Lake of the Woods and the Rainy River Fishing Report

June 30, 2008

Fishing remains strong around Pine Island and the Lighthouse Gap. The Morris Point and Zippel Bay areas have been giving up nice numbers of walleye and a few sauger. Anchored and jigging in 5-10 feet of water or drifting in 28-32 feet of water pulling spinners has been working well for anglers. Leeches, chub minnows and crawlers are all working equally well. Anglers are catching a variety of fish in the Rainy River. Bait of choice lately has been crawlers and although the fish haven't been deep in the river they will go deeper as the warm weather continues. Sturgeon season opens July 1st so don’t forget to pick up your tag.

Lund, Crestliner, Ranger Boats For Sale-Click Here For Fishing Minnesota Boats

Southern Minnesota Fishing Report

With the high price of gas people are looking for places closer to home to fish. Here's a suggestion for people south of the Twin Cities, Albert Lea Lake.
I’m sure most people from Iowa and Minnesota have traveled on I-35 through the town of Albert Lea. The lake you cross just north of the Iowa border is Albert Lea Lake and you may have noticed this past spring the large number of fishing boats out there. The walleye fishing this spring has been outstanding, with fish as large as 12 lbs. being caught. I don’t know what is different this year from past years but the walleye bite has been great from the opener on. We were out yesterday for about 4 hours and caught about 14 walleyes between 2 of us, the largest being 23″. Most went back, although we kept a couple for a meal. Just look for the boats and go get them. Time of day has not mattered when we’ve been out, as we have caught them in the middle of the afternoon all the way to dusk. I’ve also talked to some fisherman who have been bobber fishing after dark and done well.

Great vacation properties-Vacation Properties Unlimited

Lake Oahe Fishing Report

No much has changed since the last report. The walleye fishing continues to be excellent! We are seeing limits of very nice fish. They have been using minnows and crawlers. 10 - 15 feet of water anywhere from below us north to Swiftbird has been good. You'll notice that in some of the new photos there are three people and only eight fish. Don't worry....fishing isn't going downhill.

GPS

One of the great things about having GPS is the ability to return to a particular spot on a lake without having to use marker buoys. We all have known the joys of finding feeding fish and marking the spot with a buoy only to have every tourist fishing boat on the lake start fishing on top of your marker. With GPS you can mark your spot and then find a nice snaggy spot on top of the rocks and place a tourist buoy to keep the other boats away from you and start fishing in peace.

Lake Kabetogama and Voyaguers National Park

Fishing Minnesota Boat Store

Results from the 2006 large-lake sampling provided valuable information about the status of the fishery on Lake Kabetogama. The walleye population in Lake Kabetogama is suffering from low recruitment. Despite poor recruitment, the walleye gill net CPUE increased in 2006, after three years of steady decline. The increase observed in 2006 was interesting because young of the year walleye made up about 30 percent of the catch. Generally a large catch of YOY walleye in the gill nets does not mean much. However, in 2006 young of year walleye were captured in 17 of 20 gill nets; indicating a good distribution and representation in the fishery.

Aging of walleye otoliths showed that the catch is dominated by a couple of moderate to strong, year-classes; typical of a "boom and bust" fishery. For the fishery to recover a few strong year-classes need to be strung together, with some moderate year-classes filling the gaps. Currently walleye recruitment is inconsistent, with only a couple of strong year-classes still present in the catch.

Recently the 2001 year-class provided Lake Kabetogama with a bright spot in the net surveys. Early indications of the 2001 year-class were good. However, after observing several years of low relative catch rates, the 2006 catch rate was above average for age-5 walleye. The mean length of the age-5 walleye was 18.1 inches during the 2006 fall gill netting. Most of the 2001 walleye year-class will be protected by the new regulation during 2007.

The 1996 walleye year-class was also present in the 2006 gill-net catch. The 1996 year-class ranks as the strongest walleye year-class on Lake Kabetogama. This year-class has recruited to the protected slot (17 to 28 inches). Prior to the regulation change in March 2007, these fish would have been again vulnerable to harvest as they recruit from the protected slot to harvest length. The expansion of the protected slot will protect these fish for many years to come.

Results of YOY walleye surveys were good during 2006. Early season walleye growth was exceptional. The late July length projections indicate the best growth rates ever observed on Lake Kabetogama. This year's electrofishing efforts produced a moderate catch, indicating the 2006 walleye year-class will be average in strength. However, if growth indications prove to override abundance indices, the 2006 year-class could be the strongest year-class of walleye ever produced on Lake Kabetogama.

The 2005 year-class, despite indications of being an average year-class, was caught in below average numbers for age-1 walleye. Conditions for growth have been good for both the 2005 and 2006 growing seasons. Therefore, it would have been fair to assume more age-1 walleye would have been captured during fall gill netting in 2006. Their paucity in the 2006 survey may point to the issue of elevated juvenile mortality.

Gill net catches of the 2002, 2003, and 2004 year-classes have been below average. Similarly, prior to the 2001 year-class there were four consecutive years of poor to mediocre recruitment. The 2000, 1999, 1998, and 1997 year-classes were all below average in strength and help explain the current status of the Kabetogama walleye fishery. Fish from these year-classes ranged in length from 16 to 21 inches.

Sauger abundance bounced back slightly after three consecutive years of decline in abundance. The 2003 year-class provided a highlight in the 2006 net surveys. The 2003 year-class is showing great promise and should be recruiting to the sport fishery during the next couple of years. This year class will be the first strong sauger year-class since the two very strong year-classes of 1997 and 1998.

The 2006 fall gill netting indicates the northern pike abundance is holding around the 1.5 to 2.0 fish per net. Northern pike numbers have fluctuated between 1.5 and 2.5 per net for the last ten surveys. The pike population on Kabetogama has shown fluctuation in abundance; and may be nearing the bottom of the valley. However, while abundance may be down, the age and size structure are healthy. ?

Whitlock's Bay Fishing

Our trip to Lake Oahe in South Dakota in May turned out to be a windy trip on the big water.
We stay at West Whitlocks State Park in one of the Capming Cabins. These cabins are great
for a couple of people, having both heat and air conditioning. When we could get on the lake
(the wind was blowing like crazy most of the time) we found the walleye's in about 12 ft. of
water on the points. We caught some nice fish in the 16-19" range with a few over 25". One night
we were sitting on the deck of the cabin and we were joined by a herd of deer that had to number
30. They were grazing within 30 yards of where we were sitting, totally oblivious to us. If deer
hunting is your sport, here is one of my favorite sausage recipes:

VENISON SAUSAGE

12 lbs. meat, 1/2 venison, 1/2 pork
1 tbsp. saltpeter (sodium nitrate)
1 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
1/4 cup salt
1 1/2 tbsp. black pepper
1/4 tsp. allspice
1 tbsp. crushed chili pepper (optional)
Cut venison and pork into small chunks for
the grinder. Add all seasonings; mix thoroughly;
put through grinder using medium blade. Pack
meat in sausage bags or casings and hang it for
long smoking at a low temperature. If you wish,
the meat may be stored in a freezer and used as
you would good pork sausage. Smoking certainly
adds much to the flavor and is well worth the effort.

Shore Lunch

Now that you've caught some walleye's, it's time for a shore lunch. This is one of my favorite recipe's. Very simple and delicious!
The Boat Store

1 whole egg, lightly beaten

1/2 c. milk

2 c. crushed corn flakes

1/2 c. lard

EQUIPMENT – A cast-iron skillet is still the time-honored favorite for frying fish. The heavy cast distributes heat evenly, and the high sides prevent the fat from bubbling over as fillets are added. Of course, many fine-quality nonstick pans are on the market, and most also work well.


FAT – Shortenings are favored for frying. These include solids such as lard and hydrogenated fats, and liquids such as corn, safflower, cottonseed, peanut, grape seed, sesame seed, and olive oils. Solid fats tend not to break down so quickly as liquid oils and therefore often are preferred for frying fish. Use only fresh, unused shortenings.
Food dropped into fresh hot oil acts as an irritant to the oil, which responds by immediately sealing the breading so the oil can't get to the food inside. All crumbs, drops of breading, salt, or water that fall into the oil during frying weaken the oil's ability to seal the breading. That's why it's important to shake off excess breading or batter before frying.

TEMPERATURE – Keeping the fat at about 365 degrees Fahrenheit is important. Use a frying thermometer when you can, and keep the thermometer in hot water to prevent it from breaking when it's placed in the hot fat. Wipe the thermometer dry before placing it in the fat to prevent spattering.
When a thermometer isn't handy, test the temperature by dropping a small cube of bread into the hot fat. The cube will brown in about 60 seconds when the fat is at 365 degrees Fahrenheit. Always allow the fat to reach the proper temperature again before adding more fillets.

WASH – Breading requires something to hold it fast to the fish fillets. An egg wash works well. Beaten eggs are mixed with a small amount of water or milk, or sometimes beer.

BREADING – The fat must be hot enough to immediately seal the outside of a fillet, to prevent the loss of juices and also to prevent sticking. Prior to frying, the fish should be at room temperature (about 70 degrees Fahrenheit). Cold fish lower oil temperature, resulting in fillets that don't seal and become oil soggy. Some of the most popular breadings, singularly or in combination, include sesame seeds, buttermilk biscuit mix, corn meal, and corn flake crumbs.


Heat the lard in a cast-iron skillet. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, beat the egg and milk together lightly.

Season the fillets with salt and pepper. Roll them in the all-purpose flour and shake off the excess. Then dip each fillet in the egg wash, allowing the excess to drain off. Immediately roll the fillet in the crushed corn flakes, pressing gently so the crumbs stick to the fillet.

Fry the breaded fillets in the hot lard, about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Drain on paper towels.

Bemidji area streams closed to fishing during the first week of walleye season (May 7, 2008)

The Fishing Shack

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is extending fishing closures on six streams in Beltrami and Clearwater counties from May 10 through May 16 to protect concentrations of spawning walleye. Major access points will be posted during the period of closure.

The affected streams are:

* Blackduck River - County Road 32 north to Red Lake Reservation boundary
* Clearwater River - Below Clearwater Lake Dam for 900 feet
* Mississippi River - Below Ottertail Power Dam to County Road 12
* Shotley Brook - State Highway 72 to Upper Red Lake
* Tamarac River - Upper Red Lake to Beltrami-Koochiching county line
* Turtle River - Below Three Island Dam to County Road 23

The closure will not restrict boat traffic to Upper Red Lake from the boat ramps on the Tamarac River.

“It is a difficult decision to restrict fishing because stream closures limit shore angling opportunity,” said Gary Barnard, Bemidji area fisheries supervisor, “but most anglers would agree it is important to protect spawning walleye.”

Just days before the fishing opener ice still remains on some Bemidji area lakes and large concentrations of walleye are still actively spawning in many tributary streams. According to the DNR, the last time these stream closures were extended beyond opening day was 1996 when similar late ice conditions existed.

The Fishing Shack

Rainy River anglers not deterred by frozen water

(April 28, 2008)

The Fishing Shack
Scores of eager anglers flocked to the Rainy River this spring despite having to push their boats across the ice to get to open water. They came to take advantage of the extended walleye season, which ended April 14, along the Minnesota-Ontario border waters.

“These walleye anglers are a tough breed,” said Doug Easthouse, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Big Bog State Recreation Area park manager. “They camped in tents at Franz Jevne State Park in 20-degree weather and shoveled snow to do it.”

According to most, it was worth it. As one fisherman put it, “the water clarity and river currents were ideal for a hot and furious walleye bite and the catches were excellent.”

“Anglers come to the Rainy River each spring not only for the high catch rates, but for the opportunity to catch large pre-spawn walleye,” said Phil Talmage, DNR Baudette area fisheries supervisor. “The current status of the Lake of the Woods walleye fishery is good. Walleye abundance and fishery health indicators show that we have a strong population on the lake.”

According to Talmage, angling pressure on the Rainy River can be quite variable, with weather and water levels impacting river access and angler success.

Annual spring creel surveys conducted between 1990 and 2005 indicate an average of about 56,000 hours of fishing effort per year, while the spring walleye harvest during that same period averaged about 11,000 pounds per year. This harvest represents less than two percent of the annual walleye harvest from the U.S. waters of Lake of the Woods. The spring walleye season on the Rainy River typically lasts two to three weeks.

For more information on the Rainy River, fishing seasons and regulations, or Minnesota’s state parks, visit www.mndnr.gov.

Fishing Opener Is Getting Close!

Not long now until fishing opener in Minnesota. Governor Pawlenty will have his usual media circus in the Brainerd, Minnesota area this year (info- www.minnesotaoutside.net or www.fishingminnesota.110.mb.com). I will be opening the year on Cut Foot Sioux along with hundreds of others. Hopefully, the weather cooperates.

Walleyes have a reputation for being short strikers. They'll hit the bait without getting hooked. But walleyes aren't tentative eaters. Usually, the walleye makes a sincere attempt to eat the bait. The fisherman just didn't allow the fish to succeed.
Avoiding this problem-and consequently hooking more fish-is a two-step process. Step one is to understand how a walleye eats. Sometimes a walleye will slash a bait like a pike or a muskie does. But usually they'll swim up to it and flare their gills, inhaling their prey and the water surrounding it. If anything happens to interrupt that flow of water, you get a short strike, or nothing at all.
Step two is adapting your presentation to decrease resistance in the lure-and-line combination, and thereby permit your bait to flow right into the walleye's mouth. To that end, he offers the following six tips:
1: Use Light Line Light (4- and 6-pound-test), thin-diameter lines offer less drag, or resistance, on a lure. This lets a walleye suck it in more easily.
2: Bounce the Bait When you're using live bait use a bottom-bouncer rig. Bouncers are L-shaped wires that have a lead weight molded to the shaft. As an angler retrieves the rig, the weight bounces off the bottom and creates slack in the line, which allows the fish to inhale the bait more easily.
3: Shorten the Stroke Many jig fishermen pump their rods too vigorously, using long vertical strokes that can pull the bait out of a fish's mouth. Use short lifts instead and you'll hook more walleyes.
4: Offer a Bigger Bite Adding a plastic body to a jig also helps by increasing the surface area to which the fish's sucking force is applied.
5: Pump a Crank With crankbaits, steady retrieves may hook aggressive walleyes, but a stop-and-go technique is better for deliberate feeders. Once the lure achieves proper depth, lift the rod tip, reel in the slack, and repeat.
6: Troll With the Flow When the water has a chop, trolling with the waves imparts that necessary slight slack in the line. Also, keep a close eye on your inside planer board as you make a turn; it will give you that small amount of slack that allows for more solid strikes-and more walleyes in the boat.