Brainerd Guide
Fishing Reports

Brainerd, Minnesota
Ice Fishing Report: 12-28-20
The ice conditions have improved in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Last week's single-digit temperatures were exactly what every ice angler has been waiting for. Most of the smaller lakes currently have 9 to 12 inches of ice. The bigger lakes like; Gull, Pelican, and the Whitefish Chain are still behind schedule. Gull Lake currently has 4 to 7 inches of ice depending on the location. North Long has 7 to 9 in 371 bay with a little less on the main lake. The local panfish bite has been good. The larger bluegills have been active in 12 to 16 feet of water. Key locations have been any holes found inside of good weed beds. Small tear-drop jigs tipped with wax worms have been extremely effective baits for catching these tasty fish. The crappie bite has been good on most lakes. Key locations have been basin areas with muddy bottoms. Key water depths have been 32 to 35 feet. Small glow-jigs tipped with wax worms, or minnow, have been good lure options. The walleye action has been good in the evenings at sunset. Most anglers are still pulling sleds out by hand and fishing the first break line in 14 to 18 feet of water. We should be moving some of the larger houses onto the bigger lakes in the next week. Most of the ice houses are currently on smaller lakes taking advantage of the good panfish action. Give us a call. Michelle will be happy to set you up in an ice house. Stay healthy! See you next week.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Ice Fishing Report: 12-20-20
The ice depths continue to improve in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Most of the smaller have 6 to 8 inches of ice. The larger lakes have skimmed over and are making ice every day. We should see some light traffic on the larger lakes in the next few days. The crappie action has been good on the smaller lakes. Key water depths have been in 14 to 18 feet of water. The best lures have been any colors which glow. The crappies have been very active in the mornings and the evenings. A vexilar has been a useful tool for catching fish. The walleye action has been fair on the smaller lakes. Key locations have been just off the first break in 12 to 16 feet of water. Active jigging techniques have been accounting for the majority of the fish. Good lure colors have been chartreuse and pink. We should be putting the ice houses on the larger lakes in the next week or so. Happy Holidays everyone. Give us a call. We still have a few openings over the Christmas break but our houses are filling up fast. See you next week.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Ice Fishing Report: 12-13-20
Colder temperatures have finally returned to the Brainerd Lakes Area. Most of the smaller lakes currently have 4 to 5 inches of ice at the moment. Parts of Gull, Pelican, and the Whitefish Chain are still open. Strong winds kept them from freezing over this past week. They all should skim over quickly once these winds subside. The crappie action has been good on the smaller lakes. Key water depths have been 12 to 18 feet. Small teardrop jigs tipped with a minnow have been accounting for the majority of the fish. Good colors have been glow pink and glow chartreuse. We will have multiple ice house rentals available this winter. These will be located on Gull Lake and several other lakes in the area. All of our rentals will be thoroughly cleaned between groups of anglers. Give Michelle a call. She will set you up with one of our ice fishing guides. Stay healthy everyone and Happy Holidays everyone. Keep posted! We will be posting a Brainerd fishing report every week throughout the ice fishing season.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing & Hunting Report: 11-20-20
The second weekend of the Minnesota deer season is officially over. Time to break out the smoker and get to work. The local weather has been crazy. There were 10 inches of snow on the ground four weeks ago. Then we transitioned to 70-degree temperatures for deer opener, only to return to 8 inches of snow by the second weekend of deer season. Today's high is 50 degrees and the grass starting to back again. Local anglers can't decide if they should get their fish houses ready or take their boats back out of storage. The walleye have moved shallow on most area lakes. They are currently relating to traditional first-ice locations. The crappies have moved to first ice locations too. Too bad Ice fishing will have to wait for another 2-3 weeks. We were just starting to see the smaller lakes skim over before this week's heatwave turned all the ice is black. Our grouse hunting guide season is over for another year. We had several enjoyable hunts even though grouse numbers were down. This season's larger than normal woodcock migration helped keep things interesting in the woods. Our guided pheasant hunts will continue until late December, or when Mother Nature decides it's over. Give us a call if you are looking for a great outdoor wing-shooting activity to help beat the Covid boredom blues. Stay healthy everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 10-23-20
We have officially wrapped up our open water season for 2020. Our last guide trip was taken this last Friday. We normally would have fished for another week or two but Mother Nature decided to influence our decision. She dumped a pile of that White Stuff on us last Saturday and then she allowed daily temps to drop into the low thirties. I might be getting old but fishing just isn't that much fun in those conditions so we decided to end the season early. Michelle and I, along with all the rest of the fishing guides at Brainerd Guide Service, would like to thank everyone for such a great fishing guide season. It might have started out slowly because of the Covid restrictions but it exploded once we were finally able to get clients back into the boats again.. We want to thank everyone who journeyed up north to fish with us this summer. We look forward to fishing with all of you again next season. We especially look forward to seeing those special friends who were not able to fish with us this summer due to Covid. Stay healthy everyone! You are all very special to all of us. Michelle has a 2021 calendar made up and is already booking trips. Give Michelle a call and she will get you on the book.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 10-14-20
The majority of the fish schools have moved into the deeper waters as cooler water temperatures are slowly becoming the norm in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The best daytime walleye bite has been taking place in 36 to 46 FOW. Rigging and jigging with chub minnows have been equally effective. The best daytime locations have been found on sharp breaks which drop quickly into deeper water. Windblown structures have been outproducing all other structures. The expectation of this rule has been the nighttime walleye bite. There has been a good trolling bite after dark n 8 to 12 feet. Shallow diving stick baits have been the best lure choices. Blue/silver and black/gold have been good color patterns. The nighttime walleye bite was more consistent than the daytime bite this past week. The crappie schools have moved into a winter pattern. Basin lake areas with a muddy bottom are holding crappies at the moment. The larger northern pike are still shallow. The best pike water depths have been 10 to 16 feet. The annual woodcock migration is at its peak in the BLA. Afternoon hunts with 10-20 flushes have been the norm this past week. This exciting upland action should continue for another week or two, or until we get a good cold snap, whichever comes first. The weatherman is calling for cooler temperatures for this weekend. Hopefully, the temps don't drop too much. It would be nice to keep those little timberdoodles in the woods for a bit longer. Have a great MEA weekend everyone. Stay safe and healthy. We will see you next time.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 10-04-20
It was a pleasant week in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The leaves are still beautiful but they are definitely past their prime colors. The walleye bite has been fair with some mornings producing better than others. The majority of the schools are in deeper water between 32 to 45 feet. A jig tipped with a rainbow chub has been the best bait. There are still some schools shallow but the bulk of the fish are deep. The crappie action has been good. Prime water depths are 25 to 32 feet. A small jig tipped with a minnow has been the ticket for catching these tasty fish. The big pike are in the shallower water. Key depths have been 12 to 16 feet. This past week has produced some real monsters. The grouse action has been fair. There are not as many this year as previous years. It won't be long before the Minnesota deer season is here. Several of our fishing guides will still be taking trips for another few weeks but my last one of the season will be this Sunday. Thanks, everyone for such a wonderful season. Keep posted. We will post another report soon.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 09-22-20
Fall has definitely arrived in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The leaves are at their peak colors right now. A scenic drive throughout the BLA is definitely worth it right now. The walleye continue to drop into the deeper water. Key water depths have been 32 to 45 feet. The walleye bite has been sporadic this last week. The mornings have been better than afternoons. Rigging and Jigging have been equally effective. Redtail chubs have been difficult to get right now but a rainbow minnow on a jig has been a good substitute. There has been some big northern pike caught this last week. Most have come out of 12 to 16 FOW. Big swim-baits have accounted for most of these toothy giants. The bass action has been good. Most of the active fish have moved shallow. The crappies have fallen into the deeper waters. Small jigs tipped with a minnow have been effective in these situations. The grouse numbers seem to be on the rise in our area. The extra foliage has made wing shooting more difficult but the leaves won't be here for much longer. Fall is one of my favorite times of the years. It is just too bad that it is over so quickly. Give us a call if you looking to get out in a boat. We will see on the water (or the woods)
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 09-13-20
The walleye schools have dropped into 28 to 32 feet of water on most of the larger lakes throughout the area, a sure sign the ciscos have started their annual fall spawning migration. With surface water temperatures on Gull Lake hovering ar 62 degrees this past weekend, everything indicates the annual fall walleye bite is getting ready to happen. The best walleye action this last week occurred on Gull Lake and Whitefish Chain. Large creek chubs or redtails were the best bait choices. Rigging and jigging were equally effective. Key locations were structures with sharp breaks that fell into the lake's deepwater basin. Windblown spots outproduced all other similar structures. The bigger gills have dropped to outside the weed line and the crappies have moved out there with them. The crappie action should only continue to improve as the water temperatures fall and the crappie schools drop deeper. The bigger northern pike have returned to the weeds. Key water depths are 12 to 16 feet. Big swim-baits trolled over the tips of the cabbage weeds is an effective method to catch one of these toothy gators at the current time. The bass schools are still holding on the outside edge of the weeds. The smaller lakes have been producing the most action. The Minnesota grouse season opens this Saturday. I am anxious to see what the bird counts are this year. Ava and Greta are ready to go. Keep posted. It should be a good fall.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 08-30-20
The walleye have started to migrate into the deeper waters. Key water depths have been 21 to 26. The best walleye spots have been located on mainlake structures with sharp breaks that spill into the lake's deepwater basin. Tradiional fall spots are currently producing. I expect this walleye migration to continue in the weeks to come. Especially once the ciscos start to spawn in mid to late September. Minnows have been the best bait choice this past week. Fall is definitely in the air. You can see it all around. The red sumac is starting to turn color in multiple places throughout the area. It won't be long before it is all red. A sure sign winter is just around the corner. The northern pike have moved back shallow with the falling water temperatures. The bass are still relating to the deeper weed edge but I am sure they too will start to migrate to the shallows in the near future. The crappie are starting to show up on the deeper weed edge. They will continue to drop deeper in the weeks to come. Now is the time to start planning that one last fishing trip before the season is over. Give Michelle a call and she will help you set up a trip. Thanks for the wonderful season. See you on the water.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 08-19-20
The summer has flown by this year in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The majority of the walleye schools have dropped out of the weeds and have started to relate to the steeper breaklines on main lake structures. Key water depths have been in 20 to 24 feet. Creek chub minnows or redtails have been the best bait choices this past week. The northern pike have dropped even deeper. The best water depths have been 25 to 35 feet. The majority of the bass are still relating to the deep water edges of the cabbage beds but some have moved shallow. The water temperatures continue to drop as September inches closer. The temperatures on most large bodied lakes are hovering around 72 degrees. The ciscos can be seen on the depth finder just off the first steep break on main lake structures. It won't be long before they start moving up to spawn. From all indications, it seems like we might have an early fall this year. I have seen the red sumac starting to turn color in multiple locations and I have even seen a few silver maple trees starting to turn color too. Where has the summer gone? The good news is we still have several good months of fishing before this year's fishing season is over. Give Michelle a call if you are looking to get into a boat. Thanks for all the calls. We will see you on the water.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 08-10-20
September will be here before we know it. The fish have been active in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The walleye have been in 16 to 21 feet of water. Wind blown structures continue to be key locations. A chub minnow on a lindy rig has been the best option for catching walleyes this last week. The bass action has been exceptional on the smaller lakes. Most of the bass are relating to the deep water points. Key loctions are where the sandgrass meets the cabbage weeds. The best water depths have been in 16 to 18 feet of water. The larger pike are still active in the deeper water. Large baits have accounted for most of the action. The crappie have been active on the overcast days; Small jigs tipped with minnows have been very effective just outside the deep weed edge. September will be here before we know it. Where has the summer gone? It has been an awesome season so far. Thanks to everyone for making it happen. The best bite is still to come. Give Michelle a call and she will try to get you on the calendar. We are booking up fast for September. Hopefully the good weather will hold throughout the next month. I have a feeling this might be a beautiful September. Thanks again from all of us at Brainerd Guide Service. You have help us make this year one for the record books. Life is Good!
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 08-02-20
Where has the summer gone? It is hard to believe it is August already. The fishing has been good in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The water temperatures have finally heated up and the fishing has been good. Walleye, pike, bass. panfish; the action has been good. The walleyes have been located just outside the weed line in 18 to 22 feet of water. Wind blown structures have been key locations throughout the week. Creek chubs and leeches have been equally effective. The bass have moved to the tips of deep water points. Key water depths are 18 to 20 feet. jig combos have been producing the majority of the fish. The larger pike have dropped to the outside edge of the weeds and are related to the thermocline. Large creek chubs have been effective in these situations. The crappie bite has been good this last week. Overcast days have been out producing bright sunny days as a rule. Small beetle spins have been effective when the crappies are relating to the upper edges of the weeds. The summer is quickly coming to a close but there are still a few weeks left. Give Michelle a call and she will do her best to get you into a boat. Thanks everyone for such an unbelievable summer. I can't remember a time when we have been so busy. Thanks again. See you on the water.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 07-21-20
The walleye action has been good this last week in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Key water depths have been in 16 to 18 feet of water. The best baits have been chub minnows and nightcrawlers. Wind blown structures have been the best locations. The bass action remains strong. Deep water points where sand grass is present have been the best locations. Jig/worm combos and crankbaits have been equally effective in these situations. The larger pike have been active in the deeper water. Seek out deep water points and sunken islands for a chance at catching one of these toothy monsters. The fishing has been good and the phione has been ringing off the hook. August is just around the corner. Give us a call if you have any questions. Michelle will be happy to answer them. Thanks again for all the calls. It is time to get out and go fishing.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 07-14-20
The bass have responded to the warmer water temperatures in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The bite has been excellent on the smaller bodies of water. Key water depths have been right outside the weed line in 14 to 18 feet of water. Jig/worm combos have been excellent choices for catching numerous bass this past week. We had several outings this week where clients caught in excess of 40 bass in a four hour trip. The walleye action has been fair with overcast days out performing sunny days. Key water depths have been 16 to 18 feet. The bigger pike have slipped outside the weeds and are aggressive. Jig/minnow combos have been effective lures for targeting these toothy critters. Where has the summer gone? It will be August before we know it. There is still plenty of good fishing left. Give us a call and Michelle will line you up with a guide and get you out fishing. Thanks again.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 07-06-20
The walleye action was good this week on the days when the wind wanted to blow. It was tougher on the days when it was flat calm and the sun was shining. The majority of the walleyes are now relating to the edge of the second week line. They should continue to drop as the water temperatures rise. The best bait this last week was a leech but we had a few days where a night crawler out produced other baits. The bass action continues to be good. The water temperatures have kicked them into a higher gear and the action should only improve as we inch closer to that magical 80 degree mark. The bigger pike are still in the weeds but this should not last long. I have been on ten lakes in the last seven days. The majority of them have water temps between 78 to 81 degrees. Thanks for all the calls. We still have a few time slots left but they are filling up fast. Thanks to everyone that keeps us safe. The Fourth of July is one of my favorite times of the year. Take care everyone and we will see you next week.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 06-26-20
The walleyes continue to move towards the edge of the weeds as the water temperatures heat up in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Key water depths have been in 14 to 18 FOW. Leeches have been the best bait this last week. The bass action has kicked up a notch with the warmer water. Key water depths continue to be on the inside edge of the weed line. The northern pike action has been good. We have seen some larger fish caught in the past few days. This action should only improve as the water temperatures continue to rise. The big sunfish have moved to the outside edge of the weed line. A slip bobber with a small leech is an effective method for catching some big bull gills at the present time. Where has June gone?? The month has been a blur. Give Michelle a call if you are interested in fishing. We will see you next week.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 06-19-20
The walleye action has been good on the Whitefish Chain and Gull Lake this last week. The best action continues to be shallow. Key water depths have been less than 13 feet of water. A slip bobber & leech combo has been a deadly tactic for putting these shallow water eyes into the boat. The bass continue to drop as the water temperatures rise. Most bass are currently holding on the inside edge of the second weed line. The big pike are starting to show up in greater numbers with each passing day. All we need is a few more degrees of water temperature and things will start to pop around here. It is hard to believe that the Fourth of July is just around the corner. It is definitely time to start planning your family vacations because the summer will be over before you know it. Thanks for the calls. We were a little worried about how this fishing guide season would turn out at the start of the season but it looks like it is shaping up for a banner year. Give Michelle a call if you are interested in fishing and she will get you on the book. Thanks again
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 06-12-20
The walleye fishing continues to improve as the water temperatures rise in the Brainerd Lakes Area. We have seen some really nice walleyes come into the boat this past week. The majority of the walleye continue to be shallow. Key water depths have been in 10 to 13 feet of water. Leeches have been the best bait. The bass action continues to improve. Most of the bass are relating to the shallows at the present time. Jig/worm combos have been catching most of the fish. The crappies have finished spawning and are currently relating to the first weedline near spawning areas. The northern pike action has been improving as the warmer water temperatures improve. The calls have been fantastic! Please keep them coming. It might just be a good fishing guide season after all. Thanks again,
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 06-05-20
The walleye fishing continues to improve in the Brainerd Lakes Area. Gull, Whitefish, and North Long have been producing enough fish to allow clients to go home with a fish fry or two. The walleyes are still shallower than normal. Key water depths have been 11 to 13 feet this week. Leeches and spot-tail shiners have been the best baits. It has been a big fish week.. We landed seven walleyes over 26 inches in the last five days with the largest coming in just short of 30 inches. All went back after some pictures. The crappies have all but finished spawning on most area lakes. The bass remain shallow with many still in the process of spawning as we speak. The pike have been aggressive. Key water depths are 12 to 15 feet. I hear the walleyes are still biting on Mille Lacs but I haven't been there for a week. I am sorry this report is so short but I have an early day tomorrow and it is time to go to sleep. Give us a call if you are thinking of fishing. The weather forecast for next week is great with temperatures in the 80's for most of the week. The perfect conditions to kick the water temperatures into the 70's and the fish into the next gear. Until next time.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 05-28-20
The crappie fishing continues to be good in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The majority of the crappies are in 4 to 6 FOW at the current time. They should start spawning any day now. The best baits have been small crappies minnows suspended below a bobber. The shallows are full of bass right now. Most are in less than 4 feet of water. Jig/worm combos are extremely effective at the current time. The daytime walleye action is starting to pick up. Evening trolling has also been effective. The majority of the walleyes are shallow as well. Light jigs tipped with a spot-tail shiner have been effective for catching these shallow water fish. The current water temperatures have been in the low sixties for much of the week. We really could use some warmer water to kick things into a higher gear. The good news is the 10 day forecast is looking good. Give us a call if you have any questions. Life is good! See you soon.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 05-20-20
The spot-tail shiners have finally started to run in the Brainerd Lakes Area. For the second year in a row, they have been a hard bait to find for the walleye opener. But have no fear, most local bait shops now have a healthy supply of these highly prized baitfish. The best local walleye action has been occurring on Mille Lacs. Gull Lake has been putting a few fish out during the day but most of the serious action has been taking place after sunset. Most of the walleyes on Mille Lacs have been in 10 to 13 FOW. A 1/8 oz jig tipped with a shiner has been a tough combination to beat this last week. Swimbaits and jigging raps have also been effective when live bait was hard to find but the shiner minnows have been more effective for most anglers. The crappies will be spawning soon on most area lakes, especially if the temperature stays in the 70's like it is expected. The bass are currently in the shallows, Most are in less than 4 FOW. Happy Memorial Day Weekend. It is time to get back to living life! Thanks for all the calls. It is going to be a busy summer based in the last week is any indication of the weeks to come.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 05-13-20
The BIG announcement we have been LONG awaiting for has FINALLY arrived! Effective this Monday, May 18th, we will officially be back in business. Life is GOOD! Michelle and I hope everyone has stayed healthy during these uncertain times. But now is the time to get back to all those things that make life special. The fish are biting. Let's go fishing! Your health is extremely important to us. We want to assure everyone that our fishing guides will be taking every precaution necessary to protect your personal health during this reopening period. Our fishing guides will be practicing safe-distancing procedures during this time. All fishing boats and gear will be sanitized between fishing trips. This will also require clients to follow us in their own vehicles when fishing lakes different to those where clients are staying. Give us a call. Let's get back to living!
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 05-12-20
The weather turned cold this week in the Brainerd Lakes Area. We received almost 2 inches of snow this past Saturday. I don't understand the pattern, but the weather always seems to be an issue on Minnesota's opening day of walleye fishing. The colder water conditions have pushed most of the bait back out into the deeper water. The local walleye bite was slow this last weekend. The best bite was on Mille Lacs. Key water depths were 9 to11 FOW. A jig and a shiner minnow was a tough combination to beat on the Big Pond this last weekend. For the second year in a row, it has been stuff to find spot-tail shiners in the Brainerd Lakes Area. It is all because of the cooler than normal water conditions. It is tough to trap minnows when they aren't spawning. The good news is next week's forecast. It finally looks like we will be getting back to normal soon. Speaking of getting back to normal, some of the local mayors have decided we need to open back up to save our local businesses. The mayors of Nisswa and East Gull Lake have recently requested for Governor Walz to allow local businesses to open if they practice safe-distancing procedures. We are currently looking at how this will affect our business and we are waiting to hear more back. Stay in touch, stay healthy, and we will see you on the water soon.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 05-06-20
The shallow water areas are warming up quickly on most area lakes in the Brainerd Lakes Area and the crappies are taking advantage of these food rich locations. Key spots have muddy bottoms that warm quickly. The best baits have been small plastics on very light jigs suspended below a bobber. Please use selective harvest in these situations. Keep all the 9 to 10-inch fish you need for a fish fry or two but please consider releasing the larger 12 to 15-inch females to swim another day. These bigger females are the backbone of the herd and full of eggs ar the moment. The smaller fish are more plentiful and taste better anyways. Don't be surprised if you hook into a big bass in these locations. We have caught several big bruisers in the last few days. Hopefully, the Governor will open up the state in the near future. Thanks for all the calls but we currently are not allowed to take guide trips at the current time. I hope everyone is healthy out there. It has been a weird couple of months. We look forward to seeing all of you again when this stoppage is lifted. Take care until then and we will see you when this is over.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 04-15-20
Most lakes are now ice free in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The last of the ice fishingseason is now behind us. It won't be long before the big Ranger is back on the water again. I am thinking the maiden voyage will occur sometime this coming weekend. They are talking highs in the mid 50's on Saturday. The crappie and panfish action was fast and furious right up until the ice left the lakes. I am hoping this trend continues in the weeks to come. I hope everyone is staying healthy. Hopefully we can get this Corona thing behind us and get back to reality soon. Thanks for all the calls. They have been a great diversion these last few weeks. It was fun catching up with everyone and I, along with the rest of the guides, look forward to fishing with everyone again this summer. Thanks for picking on me for the lack of fishing reports, I will pick up the pace on them now that the open water season has begun. See you soon!
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 04-02-20
The weather has been awesome the last few days in the Brainerd Lakes. With temperatures in the low to mid 50's, the snow has simply disappeared in the yard. We still have some snowdrifts in the woods but Mother Nature will make short work of those in the days to come. The ice is starting to darken throughout the area, A sure sign that spring is just around the corner. The crappie fishing has been good on most of the smaller lakes in the area. Shallow water weed beds close to deeper dropoffs have been prime locations. The sunfish bite has been unreal on some of the smaller lakes. It starts mid-morning and lasts throughout the day. Small tear-drop jigs tipped with euro larva has been the ticket for catching these big gills. I hope everyone is staying healthy. The ice fishing won't last too much longer. Thanks for the calls. We are still planning for a busy-busy fishing season. See you next week.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 03-20-20
Spring is slowly winning the fight against winter in the Brainerd Lakes Area.. The sun has beaten down the snow banks in the yard but we still have about 12 to 20 inches of the "ugly" white stuff left in the woods. The local lakes are snow free with about two feet of good ice still left to drive on. I was out on Gull Lake yesterday. There were many people still driving small truck on the ice even though I would recommend only ATVs at the current time.The access points onto the lakes are the biggest concern. The ice near the shore is the only place where the ice is sketchy. The main lake areas have plenty of ice. There has been a bunch of bad news out there the last few weeks. Fishing has been a good distraction. The crappie bite has been good. Small glow jigs tipped with waxies or crappie minnows have been producing the most fish. Key locations have been shallower weed beds adjacent to deeper water areas. Key water depths have been 12 to 18 feet. The pout action has been good on some of the larger lakes. Todd has been practicing social distancing by sneaking out and bending the fishing rod on these hard fighting fish. Stay healthy.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 03-05-20
Spring-like temperatures have finally returned to the Brainerd Lakes Area. It is amazing how much the snowbanks have receded in the last few days. I took the dogs for a long walk in the woods last night. Most southern exposed areas were almost snow-free. It seemed like every bare spot of ground we found had some type of bird, rodent, or deer feeding by it. It might just be my wishful thinking but I am thinking there will be an early ice-out this year. The walleye and northern pike seasons are now closed. The panfish season, however, is still open and they have been active in the afternoons and early evening. The best locations have been shallow, just outside of good stands of green crisp healthy weeds. Small tear-drops tipped with waxworms or crappie minnows have been the best baits. Remember to buy a new fishing license if you venture out onto the lake. Last year's licenses are now expired. Thanks for all the phone calls. This year is shaping up to be our best year yet. We still have plenty of openings during some parts of the summer but some of the busier periods like July 4th and Labor Day are already starting to book up. Give Michelle a call if you are thinking of fishing this summer and she will get you on the book. See you soon.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 02-20-20
Minnesota's northern pike and walleye seasons are quickly coming to a close. February 23 is the last day to keep these species in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The crappie and panfish season will remain open but all overnight ice houses will have to be off the lakes by early March. The recent walleye bite has been fair to good depending on the day. Gull Lake seems to be the best bet at the moment. The ice conditions are good there. Many of the smaller creeks and rivers in the area have been running for at least a few weeks, making for tricky ice conditions on several lakes. Someone dropped a small SUV in on Round Lake just this last weekend. Anglers should avoid known current areas at this time. Life is too short. The good news is spring will be here before we know it. The open water season is shaping up nicely. I can't remember a year we had this many trips on the book so early into the season. It must be a sign there are a bunch of people out there like me who are ready for this winter to be over. I spent most of the weekend rigging rods and prepping for open water. We should be ready to roll when the time comes. See you later.
JOHN

Brainerd, Minnesota
Fishing Report: 01-29-20
Colder temperatures have finally created some better ice conditions in the Brainerd Lakes area. Too bad it took so long. The higher than average snowfall and the late start to the season have kept the majority of lakes free of icehouses this year. I visited Round, Gull, Hubert, North Long, and Edwards yesterday. I bet I didn't see 40 houses in total. It was a bit weird to see the lakes so bare. The ice fishing reports have been fair to poor, mostly because mobility has been an issue. Gull has probably the best ice in the area. Most of the walleye action is occurring right at sunset in the deeper water. The bite is short, only 30-45 minutes each evening. Set lines have been outproducing jigging presentations.
JOHN