Brainerd and Crosby Fishing Report, Minnesota: December 29, 2017

I have been out on the ice twice this year, and caught a couple small perch but was hoping for some crappies. Looking forward to the Jaycee's tournament and friends coming into town to fish and help out the charity. Will update this week on current bite around and on Gull Lake.  Happy Holidays!

via outdoornews.com




BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Walleyes continue to be caught on shiner minnows in 17 to 24 feet on Gull Lake, North Long Lake, and Round Lake. Crappies remain suspended over 17 to 25 feet on North Long and Round, while sunfish are biting in 8 to 12 feet on Cullen Lake, Nisswa Lake, and Roy Lake. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows in 14 to 18 feet on Gull Lake, North Long, and Cullen. Most areas being fished now have 8 to 12 inches of ice – a bit more in some spots and a bit less in others.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

CROSBY AREA

Most lakes have 10 to 12 inches of ice, but thinner spots still exist on some bigger lakes. Crappies are being caught on Nokay Lake in 21 to 30 feet during the evening hours, or Upper Dean Lake and Hay Lake in 17 to 22 feet. Walleyes are hitting on Rabbit Lake and Serpent Lake in 15 to 20 feet during low-light periods. The backwaters on the Mississippi River are producing sunfish, while northern pike are hitting sucker minnows on Serpent, Black Bear Lake, and Black Hoof Lake in 8 to 12 feet.

Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912

Herb Raushnot: Dart Trucking...Minnesota Dedicated Freight

https://nationaltruckinmagazine.com/article.php?IN-A-LEAGUE-OF-THEIR-OWN-12


via:https://nationaltruckinmagazine.com/article.php?IN-A-LEAGUE-OF-THEIR-OWN-12
 The best part of writing these articles is the very beginning, when I first hear of who the person will be. I’ve had a few different approaches for a number of different nominees. For instance, one did not even know that he was featured in our magazine until he opened one of our issues to flip through and a picture of himself along with his truck, caught his eye. His family was all in on it and that editorial turned out to be quite a hit. When I received the information for this one, a smile instantly formed on my face. I couldn’t wait to know more and for many reasons. One; what we have here friends, is a double whammy. A husband and wife duo. This to me is like a beautiful rainbow in the sky as I relax in my lounge chair on my back deck. You know it is going to be something great. All you have to do it sit back and take it all in. Two; I have the pair of them on the phone at the same time so I’m able to get both of their opinions and answers together, while listening to the two of them go back and forth with each other. It was refreshing to hear how they kid around and know when to let the other half take th

Brainerd Lakes Area of Minnesota Fishing Report: December 15, 2017

With the recent tragedies concerning individuals falling through the ice, my family and I have been erring on the side of caution concerning ice fishing.  The local bait shop even suggests sticking to bays and smaller bodies of water, but I noticed last week, only a few days after Gull Lake had frozen over, someone had a portable out.  I just don't see the point.  I love fresh fish, but it isn't worth the risk.  Be safe out on the ice, and good luck fishing. 

from outdoornews.com

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Although you’ll find skim ice on parts of the big lakes, the lakes being fished now have 4 to 8 inches of ice. It just depends on the area. Look for suspended crappies over the deep holes on Round Lake, North Long, and Nisswa Lake. Sucker minnows are turning northern pike in the 7- to 15-foot weeds of Cullen Lake, Pelican Lake, and North Long. Walleye action is best with spoons or shiner minnows at North Long, Round, and Lake Edwards in 15 to 22 feet.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Brainerd Lakes Area Minnesota Fishing Report: December 8, 2017

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Strong winds prevented the big lakes such as Gull and Whitefish from locking up early this week. Anglers are walking on North Long Lake, Nisswa Lake, and Lake Edwards with 4 to 6 inches of ice being found. Crappies, northern pike, and sunfish are being caught on these lakes in 12 to 14 feet.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Monster Ice Bluegills - In-Depth Outdoors Season 12, Episode 3

Brainerd Lakes Area Fishing Report: November 22, 2017

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Anglers are walking on some of the small lakes and on the Highway 371 Bay of North Long Lake with 4 to 6 inches of ice reported. Crappies are being caught in 11 to 15 feet here with minnows and Eurolarvae. The main basin areas of all big lakes are still ice-free, and anglers continue to catch walleyes on the Mississippi River on jigs and minnows.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report:November 17, 2017 and Ice Fishing Update

Driving toward Nisswa this afternoon on 371, I saw three or four pickups parked in the ditch, and a few people out ice fishing on North Long Lake.  I don't know if they were catching any, but my son and I were surprised to see them fishing after the recent rain. Either way, I am going to do some fishing tomorrow morning and see if the early ice action is decent.


Link to Cross Lake Fishing Report:
https://www.whitefish-lodge.com/fishing-report

Here is the fishing report from outdoornews.com for the Brainerd Lakes Area:

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

You’ll find ice on the shallow bays and some small lakes, but not enough to walk on. A few anglers were fishing from boats last weekend, but developing shoreline ice has eliminated those opportunities. A few cold nights might be all that’s needed for walkable ice to form on those spots that froze earliest.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

CROSBY AREA

The big lakes and mine pits still had open water on Tuesday morning. Some small lakes and bays had as much as 4 inches of ice last weekend, but that likely deteriorated with the warm weather early this week. Deer hunting reports have been mixed, harvest is likely up a bit from last year, with a lot of antlerless  deer and small bucks taken.

Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912

DIY Micro Tungsten Ice jig Free Fishing Video on Species by WillCFish ...

Jigger Jeff's - Yumakem Ice Jigs ( How To )

Hook Fish! this Fall

Went out today for a nice fall day of crappie fishing.  Caught them in 10-12 ft. of water, and they were really hungry.  It was a mild day, and the small lake I was fishing was very calm. I enjoy these warm October days for getting the dock out of the water, winterizing the boat, and wetting a line to catch some fresh shore lunch.

Hard water season is growing closer, and I have to make sure to Hook Fish!!!

Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report: October 20, 2017

via /www.outdoornews.com/
BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

A jig and minow is turning walleyes in 15 to 45 feet on Gull Lake. Crappies are being found suspended over 20 to 30 feet on Gull, Cullen Lake, and North Long Lake, while sunfish are biting in 10 to 12 feet at Nisswa Lake, Cullen, and North Long. Look for bass and northern pike on the weedlines of Gull, Lake Edwards, and Whitefish Lake.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Brainerd Lakes Area Minnesota: September 27, 2017 Fishing Report

from outdoornews.com
BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA
Walleyes are being taken with redtails on Gull Lake in 16 to 35 feet, North Long Lake in 22 to 28 feet, and Whitefish Lake in 22 to 30 feet. Minnows also are turning northern pike in the 8- to 12-foot cabbage and sand grass areas on Gull, North Long, and Lake Edwards. You’ll find crappies on the weedlines of North Long, Gull, and Cullen Lake, while sunfish and bass remain active on the shallow weedlines of most lakes.
S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Brainerd Lakes Area Fishing Report: August 25, 2017

With the cooler temperatures and rain, fishing is starting to pick up again in the area.  My son and I have been doing very well with catching sunfish and crappies, but keep only the crappies to eat. Most of the sunfish we catch have the black lice spots in their meat, and although they are safe to eat, I would rather release them.  We are heading out to try out some new fly rods we picked up for our recent trip to Glacier Park in Montana, and maybe one of us can catch the always elusive Minnesota trout. Good luck out fishing!

via outdoornews.com

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA 

Walleyes are hitting crawlers and chubs on Gull Lake and North Long Lake in 18 to 24 feet. Look for northern pike to hit sucker minnows in 20 to 24 feet on Whitefish Lake and Gull. Bass fishing remains strong on the deep weedlines and shallow cover on most lakes. Sunfish continue to be found in 5 to 7 feet, as are a few crappies in 7 to 12 feet at Lake Margaret, Highway 371 Bay on North Long, Gull, and Nisswa Lake.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report July 28, 2017

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA 

Walleye action continues to be limited to a few fish being plucked from the weeds with slip bobbers and leeches on North Long Lake and Whitefish Lake. Crappies are being caught in 8 to 12 feet on Gull Lake, Lake Margaret, and North Long, while sunfish are being found in the 6- to 8-foot weeds of Cullen Lake and Highway 371 Bay on North Long. Bass fishing continues to be good in the shallow and deep weeds of most lakes.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League  (218) 829-7010

CROSBY AREA

Hit Serpent Lake for crappies in 14 feet and walleyes in 18 to 22 feet. Smallmouth and largemouth reports have been strong on Clearwater Lake and Rabbit Lake. There’s some evening crappie action on the weedlines of Greer Lake and Black Lake, while the rice bed edges on the Mississippi River are producing sunfish. Shore anglers at the Huntington and Manuel pits are catching trout with Power Bait.

Oars ‘n Mine Bait and Tackle (218) 546-6912

EMILY AREA 

Sunfish have started hitting on Lake Esquagamah in 15 to 20 feet ,and there’s an evening bite for pike in 8 to 10 feet at Eagle Lake with suckers. A few walleyes are being caught at night by long-lining crankbaits over the deep water areas of Roosevelt Lake – these fish are suspended near the surface after dark. Look to Ruth Lake with topwater baits for largemouth bass. Lawrence Lake continues to produce crappies in 14 feet.

Redding Sports and Spirits (218) 763-2191

Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report: July 23, 2017

via outdoornews.com

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

A few walleyes are being taken with slip bobbers and leeches from the weeds on North Long Lake, Whitefish Lake, and Lake Edwards. Look for sunfish in the 6- to 8-foot weeds of Cullen Lake, Upper Gull Lake, and in the Highway 371 Bay on North Long. Look for crappies on the 7- to 12-foot weeds and bass on the deep weedlines of Gull Lake, Lake Margaret, North Long, and Whitefish.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

CROSBY AREA

Anglers using PowerBait are catching trout over 40 to 50 feet on Section 6 Pit and Huntington Pit. A few walleyes can be had during the evening hours with live-bait rigs on Nokay Lake in 20 feet or more. Largemouth bass are an easy catch on most lakes and smallmouth are hitting on Serpent Lake and Clearwater Lake. The Mississippi River is producing channel catfish, smallmouth bass, and a few walleyes. Look to the weedlines of Big Mahnomen Lake, Little Rabbit Lake, and Black Hoof Lake for bluegills during the day and crappies each evening.

LAKE MILLE LACS

East — Boat traffic continues to be minimal due to the walleye closure. Even bass anglers have been scarce this past week. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows or crankbaits along the weedlines in most bays and some muskies and big pike are being caught via trolling on the mud flats or off the flats in 30 feet or more. You'll find bigger smallmouth bass on the 18- to 20-foot rocks and smaller bass closer to shore.

EMILY AREA

Walleyes are hitting crawlers after dark in 12 to 14 feet on West Fox Lake. Look to Lake Emily with topwater baits for largemouth bass. Pike are hitting spoons in 10 to 12 feet on Lake Washburn. Lawrence Lake started giving up crappies in 10 to 12 feet. Work the weedlines on most lakes for sunfish.

HACKENSACK AREA

Spinners and crawlers have been producing a few walleyes in 20 to 25 feet of water on Ten Mile Lake and Little Boy Lake. Largemouth bass continue to be caught close to shore with frogs on most lakes and smallmouth are being found in 5 to 10 feet at Baby Lake and Stoney Lake. Sunfish have been ambushing baits in the cabbage and lilly pads of Birch Lake or bays on Woman Lake. Throw bucktails for muskies on the weed edges of Little Boy and Baby.

LONGVILLE AREA

Sunfish and crappies are being found on the 12-foot weedlines in Bungee Bay on Woman Lake, Lake Inguadona, Blackwater Lake, and Mule Lake. Largemouth bass have been hitting frogs in the slop on Girl Lake and Big Boy Lake, while smallmouth bass were hitting topwater baits in shallow water on Woman. Work the rock piles and weeds with bucktails on Baby Lake for muskies. A few walleyes are being taken with crawlers in 18 to 22 feet of water on Woman.

LEECH LAKE

The past week's heat seems to have driven walleyes deeper. Work 16 to 22 feet on the main lake rocks and breaks. Some walleyes can be had on the points and shoreline breaks in less than 12 feet during low-light periods. Muskie action has slightly improved with the rocks and weeds now showing signs of life early and late each day. Look to the cabbage in Boy Bay for bluegills and for northern pike in the weeds throughout the lake.

GREY EAGLE AREA

Look for sunfish on the 12- foot weedlines of Cedar Lake or in 15 to 25 feet of water on Big Birch Lake. Walleye reports have been limited to a few fish being caught with slip bobbers and leeches in 20 to 30 feet at night on Big Birch. Largemouth and smallmouth bass reports have been good off most lakes, while the weedlines of Big Swan Lake are producing northern pike and panfish.

Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report July 16, 2017

From outdoornews:

Brainerd/Nisswa area

Bass, northern pike and panfish are being found along the shallow weedlines on the north end of Gull Lake, North Long Lake, Lake Edward and Hubert Lake. Walleyes are scattered, but Gull, North Long and Whitefish lakes are giving up some fish in 12 to 32 feet—most live bait options have been working.

Crosby area

Crappies and bluegills are being caught in 12-15 feet on Big Mahnomen Lake, Serpent Lake and rice bed edges on the downstream portion of the Mississippi River. Clearwater Lake and Serpent are giving up largemouth along the weedlines and smallmouth bass on the rocks. Upper and Lower Mission lakes are producing northern pike on sucker minnows in 10 to 20 feet, while Portsmouth Pit is producing trout—look for fish 30-40 feet down over deeper water.

Mille Lacs Lake

With the walleye season now closed, fishing pressure has been light. Smallmouth bass are hitting plastics or crankbaits on the 16- to 20-foot rocks. Trolling crankbaits on the weedlines in St. Alban's Bay, Garrison Bay, Vineland Bay and Wigwam Bay has produced northern pike, while a few muskies are being found suspended on the flats.

Leech Lake

Walleyes are being caught on a variety of live-bait and artificial presentations. The shoreline breaks in Walker Bay, Goose Island Flats, and main lake rocks continue to produce fish in 12 to 16 feet. If the wind blows, the 6- to 10-foot weeds and points also will kick out walleyes. At night, slip bobbers and leeches or crankbaits will turn walleyes off Sand Point in 8-12 feet. Muskie action has been spotty with some fish being caught in the weeds of Portage Bay.

Staples/Little Falls area

The Mississippi River continues to provide numbers of channel catfish and smallmouth bass. Lake Alexander started producing walleyes during low-light periods, while the weedlines on Green Prairie Lake and Beauty Lake are producing sunfish.

Emily area

Crappies have started hitting on Eagle Lake in 8-10 feet, while Greer Lake is producing northern pike on spoons in 6-8 feet. A few walleyes are being taken in 10-12 feet with leeches on Washburn Lake during the morning hours. Look to the shorelines and lily pads with topwater baits for bass on Lake Emily.

Hackensack area

Nightcrawlers and spinners are producing walleyes on Woman Lake in 15-20 feet, Ten Mile Lake in 20-25 feet and Webb Lake in 14-18 feet. Largemouth are being found in the weeds on most lakes, and smallmouth bass are hitting in shallow water during low-light periods. A few muskies have been caught on Little Boy Lake and panfish reports have been best on the weedlines of Birch Lake and Moccasin Lake.

Longville area

Lindy Rigs and leeches are the ticket for walleyes in the 9- to 11-foot weeds of Lake Inguadona. The Government Point and Stoney Point areas on Woman Lake are giving up walleyes in 16-22 feet. Muskies are hitting small bucktails on Baby Lake, and hit the weedlines on Big Boy Lake for bluegills. Bass action is strong on most lakes.

Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report July 7, 2017

I just returned from Nevada yesterday, and haven't had a chance to wet a line yet. I plan on hitting some of the lakes by Nisswa this week and Cross Lake this weekend.  The panfish are in the weed lines according to the report, and I hope to catch enough for a shore lunch.  Good luck fishing!

via http://www.outdoornews.com/minnesota/fishing-reports/

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA 

Work the 8- to 12-foot weedlines for panfish on Cullen Lake, North Long Lake, Nisswa Lake, and Gull Lake. Walleyes are hitting leeches and nightcrawlers in 14 to 26 feet on Whitefish Lake and North Long. Bass and northern pike continue to hit on the 12- to 16-foot weedlines of most lakes.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League  (218) 829-7010

Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report July, 2, 2017

I have been catching panfish consistently in the Brainerd Lakes area in the past week.  I use a small yellow crappie jig with a piece of night crawler and pick up crappies and bluegill with this setup. Warm weather is finally showing up, and it is a great time to head out to the lake with a cold drink and catch some shore lunch.  Good luck fishing!

From outdoornews.com

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA


Largemouth bass action is strong on the weedlines with spinnerbaits or plastics at Gull Lake, North Long Lake, and Cullen Lake. A few walleyes are being taken on the 8- to 28-foot weedlines with leeches or nightcrawlers at Lake Edwards, North Long, and Whitefish Lake. Look for northern pike on the weedlines of Cullen, North Long, and Whitefish, while panfish reports have been best at Cullen, North Long, Hubert Lake, and the channels on Gull.


CROSBY AREA

Look for crappies in 12 to 14 feet and sunfish in 8 to 10 feet on Big Mahnomen Lake and Little Rabbit Lake. The Deerwood end of Serpent Lake is giving up crappies during the evening hours in 12 to 15 feet. Trolling stickbaits on the weedlines of East Rabbit Lake, Horseshoe Lake, and Lower Mission Lake has produced pike. Walleye reports were limited, but largemouth and smallmouth bass are hitting plastics on most lakes. Trout were found about 30 feet down on Huntington Pit and Portsmouth Pit.

Test Podcast Commenting on The Church of What's Happening Now by Joey Coco Diaz

Brainerd Outdoors Radio

Brainerd Outdoors Radio with Brian Moon is an essential radio show for anyone interested in the Brainerd Lakes area's great outdoors.
Here is more information from the site where you can listen to it online:

WELCOME!

​Brainerd Outdoors Radio is THE place for everything hunting and fishing in the Brainerd Lakes area and beyond. Tune in to B93.3 FM Saturday mornings at 7:05, Sunday evenings at 7 and Monday mornings at 5. This week, Lake reports from all across the state, Mandy Uhrich talks about choosing the right color for bass fishing, Brian "Bro" Brosdahl chimes in on Walleye's , Crappies, and Bluegills, plus some info on the Twin Cites muskie tournament! All on this weeks edition of Brainerd Outdoors: http://www.brainerdoutdoorsradio.com/

Brainerd Guide JOHN's Fishing Report 6-11-17

http://www.brainerdguide.com/fishing_report.htm
Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing Report: 6-11-17Here I am typing at 10:30 pm after fishing all day, so this is going to be short and sweet. The new boat was on the water today for its first trip. Keep the fingers crossed. This boat looks like it is going to be a good one. The walleye fishing was a bit slower the last few days as more and more fish start the transition to summer locations. The warmer temperatures continue to rise, which means we close to hit the magic mark. The bass action has been good on most area lakes. This action should only improve as the water temperatures rise. Sorry for the short report but the eyes are getting sleepy and I have to be up on Whitefish early tomorrow. Happy fishing. See your next week. 
JOHN

Brainerd Lakes Area Fishing Report for June 11, 2017 from Dispatch

From Brainerd Dispatch:
fishing-report-june-11

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA

Look for walleyes to hit minnows or leeches along the 10- to 12-foot weedlines of Gull Lake, 18 feet on North Long Lake, and in 28 feet at Pelican Lake. Bass fishing is excellent in the shallow weeds of most lakes, while panfish also can be found shallow on Upper Gull Lake, Cullen Lake, and North Long.

Brainerd Lakes Area Fishing Report: June 9, 2017

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA 

Look for walleyes to hit minnows or leeches along the 10- to 12-foot weedlines of Gull Lake, 18 feet on North Long Lake, and in 28 feet at Pelican Lake. Bass fishing is excellent in the shallow weeds of most lakes, while panfish also can be found shallow on Upper Gull Lake, Cullen Lake, and North Long.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League (218) 829-7010

Sunfish on Spring Day 2017: Brainerd, Minnesota Fishing

I grew up in the northwest part of Minnesota, near the border with North Dakota. From an early age, I spent alot of time out fishing off my grandparents dock and catching sunfish, also known as blue gills and bream.  Grandma would clean the fish and she taught me how to trim out the rib bones so I could help with the process.   But my favorite thing about sunfish is catching them, and my second favorite is dredging them in some spicy fry dust and deep frying them until they are crispy.  I add some homemade tarter sauce (sliced pickles, mustard, garlic, capers, mayo, hot sauce) and fry up some potatoes and along with a cold beverage it is a very satisfying meal.  

Here is one of them I caught today for the frying pan.

I have grown accustomed to fishing for sun fish and other pan fish because it is the only thing allowed when a person has young kids along, as my kids and I  aren't patient enough to fish for walleye, and I have a hard enough time finding and catching enough pan fish to feed the crew. 

 Here is a colorful hybrid bluegill.  I had enough of them by 11 am this morning for tonight's evening fish fry.  It is a perfect time of year to be out on the lakes fishing.  Good luck out there!

Walleye Dan Fishing Report: Brainerd Lakes Minnesota : May 23, 2017

I enjoy reading Walleye Dan's article in the Brainerd Dispatch and also his fishing reports. Here is his latest report from http://www.walleyedan.com/whatsbiting/:

May 23, 2017
Good morning! I hope the sun is shining where you are at, it’s been awhile since we have seen it here in the Brainerd Lakes Area. But, it sounds like it is supposed to sow itself tomorrow and I’m hoping that happens. I have been on the water a fair amount and have also spent some time in the woods chasing turkeys at the 11th hour. Fishing is good and should get even better in the next two weeks. I have spent the majority my time on Gull Lake and we have put some nice fish in the boat. The big ones have made a comeback and we are just hoping that the young bucks are somewhere to be had. Yesterday I was out with 4 men and we worked it pretty hard. For those that don’t have patience, this would not have been a trip for you. We caught 6 fish, all over 20 inches. Including a 24, 25 3/4, 26 and 27.5, nice walleyes anywhere, but really nice to see coming out of Gull. We caught them in 15-25 feet. The new Larson FX 2020T is decked to the hilt with my Hummingbird electronics and MinnKota trolling motors, this boat is SOLID and a truly awesome guiding machine! The summer is looking to be a busy one, so if you are interested in coming up to the Brainerd/Mille Lacs area, please give us a call at 218-839-5598 and book your trip or trips. Whether it is smallmouth or walleye on Mille Lacs or any species here in the Brainerd area, we will have a guide that can put you on them! Whether or not they bite, that’s going to be up to your talent level! But we will offer you up advice, and try to give you the best opportunity to catch some! Bottom line, for you, it’s better than working so book today.

p.s. Registration and sponsorship opportunities are open for the 5th annual Walleyedan Fishing To End Hunger walleye tournament on Gull Lake. Have a great day, Dan

Brainerd Minnesota Lakes Area Fishing Report: May 26, 2017

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA 

Shiner minnows continue to trigger walleyes in 16 to 20 feet on North Long Lake, Round Lake, and Whitefish Lake. Northern pike are hitting sucker minnows in 8 to 12 feet on Gull Lake, Cullen Lake, and North Long. Look for panfish and bass in 3 to 6 feet at North Long, Gull, Round, Cullen, and Lake Edwards.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League  (218) 829-7010

Louisiana Crappie Fishing: **Easter Weekend Crappies** / Some Slabs / Fun With The Family / Crappie...

I would like to head down to Louisiana and fish with these two next winter. They sure

know how to find the crappies. I have been watching their videos for awhile, and wish

I could catch crappies like they do in their videos. Enjoy.

Brainerd Lakes Area Fishing Report May 19, 2017

I have been catching some nice sunfish this past week, but things slowed down with the weather being so cold last weekend. The rain has made everything green up really nice, and I am going to be doing more fishing on Gull and some smaller lakes in the Nisswa area this week, so I will keep all of you updated.

Here is fishing report from http://www.outdoornews.com/minnesota/fishing-reports/

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA 

Crappies are hitting in 3 to 6 feet on Gull Lake, Upper Gull Lake, North Long Lake, Nisswa Lake, Cullen Lake, Roy Lake, and Round Lake. Walleyes are biting best early and late each day in 10 to 12 feet, mainly on crawlers and minnows, on Round Lake or in the channels on Gull. Northern pike are taking sucker minnows in 8 to 15 feet at North Long, Pelican Lake, and Whitefish Lake.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League  (218) 829-7010

Vintage Hunting and Fishing Images

Brainerd, Minnesota: Live Music For the Week of May 18-24, 2017

From the Brainerd Dispatch:

For the week of May 18-24; bands perform 9 p.m. to close with no cover unless otherwise noted.

BRAINERD

Eagles Club

124 Front St.

Artisan, 7-11 p.m. Friday; $5 for all dances for non-Eagle members.

Agate to perform for Lakes Area Singles Single Spring Dance (age 40 or older), 7:30-11:30 p.m. Saturday; $5 cover

Last Turn Saloon

214 S. Eighth St.

Open Mic, first Wednesday of month (sign-up, 6:30 p.m.)

Bluegrass Jam, 6:30-8:30 p.m. every first, third and fifth Thursday of the month.

Liquor Pigz

718 Laurel St.

Karaoke, 10 p.m. every Wednesday

Jam session/open mic, 9 p.m. every Sunday

O'Madden Pub

11266 Pine Beach Peninsula

Jud Hailey, Friday-Saturday

Roundhouse Brewery

1551 Northern Pacific Road

Dos Guys, 7 p.m. Saturday

Shep's on Sixth

315 S. Sixth St.

DJ, every Friday-Saturday in Elbow Room

The Woods

19624 County Highway 3

Levi Pelzer, 6 p.m. today, May 18

DiamondBack, 8 p.m. Saturday

BREEZY POINT

Commander Bar

30279 Airport Road

Six to Midnight, 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday

JJ's Pub

Downstairs of the Commander

Avery and Duncan, 5-9 p.m. Saturday

CROSBY

The Bridge Tavern

26929 Highway 6

Wanted (classic country), 4-8 p.m. Sundays

FORT RIPLEY

St. Mathias Bar and Grill

4640 County Road 121

YNOTT, Saturday

Brainerd Lakes Area Fishing Report, May 17, 2017: Brainerd, Minnesota

BRAINERD/NISSWA AREA 

Crappies are hitting in 3 to 6 feet on Gull Lake, Upper Gull Lake, North Long Lake, Nisswa Lake, Cullen Lake, Roy Lake, and Round Lake. Walleyes are biting best early and late each day in 10 to 12 feet, mainly on crawlers and minnows, on Round Lake or in the channels on Gull. Northern pike are taking sucker minnows in 8 to 15 feet at North Long, Pelican Lake, and Whitefish Lake.

S & W Bait & Guide Service/Nisswa Guide League  (218) 829-7010

We only buy our bait at S & W Bait  and have for many years.  We live close by the bait shop and they are open at 5:30 every morning like clockwork.  They always have fishing tactics for area lakes on a white board above the minnow tanks, and I have bought everything from kids fishing poles to ice fishing chisel/scoops for cheaper than going into Fleet Farm.  My kids like the friendliness of the owners and clerks, and it is the best bait shop in Minnesota due to their consistent customer service, quality products and authenticity.  

Poison Ivy and How to Eradicate it in Minnesota: Brainerd, Minnesota

Poison ivy is starting to show around central Minnesota by mid-May, along with the snowbirds and obnoxious (tourists) drivers from out of state.  It is a give and take kind of season, as the crappie and sunfish are biting in the shallows and the Lyme carrying ticks are thick as thieves.   I have a new remedy for all of the poison ivy growing in the sandy woods around my place, and it isn't calamine or twenty dollar bottles of technu or whatever else kind of obnoxiously priced products available from the oil companies...woops, I meant pharmaceutical companies, but same difference.


The cure is to start spraying early poison ivy plants, which will be emerging when the leaves pop on the trees.  Hit the small, red leaved and easily distinguishable ivy with a combination of 2 4 D and Roundup with a little bit of Dawn dish soap mixed in as a surfactant.

 I started this year in early May and will continue until June and look forward to planting grass seed and having a small area around my lawn and driveway free of poison ivy.  I don't spray my entire woods, but try to reduce exposure in well traveled areas, and consider this practice to be my type of management concerning this pesky vine. Thanks for reading.



Photos are from : http://www.poison-ivy.org/poison-ivy-spring

Fishing Panfish on Whitefish Chain of Lakes: Cross Lake, Minnesota

Tips on catching panfish from the article:


2. The Whitefish Chain has a reputation for producing quality panfish, and secluded back bays are excellent places to find them right after ice-out. “There is an abundance of these little coves throughout the chain,” Roach says, “and because there are so many, a lot of excellent panfishing gets overlooked.”

Moonlight Bay on the north end of Cross Lake is a good place to start, but again don’t hesitate to explore similar areas wherever you find them. Bluegills and crappies can be up in as little as 2 feet of water when it’s sunny and calm; if it’s cooler or overcast they tend to move a bit deeper, or to the breakline just outside the bay itself. “Just don’t decide they’ve moved if you can’t locate them right away,” Roach says. “If the bay has a dark bottom, especially if there’s vegetation or wood that holds heat, they’ll be there. You just have to find them.”

Make a stealthy approach, using the electric motor instead of the outboard, and keep boat noise to a minimum. Then fancast the area with an Impulse® Bloodworm, or a Bling Jig or Mud Bug and waxworm under a float. “Bring it back to the boat on a slow retrieve,” explains Roach. “When you locate a pocket of fish, you can zero in—but approach quietly.”

Info. from Northland Fishing and Tackle:

http://www.northlandtackle.com/whitefish-chain-minnesota-lake-of-the-week


Link to Whitefish information on MN Lakefinder

We only buy our bait at S & W Bait  and have for many years.  We live close by the bait shop and they are open at 5:30 every morning like clockwork.  They always have fishing tactics for area lakes on a white board above the minnow tanks, and I have bought everything from kids fishing poles to ice fishing chisel/scoops for cheaper than going into Fleet Farm.  My kids like the friendliness of the owners and clerks, and it is the best bait shop in Minnesota due to their consistent customer service, quality products and authenticity.