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UPNORTH Duck Hunting Report 11-28-2005 Jason Green |
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Waterfowl Season Wrap Up |
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The Majority Of Water In The 1000 Grand Lakes Is Now Frozen To Thick
To Break To Get A Boat Wet
Another incredible duck season has now past us by leaving
another chapter in our book of memories. 60 days of some of the
most beautiful fall weather we have seen which usually means minimal
opportunities for birds but this year it was not the case even with the
low water levels and shortage of food.
The 1000 Grand Lakes area appeared to be a waterfowlers
dream this season for many different species of ducks. Strong
numbers of mature Cans, Reds, Bills and Ringers were found throughout
the season but our area did seem to be lacking in Mallards, Woodys and
Teal. Unfortunately this past week most the water
in our area was frozen up tight and the areas we did find with open
water were not holding any birds causing our season to end prematurely.
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If you are looking to get out for one more hunt, reports have been
coming in that just south of the Twin Cities the Mississippi has been
presenting a few good hunts for those who like to push the odds.
Overall I have no complaints on our season except that we were cut short
roughly one week which was expected. Anytime the season doesn't open
till October Northern Minnesota seems to loose the last week because of ice.
So for now it is time to oil up the guns and winterize the boats because a
new chapter will begin before you know it, ICE FISHING!
Check back often, ice fishing reports will begin shortly.
Thickening Ice Now Has Anglers Excited For Another Season
For Sale...2005 LUND 1800 Explorer...For Sale
Go To
www.upnorthinc.com for more information. |
|
See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Duck Hunting Report 11-20-2005 Jason Green |
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Minnesota's Final Week For Die Hard Waterfowlers |
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We are now into the final week of the
Minnesota Duck Season. I find it hard to believe that it is almost
over but hopefully a few big water hunts will be in store for a season
finale.
This past week severe north winds with
freezing temperatures and snow locked up most of the small lakes that we
have been using causing many of the birds to push south. If I
had to say, I would guess that the main
migration took place without giving us a chance
but hopefully I am incorrect in saying so. Icy conditions
are |
also taking a toll on the dogs so it might be wise to keep an
eye on your dogs performance and bring a couple heaters along just incase.
There are still opportunities in the 1000 Grand Lakes Area if
you have patience and your shooting is on but those opportunities are far
and few between. The past two days we haven't seen any puddle ducks,
only divers with a few geese. The good news is that we have not seen
any tundra swans which normally marks the end of the migration.
Check back for the season wrap up.
For Sale...2005 LUND 1800 Explorer...For Sale
Go To
www.upnorthinc.com for more information. |
|
See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Duck Hunting Report 11-14-2005 Jason Green |
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You've Got To Love It!!! |
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Eight Ducks, Four Species, A Perfect Mixed Bag
Here we are in the middle of November and
for the most part it has been beautiful this fall with above normal
temperatures. As we end the weekend, Outdoorsman' dreams are
beginning to be answered and plenty of ducky weather has arrived.
Snow with 30 mph winds and gusts over 50 mph are getting those birds
moving. Looking at the 10 day weather forecast, it looks like
mainly ducky weather till the season closes. If one is not careful
in what they wish for our season could end prematurely.
As for now there are still plenty of opportunities in
the 1000 Grand Lakes Area. Ring Necks, Bills, Bufflers, Goldeneyes
and Mallards with Reds mixed here and there are giving the most
opportunities but don't forget that the Can Season closed on November
6th. Unless you are 100% sure, if you see red it is best to not
even shoot.
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The past few nights temperatures have dropped below freezing
causing ice to form on some of the shallows and shorelines but not enough
yet to push the birds to larger bodies of water. Like most of the
weeks earlier in the season small rice lakes are holding the most numbers.
In fact, a lot of the same areas we have hunted are still producing well.
It appears that the main flight has not hit yet but rafts of
birds are increasing in size on a consistent basis and giving hunters many
opportunities to lighten their shell bags.
For Sale...2005 LUND 1800 Explorer...For Sale
Go To
www.upnorthinc.com for more information. |
|
See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Duck Hunting Report 11-7-2005 Jason Green |
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Northern Birds Pick Up The Pace |
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Another Minnesota Deer Opener has come
and gone and from the sounds of it, over all it was pretty good for most.
While many of you were out in the woods chasing White Tails a select few
were out on the water for some of the best waterfowl hunting the season
has seen.
It appears that the Land of 1000 Grand Lakes is
now experiencing the first major push of Northern birds. At this
point I don't think it's the main flight but we are not lacking in
numbers at all. Cans, Reds, Ring Necks and Bluebills are making up
most of a bag but a few Teal, Wood Ducks and Buffleheads are being
taken.
Not only are the ducks being found on small rice
lakes but now descent numbers are on the big water also. The
greater numbers seem to still be on the smaller rice lakes and back
woods pounds but good consistent reports are coming in from the big
water.
With the lack of Greenheads this past week we have been
leaving the mechanical decoys back at home and
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have started to increase the size of our spread to get the
birds attention. We are currently throwing out around 100 decoys but
this number will double by the end of season.
Check back often, there are plenty of hunts to come!
For Sale...2005 LUND 1800 Explorer...For Sale
Go To
www.upnorthinc.com for more information. |
|
See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Duck Hunting Report 10-31-2005 Jason Green |
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Have A Safe And Happy Halloween |
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On Two Different Occasions Last Week Severe Frost Blanketed The 1000
Grand Lakes Area Killing Most Of The Remaining Foliage
Our October Waterfowl Hunts have now come to
an end marking the half way point of our season. Surprisingly we
have not experienced the mid season lull where hunters are forced to
wait on new birds from the north. Local birds have been migrating
south but new plump birds move in right away keeping hunters happy in
the blind. Last week
we concentrated most of our efforts on the smaller rice lakes of
northern Minnesota finding strong numbers of Mallards, Red Heads, Ring
Necks, Blue Bills and now Buffle Heads. Most birds we have
encountered are extremely call shy but increasing the number of decoys
in your spread aids in their confidence.
The later part of last week we were in need for a change
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of scenery so we loaded the dogs into the trucks and
ventured west to Minnesota's Prairie Pot Hole Region.
Upon
arrival we found that most of the farmers had brought in their crops
limiting food or at least an easy meal for migrating waterfowl. Blue
Bird Sky's and minimal wind made for a slow morning but allowed us to
harvest our share of birds. It appears that western Minnesota is
holding good numbers of birds but with Mother Nature working against us we
never saw the sunrise flurry we had hoped for.
Check back
often, plenty of hunts left and just maybe one more fall fishing trip!
For Sale...2005 LUND 1800 Explorer...For Sale
Go To
www.upnorthinc.com for more information. |
|
See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Duck Hunting Report 10-24-2005 Jason Green |
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Harvest Success Turns Spotty |
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A Picture Perfect Sunrise
It doesn't get much better
then watching the sunrise while waiting for the morning flight to dart
through the decoys. Unfortunately the morning this picture was
taken opportunities were limited.
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We made the mistake of heading out on the big water this past weekend.
The lake I had selected was surrounded by small rice lakes thinking we could
intercept birds moving from these multiple locations but that was not the
case. Waterfowl seem to be staying away from the larger bodies of
water and working the woods to get to their next meal.
For hunters that stuck to the smaller rice lakes the past 4 days or so
limits of Cans, Redheads, Mallards, Ring Necks and Bluebills were taken
quite easily and within the 1st couple hours of day light.
The shallower rice lakes still remain your best bet and should produce well
until freezing temperatures and ice push the birds to big water for the late
season hunts where the real action can begin.
Check back often, it's still early in the season! |
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Duck Hunting Report 10-17-2005 Jason Green |
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It Doesn't Get Much Better |
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Here we are in mid October and our
incredible hunting has not seemed to slow down yet. In Fact, it
seems to be getting better. Looking at the calendar from 2004, at
this time last year smaller bodies of water were freezing
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forcing hunters to start their big water hunts. Clearly
this is not the case this year. I really have to question the official
waterfowl specialists reports this year. Hunters are harvesting record
numbers of birds and when their limit is full many have said they could have
kept shooting. I understand with the extremely high water levels ducks
were forced to re-nest causing much of the hatch to come late in the year
but most the birds we are seeing are mature beautiful birds.
I have been just amazed every morning to find which seems to
be more birds. Most of the time when you have a full moon with minimal
cloud cover birds will pack up in the middle of the night and head south.
With our temperatures staying above freezing it looks like more are showing up
at night and sticking around giving multiple opportunities to many that
crave the waterfowl addiction.
Concentrating your efforts on shallower rice lakes is still
the best approach and should remain the same until they start to freeze
pushing the birds to bigger and deeper lakes that will not be affected so
easily by cold temperatures.
Check back often, it's still early in the season! |
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Fishing Report 10-12-2005 Jason Green |
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Fall Bite Continues To Improve |
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Autumn, my favorite time of year!
One day on the water, another in the duck blind and maybe a walk through
the woods before dark. For a short window the 1000 Grand Lakes
Area has become a Sportsman's Paradise offering just about anything you
can imagine.
For the longest time the fall water
temperatures have been holding in the low 60's but last weeks severe
weather finally pushed the mercury down to the low 50 degree range.
We had all been hoping for that 1st freeze to stir things up but 10
degrees was a bit drastic.
With the major change in water
temperature anglers were put to the test on producing fish but now that
our weather
has stabilized the bite continues to get
better.
Water temperatures dropping are also causing vegetation
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to rapidly deplete. Locating what's
left of shoreline vegetation near points and sharp breaks will increase your
odds when looking for walleyes. The past several days a jig and minnow
combination has produced best in roughly 6 feet of water. We have been
finding vegetation in roughly 6'-7' of water and also in 10'-12' where it
would break to deeper open water. Depending on the days conditions it
has paid off to work both areas. While transitioning between
vegetation depths we have also been picking up a few bonus jumbo perch to
round out the day.
 |
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Duck Hunting Report 10-11-2005 Jason Green |
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Mixed Up Weather Provides Mixed Bag For Many |
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What an extreme week. We started
out with perfect fall weather and went to several inches of rain and
high winds back to a comfortable climate but through it all waterfowl
hunters have been happy with the outcome.
One thing that seems to be odd this
season is that hunters are bagging more puddle ducks then the past two
years combined. Mallards and Redheads seem to be at a high in the
1000 Grand Lakes Area. I myself prefer harvesting divers but when
its dinner time its all good.
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There have also been a good number of young Ringnecks and beautiful
mature Bluebills which really adds to the excitement.
Waterfowl are also beginning to become educated or are at least showing
signs of becoming call shy. This happens when birds are constantly
being called by hunters. During this time when we are waiting for
new fresh birds to arrive I like to use a Teal call. Even if you
are blowing a Teal call at large puddle ducks or divers its something
they are not use to hearing and works as a confidence call.
Water temperatures are dropping quickly and many hunters use smaller
boats and tend to overload them with gear. When heading out before
sunrise please use extreme caution and where your life jacket.
The Short Rice We Have In The 1000 Grand Lakes Area Isn't Working
Very Well For Camouflage But Is Still The Ticket For Locating Strong
Numbers Of Birds
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Duck Hunting Report 10-3-2005 Jason Green |
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Another Duck Opener Gone With Incredible Results |
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Sunrise Opening Day, The Excitement Begins To Build
Another Minnesota Duck
Opener has come and gone with spotty reports throughout Northern MN.
From the action we saw it was one of the best openers we have ever
experienced.
Water levels have been at an
all time high for much of the summer in the 1000 Grand Lakes Area
causing poor production of wild rice. Where rice usually stands
several feet this year we are seeing 6"-12" at best. Small bodies
Wave After Wave Consisting Of 1000's Of Ducks
of water filled with wild
rice and duck weed are key to a successful outing this time of year
since waterfowl are still fattening up for their flight south.
State wetland specialists
claimed the 2004 harvest was down 29%. According to the July
Waterfowl status
report, breeding population surveys had mixed results but |
3 Generations Were Able To Share In The Openers Excitement
overall had declined. So with all this "Official" information and
the limit being changed to 4 birds you would think a depressing season
would be in store for hunters.
It is still to early to tell but I would have to say that we are going
to see another remarkable season. Opening day we watched wave
after wave of Mallards, Ring Necks and Bluebills work the rice that
surrounded us. When 9:00am approached a symphony of shotguns
notified everyone that the season had opened and within an hour we had
harvested our limit. Blue Bird skies with no wind most of the time
means you are in store for a slow day but this was not the case.
If you are one that experienced a poor weekend or mediocre at best, we
have a whole season ahead of us and the best is yet to come!
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Fishing Report 9-12-2005 Jason Green |
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Cool Down Kicks It Up A
Notch |
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Cool nights and
comfortable days are pushing water temperatures down into the mid 60
degree range. With water temps on the move so are the
fish. Walleyes are being found from the shallow shorelines on
out to deep mid lake structure.
When working mid lake structure, pulling a 5' Roach
Rig with a leech is still producing well but we are starting to see
increased results with a Rainbow Spinner. A Rainbow Spinner
will allow you to cover more water quickly when searching for larger
schools of active fish.
The shoreline bite has almost been phenomenal the
past couple days. Fish are starting their fall patterns which
means a jig and minnow combination is back in action. When
trying to locate shoreline fish it is a good practice to look for
weeds in 6'-8' of water on your electronics. These weed
covered sweet spots will also have deeper water near by. Fish
the weeds with 1/16oz ball style jig such as a Fireball tipped with
a shiner and use a snap or hopping action. Boy does it
get them riled up!
Check back often, duck hunting reports will be
starting soon!
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Fishing The Shallow Weeds
With A Jig And Minnow Are Giving Kids A Lot Of Excitement Not Only
With Walleyes But With Perch And Pike Also.
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Fishing Report 8-1-2005 Jason Green |
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Water Temps Stabilize Making For
A Consistent Bite |
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This past week water temperatures have stabilized in the
mid 70's making for a consistent bite and very comfortable angling
conditions for all ages. During low light
periods we have been concentrating our efforts on small humps that top
off in 9' of water. These humps are relatively easy to find even
without electronics because of minnows bubbling at the surface as
walleye feed. When working these shallow pieces of structure we
have found that a 2' roach rig tipped with a leech is working best.
As the day progresses and the sun is high most the
active fish are being found on deep flats and bars in 20'-30' of water.
This deep water bite will also require that you add some length to your
presentation. 5'-6' is keeping your bait in the strike zone and
depending on the day both leeches and crawlers are producing equally. |
Beautiful Warm Sunny Days With A Light Wind Have
Made For A Great Week On The Water In The
1000 Grand Lakes Area.
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Fishing Report 7-22-2005 Jason Green |
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Midsummer Cool Down Activates Mid
Day Bite |
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Wow, the end of July is approaching quickly! Who
would have thought that the open water season would be flying by so
fast. It appears that many of our lakes are experiencing another
fish fly hatch but it seems to be some what isolated to certain areas
leaving plenty of different areas to work.
Walleye- Up until a few days ago water temperatures were in the mid
80's on most area lakes and still climbing causing the mid day walleye
bite to slow but over the past few nights the cool air has brought the
temps back into the low to mid 70's reactivating the bite we have been
looking for. Mid lake humps and bars are still
holding the best numbers of active fish with a 6' Roach Rig being the
preferred presentation. The past week a leech was the flavor of
choice but the past two days both leeches and crawlers are working
equally well Smallmouth Bass- I would
have to say that this has been one of the best summers I have ever seen
for smallies. Not only is the size of these fish incredible
but the numbers are there also. Like fishing walleye, a 4'-6'
Roach Rig tipped with a Power Leech has been working great or a jig with
a plastic worm. To locate these Goliath like Smallies start with
their springtime spawning areas and find the first break into deep
water. We have been consistently pulling these fish out deep as
you work your way back up to the shallow spawning locations or holding
the boat on the break line and cast into the deeper water.
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Cooler Water Temperatures Have Reactivated
The Mid Day Walleye Bite
The Quality Of Smallies In The 1000 Grand Lakes Area
Make For A Great Day On The Water
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Fishing Report 7-7-2005 Jason Green |
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There's A Break In The
Clouds |
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I hope everyone one had a wonderful 4th of July!!! It's been
another beautiful week on the water but the break in the clouds we are
referring to is the clouds of fish flies. For the past two weeks
fish have been gorging them-selves on the larvae and newly hatched
delicacies which are finally having an effect on the bite. Finding
fish has not been a problem but finding active fish the past two days
has been a little bit more difficult.
Shore Lunch, Nothing Beats A Few Fresh Fillets, Potatoes And Beans
After A Great Day On The Water
For the past couple of weeks the area's we are
fishing and the style remain the same. Mid lake humps and bars are
holding the most numbers but we are seeing increased activity in low
light periods with some what of a lull mid day. |
If You Look Closely You Can See That Something Has Taken A Healthy
Sized Bite Out Of This 25" Walleye
During the low light periods fish can be found on top of the
structure which most of the time has been around 18'-20' but as the day
progresses they seem to be moving deeper to 30'-34'.
A 4'-6' Northland Roach Rig with a red hook and a jumbo leech is
still producing best but we are noticing increased activity with a
crawler and a few days where a jig and minnow will put a few in the
boat.
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Fishing Report 6-29-2005 Jason Green |
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Summer Patterns In Full
Swing |
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Summer has been in full swing the past week in the
1000 Grand Lakes Area and for the most part fish have moved into their
traditional patterns making it easier for anglers to locate active fish.
We have been locating active fish on main lake humps and
bars just about every day now. During low light periods they are
being found near the top of these structures in roughly 20' of water and
making their way down to 30' as the day progresses. Using a 4'-5'
Roach Rig with a red hook has put many fish in the boat but a leech
seems to be the only thing they are interested in.
Locating these fish on your electronics can be
difficult with the clouds of fish flies. Many of the walleye are
in these clouds or down in the mud gorging themselves but this doesn't
seem to be slowing the bite at all. If you see something on your
electronics that doesn't look quite right there is a good chance that
it's fish you are seeing.
Have a safe and happy holiday weekend!
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Lots Of Sun And Minimal Wind Has Allowed Many Anglers To Enjoy A
Successful Day On The Water
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Fishing Report 6-20-2005 Jason Green |
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Fish Fly Hatch And Sun |
Wow, it looks like summer is finally here and with
this progression things are changing in the 1000 Grand Lakes Area.
The first fish fly hatch has taken place but we have lucked out again and
it was a small one. Summer days with no to little wind, fish flies
and lakes filled with bait fish slow angler's production.
Walleye action has slowed some this past week but remarkably
anglers are sticking it out and still pulling limits. The most
consistent bite seems to be working the shoreline weeds in roughly
7'-10' of water using a jig and minnow, although a 4'-5' Snell tipped
with a leech will produce during certain times of the day. Mid
lake structure are now holding good numbers of fish but on calm days
they remain inactive.
Small Mouth are receiving the spot light with many opportunities.
This is a great time of year for smallies! We are right on the
break of seeing these fish explode and kick into high gear. It
doesn't matter how you like to fish them, pre spawn, spawn and post
spawn are all happening at the same time. Pre Spawn
smallies are now staging just outside of their spawning areas.
These fish can be located suspended off sharp break lines getting ready
to move in shallow any day. Prop baits and suspending crank baits
are working best. Spawn, these fish are incredible to
target! Shallow sandy shoreline flats mixed with rock and some
gravel are holding these fish. Aggressive males are guarding the
nests right now
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Summer Has Finally Graced The 1000 Grand Lakes Area But Fish Are Still
Transitioning Giving Many Different Opportunities For Anglers
making for an exciting day one the water.
Northland's new Weedless Jungle Jig-Loc with a sinco is working quite
nicely when giving it a couple small pops and then letting it rest.
Post Spawn smallies are now starting to show up in their deep
water havens. Locating structure in deeper water adjacent to their
spawning areas is a good place to start. These fish are currently
recovering and are not very active but pulling crank baits is getting a
few to strike. |
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Fishing Report 6-13-2005 Jason Green |
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Summer Progression |
It seems for every one day of summer we have been
receiving at least four days of wind and rain but what ever the day
holds, fish continue to bite.
Most of the larger lakes in the 1000 Grand Lakes Area have water
temperatures in the mid 60's but The shoreline bite continues to do well
just about everyday. Emerging weeds in roughly 7 feet of water are
holding the most fish with a jig and minnow producing best but as the
day continues we have found fish in water as shallow as 3.5 feet.
When fishing in the weeds, keeping your jig as light as possible will
help you work your way through with less hang ups. For the most
part Watermelon and Chartreuse are working best.
Even with the shoreline bite still working, the past couple of days we
have been marking fish out on mid lake structure such as humps and bars.
Currently it is not a hot bite but we have been able to pull a few fish
while rigging with a crawler or leech. If the current weather
patterns continue this mid lake bite should heat up any day.
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The Shoreline
Bite Continues To Do Well But Summer Progression Is In Motion And Mid
Lake Structure Such As Humps And Bars Are Holding Descent Numbers.
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Fishing Report 6-5-2005 Jason Green |
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The Feeding Frenzy
Begins |
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What
an incredible week on the water!! I can't remember the last time
the 1000 Grand Lakes Area experienced so many phenomenal days in a row.
Not only are we pulling limits of eaters but many larger fish also.
At the
beginning of the week we were graced with a couple days of summer.
Hot, Hot, Hot days with no wind which caused bait fish and walleyes to
scatter but after many hours we figured out that a 6 foot Roach Rig
tipped with a leech did the trick. With fish being scattered
looking for a meal they were found in water anywhere from 10' to 20'
which made things a bit difficult but not impossible.
Keeping the boat moving as slow as possible
with little to no rod movement got the fish biting.
After
a couple days of summer Mother Nature once again said enough and sent
high winds our way which kept many of the smaller boats away from where
the fish were biting. Working the wind blown shorelines again was
the trick but the key to success was to locate weeds in 7'-10' of water
depending on how hard the wind was blowing. So far this year
Watermelon colors have been out producing every color of the rainbow
with a 1/16 oz Fireball or ball style jig with a short shank
triggering the bite. Even when the wind is blowing dragging it
like a rig with little hops is putting fish in the boat but when you can
get the jig to hit bottom snap jigging is the ticket.
With
water temperatures now in the low 60's my guess is that it won't be long
for walleyes to start moving out into the lake and relating to humps and
bars but for now stay on the bait fish, it's working.
Reports of a good solid crappie bite is in action. Crappie are
spawning so locating rocky shoreline area's should narrow your search
but at this point these reports are coming from other anglers but I will
be starting my crappie adventure in a couple days.
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Got To Love It, Summer Is Finally Here!
Plenty Of Photo Fish This Past Week With Limits
Of Perfect Size Eaters For The Fry Pan. A Watermelon
1/16 oz Fireball Or Ball Style Jig With A Short Shank
Tipped With A Shiner Is Keeping The Rod Bending.
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|
See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Fishing Report 5-28-2005 Jason Green |
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Rain And Wind
Continue |
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Rain
and wind continue to be the norm in the 1000 Grand Lakes Area for most
of the week making it difficult for many anglers but not impossible.
Even
with the fish being mixed up from the weather they are still hungry and
hitting the jig and minnow hard. The key is to locate schools of
bait fish and be able to follow them with the changing conditions.
Depending on the time of day and how hard the wind is blowing active
fish are being caught anywhere from 4.5' of water all the way to 13'.
Like
the previous weeks an 1/8oz watermelon Stand Up Fireball is producing
well but at times a 1/16oz shines like no other. Unfortunately the
smallest size the Stand Up comes in is a 1/8oz so switching to a
standard Fireball or Gum-Ball is a must.
No one
presentation is working better then another so we have been mixing it up
by dragging with a hop, then wiggling the tip followed by a quick
snap... Fish On!!!
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Continuous Rain And Wind Are
Making It Difficult For Anglers But Not Impossible. Wind Blown
Shorelines Are Filled With Bait Fish And Active Walleyes.
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Fishing Report 5-23-2005 Jason Green |
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Water Temperature On The
Rise |
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High
winds and rain continue through the 1000 Grand Lakes Area making it
difficult for anglers but not impossible. With water temperatures
on the rise fish are becoming more active but locating them can take
some time.
Keying
in on wind blown shorelines are an excellent place to start. The
high winds have been pushing bait fish together in shallow water
creating an all you can eat buffet for fish. Another trick is to
use your electronics to locate vegetation. With it being so early
in the season weed growth is minimal but we have been finding patches of
stubble that walleyes are relating to.
Once
fish are located a 1/16oz jig such as a Fireball or a Bug Eye Shorty is
still working best tipped with a minnow but when the wind is blowing you
will have to increase to a 1/8oz jig. When using a 1/8oz jig
better numbers are being caught with a Stand Up Fireball.
For
those of you struggling and becoming frustrated we are only one week
into the season with the best yet to come!
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Early
Spring Can Be A Perfect Time To Get The Kids Excited About Jigging
Walleyes. When The Fish Are Hungry After The Spawn The Kids Can't
Get Enough!
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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UPNORTH Fishing Report 5/17/2005 Jason Green |
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Another Opener Come And Gone |
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Mother Nature Put
Anglers To The Test During The MN Fishing Opener.
Another MN Fishing Opener has come and gone and this
one seemed to be no different from the previous years. Mother
Nature tried to throw a curve ball with high winds, rain and even hale
but anglers that faced the harsh surroundings managed to do surprisingly
well.
Working wind blown shoreline flats has been a good
place to start. During low light periods fish are being caught in
17'-18' of water and as the day progress' they seem to be moving into
the 4'-6' mark.
Chartreuse and watermelon Northland Fireballs are
working well at all depths tipped with a silver shiner but the Stand Up
version of the Fireball is working even better. Water temps
are at roughly 47 degrees so a slow presentation with little movement is
needed, the slower the better. |
The trick is to hold the
boat as still as possible with the jig resting on the bottom. Once
the fish grabs the bait wiggle the tip slightly which will force the
walleye to either let go or get a better hold. Once it grabs it
set the hook. Also during these cold temps the smaller your
presentation the better. If conditions will allow a 1/16 oz jig is
perfect but with the high winds the past three days we found a 1/8 oz
was easier to stick to the bottom.
A Few Slot Fish, A Box Full Of Eaters And A Few Jumbos Made For A
Great Weekend.
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
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It's The Final Countdown
05-06-2005 - by Jason Green |
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That's right, we are just 1-week away from one of Minnesota's greatest traditions, Fishing Opener. A time for friends and family to get together and share stories of what has been happening the past several months or take a more competitive angle and find out who had the bigger fish that got away last season.
One week might seem like a lifetime to some but before you know it your boat will be pounding the waves and a few fresh fillets will grace the fry pan again. With limited time till you hit the water where is one to start preparing?
Think back to the 2004 Opener and remember how many boats/trailers you saw stranded on the side of the road? Checking your tires air pressure, grease the bearings and make sure the tires are not wearing unevenly will aid in a safe trip to the lake.
Have you had your boat on the water yet? Take a short trip on a local lake and run the motor at different RPM's to make sure you burn all the fogging oil out of the cylinders and that it is running smoothly. Are all your batteries holding a full charge? Your trip could end up short if they are not replaced.
I would have to say the next most important thing to check is the line on your reels. Fishing Line will start to break down over time and become brittle. Nothing is worse then hooking into your lunch and have the line break.
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Reports of Crappie staging near spawning areas have been coming in. If the warm weather continues they should start moving into the shallows which can make for an incredible bite.
The Cut Foot Walleye Spawning Station set another record earlier this spring. Over a six day period DNR workers stripped 1400 quarts of Walleye eggs with the majority stripped in two days. 2.5-3 quarts of eggs will then be placed into a hatching jar with one quart equaling an estimated 120,000 eggs. At the hatchery water temperature will be adjusted as the eggs develop. After about 17 days the eggs will begin to hatch. These fry are very small and are similar in size to a mosquito. There is roughly 100,000 fry to equal a pound. These fry are then moved to lakes or ponds to continue their development.
As for my outlook for the 2005 opener anything can happen at this point. Walleye should start moving from the spawning areas back out into the lakes any day now depending on Mother Nature. If she is kind to us this week watch the shallows closely. When the shallows start to warm a thermo cline will appear creating excessive oxygen that will drive the fish crazy. Local Bait Shops are reporting that the nets are beginning to fill with shiners so cross your fingers, anything can happen!
Have a safe and fun Minnesota Fishing Opener!
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See You On The Water!
(218) 327-8183 jason@upnorthinc.com -
www.upnorthinc.com |
