Brainerd Lakes Area Fishing Reports

Local bait shops sell fishing licenses, or anglers may obtain fishing licenses
24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by visiting:
http://www.wildlifelicense.com/mn/index.html. Please consult Minnesota DNR rules and regulations for slot limits on specific lakes.

July 10 , 2008 - Finally a couple of days to recover from the wild July 4th week.  It was absolutely crazy, I don't recall seeing that many people ever.  I think it is a good sign for the summer ahead.  People still want to have a great time, and I don't believe there is anywhere that I would rather be than right here in the beautiful Brainerd Lakes area.  The bait shop has been a busy place this season and most anglers seem to be happy.  We are still catching a few walleyes on Gull Lake.  The fish that are out there are small but they are active.  So if you want to catch a few eaters, Gull Lake is the place to try.  For quality fish I would head to Pelican, Round, or Lake Edwards.  The daytime bite is a bit slower but the walleyes are biting better in the morning and evenings.  I don't think that you can beat a lively redtail chub right now, it seems to be the only way to fend off the rock bass.  Everything is staying close to the weeds, the best depths have been 10-18 feet.

The bass bite has been outrageous.  We are blessed to live in largemouth bass heaven.  We have so many great lakes for bass, just take your pick and go.  They are hitting a variety of baits.  If you like live bait it is tough to beat a leech, but minnows like a redtail, small sucker minnow, or a fathead can really produce.  Some of the best artificials are spinnerbaits, jigs n plastic worms, senko worms, buzzbaits, rattlin rapalas, or swim jigs. 

The pike action is starting pick up after a slow start to the season.  Trolling is the best option now for bigger pike.  Some good baits are spinnerbaits, spinner rigs and minnows, or deep diving crankbaits.  Big pike like cooler water so look a little deeper.  Try trolling the 20-30 foot depths.  The weedlines will also hold aggressive pike but they tend to be the smaller ones.

The crappie action is starting to pick up this week.  Some of the hot spots are Wilson Bay on Gull, Upper Gull, Hubert, and Lake Margaret.  Troll or cast the weedlines in the evening hours.  The best time to be out there is from 7:00 pm until sunset.  The panfish are leaving the shallows now.  Look for the bluegills to be hitting in 10-12 feet of water.

Jason Erlandson

Dave's Sportland Bait and Tackle/Nisswa Guide Service
www.sportlandbait.com
(218) 963-2401