The past few days I have spent a good deal of my time winterizing the yard and garage, which has been a bit more painful than normal.
Having bought my first boat, without a functioning motor, I've only been able to relish in the comforts of my man cave.
But lately, as I've winterized, I've found the boat to be another great place to pack away the boy's outdoor toys, which will free up room for a parking space for my wife.
Ouch ... a boat as a storage device. That's not right ... no, it just ain't right.
Thankfully, warmer days are ahead. That's right, one more chance to land a fat lunker.
Now, despite the wind, I think the conditions have been rather good for walleye fishing, though the only the die-hards are left.
Hunting is the prime sport, and deer hunting (firearm) opens Saturday. (I think it is important to note that I heard today on KFAN that nearly 500,000 Minnesotans participate in the firearms deer hunting season. Those are pretty impressive numbers.)
So with a nice run of sun, I'm thinking a low-pressured outing for some fall bass is the perfect way to say good bye to the summer tackle. Besides, people don't hunt deer on lakes!
And I suppose, hello to my ice fishing gear, which I can pull down to make room for something else I won't need during the winter.
Hope all is well, and you all find time for one last fall outing, even if you're fishing from the shore.
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Monday, October 26, 2009
The lessons of Scotch Lake
Do you remember two years ago when Scotch Lake near Cleveland kicked out so many walleye during the ice fishing season it looked like a one-stop shop for area, and non-area, anglers?
Well, I do. It seemed people were going back with their limit every outing, and I'm quite sure a few were going back with their limit and then coming back for more.
I don't ice fish nearly as much as I do during the open-water months, but one thing I've learned is a quality fishing spot in the winter is even more important to protect than a quality spot in the summer.
I'm not exactly sure why this is, but after watching Scotch Lake get fished out at a spooky, almost irresponsible pace, I'm fully on board with the secrecy thing.
Now, I think it is important to note that last year, Scotch Lake kicked out a lot less walleyes, and any time you actually caught a walleye, you didn't tell anyone but your inner circle.
Hmm, funny how lacking a little discretion, a little will power when hooking up all those walleyes had a lasting effect on the lake. I don't suppose it'll be much better out there this year.
Every year there is a honey hole that boasts quality fishing, and suddenly small towns start forming daily on the ice that holds those fish. And when you're not exactly sure where to fish, those small villages of fish houses become a beacon of light.
And then you follow the rule of 21, as fellow Free Press staffer and avid outdoorsmen John Cross always says to me — find 20 houses and make it 21.
Personally, I follow my brother-in-laws to the good fishing spot. Between Dave and Pete, they usually put me on some pretty good spots. And these two, especially Pete, know how to keep a good spot secret.
But more importantly, they know enough to respect limits, and also respect the quantity and quality of these smaller lakes in the area that produce walleye.
Lakes like Washington and Madison are gems that can go in streaks, but the numbers of fish are such that those lakes take minor dents in population during a winter season.
But lakes like Scotch, on the other hand, well, just think back to the last two years, and the tale practically tells itself.
On a somewhat side note, and just to get the juices flowing a little bit, here's a look at what Swedish Pimple has available.
Well, I do. It seemed people were going back with their limit every outing, and I'm quite sure a few were going back with their limit and then coming back for more.
I don't ice fish nearly as much as I do during the open-water months, but one thing I've learned is a quality fishing spot in the winter is even more important to protect than a quality spot in the summer.
I'm not exactly sure why this is, but after watching Scotch Lake get fished out at a spooky, almost irresponsible pace, I'm fully on board with the secrecy thing.
Now, I think it is important to note that last year, Scotch Lake kicked out a lot less walleyes, and any time you actually caught a walleye, you didn't tell anyone but your inner circle.
Hmm, funny how lacking a little discretion, a little will power when hooking up all those walleyes had a lasting effect on the lake. I don't suppose it'll be much better out there this year.
Every year there is a honey hole that boasts quality fishing, and suddenly small towns start forming daily on the ice that holds those fish. And when you're not exactly sure where to fish, those small villages of fish houses become a beacon of light.
And then you follow the rule of 21, as fellow Free Press staffer and avid outdoorsmen John Cross always says to me — find 20 houses and make it 21.
Personally, I follow my brother-in-laws to the good fishing spot. Between Dave and Pete, they usually put me on some pretty good spots. And these two, especially Pete, know how to keep a good spot secret.
But more importantly, they know enough to respect limits, and also respect the quantity and quality of these smaller lakes in the area that produce walleye.
Lakes like Washington and Madison are gems that can go in streaks, but the numbers of fish are such that those lakes take minor dents in population during a winter season.
But lakes like Scotch, on the other hand, well, just think back to the last two years, and the tale practically tells itself.
On a somewhat side note, and just to get the juices flowing a little bit, here's a look at what Swedish Pimple has available.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Winter wonderland
On Thursday, I caught a 4-pound bass on one of the Jefferson lakes.
The hawg served as a nice fish on a rather cold, cold day. Free Press education writer Tanner Kent accompanied me. He caught a 17-inch bass, also a nice fish.
Both of the bass looked like they were on the feed, which is pretty understandable, considering we've already seen our first snow and it's only Oct. 10.
I'm sure ice fishermen are eagerly licking their chops.
But we'll see warmer days ahead.
Still, the fishing has been different this year, and I mostly attribute it to the weather. There was never the long, hot, drought-like streak in July or August.
Some days, the fishing was great, others, not so great. I wonder if that means the ice fishing will be above average, or if it will be a struggle?
At this rate, we'll have a long year with ice on the lakes, but then again, this IS Minnesota, and the weather is fickle.
Probably the hardest thing about seeing snow so early in the fall is that I'm torn between trying to get out for some last open-water fish, or taking a break until the ice forms on the lakes.
Cross your fingers we don't get more snow.
The hawg served as a nice fish on a rather cold, cold day. Free Press education writer Tanner Kent accompanied me. He caught a 17-inch bass, also a nice fish.
Both of the bass looked like they were on the feed, which is pretty understandable, considering we've already seen our first snow and it's only Oct. 10.
I'm sure ice fishermen are eagerly licking their chops.
But we'll see warmer days ahead.
Still, the fishing has been different this year, and I mostly attribute it to the weather. There was never the long, hot, drought-like streak in July or August.
Some days, the fishing was great, others, not so great. I wonder if that means the ice fishing will be above average, or if it will be a struggle?
At this rate, we'll have a long year with ice on the lakes, but then again, this IS Minnesota, and the weather is fickle.
Probably the hardest thing about seeing snow so early in the fall is that I'm torn between trying to get out for some last open-water fish, or taking a break until the ice forms on the lakes.
Cross your fingers we don't get more snow.
Monday, September 28, 2009
Going to your ground game
You think Adrian Peterson knows something about going to the ground? Well, Minnesota fishermen, eager to store their boats and turn to hunting, should know a thing or two about working on the ground.
Shorefishing is by far one of the better ways to spend a fall afternoon, early evening or even for an early morning outing.
Now, I'm well aware the diehards aren't anywhere close to putting the boat away, but for those of you who think its time to wrap up the season by storing the boat, I'd like to suggest a few places to put a line in and still catch up on some quality fishing.
Buckmaster Bridge
Madison Lake's most popular shoreline offers good weedlines only 50 yards out into the main lake. I see a lot of people fishing the pier as well, but I'm inclined to tell you to move toward the bridge.
Last year I talked with a guy who only fishes the pier, and he said he throws a 3-inch chartreuse twister tipped with a minnow and catches plenty of walleye.
I throw crank baits up and down the shoreline and catch walleye and bass. Occasionally I hook into a northern or some really big buffalo carp, too. I like the versatility of the shoreline.
Cannon Lake
If you don't mind a crowd, setting up for some shore walleye along Cannon Lake can be rewarding. Take Cannon Lake trail, which follows the north side of the lake, and when you get to the part of the road that splits lakes Cannon and Wells, you'll see the people fishing. If not, get out with your favorite 5-gallon bucket and settle into a quality spot.
Little Jefferson
Your walleye options here are limited, but that doesn't mean your fishing is limited. A simple stop to the German and Jefferson Lakes Sportsman's Pier off Le Sueur County Road 105 should ensure you a chance for some fall crappies and sunfish. And come Saturday, which is duck opener, you're sure to be serenaded with a chorus or two of shotgun blasts echoing in the near distance.
Minnesota River
I don't fish it often, and my days of river fishing are fewer and far between, but that doesn't mean others shouldn't take advantage of the river.
The one problem I find with fishing the river in the fall is finding quality spots where the water is deep enough to work from shore. I know a few people who like to make it simple and hit the river at Sibley Park.
I also know people who work the river along Judson Bottom Road and do pretty well for themselves. I personally like fishing the river off the northbound lane of Highway 169 on the way to St. Peter. It's hard to explain exactly where to fish, but the most recent tornado that sideswiped the south side of St. Peter and the shoreline of the river left a pretty good landmark.
When the damage starts to appear in the trees along the river, find the first place that has a slight drive-in, and pull of the road.
These are just a few of the spots I like to fish from the shore, especially in the fall. There's more, but I can't tell you all of my favorite spots. There are some things a fisherman just doesn't tell.
Shorefishing is by far one of the better ways to spend a fall afternoon, early evening or even for an early morning outing.
Now, I'm well aware the diehards aren't anywhere close to putting the boat away, but for those of you who think its time to wrap up the season by storing the boat, I'd like to suggest a few places to put a line in and still catch up on some quality fishing.
Buckmaster Bridge
Madison Lake's most popular shoreline offers good weedlines only 50 yards out into the main lake. I see a lot of people fishing the pier as well, but I'm inclined to tell you to move toward the bridge.
Last year I talked with a guy who only fishes the pier, and he said he throws a 3-inch chartreuse twister tipped with a minnow and catches plenty of walleye.
I throw crank baits up and down the shoreline and catch walleye and bass. Occasionally I hook into a northern or some really big buffalo carp, too. I like the versatility of the shoreline.
Cannon Lake
If you don't mind a crowd, setting up for some shore walleye along Cannon Lake can be rewarding. Take Cannon Lake trail, which follows the north side of the lake, and when you get to the part of the road that splits lakes Cannon and Wells, you'll see the people fishing. If not, get out with your favorite 5-gallon bucket and settle into a quality spot.
Little Jefferson
Your walleye options here are limited, but that doesn't mean your fishing is limited. A simple stop to the German and Jefferson Lakes Sportsman's Pier off Le Sueur County Road 105 should ensure you a chance for some fall crappies and sunfish. And come Saturday, which is duck opener, you're sure to be serenaded with a chorus or two of shotgun blasts echoing in the near distance.
Minnesota River
I don't fish it often, and my days of river fishing are fewer and far between, but that doesn't mean others shouldn't take advantage of the river.
The one problem I find with fishing the river in the fall is finding quality spots where the water is deep enough to work from shore. I know a few people who like to make it simple and hit the river at Sibley Park.
I also know people who work the river along Judson Bottom Road and do pretty well for themselves. I personally like fishing the river off the northbound lane of Highway 169 on the way to St. Peter. It's hard to explain exactly where to fish, but the most recent tornado that sideswiped the south side of St. Peter and the shoreline of the river left a pretty good landmark.
When the damage starts to appear in the trees along the river, find the first place that has a slight drive-in, and pull of the road.
These are just a few of the spots I like to fish from the shore, especially in the fall. There's more, but I can't tell you all of my favorite spots. There are some things a fisherman just doesn't tell.
Monday, September 14, 2009
Fishing and Favre
There are a few things that are for certain when the Minnesota Vikings take the field every year: Fall isn't far behind; I turn some of my attention to football (OK, I turn a lot of my attention to football; Minnesota fish are gearing up for winter with a hunger only a fisherman can enjoy.
So while a lot of my attention has been on watching Brett Favre get acclimated to the 2009 Vikings squad, fishing fall bass is always in the back of my mind.
I bring this up because last season by brother-in-law, Dave, and I bucked the conventional, wind-blown outing to Mille Lacs for a Sunday run at Gull Lake in Brainerd. The Vikings played the Indianapolis Colts on Week 2 at the Dome, and we listened while fishing a chilly, on-again-off-again, rainy lake.
The Vikings jumped out to a 15-0 lead and, other than not being able to punch it in the end zone, appeared dominant. We talked about how important it was for Tarvaris Jackson to figure things out. I talked about how fans would be calling for his head and Brad Childress' head if he didn't have a good season.
And then the Colts started to make a run. What made matters worse was the Vikings were blowing it on the field and we were getting skunked on a less-than comforting Gull, our rain gear providing the only real comfort.
Somewhere in the third quarter, with the anger of the two disappointments mounting (I think by now we'd both hooked into a 6-inch bass (heck, maybe they were 4-inchers) I turned to Dave and said, "Mark my words, the Vikings are going to lose this thing in regulation."
"You think so," he asked.
Long story short, the Colts outscored the Vikings 11-0 in the fourth quarter for an 18-15 victory. The loss riled us both up, and we decided to change our strategy, part of which required a long boat ride to a foreign spot.
If you've read this blog or even my column in our print edition, you'll know I talk a lot about the fishing gods. The day the Vikings blew it against the Colts, the football gods weren't on our side. But after that horrid loss and the move across the lake, I figure the fishing gods felt bad for us, because we hauled in 42 fish in about three hours.
I bring this all up because Dave and I will make a second trip to Gull during a Week 2 Vikings game, this time against the Detroit Lions. Now, a little back history that doesn't get talked about as much with Detroit — the Lions obviously went 0-16 last season, but the team also lost seven of its last eight in 2007, including the final game of the season.
So with the loss to end 2007, and the loss to start 2009, the Lions are on an 18-game losing streak (and have lost 24 of their last 25). They have a young offense with some talent at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Do you think they are hungry for a win?
And to top things off, the Vikings beat the Lions 12-10 and 20-16 in their two meetings last season — the Lions should have won at least one of those games, if not both. So yes, they are hungry for a win.
If the football gods let the Lions finally end this horrible streak (I'm rooting for a Detroit win, just not against the Vikes), the fishing gods are gonna need to send down a case of beer to go with about 1,000 fish in an hour for Dave and I!
So while a lot of my attention has been on watching Brett Favre get acclimated to the 2009 Vikings squad, fishing fall bass is always in the back of my mind.
I bring this up because last season by brother-in-law, Dave, and I bucked the conventional, wind-blown outing to Mille Lacs for a Sunday run at Gull Lake in Brainerd. The Vikings played the Indianapolis Colts on Week 2 at the Dome, and we listened while fishing a chilly, on-again-off-again, rainy lake.
The Vikings jumped out to a 15-0 lead and, other than not being able to punch it in the end zone, appeared dominant. We talked about how important it was for Tarvaris Jackson to figure things out. I talked about how fans would be calling for his head and Brad Childress' head if he didn't have a good season.
And then the Colts started to make a run. What made matters worse was the Vikings were blowing it on the field and we were getting skunked on a less-than comforting Gull, our rain gear providing the only real comfort.
Somewhere in the third quarter, with the anger of the two disappointments mounting (I think by now we'd both hooked into a 6-inch bass (heck, maybe they were 4-inchers) I turned to Dave and said, "Mark my words, the Vikings are going to lose this thing in regulation."
"You think so," he asked.
Long story short, the Colts outscored the Vikings 11-0 in the fourth quarter for an 18-15 victory. The loss riled us both up, and we decided to change our strategy, part of which required a long boat ride to a foreign spot.
If you've read this blog or even my column in our print edition, you'll know I talk a lot about the fishing gods. The day the Vikings blew it against the Colts, the football gods weren't on our side. But after that horrid loss and the move across the lake, I figure the fishing gods felt bad for us, because we hauled in 42 fish in about three hours.
I bring this all up because Dave and I will make a second trip to Gull during a Week 2 Vikings game, this time against the Detroit Lions. Now, a little back history that doesn't get talked about as much with Detroit — the Lions obviously went 0-16 last season, but the team also lost seven of its last eight in 2007, including the final game of the season.
So with the loss to end 2007, and the loss to start 2009, the Lions are on an 18-game losing streak (and have lost 24 of their last 25). They have a young offense with some talent at quarterback, running back and wide receiver. Do you think they are hungry for a win?
And to top things off, the Vikings beat the Lions 12-10 and 20-16 in their two meetings last season — the Lions should have won at least one of those games, if not both. So yes, they are hungry for a win.
If the football gods let the Lions finally end this horrible streak (I'm rooting for a Detroit win, just not against the Vikes), the fishing gods are gonna need to send down a case of beer to go with about 1,000 fish in an hour for Dave and I!
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
McKee, Kramer take team of year
Going through your e-mail after a vacation can be quite a chore, especially when you've been gone as long as I've been gone.
But I did receive a nice little e-mail from Stu McKee with an update on the final regular-season Tuesday Nite Walleye Tourney at Lake Tetonka. I'll rehash a little of what Mckee said below, and after I track down Tim Hobbs, I'll get you a more detailed finish to the walleye tourney finale.
"Roger and I got First Place with Big Fish and Team of the year," Mckee wrote. "We had 3 walleyes — 4.9, 4.5 and 2.9."
Mckee said second place had 4 pounds, 4 ounces and two other boats each weighed a fish. Unofficially, I have the team of McKee and Kramer besting the team of Dan Griep and Bill Holland by five points for the title. That could change, but I'm pretty confident the final numbers will come out at 59-54.
Here's what McKee said about their strategy:
"We fished in 4 to 6 feet of water all night, bait was #7 Ratten(sic) Raps. We fished 30 and 50 lbs test line made by Fins. You need the heavy line because we are always hook in the heavy weeds. No weeds no fish."
Pretty good information from one of the area's experts. A reader once told me that he's never seen McKee fish with anything other than Rattlin' Raps — now he and Kramer have won their fourth-straight Team of the Year award.
Makes me think I should restock my selection of Raps in my tackle box. Oh wait, I've got plenty of those!
But I did receive a nice little e-mail from Stu McKee with an update on the final regular-season Tuesday Nite Walleye Tourney at Lake Tetonka. I'll rehash a little of what Mckee said below, and after I track down Tim Hobbs, I'll get you a more detailed finish to the walleye tourney finale.
"Roger and I got First Place with Big Fish and Team of the year," Mckee wrote. "We had 3 walleyes — 4.9, 4.5 and 2.9."
Mckee said second place had 4 pounds, 4 ounces and two other boats each weighed a fish. Unofficially, I have the team of McKee and Kramer besting the team of Dan Griep and Bill Holland by five points for the title. That could change, but I'm pretty confident the final numbers will come out at 59-54.
Here's what McKee said about their strategy:
"We fished in 4 to 6 feet of water all night, bait was #7 Ratten(sic) Raps. We fished 30 and 50 lbs test line made by Fins. You need the heavy line because we are always hook in the heavy weeds. No weeds no fish."
Pretty good information from one of the area's experts. A reader once told me that he's never seen McKee fish with anything other than Rattlin' Raps — now he and Kramer have won their fourth-straight Team of the Year award.
Makes me think I should restock my selection of Raps in my tackle box. Oh wait, I've got plenty of those!
Saturday, August 22, 2009
The student and the teacher
When you're up against your best friend and mentor, Dan Griep says, you know it's a special moment.
"Stu (McKee) is the best fisherman in the area, and it's sort of a feather in your cap to be there with him," Griep said.
Griep and McKee, both of Cleveland and friends of 30 years, are members of the top two teams in the Tuesday Nite Walleye Tourneys series, which winds down the regular season Tuesday at Lake Tetonka with a winner being crowned.
McKee and partner Roger Kramer have won team of the year the last three years, so an upset by the student would be appropriate.
McKee says if Griep and partner Bill Holland win, he'll be very happy for them. Griep says the winning aspect wasn't the most important part of fishing the tournaments.
"I'm just out there on Tuesday nights to have fun," Griep says. "If I catch fish, great. If I win money, even better. If we win team of the year, of course we'd like that."
Griep's admiration for McKee goes beyond what he's learned technique wise.
"He's kept me on the cutting edge of what baits are out there," Griep says. "He'll share his information with you. He's not secretive at all. He likes to teach everybody so they can catch fish."
After Tuesday's tournament, the field will vote on which lake to hold the postseason tournament. Griep says his vote is for Lake Washington, but he'll fish where ever the tournament takes places.
McKee says he usually just waits to see what everyone else votes and then goes along with the vote. But he said he wouldn't mind seeing the tournament at Washington or Tetonka.
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