Brainerd Fishing Report: 6-16-15
The water temperatures have finally broken 70 degrees, but only within the last few days. The colder weather has kept local water temperatures cooler than normal. The walleye action has been spotty. Some days the bite has been good, other days only fair. The good news is the best bite of the summer is just around the corner. I expect local water temperatures to creep into the mid 70's within the next few days. The walleye have been holding just off the first break in 18 to 22 feet of water. The schools are definitely starting to stage with more fish showing up on the breakline daily. There has been no clear favorite choice for baits this last week. One day it's a leech, the next day it's a minnow. Don't spend too much time nursing walleye schools. Fishing quickly and effectively will produce the most fish at this time. The walleye bite should only improve as water temperature inch closer to the mid 70's. The bass action has been good. Key locations have been located on the back edge of good stands of cabbage in 5 to 8 feet of water. The bass should start to drop deeper as the water temperature rise. I would expect the bass to start relating to the outer edges of the weeds in the near future. The sunfish are still spawning in 5 to 8 feet of water. Sandy locations with a good southern exposure are prime locations at the current time. The crappie have moved out of the shallows but are still present in good numbers in 8 to 12 feet of water. Deeper holes located near good stands of pencil reeds are prime locations. Small tube jigs suspended below a slip bobber are effective baits at the current moment. It's hard to believe the Fourth of July is just around the corner. I expect the local bite to heat up in the next few days as the water temperatures continue to rise.
Life is Good!
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 6-06-15
The water temperatures have started to creep closer to the magical 70 degree mark. It's been a weird spring so far but, thankfully, a summer pattern is located on the near horizon. The walleye schools have dropped from the shallow water flats and have started to show up on the deeper weed edges in greater numbers. Key locations have been the outer weed edges of wind blown structures. This is one of my favorite times on the year. The walleye schools read very well on electronics right now. Don't waste time but fishing structures where fish are not present. It might take a little searching, but your efforts will be rewarded. The walleye are currently staging for their annual spring feeding binge. The current water temperatures are hovering around 65-67 degrees, so we are not too far off. We should hit the 70 degree mark within the next week or so. The bass action has been good. Key locations continue to be on the backside edges of major weed lines in 5 to 7 feet of water. The crappie have moved to the second break line and are holding near good stands of cabbage. There are still a good number of sunfish spawning in 3 to 5 feet of water. Search out locations with a southerly exposure that have a mixture of cabbage weeds and sand. Small teardrop jigs tipped with a panfish leech and suspended below a bobber are effective baits. The best pike fishing is still to come. Stay tuned for more reports.
Life is Good!
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 5-25-15
The weather has finally started to return to a more normal pattern. Last week's "mini ice-age" was an unwelcome guest to the Brainerd Lakes. The colder weather pushed active fish out of the shallows in droves. Current water temperatures are about 6 degrees cooler than those ten days ago but are warming fast. The crappie had started to spawn before the big chill hit but stalled when the water temps fell. The good news is the sun is back and the shallows have started to become alive.  Key water depths for crappie have been 3 to 4 feet with sunfish even shallower. The bulk of the largemouth bass are relating to the back edges of weed lines in 3 to 6 feet of water. The shiner minnows have resumed their run, so the hungry schools of walleye are sure to follow. The best walleye bite has been occurring after sunset in 4 to 6 feet of water. Long line trolling #11 floating raps in blue/silver, black/silver, and black/gold has been the most effective method for catching walleye after dark. The best daytime bite has been taking place on Upper Gull near current areas. Stay tuned for more reports.
Life is Good!
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 5-11-15
The weather on the Saturday of Opener was nice but unfortunately short lived. Rain showers and colder temperatures moved in that night and have been with us since. The cold front we experienced mid week prior to the weekend slowed fishing more than expected. There were still fish willing to bite. It just took a little more work to find them. The walleye schools were scattered. There was no pattern to their depth. It was literally fish where you found them. Some fish were shallow while others were deep. The only constant was the lure selection. Blue/white colored jigs, and solid green, tipped with shiner minnows were responsible for all the walleye we caught.  The bites were not aggressive by any means and we missed way more fish than we caught. Our hooking percentage was terrible, pathetic would be a better word, until we finally forced ourselves to slow things way down. Quick hook sets were rewarded with skinned minnows and no fish. Unbearable waiting,  5 to 7 seconds, resulted in the most hookups with the majority of the fish still only hooked in the lip. The good news is warm weather is in the forecast. Which means the fish can only get more aggressive. See you next week. Life is Good!
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 5-08-15
The eve of the Minnesota walleye season is finally upon us. It's been a long, sometimes tedious, wait but it's finally here. The weatherman threw us a curve ball yesterday in the form of a major cold but there should still be plenty of fish to catch. Start your search shallow. The shiners started to spawn early last week and the shallows are full of minnows. The best option is to match the "hatch". Good bait options will be 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz jigs tipped with shiner minnows. Current areas always hold fish this time of year. One of the best spots is located on the north end of Gull Lake. There is a community fishing pier on the south side of the CR 77 bridge by Zobra's. Deep holes are located on both sides of the bridge. The spot is a local favorite. Many walleyes are taken from this area each spring.  Life is Good!
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 5-02-15
The frigid temperatures are now behind us. It's time to think of crappie fishing. The local lakes have warmed up and the hungry schools of crappies have moved into the shallows. There's nothing like crappie fishing to celebrate the end of another winter. Key location are in 4 to 6 feet of water. Search out soft bottom areas and look for large clumps of cabbage. Don't waste too much time sitting in one location. Crappies travel in big schools, find one and more are sure to follow. Good baits are small jigs, 1/32 oz, suspended below a bobber. Fan cast likely locations until you make contact with the first crappie and then ease an anchor over the side. Then it's time to sit back, relax, and enjoy. This is what spring is all about. Life is Good!
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 4-20-15
The Brainerd lakes are ice free! I love those words. It's such a  good feeling to have soft water again.  I was out breaking in my new 620 FS on North Long last night. The water temps are still a little chilly but warming quickly. I'm planning to put a few poles in the boat next time and start looking for some crappies.  The transition routes between deep water wintering areas and the shallows are key locations this time of year. Search for good cabbage beds located on the first deep break of known springtime crappie locations. Fish quickly with beetle spins or road runners to make first contact then slow down. Crappies are a numbers fish. Rarely will you find one without finding a bunch this time of year. The trick is locating the first one. Keep it touch!
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 4-11-15
The ice has finally started to pull away from the shorelines on most of the smaller lakes and ponds throughout the area. The migrating ducks have returned on the river and I even witnessed a great blue heron the other day. It's a nice feeling be on the tailing end of another winter. The open water will be here before we know it. It's time to start getting ready. I picked up my boat this week. I will be running Ranger's new 620 FS model this year. There's still a few nights of rigging to do but I'm hoping to have it all finished before open water arrives. My prediction for ice out is April 15th if current conditions hold. Life is Good!
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 4-05-15
Where did March go? The local lakes have finally started to turn dark. Most smaller swamps are ice free and the sound of spring peepers has returned to northern Minnesota. It's always great to hear their chorus while driving with the windows down for the first time in the spring. We are still two to three weeks away from open water. It's The current areas Round have opened in Rogers, MN from 10am to 4pm to answer any questions you might have about early season walleyes and crappies. Stay warm and think spring.  Life is Good!
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 2-25-15
The cold weather just doesn't want to leave the Brainerd Lakes Area. The daytime highs have only been in the single digits for much of last week. I'm not kidding when I say, "It's getting old". The Minnesota walleye season is now officially closed on island waters until the Opener in May. The panfish activity has been good for those willing to brave the elements but I've been spending most of my spare time preparing for spring. There really hasn't been much activity on the ice this week. Thanks to everyone who came up ice fishing with us this winter. Let's hope the ice will melt quickly and we can get back on the water soon. I am itching to get a few hours on the new boat. Stop in and visit me if you get bored on Saturday, February 28. I will be at the Cabela's store in Rogers, MN from 10am to 4pm to answer any questions you might have about early season walleyes and crappies. Stay warm and think spring.  Life is Good!
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 2-03-15
The cold weather has returned to the North Land. Mr. Groundhog says we can expect another six weeks of winter but I'm hoping for less. My new Ranger 620 FS rolled into town last week and I anxious to get it into the water. I know spring is still a long ways off, but you can't blame a guy for dreaming. The walleye bite remains fair throughout the Brainerd Lakes area. We've been catching most of the fish on Gull and North Long lakes in 12 to 18 feet of water on tip ups. The best times have been mornings and late afternoons. A golden shiner minnow hooked through the dorsal fin with a chartreuse colored size #4 hook has been producing the best results. The northern pike action remains steady. The sunny days have been good for seeing  numbers of fish but we've been seeing the largest fish when it's been overcast. Tip-ups rigged with a sucker minnow have been effective. The best action in the area has been the panfish. There's been a good bite on Clark Lake in 6 to 9 feet of water. Small tear drops tipped with waxworms have been producing steady action. Stay warm and think spring. Who cares what the Groundhog thinks!  Life is Good.
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 1-27-15
The last few weeks have been nothing short of unbelievable, with daytime highs in the mid to upper thirties, it's been a great time to be on the ice in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The best action has been the northern pike. We've had some stellar days the last few weeks in 14 to 18 feet of water. The best action has come on sunny days. If current weather patterns hold, the action should be a good for the few weeks to come. The walleye fishing has been fair. The best bite is still occurring in the evenings from 3:30 to 5:00 o'clock. The best tactic has been a set-line rigged with shiner minnow on a plain hook. The crappie action has been fair with most of the fish being caught in 10 to 12 feet of water around sunset. Smaller baits have been the most effective. The sunfish have been shallow. Search for open pockets amongst the weeds in 6 to 9 feet of water. There is little, to no snow, on the lakes at the present time. These are prefect conditions to drill a few holes and "troll" with the Vexilar. Pop a few holes on a point and investigate them with a flasher, you will not be disappointed. Side note: I got a peek at the new 620 FS I will be running this year at the Ranger pro-staff meeting in the cities. I can hardly wait for open water! Stay warm and think spring. It will be here before we know it.
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 1-13-15
The weatherman is finally calling for a break from the frigid temperatures we've been experiencing. We might even see daytime highs in the mid 30's by this weekend. The walleye action remains fair with most of the fish being caught from the shallows. The best depths have been 12 to 18 feet. Set lines, or rattle reels, are still producing the best action. A small shiner minnow on a plain hook has been the best bait. The northern pike action remains strong with several 39+ inch being caught this week. Gull and Whitefish have been producing the most action for pike. The crappie bite on North Long has slowed with the best action taking place after hours. Large crowds have forced fish to change their feeding times on several lake. Lake Hubert had been producing prior to the big freeze and we are hoping the return of warmer weather will also bring back the bite there as well. The pan fish have been located in 6 to 8 feet of water near healthy stands of cabbage. If you haven't purchased your Extravaganza ticket yet, there is still time but I would wait. It looks like it will be a great day to be on the ice if the current weather predictions hold. Stay warm!
JOHN

Brainerd Fishing Report: 1-06-15
The frigid temperatures over the past few weeks have created excellent ice conditions in the Brainerd Lakes area, The few exceptions have been located near strong current areas between lakes and river inlets. Most of the worst locations are well marked but use caution when unsure. The spearing action has been great. The best locations have been located near large healthy cabbage beds which drop off quickly to deeper water. The walleye action has been fair. There are two active patterns right now. Some of the walleye schools have been relating to the cabbage weeds in 12 to 18 feet of water while the rest are being found in the deeper water anywhere from 34 to 42 feet. The majority of the walleyes seem to prefer a set line at this time with little to no movement. The best baits have been smaller shiner minnows on plain chartreuse or pink hooks. The best crappie fishing has been occurring on the smaller lakes. The larger crowds on some of the bigger lakes has shifted the evening bite to late at night on those lakes. The best crappie baits have been small glow demon jigs in green or red tipped with a small minnow or a waxworm. Stay warm and keep posted.
JOHN