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.

January 8 , 2008 - We have just finished up with probably the best 10 days of the ice fishing season thus far.  Hopefully 2008 stays this way.  The walleye fishing has been very enjoyable on Gull Lake here in Nisswa.  We have about 10 inches of ice in most places, some more some less.  We are catching lots of 15-18 inch fish this year along with the smaller ones.  We have found most active fish cruising the weedlines in 14-22 feet of water.  Presentation has been changing from day to day.  But jigging spoons or shiners on a set line have been the hottest two tactics.  A few vehicles are starting to drive out but most are still using atvs or snowmobiles.  The crappie fishing is really coming on strong now on the Gull Chain.  Evening hours have produced nice limits of crappies.  Small crappie minnows or eurolarva on a glow jig is working best.  The pike action is getting better as we are seeing a number of 3-5 pound fish as well as a few in the 10-12 pound range.  For sunfish the best spot has been Nisswa lake.  Sunnies are hungry for wax worms.  Good Luck in 2008!

Jason Erlandson

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