel Drive will be the live entertainment this weekend (Sept. 3rd and 4th). If you’re looking for some great fishing and lodging deals, check out the August Specials we will be offering on our website www.wigwamresortlow.com. We are running a Fall Special. The Special will be as follows: $35 per person per night lodging in the lodge or cabins (resticions will apply with number of people in cabins) and $90 per person per day full service guided launch service. Each lodging charge is subject to applicable federal, state and local sales tax. Applicable to new reservations only. I also wanted to tell you all about our Veterans and Armed Forces Special, which we have running 365 days a year. Wigwam Resort gives Veterans and our currently enlisted Armed Forces a 10% discount on any package plus whatever specials we are giving. We want to thank you all for your service…God Bless America!

If you’re looking for an affordable vacation this summer, at a first class fishing resort, you’ve just found it! For additional information, please call one of our knowledgeable staff members at (800) 448-9260, and start your journey to the “Walleye Capitol of the World”!

Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

http://www.lakestatefishing.com/modules/newbb/viewtopic.php?topic_id=39999&forum=31&post_id=292636

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What ARE Muskies Eating in Your Lake?

Posted on September 1, 2010 by Bonnie Cook

Anglers and lakeshore owners often wonder what muskellunge eat and how this top predator affects other fish populations once it has been introduced into a new body of water.

Answers to those questions can be found in studies conducted by the Minnesota and Wisconsin departments of natural resources.

“Today, we know more about the muskie’s diet and its impact on other fish populations than ever before,” said Tim Goeman, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) regional fisheries manager. “And that knowledge indicates muskies do not have a detrimental effect on other fish species when stocked at relatively low levels in water bodies with the right characteristics.”

The Minnesota DNR conducted an in-depth examination of fish population impacts in 2007. That’s when Mike Knapp, a DNR fisheries biologist, and other fisheries staff did an extensive analysis of fish populations in 41 lakes that had been stocked with the Leech Lake strain of muskellunge. Knapp, who co-authored a report on this work, said the analysis across all 41 lakes and smaller groups of similar lakes did not show a significant decrease in any fish species after muskellunge had been stocked.

“If muskie stocking resulted in a negative impact on other fish populations, we would have seen a pattern emerge,” said Knapp. “But that didn’t happen. Instead, we found great variability. When looking at individual species in individual lakes, our nets caught significantly more fish in 16 cases and significantly fewer fish in nine cases. Our nets caught essentially the same number of fish in the other 194 cases. The lack of consistent negative changes suggests muskie and other species generally coexist quite well.”

In Minnesota, muskellunge typically prey on whitefish, tullibee, suckers, redhorse and yellow perch. Knapp said study findings related to these prey items were:

No significant population changes (increases or decreases) were detected for tullibee, white sucker, or yellow perch across the 41 lakes.

Lakes that did not contain tullibee (a preferred prey species) did not have negative fish population impacts after muskellunge had been stocked.

Knapp said the study findings are in line with a Wisconsin DNR study conducted from 1991 to 1994. That study examined the stomach contents of 1,092 muskellunge from about nine to 46 inches in length. Wisconsin researchers found 31 different species of fish in the stomachs of muskellunge, primarily perch and white sucker.

Tom Burri, a Minnesota DNR biologist who worked on this study while previously employed in Wisconsin, said the diet study was enlightening.

“We found only five walleye in the stomachs of 1,092 muskellunge,” said Burri. “Muskie actually ate more muskie than walleye. We found six muskies inside of muskies.”

Burri said the Wisconsin diet study indicated that 98 percent of a muskie’s diet, by volume, was comprised of fish. The other two percent, he said, included crayfish, insects, mudpuppies, tadpoles and one mouse. Walleye, bass and northern pike ranked low in the muskie diet.Burri said despite strong walleye populations in some of the Wisconsin study lakes, walleye were not an important food for muskellunge.

“When we used electro-fishing boats to sample fish populations at night, we often found walleye and muskie in close proximity yet the muskellunge stomachs rarely contained walleye,” said Burri.

He said this information suggests that walleyes are either not a preferred species by muskellunge or walleyes are adept at avoiding predation. The latter may be related to the walleye’s eye, which is designed for excellent night vision.

“When walleye and muskie are in shallow water at night the walleye’s night vision might help them avoid predation,” Burri said.

Goeman said study findings are particularly relevant right now because the Minnesota DNR is considering introducing muskie into five new water bodies starting in 2011. Lakes under consideration for muskie stocking include Roosevelt in Crow Wing and Cass counties, Upper South Long and Lower South Long in Crow Wing County, Tetonka in Le Sueur County, and the Sauk River chain in Stearns County.

“The proposals reflect a growing interest in muskie fishing, as well as confidence that introducing muskie into these waters will not have detrimental effect on other fish populations,” Goeman said.

The DNR will hold six public input meetings around the state on Thursday, Sept. 2, for people to comment on the stocking proposals. Meeting times, locations and other information is available at mndnr.gov/muskie.

http://www.hotspotoutdoors.com/forum/ubbthreads.php/topics/2342665/What_ARE_Muskies_Eating_in_You#Post2342665

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