July 6, 2025 "Loving The Love-Able" “What I Do, and Do Not, Love About Being A Fishing Guide”
If there ever was a week that revealed the contrast between what I love, and what I don’t love about fishing; it was this past one. There were some easy fishing days, but there were some tough ones too. There were some love-able people, but there were some un-love-able ones too. And there was some gorgeous weather, but on the other hand, some uncomfortable ones as well.
The common thread running through my most favorite days? Families. Moms, dads and kids, sometimes all together, sometimes just the kids, sometimes just the parents, but always, everybody together at the end of the day. There’s a certain dynamic that doesn’t come any other way, family fishing is supportive, not self-centered. Almost always, people are happy when they see their family members having fun, happiness isn’t performative, or dependent on one’s individual success.
The common thread running through my least favorite days? Elitism. Individuals who regard one species of fish, or one style of fishing, or one brand of anything, as “better” than any other.
I don’t dwell on the negative, but I will say that I was taken aback by one person in particular. Who when learning the wiggle worming presentation and catching a wide array of fish species, became noticeably upset by attention from any fish that was not a walleye. It is perfectly fine to target walleyes, but if you want to single them out, it can’t always happen. This is particularly true when you select a lake that has more of everything else, except walleyes. There are times when catching the mixed bag, and sorting through what this person called “garbage fish”, is the only option.
Back to families, and why I love fishing with them is that the so-called “garbage fish” are appreciated, even loved by most. Smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, crappies, sunfish and northern pike are not always harvested, but are usually appreciated for their ability to keep the level of action steady. Sometimes, part of the by-catch IS harvested as well, and that adds to the fun. For me, there’s a recipe for every species of fish that elevates them to all star status as table fare. Admittedly, I haven’t done too well cooking bullheads, but some folks do, and I wish they’d share their secrets with me.
Anyway, a day of catching fish, no matter which fish they are, and what we do with them, goes faster than a day of grinding away to catch a handful of walleyes. If I told you we brought in 9 or 10 walleyes on a given day, it may or may not impress you. But if I mentioned catching 100 fish, and then added that some of those fish happened to be walleyes, then you might be more appreciative.
Last week, I mentioned that we had begun seeing the development of a mixed-bag, action bite. At the time, trolling spinners, tipped with minnows was producing a mix of pike, perch and walleyes. Then, water temperatures were just above 70 degrees and this week, the sunshine has warmed surface temperatures into the mid-70s. Now the fish metabolism is running even higher, and in response, action ramped up even more. Now we’re catching the full-scale mixture of every fish species in the lakes. It’s becoming common to get 7 or 8 species of fish on most trips.
Even clear water lakes are warming, yesterday, on Pokegama Lake in Grand Rapids, we swam in 76-degree water. It wasn’t exactly a “fishing trip” but we did troll for a while as we waited for the fireworks. There was just enough time to figure out that the mixed bag bite is kicking in there as well. My daughter, Annalee and her family, Austin and Audrey Jones helped spin up some crappies and sunfish from the weeds. I don’t recall anybody being upset that we didn’t catch a walleye. In fact, they looked pretty happy with the fish they did catch, don’t you think?
Rest assured, I love catching walleyes just as much as anybody and without them, I’d be out of business. There are times though that catching walleye, and only walleye, absent the presence of so-called “garbage-fish” like smallmouth bass and sunfish, is not a realistic goal.
During mid-summer, walleyes have lots of feeding options, so they can be particular about what they eat, and when they eat it. Add to that that, other gamefish are more active than they are duing the cool water periods and often get to your bait faster than walleyes do. So, walleyes, while present in the mix, are often overshadowed and outcompeted; the ratio of them to other gamefish is diminished.
The solution? Avoid multi-species lakes and only fish lakes where the only predators are walleyes. Upper Red Lake for example is one place where the odds are higher for walleyes than they are for most other species. Alternatively, select lakes that have some mixed species, but only have populations of fish that you enjoy catching. If you research lakes in north central Minnesota, you can find a wide range of gamefish blends. Any lake with the highest walleye population, and the lowest populations of competing predators could be an option.
Okay, with the Independence Day holiday, and the early season walleye fishing rush behind me, I’ll be enjoying a more relaxed pace this week. For me, discovering new (to me) places to wet a line is the priority. What I hope to discover, are a few more lakes where the “mixed-bag-action-bite” shows potential for some upcoming family fishing trips during the rest of July, and into August.
Speaking of a more relaxed pace, I do still have a handful of open dates available during the summer. If you’ve been thinking about getting the kids out for an adventure on the lake, let me know, I may have the right day available for you.
Before I wrap up for this morning, I do want to take a minute to remind you that the MN DNR Fisheries Chief, Brad Parsons, has presented the formal announcement to move ahead with the much-anticipated Walleye Limit Reduction plan. Slated to take effect for the May 2027 walleye fishing opener, the rule is set to reduce Minnesota’s Walleye Possession Limit of walleyes from 6 fish, down to 4 fish. Anglers will be allowed, if enacted, to have in their possession 4 legally obtained walleyes.
Contrary to public perception, there is no provision now, nor will there be under this rule, any multiple of the so-called “daily bag limit”. The daily bag limit IS your possession limit. So, whether you have 4 walleyes in your freezer, at your cabin, or in a shoe box under your bed, you cannot legally harvest another walleye from ANY LAKE in Minnesota until you consume the ones you already have.
I know, thousands of anglers simply disregard that rule every season. They catch fish and take some of them home every time they go fishing. They believe that as long as they stay within the so-called “legal daily bag limit” that they’re good to go. That’s great for local anglers, folks who can hide their fish at home, or at their cabin. But travelers, both resident and non-resident anglers alike have no choice but to carry their catch, in their “POSSESSION” when they travel home from the lake. For them, they are completely exposed and subject to being checked by the game warden at any time. That’s why the statewide 4 walleye possession limit rule is a big deal to me. It discriminates against tourism, and favors local anglers who can and do, keep more than their fair share of the total harvest.
In my opinion, the daily limit could be set at any random number, and I’d still be happy. You could limit me to 1 fish, and I’d be satisfied, so long as my possession limit remains at the present level, 6 walleyes in my possession. You’ve read before, or maybe not, all of the reasons why I believe the 4 fish daily limit won’t fix anything. Fisheries biologists have said repeatedly that the cuts would have to be much more dramatic to impact the overall statewide harvest. So, supporting the 4-walleye limit is unlikely to result in any benefit to you, or to the walleyes, or to the future of fishing.
Is the walleye reduction rule a done deal? No, it's success, or failure, will depend on how the public responds to the proposal. First, there is a public comment period in which citizens may present their opinions to MN DNR Fisheries staff. One way to participate is to answer questions in a MN DNR provided survey called "Walleye and Sauger Limit for Inland Waters"
Another way to present your opinions is to share them here, with your fellow FishRapper readers. We’ll publish, with your permission, comments on both sides of the issue, even the ones thay we don’t agree with. So, make your best case, if you support the rule, tell us why and if not, let us know that too. Either way, your opinion matters, and I wholeheartedly encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to influence the future of walleye fishing in Minnesota. 
— Jeff Sundin, The Early Bird Fishing Guide Office Cell Call or Text 218-245-9858 or Email on Facebook on X Photo >> Decker Hastings • Owen Cheatham • Claire Cheatham • Annalee Austin Jones • Owen Blaine Cheatham
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Cutfoot Sioux, Lake Winnie Memorial Day Fishing Report July 3, 2025
"We are heading into the Independence Day holiday weekend on a warm note. And as the sunshine warms the waters of Lake Winnie and Cutfoot Sioux, productive summertime fishing patterns for walleye, perch and panfish have taken hold.
Surface temperatures on the big lake range from 71 to 73 degrees, and back bays with darker, calmer waters are running warmer, 74 to 76 degrees in some areas. Vegetation is maturing too, cabbage, coontail and many of the “pondweed” varieties are green and thick. Wild rice beds are starting to stand tall above the surface, and bulrushes are green and mature too. All plants, no matter where they grow, provide cover habitat for fish of all species, including the most popular game fish pursued by our guests.
During the warmup, insect hatches began emerging and hatches of many insects continue today. Fishing for walleyes during any “bug hatch” can be challenging, but in many ways can be rewarding too. Finding the areas where maturing insect larvae is most likely to emerge will lead anglers to success. Where maturing larvae exists, minnows, small gamefish and predators will be nearby; all participating in the “summer peak” food chain cycle.
Marl, the mixture of semi-soft, clay, sand and shell pieces are prime real estate for bloodworms, fish flies and mayfly larvae breeding grounds. Marl can be located whem we ..." Read >> Bowen Lodge Lake Winnie Fishing Report
Ely Area, Arrowhead Outdoors Fishing Report July 2, 2025
"Walleye - Walleye reports have walleyes sliding out a little deeper. Majority of walleye reports this last week has angler finding walleyes in 8 to 16 feet of water now. Anglers have been pulling spinner rigs, tipped with crawlers, along weedlines, transitions area along points and out over sunken islands. Gold, perch and blue spinner blades have been popular this last week. Reports of shallow water walleyes remain. Here anglers are catching walleye with soft plastics fished on a 1/8 or 1/4oz jig, over rocky shorelines. Jig and half a crawler has also been worth noting here.
Panfish - Crappies have been snapping in shallow water in and around lily pads this last week. Thick lily pad beds are no good. Scattered lily pads have been the best for crappies. Anglers have been casting small jig and twisters, crappie minnows under a bobber to these lily pads, to catch crappies. Sunfish remain shallow and are being caught back in pencil reed beds and weedbeds. Wax worms, green crawlers and angleworms, fished under a bobber have been very effective here.
Smallmouth Bass - The once super hot topwater bite has been cooling off to mainly early morning for the best bite (before 9am). Once the sun gets up anglers have been having luck with square bills, wacky worms, chatterbaits and spinnerbaits. Rocky shorelines with downed trees, large flats, out around islands and rivers are all holding active smallies. White, crawfish colors and green pumpkin have been hot colors this last week.
Stream Trout - Area Stream Trout lakes remain popular for good reason. Rainbow trout have been snapping! Limits of rainbows are being caught trolling small minnow baits or small trolling spoons over deep water. Good rule of thumb is the brighter the better as far as colors go. Anglers fishing from shore have been having really good luck casting a 2 inch white twister, small spoons and the tried and true nightcrawler floated under a bobber.
Northern Pike - Pike anglers have been catching good numbers of quality pike this last week. Anglers have been throwing spoons in and around weedbeds for very consistent action. Anglers targeting larger pike have been trolling large spinnerbaits, large minnow baits and large soft plastic baits along weedlines, river mouths and mouths of shallow bays. Best depth for the bigger pike has been 8-14 feet of water.
Lake Trout - Lake Trout anglers have been reporting that lakers are slowly going deeper as surface water temps warm. Anglers have been reporting that they are catching lakers from 30 to 80 feet of water now. Many anglers have been trolling large trolling spoons, with down riggers, over deep water to find active lakers. Anglers fishing from a canoe have vertically jigging large bucktails and tubes over deep water. Red/white, blue/white and solid chartreuse have been popular colors for tubes or bucktails." — Arrowhead Outdoors, 218-365-5358
July 1, 2025 "News release: Public input sought on reducing statewide walleye limit from six to four"
If you’re a believer in reducing Minnesota’s walleye possession limit from 6 fish, down to 4 fish, then this is your happy day! The Minnesota DNR Fisheries Office released the much-anticipated formal announcement yesterday.
MN DNR, “Changes in lake habitat, ecology and conditions coupled with technological advances in fishing gear and methods are prompting the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to seek public input on a possible reduction in the statewide walleye possession limit from six to four fish.
If enacted via a rulemaking process, the change would not become effective until May 2027.
“We consider this a proactive step to maintain quality walleye fishing,” said Brad Parsons, DNR fisheries section manager. “This regulation has been in place since 1956, and conditions in Minnesota’s lakes have, and continue to, change. Our consideration of a walleye limit reduction is a wise management response to what’s happening.”
People can comment from now until …” Read Full Article >> July 1, 2025 Public Input Sought, Reducing Statewide Walleye Limit
Lake of the Woods, LOW Tourism July 1, 2025
"Fishing continues to be outstanding on Lake of the Woods. Whether you’re jigging, pulling spinners, or trolling crankbaits, anglers are enjoying steady action and taking home plenty of walleyes and saugers.
On the South Shore, there are good numbers of walleyes now gravitating to the deep mud basin regions. This time of year, it’s common to see bug hatches over the deep mud, which attracts hungry walleyes looking for an easy meal. Fishing anywhere from 27 to 35 feet has been productive.
The jig bite remains strong. Many anglers are still anchoring up or spot-locking and working a jig tipped with a frozen emerald shiner. Hot jig colors this week include orange and chartreuse, gold combined with orange or pink, as well as glow white. Mixing up your colors and letting the fish tell you what they want can really pay off.
Spinners and crawlers are also gaining momentum. Drifting or slowly trolling at 1.0 to 1.25 mph with a 2 to 3 ounce weight or bottom bouncer, a two or three hook harness with a hammered gold blade paired with pink, orange, chartreuse, or glow red or white beads has been very effective. This technique is a great way to cover water and entice walleyes spread out over the basin. Many anglers report catching a mix of walleyes and saugers using this method.
Trolling crankbaits is another excellent option right now. Some anglers are trolling using downriggers to get their lures down to the fish. Others are using leadcore line, snap weights, or a 3 to 4 ounce bottom bouncer paired with a 6-foot monofilament or fluorocarbon leader with a shallow diving crankbait. These setups are helping anglers reach the right depth and keep their baits in the strike zone. The ability to cover lots of water while presenting wobble, vibration, and color makes trolling cranks a very effective way to locate and catch walleyes.
On the Rainy River, reports indicate that the river is still producing some nice walleyes, and it won’t be long until anglers start shifting their attention to sturgeon again. Sturgeon fishing season opens on July 1, 2025 and the river is loaded with these prehistoric giants. If you’re planning a trip in July or August, soaking a few crawlers on a sturgeon rig can give you the chance to hook into one of the biggest fish of your life.
Excellent fishing also continues up at the Northwest Angle. Walleyes are being found from 12 to 24 feet, relating to both mud and structure. The jig and minnow bite remains solid on rock and sand transitions, while other anglers are also pulling spinners or crankbaits along shoreline breaks and over deeper mud areas. This is producing not just walleyes, but also a nice mix of jumbo perch, pike, and even smallmouth bass.
Muskie anglers have been busy with nice numbers of fish and some big ones. Some fish exceeding 53 inches were caught this past week.
Plan Your Trip. Lake of the Woods is living up to its reputation as the Walleye Capital of the World. With a healthy population of walleyes, saugers, pike, smallmouth bass, and soon, sturgeon back in season, now is a perfect time to get out on the water. Whether you’re fishing with your own boat, hiring a guide, or jumping on a charter, the opportunities for success are excellent." — Lake of the Woods Tourism, (800) 382-FISH
Wired2Fish 2025 "Chasing Bruiser Bluegills: Top Tips and Tactics for Catching Bulls"
"Growing up, I could always count on a certain fish to make my day. One that was always willing to bite and put a good bend into an ultralight. That species has made its way into the hearts and freezers of millions of Americans nationwide.
You likely know it as the bluegill. For fishermen across the country, bluegills are often considered a stepping stone into getting hooked on fishing. They’re in most freshwaters across the country, and growing in abundance around the globe. Plus, panfish are relatively easy to catch.
While bluegills are widespread, finding big bluegills can be a challenge, especially catching them consistently. Standard tactics will work, but there are certain baits and presentations that ..." Read Article to Learn More >> Chasing Bruiser Bluegills: Top Tips and Tactics for Catching Bulls
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Helping your fellow fishermen and women stay abreast of fishing conditions in your area is good for everybody and it's easier than you think! You don't have to write a book, you don't have to share your secret fishing spots and you don't even have to mention your lake. But even a few words about general trends, seasonal patterns and local weather conditions can really help.
Be like me, become a duly deputized "Cub Reporter", it's good for fishing! Contact Us or if you prefer to be "social", Fishing Reports Minnesota, the Facebook counterpart to this page is open to the public, so you can post your own fishing update or just share a photo of a nice catch.
Wired2Fish 2025 "[VIDEO] How to Spool a Spinning Reel with Braid"
"Spooling a spinning reel the right way isn’t just about loading line—it’s about preventing slip, reducing twist, and maximizing performance. In this step-by-step video, Wired2fish’s own Kyle Peterson breaks down exactly how to spool braid with a mono backing and why each step matters.
Why a Mono Backing is Essential: Braid lacks stretch and grip, which means it can slip around the arbor under tension. To prevent this, Peterson starts by adding mono as backing. The mono grips the spool better, creating a secure base layer that locks the braid in place.
Choosing Mono Based on Arbor Size: The size of a reel’s arbor determines which mono line works best. A smaller arbor calls for lighter, thinner mono, while a larger arbor can support heavier mono. Peterson uses 8-pound mono for his setup, but stresses the importance of matching the backing to the reel size to avoid bulking.
Quick, Effective Knots for Reliability: Rather than tying complex knots, Peterson uses a ..." View Video to Learn More >> How to Spool a Spinning Reel with Braid