It's hard to believe we're staring down at the opening of the season here in just a few short days! 

After a winter that never seemed like it was going to end, here we are getting all prepped and ready for one of the most exciting weekends for us Minnesotan fisher-folks!

We're already loaded up on leeches of all sizes, and we're remaining optimistic about the spottail shiner supply for this weekend.  We'll know more over the next few days.  The extended cold stretch has not been helpful for shiner movement & trapping so far this spring.

As of right now, I'd expect to see a fairly normal opening pattern for the eyes.  Yes, we've had some cold weeks leading up to now, but with a little bit of a warming trend this week and a decent forecast so far for the weekend, it should be game on!

If it's going to be a little more bluebird weather be sure to get out early or stay out a little later for the fish.  Hit your typical shallow water haunts this opener for the walleyes.  River mouths, bars, adjacent shallower flats or edges of old reed beds with a bit of an extended feeding flat out in front.  The smaller eater males should be hitting these areas.  

Long shank shiner jigs tipped with a spottail is always a very popular presentation opening weekend.  Be sure to check out the new Northland Tackle long shank jigs this year.  Some anglers prefer a shorter shank jig & go with the ever popular Northland fireball jig & add a stinger hook for those short biters.  As always, we'll have a great selection of everything you need here in the store.  Kenkatch shiner jigs, Mission Tackle shiner jigs, the new Clam Tungsten long shanks, the new Northland long shanks, Google Eye long shanks, fireballs, and much more!

Don't hesitate to try some other presentations.  I know some anglers that always do well rigging leeches out a little deeper right away opening weekend & catch some very nice fish.  If you find an aggressive pod of  fish, trolling cranks over them can be a good tactic.  Others have done well pitching plastics.  The B-Fish-N plastic line did well for some anglers willing to switch from live bait last year.

Whatever tactic you start off the season with,  just know that we'll be working hard here to keep you supplied with all the best bait & gear to make your time on the water as successful as possible!  

Tight lines everyone!
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Happy Labor Day everyone!

We hope you've all been able to get out and enjoy the weather out on the water over the holiday weekend and put some fish in the boat.

This weekend marks the "unofficial" end to summer, and many cabins begin the seasonal shut down and some docks already start to get pulled in.  I know it's hard to imagine ice season is only a few months away as water temps in our area are still in the 60-70 degree range and many fish are still in their late summer patterns.

It's inevitable with the shorter days & cooler nights that the water temps will begin to drop as we head towards fall.

In the meantime, it's time to enjoy some great fishing with arguably some of the best days ahead for some species.

Walleye action remains consistent on Bemidji for those willing to stay versatile to find out what's working.  Fish are being pulled out of 6-8 feet on cranks, and live bait offerings. Rigs & spinners are still producing with crawlers and leeches (which are getting very difficult to find). 10-15' has shown the most consistent daytime depths.  Watch your electronics to see what depth the fish are staging in throughout the day.

The jig bite is starting to pick back up again.  Stop in for a scoop of Mr Rogers Mix (river run) or a dozen chubs or redtails.  We're stocked up on all the premium bait you need for your walleye pursuit. 

Jigging raps/puppet minnows also continue to produce in 20-35' over the deeper schools of fish.

Perch fishermen are having success targeting the weeds and humps.  Fishing in the shallower weeds has been providing plenty of action with some sorting needed to weed out the smaller fish.  When you can find a school out on grassy or one of the mid-depth humps, they tend to be a better size average.  Crappie & fathead minnows, or panfish leeches have all been working.


The bass fishing on area lakes and Stump has still been a great option with fishing holding in the weeds.  Throw a frog over the shallow vegetation and wait for that bass to pounce on it.

Bluegill action with waxies and panfish size Gulp or leeches on the weed edges has been good.  Dock fishing on some of the smaller lakes in the area can provide a fun few hours for the kids with the panfish action.

Some crappies have been caught targeting the deep edges of cabbage beds.

Muskie action has been best on Cass Lake, but we're hearing of more showing up on Bemidji.  With the Frank Schneider tournament coming up this weekend, there will be more muskie anglers targeting the area lakes, and I'm sure some big fish will be boated.

The best time on the water is whenever you can go!  Get out and enjoy the time on the water.  Stop on by if there's anything we can help you out with.  Bait & Tackle... It's what we do!

Tight lines everyone!  ><//////>