Today fishing was about the same with small Walleyes, Walleyes too big caught. and small Perch the main theme.  Not many out there as the weekend so not much to report.

This warmer weather and steadier lower barometer is keeping them active and is really nice to be out there fishing. it sure is a big change from last winter.

I got a chance to read the “blue ribbon panel” report yesterday and was even questioned about it by a ON reporter.  The report pretty much restated what was already known by most that keep up with the situation Mille Lacs has been put in by “treaty management”.  It talked about the bands and anglers targeting the same sizes of Walleyes, creating a lake full of large Walleyes which will obviously “cannibalize”. It talked about invasive species, the clean water act causing water clarity issues. Temperature changes causing the decline of Tullibee, Pretty much everything already known by most.  They talked about the effects of increasing numbers Cormorants on Mille Lacs, based on info from Leech Lake. It was overall a good explanation of what has happened here. And of course said that reproduction rates stayed the same or improved despite the and disturbance of spawning beds during the spawning season. And the problem is the survival rate from year one to 3. Even the reporter from ON appeared convinced that it wasn’t and “issue” because their studies prove it.

My unanswered questions that remain are these.  If spawning grounds had not been disturbed by netting and spearing during spawning, by what percentage would have the reproduction increased? Would it have made a difference with the “cannibalizing” by increase 0-1 year fish?  It appears that the last two years when we had late ice, and not much for harvest activities, Mille Lacs ended up with two very strong year classes, and the first year survival numbers appear to still be strong despite the cannibalizing.   And my other question is. If all of this harvesting is ok in the spring, how come our DNR has areas closed for angling in this State during spawning to protect the the reproduction?  Why are Mille Lacs Walleyes so different?

It is my hope that our DNR and the Bands fix what they have broken by the political “treaty management”, Start looking ahead and being proactive with their methods instead of waiting until thing are falling apart to “analyze” and make changes. The politicians in St. Paul need to realize that fishing is a big part of Minnesota’s economy and quit playing games with lobbyists money given to them. What has been allowed to happen by their neglecting to protect our State’s resources here and on other lakes is harming our standing as the “go to” State for fishing.  Those of us that live here and provide services for the anglers deserve a better life than we have had the last 15 years.

Keep a Tight Line!      Eddy

Monday we started to move some rentals to new spots and for groups this coming weekend. We had some light snow and a fairly strong SE wind, so a portable was not the best but those in houses enjoying some pretty good fishing with the low barometer.

A 39″ Northern was caught by North Twin and and most of the rentals had Walleyes, some too small and some too big.  None that I heard were in the slot. Some rentals had just Perch and most were small.  One rental had a 36″ inch Northern also.  All in all, a pretty decent day.

Today I’m getting a chance to read the details of the Fishing Roundtable held last weekend in St. Paul where the “blue ribbon panel” appointed by the DNR presented their report on Mille Lacs and the DNR’s actions.  Should be interesting………I’m sure I will have a comment or two after reading it…..

Keep a Tight Line!       Eddy

I sat in the office  Sunday until noon checking fishermen out when they left.  After hearing most of their reports, overall it was a pretty good weekend.  General consensus was Friday night the bite was good for most, but the fish were just “mouthing it” and not many caught them.  Saturday the shallower water was active, but deeper lots of Walleyes were seen, but not interested. Saturday afternoon and evening the bite died for awhile when the wind kicked in, but started again after the wind died overnight.  Heard of ten or so Walleyes actually caught in the slot.  Numerous Large Walleyes, especially in the 26″-28″ inch range.  And some “Big”  Pike.  One group had a 40″ Northern, 29″ Walleye, 27″ Walleye, and even some 10″ Perch in 14 ft of water.  A 45″ Northern was caught in 13 ft., A 41″ Northern caught in 12 ft. and the Graveyard had numerous Pike caught also. One rental had a huge one on and it caught caught up in their camera and they lost it.   And yes there were some that didn’t fair as well, but I’ve never seen everyone do good yet.

The weather was nice, the ice stayed still so it was a good one I would say.  Looks like this weather pattern is going to stay for awhile and it should keep the fishing on a even keel also.  It would be nice to get some more snow out there though. It would help quiet things down with the ice and would slow fishermen down from running all over the place.  Especially at night.  Saturday night after 10:00pm. it was crazy with people driving around. For those trying to enjoy a quiet evening of fishing in some areas, that did not work to well.

Keep a Tight Line!      Eddy