Where’s Cookie????

Another interesting week is also most gone by. After I wrote my last blog. Tuesday. I headed out on the lake to be welcomed by white out conditions. With just a trace of snow. I’m talking 1/16th of a inch. The wimd’s were howling out of the south west. Plan A turned to plan B that quick. Hillmen”s road was taking it well but the trail going north were a completely different deal. We could of moved houses but the more tracks you make in the drifts the more snow you collect. Its a nightmare. Your way better off riding it out then traveling as all it does is collect more snow.
Tanners crew staying in north Dakota and montana pulled out. They were able to go through the drifts all the way too the main road. I get out to our north road and its pretty much gone. With no other trails to catch snow I think it all blew in our road. The nature of the beast. With John and his crew arriving for north Dakota. I spent the next couple hours making it passable. Jonny boy stayed where he was and cleaned houses.
When John arrived I explained that we would move the house the next day.

About noon the winds calmed down and you could see. That lasted about a hour when the winds came back even stronger. Only this time out of the north west. Wow another white out was with us just like that. My as well have drifts going two different directions? Blue thunder went through another workout. once the winds died down that night.

Jonny boy has named the areas I ruin ant farms. Wayne says I’m the master of confusion. I like both those saying. As Wayne says. What’s it like looking out that clowns barrel, when I say Its not my first Rodeo. That’s the comradery I enjoy.

Tanner and the crew did go home with some fish how many not sure.
Yesterday we hit her hard. North Dakota was moved, then reset. Montana was dug out and moved. notrth caroliana was dug out and moved, banked. Florida was moved set up and banked California was moved banked and set up.

John and his crew had some more fish last night in the new spot. Today we plan on setting up Montana. Then moving old Minnesota as I vacate the area I ruined.
I also picked up a few things for the fleet as we prepare for fridged temps this weekend. -30 two nights in a row.
After this next cold blasy maybe the houses will stop flooding?
Our new hoodies should be here today or tomorrow.

Well as the saying goes its time to hit the ice On this grand lake that owes us nothing. Who knows maybe this weekend some one will catch a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie?

We survived the first real cold snap? The fishing could of been better but that seems to be the case this year. I’m not sure why its slower then usual. I’m still sticking to my theory the fish are fat, healthy and really do not need to eat to survive?
Our plans are still going to be what we have always done. Try and put the house’s on fresh spots after every group. weather permitting, and our equipment working. Try to leave areas before there burned out. Do the cookie shuffle, when were getting a few. With 4 generators we have been able to spread out more then the past?
Even the wheel house’s we plowed and picked spots for last weekend struggled.
I had to leave early sunday morning to go see my mom in Iowa. Were back home today, ready to re shuffle for the weekend.

It was nice to see Ken, Carl, Terri and Sarah last weekend. There from Iowa. We did move them after there first night as I wanted to get out of that area before this snow hit us . 4 inches of powder kept Jonny boy busy yesterday helping Buddy hillmen clean up the super highway. They stayed in florida for there 3rd or 4rth year. Such nice people , we traded some blueberry’s for some homemade jam that I will be sampling tomorrow. They got there cookie’s hoodies a year late but they did get them. They only got a few fish even after getting to fish 2 completely different areas.
Jon v and his crew left after 4 nights,if I remember right they also got to move once. They did go home with 16 fish plus had 2 fish frys. Last year Bernie figured they caught 25or more a day so not so good this year.
We had new customers in Kentucky. A very nice family Adam, Christeen? 2 kids Cooper and Conner. They did have some action, with quite a few keeper perch and only a couple walleyes. It did sound like they would come again, That’s always been my goal to have repeat customers.
Montana had Kevin, Darla, Scotty and forgot the other girls name. I know they got at least 8. I did not get to say good bye to them.
Wayne was in old Minnesota and also got to fish 2 spots. Not sure what’s going on with him. When he comes up I spend quite a bit of time hanging out as he owns old Minnesota and one of our best friends. The hammer and I always fish with him when he is here. We moved old Minnesota Saturday. The hammer and I showed up after dark , he had not landed fish. The hammer drops her line down and had a fish with in 30 seconds? As the saying says you can not make that sh up.
Jonny boy fished it last night in the same spot and landed 3 keepers with 1 over 21?
We had another two couples check into North Dakota Saturday, Lacy, Kevin, Fred and Maria again on a new spot. I think they went home with 8.
Mike checked in sunday for 2 nights. they have caught a few but nothing to brag about.
Today its back to grinding as we have Trevor coming for 3 houses tomorrow and Darrel rolling in tonight. Rick will roll in Friday morning. I sure hope we can have better fishing for all. I think 3 resorts have something going on this weekend I cog at Rodgers, Red lake adventure biggest walleye contest and jrs indoor fishing contest. I’m not sure if Hillmens has the crappie floppers coming to play music this year but I assume they will.
Well its that time to fire up the fleet ,check the fluids and get to work on such a grand lake

Yesterday was again a busy day here 5 miles out on such a grand lake.
Jonny boy, Jessi and I were able to get er done as we finally moved the whole fleet in one day. 6 were dug out , north Carolina was all ready to go sitting on the side road.

It was fun working like a well oiled machine with every one knowing there job.
Today we will be battling mother nature as a dusting of snow last night with 4 inches of powder from Monday should create white out conditions most of the day.
4 of the sleepers need to be augured out, all powered up ready to go by this afternoon. I have more matianace to do on the fleet so the torpedo heater and tarp will be drug out of storage again.
Jonny boy and Jess were out fishing last night on a new spot. Jonny boy is still hooked on the elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. The fish sure are finicky this year, There are so many reports of fish that will not bite. I expect they are walleye as Billy and Jacky saw at least 10 on there camera one night a few weeks ago. They got 3. Less ten 200 feet away Tim and Amanda landed 21 in two days. Amanda said they were tight to the bottom with a very lite bite. I think next time they come up I’m going to wet a line with those two. Your never to old to learn a trick or two. Mark also said a week ago they watch fish after fish suck in there minnow and spit it out with out there bobbers every moving?
Rick will be rolling in tomorrow morning for there second trip of the season. Trevor and his large crew roll in later today for 3 of the houses. Trevor was here quite a few years ago. I talked to him yesterday and they were pretty excited to be coming up again.
Darrel arrived yesterday with his dad so will see how they did on that new spot. There here for 4 nights.
Tomorrow Kentucky will be moved for Larry and his crews arrival on Saturday.
Mother nature had decided to throw in some wicked cold weather. I have a feeling blue thunder and the red baron may idle all night a couple times through out the next week.
The winds picked up last night so I expect some drifting out there this morning.
If anyone would like a hoodie we have about 50 new ones .

I knew the winds blew pretty good Wednesday night as our friend Lonnie got off low Wednesday night rather then ride it out and struggle to get off thursday morning.
After getting blue thunder warmed, gassed and ready to go. I hit the lake and the ice road was at least half way gone. Errr. Again plan A goes to plan B. With Jonny boy prepping 4 of the houses I started plowing the south edge all the way to the end of the road. Then it was back to the east. Trying to get some of the snow in the air as the winds were still pretty strong. Buddy Hillmens was dragging the first mile as I went back and forth. Hindsite is a funny thing. Looking back I should of went and got the red Baron.
We got Trevor checked in some time in the afternoon as by then I had Jonny boy running the red baron as we cleared the road, The last 1/4 mile I heard a clunk. .I had broken a u joint on the front driveshaft. We took her out of 4 wheel drive and I limped her home.
Friday morning I would be checking in Rick. After going to a neighbors and plowing out there drive way I notice the red baron blower motor is not working. Talk about a cold ride out to the houses.
I got her back home asap and under the tarp. I replaced the blower with a used one I had on the shelf. That one got me through the day un tell last night 6 miles out and that one took a shh.
The hammer will have to go track me one down this morning.
Mean while Jonny boy was pulling out the drive shaft on Blue thunder. One of the 4 bolts had broken off in the yoke so plan A turned to plan B as he had to drill the bolt out. Trying to do that laying under the truck when it was over 20 below was not a great plan. I gave Buddy Hillmen a call where he let us bring it over and put it up on his lift which made the job 10 times easier Thanks Buddy.
Again a big disappointment in the fishing .
With all the houses on fresh spots a few fish ware being caught. Were not seeing many of the over 17 we were seeing a month ago. We are getting quite a few nice perch though. Very strange year. Many bigger perch this year..
I’ll break down the numbers of fish caught tomorrow after we say good bye to all our guest.

Its has been a cold, cold week here on the shore of upper red lake.
We were able to get all our guest off the lake last sunday Monday as the cold snap came in.
Jason truck needed the tarp and torpedo to get her fired up.
Jim’s car also needed the same treatment.
Justin at the end of the road needed a jump.

Seeing what the weather was going to do Jonny boy, Jess and I put it in high gear as we got all seven house dug out and moved closer to the main roads. For the first time all season I shut down the heat in 5 of the 7 houses.
We set old Minnesota up in a completely new area so The hammer and I could do some fishing.
Jonny boy set up close to the main road also.
The next plan was ride out the cold weather and try and keep every thing running.
The hammer did get a fish Monday night. I had a couple bites as we relaxed watching a couple movies out there.

Tuesday I had to go to Bemidji for a appointment. With the winds howling out there and the temps plummeting it kinda worked out.
Wednesday morning Plan A turned to plan B just like that. I had planned to torpedo each truck before starting then do some work under the tarp on blue thunder. I go in our bathroom and the cold water is frozen. I get the torpedo all set up under the crawl space and it will not stay running ERRRR.
well over 2 hours later I got the water un thawed. I get the tarp on red baron and again the torpedo will not stay running, Another 2 hours struggle before I had the red baron fired up. Blue thunder was next.
Once I got it warm enough to start and work underneath. The new alternator belt was the wrong size ERRRR!
The hammer and I were going fishing again so we gathered everything for dinner and off we went
The hammer lost a nice fish that was going to be our second fish for dinner,
She then lost another one on my rattle wheel when I drove the red baron to the end of the road.
I get back where I start dinner . I over cook the broccoli then set the hot pan on the carpet on the hole cover. Where it melts right into the carpet. I had to cut the carpet to get the pot off the floor. I then making the noodle roni and use to much milk and water so its like soup. The movie ends so I go to put in Tarry farer comedy. I drop the disc, it hits the floor, rolls 4 feet, goes around the furnace. then goes right down the hole. What a day!
I hate to even say how bad the fishing was last weekend.
Trevor s crew had north Dakota, montana, and florida. Trevor did get 3 the first night all keepers. The rest of his crew got a few but 10 people they sure did not pound them.
Rick ,Jason and Mike also had horrible fishing in old minnesota. I had high hopes for that spot.
Larry, Jim, Cheryl and Kar were in Kentucky Saturday sunday. They ended up getting a couple. They were such nice people and said they would love to come back. Jim’s friend in North Carolina got one or two.
Darrel was here with his dad in California where they also got justa couple.
We did go down to see Lonnie at Rodgers for the ice castle gathering. They also had a fireworks show which was outstanding. I also was entered in Red lake Adventures 4th annual big eye challenge. I wet a line twice for a total of 1 hour. The winning fish was caught in the first area I fished a 24 1/2 incher. Maybe next year I can get a fish to register.
Jonny boy and I have our work cut out for us today as we fire up the heaters and set up all the house on new spots for tomorrow. I did have a cancelation on old Minnesota. If it stays open I plan to spend some weekend time out there.
I also have my eye on a couple areas to ruin

UGGGGG! Just came in from plowing the gas station and store. We got dumped on with some more snow.
Oh well mother nature always seems to step in and throw a wrench in the operation.
Have you ever tried to plow a parking lot ,drive way when your a perfectionist? It futile. Lucky I learned you can not clean it all up.
Now a little good news as the fishing finally picked up a bit for some. With all the houses on fresh ice ,new locations I expected a couple fish to be caught.
Bob and Mary had me plow them a spot for 40.00 they ended up catching a dozen I be leave. So My new saying is I plow you a spot for 50 but I’ll take 40.

Some other guys wanted me to plow them to a spot on there narvonics for 40 . Nope wasn’t happing as I had no idea how far they wanted to go.
I expect were going to start seeing some slush pockets out there after this dumping. I did notice a spot yesterday.
North Dakota was set up with Dave and his 3 boys Al, Hunter, and Jake. They were less then 200 yards where Bob and Mary were fishing. They landed 1 fish. Ish
Florida which was 150 feet away from north Dakota with Rollie and Kevin got there 8. Plus a couple bonus pike and a nice perch. Plus they had a little rattle wheel action. crazy
I plowed another spot for LouAnn and we set her wheel house up for her. They did not do that well 2.
Kentucky had Ashly,Colton and Jackson. They had a lot of bite and landed a couple plus lost a bigger one in the middle of the night.
Old Minnesota was a bust with Jim a last minute deal. He had his son Austin 3 year old.
Montana was near Minnesota and also had hardly any action? Craig and Spenser came last year and did real well so they were a little disappointed to say the least. I sure expected better fishing in that area as The hammer and I fished a couple nites last week, We lost a few fish, missed a few and landed a couple.
Jonny boy and Jess had some action in California also? Plus last nite they caught 4 or 5 before dark.
We also plowed a spot for our friend Lonnie and he had a few last night during the snowfall.
Steve use north Carolina as a day house and only landed one. 100 feet from California. Stupid fish.

Yesterday we were able to move 4 house s and check in Arnett and mike in north Dakota.
Jeff also showed up with his parents for florida so I’m hoping they had action last night as we stayed on shore with all the snow coming down.
Looks like we will be plowing, plowing ,plowing all week. In between we will again have to get the whole fleet moved and set up for the coming weekend.
I’m thinking it could be a grand week on a grand lake that owes us nothing

UGGGGG! Just came in from plowing the gas station and store. We got dumped on with some more snow.
Oh well mother nature always seems to step in and throw a wrench in the operation.
Have you ever tried to plow a parking lot ,drive way when your a perfectionist? It futile. Lucky I learned you can not clean it all up.
Now a little good news as the fishing finally picked up a bit for some. With all the houses on fresh ice ,new locations I expected a couple fish to be caught.
Bob and Mary had me plow them a spot for 40.00 they ended up catching a dozen I be leave. So My new saying is I plow you a spot for 50 but I’ll take 40.

Some other guys wanted me to plow them to a spot on there narvonics for 40 . Nope wasn’t happing as I had no idea how far they wanted to go.
I expect were going to start seeing some slush pockets out there after this dumping. I did notice a spot yesterday.
North Dakota was set up with Dave and his 3 boys Al, Hunter, and Jake. They were less then 200 yards where Bob and Mary were fishing. They landed 1 fish. Ish
Florida which was 150 feet away from north Dakota with Rollie and Kevin got there 8. Plus a couple bonus pike and a nice perch. Plus they had a little rattle wheel action. crazy
I plowed another spot for LouAnn and we set her wheel house up for her. They did not do that well 2.
Kentucky had Ashly,Colton and Jackson. They had a lot of bite and landed a couple plus lost a bigger one in the middle of the night.
Old Minnesota was a bust with Jim a last minute deal. He had his son Austin 3 year old.
Montana was near Minnesota and also had hardly any action? Craig and Spenser came last year and did real well so they were a little disappointed to say the least. I sure expected better fishing in that area as The hammer and I fished a couple nites last week, We lost a few fish, missed a few and landed a couple.
Jonny boy and Jess had some action in California also? Plus last nite they caught 4 or 5 before dark.
We also plowed a spot for our friend Lonnie and he had a few last night during the snowfall.
Steve use north Carolina as a day house and only landed one. 100 feet from California. Stupid fish.

Yesterday we were able to move 4 house s and check in Arnett and mike in north Dakota.
Jeff also showed up with his parents for florida so I’m hoping they had action last night as we stayed on shore with all the snow coming down.
Looks like we will be plowing, plowing ,plowing all week. In between we will again have to get the whole fleet moved and set up for the coming weekend.
I’m thinking it could be a grand week on a grand lake that owes us nothing

Talk about getting some snow. Yesterday we spent most of the day prepping the red barom amd Blue thunder for another bout of cleaning Hillmens road.. From the looks of it yesterday getting off road would all most be impossible..
We have our work cut out for us today as we alos have to get all the houses set up. Montana and floriida are ready to auguar, north Dakota is ready to move ,block bank auguar, Minnesota needs to be dug out as well as California and north caroliana.
If your coming today take your time as I have a feeling we will be running behind.
I’m nursing blue thunder as she’s struggling to get good heat in the cab. Seems the new radiator a year ago has a couple pin holes in the plastic seems. Why in the world would they ever make radiators out of plastic is beyond me. We have a new one on order.
Jeff was here the beginning of the week . They got 5.
The hammer and I fished just a little and have managed a few in between the snow storms.
Cutting trails with the red baron is getting tougher as there s just so mush snow. Will have to see how she goes today.
I do have Chandler and dustin out there fishing in old Minnesota a so will get to see if that spot had any activity at night as the rattle wheels have been pretty quiet at night tell 4 am. Time to hit the lake

I would have to say last week was one of those weeks you do not want a repeat of. Back to Back snow storms put the hurt on the fleet. Blue thunder has a new radiator coming, it may need a new starter when I get tired of crawling under it and tapping it with a hammer.
Friday was a brutal day for me as we prepped and checked in customers . I was in blue thunder all day with just enough heat to keep the windshield clear. Friday evening waiting for our last check in I was shivering at home. Luckly it was our good friend Wayne so he understood I did not feel that well.
The red baron also had some issues as we saw a small radiator leak. We had only made 1 pass down buddy hillmens road which was completely snowed in. I had Jonny boy head home. We got home and found the leak. It just so happens when I junked out the grey goose I had the common sense to take out the radiator. I left Jonny boy to the task of replacing her while I headed back out to cut the north edge of the road. When the crew arrive for montana and florida they were a few guys Zack that jonny boy use to work with and have had a tradition going on 3 years. One of the guys jumped in to help jonny boy button her up and the red baron was back on the ice in less then 3 hours. Installing a used radiator, out side, under a tarp in -10 degrees. If I remember right I gave Jonny boy a slap on the back with a job well done.
Right now both trucks need to be monitered well as we try a thaw them out.
Now for the fishing re[port. it has gotten better in spots with Sean is wife and daughter and good friend joeff landing over 30 fish . Purple was the hot color.
Mean while Wayne was in old Minnesota with not a nibble. The house had not been moved all week as it was never fished more then 24 straight hours. being it was wayne he was nice enogh to fish it there the first night,
We did move it Saturday doing the cookie shuffle. It paid off as the hammer and I joined wayne Saturday eve. We landed 8 fish in a 2 hours flurry with wayne landing his biggest red lake walleye a fat chunky 24 incher. We also lost a couple fish.
Mean while the crew out in montana were having a grand time on a grand lake. Jonny has been hanging with them as they all head home today.
Dustin and Chandler fished 3 different spots in 4 nights. They did not do that well but did get a couple fish. They also improvised a tool for retrieving a wallet on the bottom of the lake.
Kentucky only had customers 1 night. Joanie and her crew. They were just north of north Dakota and had the super slow fishing. Stupid fish.
Today were back to regrouping as we have Paul and his crew in north Dakota and Tom coming for California. Plus sounds like
there may be another band of snow coming our way. I’m defiantly trying the no snow snow dance today.

Yesterday I got a early start as I headed out to top off the generators, then back to shore to plow out a couple driveways for some locals. Once that was done it was right back out on the lake to check on the guys. Since the fishing had picked up I was looking forward to some better reports .
First stop was California with Tom and his crew, they had 7 when I had last seen them . They did manage to get a couple more .
Paul his brother and 2 buddies had a couple more when I arrived around 10 am. As I was visiting they had a nice little run or school of fish come through and managed to land a couple more while I rooted them on.
Then it was over to check on Jeff and his family that had arrived Monday evening around 8pm.
They had only managed one little one in Kentucky and a 17 out of old Minnesota.
Jonny boy was out further fishing florida which had been fish fri Saturday sunday. With pretty decent fishing over the weekend it was more of a scouting and matianace evening for him and jess. They landed 3 quality fish while spending the night out there. Jess also landed a fat 18 around noon yesterday.
So all in all the fishing has gotten much better.
After checking in on everyone I headed out to grab montana and move her back towards the fleet. With warmer temps, a lite snow coming down, a wisp of wind. I soaked up the tranquility of working on such a grand lake. My thoughts were. This makes up for the struggles and brutal conditions we have endured the past few weeks.
With all the snow out on the lake most of the houses are closer to the main road. Every year is different and this is no exception. Once I got montana in her spot I headed home to grab blue thunder and head back out to block and bank her for Glens arrival today.
Just like that I jump in blue thunder and hit the key. Nothing. Back to the grind as I crawl under the truck to lightly tap the starter. After attempting that 3 or 4 times it was time to lug the torpedo out and warm her up.
Of course we lost a extension coed over the weekend so I did not have a long enough cord, so back out on the lake to retrieve a cord, I did get her running , but a new starter will be arriving today, along with a radiator that’s in route and a 100 foot extension cord.
Heading back out I got montana prepped for today, Then headed over to check on everyone, gas up the generators and get blue thunder back home. There’s just enough heat to keep the window clear.
After some rest and dinner I again headed out to check on everyone, visit a bit.
My last stop was Kentucky where they were all playing a dice game with the kids, I hung with them tell a little after 10 where I did the generators and headed home, another 16 hour day in the books.
Today we will be saying good bye to a few and checking in glen, plus Gary and kay.
The snow on the lake has made any off road travel not advised, I saw where some guys with a truck and chains made it about 20 feet off the main road where Wayne said they spent over 2 hours trying to un bury it..
As I was coming out that evening I saw the two guys were heading off the lake never wetting a line.
Well its time to hit the lake, As that old timer Dave told me. ITS A GRAND LAKE AND OWES US NOTHING NOTHING

Then there were 10? Yes only ten days left of walleye,pike fishing here on such a grand lake.
Of course its been another busy 2 days for me as I grind and battle mother nature. I’m not complaining as its such a challenging job. Planning days in advance, mother nature always throwing curve balls. left, right, up, down. We start the season wanting a bit of snow , We end up towards the end of the season with well over 2 feet.
With the weight of the snow our houses have pretty much flooded every spot.
The silly fish start to bite all of a sudden? Now that its such a chore to get around. It will be interesting to see how it goes the next 10 days.
Paul,Dennis,Brad, and Josh arrived sunday for north Dakota for 4 nights. With the great fishing Sean had with his family we decided we would start the first night on the same spot. They did get a couple fish but we would be doing the cookie shuffle the next day. It was not a big move as some times that’s all it takes.
The guys caught a few fish right away. The third morning they had a nice run, Paul tangled with the legendary pike nick named jingle bells for all the lures its taken. They had it half way up the hole after a epic battle only to have it slip away.
The last night they were treated to a nice run on the rattle wheels at 4 am .
Tom,Darrin and Mike were in California. They were here 2 night,The first night they got 7 followed by 2 more for a total of 9.
Glen was here one night and landed on the mother load, A school of fish must of decide to rest under that house as he actually got tired of catching fish. Well just like that my plans changed as Rodger needs a place to rest as they drove up to get there broken car so I gotta go.

I guess another rough Friday is in the books. Getting everything ready for our guest Friday morning was a challenge to say the least. While I was prepping ,Jonny boy had to put the new starter in blue thunder as she decided 20 below was time to give up. Plan A had again changed just like that as I banked north Dakota with a shovel after moving snow around with the red baron. I was then off to bank California, as I was again trying to maneuver the red baron around I noticed we had a radiator leak so I shut her down.
Jonny boy rolled up and we finished banking California. He was auguring the holes. I jump into blue thunder to move some more snow around. All of sudden we had a plow line deciding to leak. Back to hand banking Kentucky as I also shut her down. Just like that both plow truck would need to be limped home.
We checked in the customer through out the day.
Bard and his daughter Ryley arrived for California for a quick 1 night stay. They got there 8 before 8pm and decided to head home.
Ben, Shawna and the kids were in montana the house that Glen put the hurt on the fish Tuesday. They leave today after spending 3 nights . With a new 6 week old baby Sully they had there hands full. They managed to catch a couple fish before I got a phone call around 11 pm. Shawna had got a nice 18 with the rattle wheel. In the excitement the lure popped out and buried itself in her arm. I headed out to see if I could get it out with the string trick. With two barbs in her arm it was a little tricky. With the two little ones sleeping ,the baby crying a bit we got her out. No sooner then we were done and The rattle wheel by the door goes off. We encourage her too land the fish as she was a little gun shy. being such a trooper she set the line and they had another 18 in the bucket, My work was done so I headed back home.
Neal was with Tracy in north Dakota with there friends Bob and Lori in florida. Florida caught more fish then north Dakota but they all had a grand time on a grand lake. Tracy and I came up with a new facebook page we may launch soon.
Morgan her dad Tom, and her two boys Griffin and Arron were in Kentucky. They had some bites but had trouble hooking them as it was a lite bite for them. They did manage to get 4 nice one before they left yesterday.
Jason and his brother Troy checked into Minnesota, they kinda drew the short straw because of my break downs. The house was not moved like, I like. It would be interesting to see how they would do as Minnesota had been sitting there for a week. Jason managed to get his first red lake walleye and did miss a few fish. They were here one more night so will see how they finished out later on.
Kirk and his son Arron are in California they were up to a couple 4 or 5 as of last night. will see if it picked up for them.
I plowed a spot for Keith and his son Andrew before the red baron broke. They got there 8 so we found another fishy area to ruin.

Will say good bye to everyone this morning, regroup, and improvise as we start prepping for the last weekend of walleye fishing. I need to repair or replace the radiator on the red baron asap. Jonny boy got the old one out yesterday so that chore is half done.
Ii was able to get new plow lines made for blue thunder Saturday, plus we installed the new radiator so again blue thunder will be the work horse for a few days.
We also have a few guest coming today and tomorrow, they will be fishing houses that caught fish but will not be moved.
Its something I do not care to do but will defiantly be interesting to see how it all pans out.

Well its the push to the end of big game fish season. With the amount of snow on the lake looking for the elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie will be a challenge.

The good news is both plow trucks have new radiators.
Were still seeing a few more walleyes caught compared to most of the year, I have no clue why there biting better now other then there fat reserves are waring off from the feasting they did this late summer and fall.
Glen and his crew were up to a few ? 8 this morning with another 10 smaller one’s released, so there getting some action. Glen is a fishing machine so if ther’es fish in the area he will catch them.

Darrin and the boys ended up with 7,Jonny boy and Jess have caught a couple. I lost a nice one while cleaning Minnesota yesterday.
Were picking up two of the grand kids today so Jonny boy and Jess will be holding down the fort.
Its pretty quiet out on the lake today with maybe 10 fishermen out there counting my 7 . The guys in montana Andrew, Noah, Chris were sleeping so not sure how they did at this time.
We have 2 early arrivals Friday so just like every day, all winter long we will be busy tomorrow.

Good luck on the end of the season!

I guess the first thing to say is mother nature is brutal just brutal. With the high winds predicted my plan A turned to plan B on Saturday. I guess that’s nothing new this year or most years. Talk about a challenge. It just never stops.
I’m not complaining as the season winds down. We had a great year customer wise. Having all my repeat customers year after year is such a reward as they become friends then customers second. I write more about the highs and lows the next few days as I reminisce about what I woulda, coulda done better.
The fishing on the other hand was probably one of the worst we have seen. My theory is the bait fish in this lake last summer into fall was unreal. We marked fish all year that refused to bite. The only problem with my theory is the early ice bite. But I would guess they were still putting on the feed bags at that time. Then the rest of the year/winter they could live off there fat reserves. I would guess I saw hundreds of fish and not a skinny one in the bunch.
Seeing the winds were going to basically be hurricane forces? After taking the grand kids out to lunch Saturday I fired up blue thunder and headed out on the lake to prep around all the houses. Talk to all our customer and warn them of the up and coming winds. I also stopped and gave the wheel houses I plowed spots for a heads up. Some took my warning and pulled the plug. Brandon and his wife left with there 8, Glen and his son also got there 8 and hit the road. Alisa and hubby got off.
Rick got off the lake early sunday morning just in time. They did not do so well in old Minnesota. It does sound like Rick may come up this summer.
Mark and Sarah were in montana. They also only managed a couple fish but she enjoyed her first ice fishing trip.
California had Jack and his dad. They also did not do that well. They did take my warning and got off the lake before the big winds hit.
Florida had Dan his wife Valli and daughter Brooke. They had outstanding fishing. They headed off the lake sunday once I got out there. I escorted them back to shore along with Darrel in his wheel house.
The winds were unreal by that time, I had to go back out one more time to gather generators, what a mess.
My last stop was to get Boar off the lake and drop gas off to the other Jeff in his ice castle.
Joe and his dad Rick are still out in north Dakota. John and Jess stayed in florida to ride out the winds. So north Dakota is 100 feet from florida and they have caught only a couple fish? I don’t think I will ever figure out why that is.
The red baron is running and I guess its time to go check things out. Blue thunders plow stopped going up and down as I was buttoning up my prep work so That’s needs to be addressed asap. Stay tuned as we keep on trucking on a grand lake that owes us nothing

Yesterday was another grand day working on a grand lake.
Seeing all the news of rescues. We just went about our business and headed out on the best road on red lake . There were only a few that road out the storm. They all new we would be out once the winds subsided.
I dropped the red barons v plow after sledge hammering all the ice off her. Reminded me of the deadliest catch when they have to pound the ice off the ships. I can not imagine doing a whole ship. Wow!
Our plans were simple. Just plow down the center of Hillmens highway to the last wheel house, then work our way back making the trail wide enough to get off the lake. No one out there was panicking,they all were just riding out the furoshise winds. V plowing up to the front of the vehicles is always tricky. Yes we had to shovel a bit. I then backed the red baron in, hooked up tow rope and pulled them out. All and all it went pretty well.
Once we had everyone off the lake. 5 total. Jonny boy and I headed out to take north Dakota and florida close to home. After plowing every one out I decided I needed to throw in the towel. Leaving the houses out chasing the elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie with all the snow seems like a real bad idea at this time. We will see what mother nature does but for now the houses are coming close to home. We do plan on targeting them with the sleds if possible as I have a couple spots I would like to try.
One spot you line up the tree with, the ditch grade, a mile from the main road. Had to throw that in there for my good friend Jake.
Jonny boy and I went about our business. With all the snow the houses did have some flooding issue, but just taking our time, slow and steady, not being in any big hurry as my mentor cousin Pete taught me. We were on the move. It basically took twice the time as normal with all the drifting etc.

Joe and Rick did go home with there 8 with 2 over so that was nice. Both house also had on a big walleye sunday night. I would guess it was the same fish as they do swim around, Joe lost her at the hole in north dakota as well as jess fishing in florida.
Bill and Sharon were the farthest from the road but we were able to slowly make our way out there with the last 20 feet consisting of a little backing up and ramming.
Jeff and Bethany had a pretty good drift in front of them so a little shoveling was in order. Then the tow strap got them on the road.
All my other houses were good from the prep work I did Saturday. No flooding issue and easy to get to.
Today the plans is to get them all closer to home ,then a couple days off as I’m a little burned out.

This year the fishing was brutal , Last year had to be one of our best walleye years, followed by one of our worst? One great highlight was Brad Turk bringing his daughter up for one night. Brad dad Bill was on here quite a bit before he passed away. There must of been a little intervention as they had some great fishing , They even headed home early. They came on a Thursday, so I left the house right where it was for are next guest. They caught a few fish but nothing like Brad and Ryley did . The house was only fished 8 hours by Ryley and Brad. The hammer and I were in old Minnesota that night. Wemaybe caught 2 less then 200 feet away. Sean brought his wife and daughter plus his good friend Jeoff. They had outstanding fishing . They were straight west of where brad and Ryley had been. Then Paul came up with his crew. I put them right where Sean was the first 20 hours. I think they got 3 fish. I then moved them doing the cookie shuffle that someone coined.. Just like that they had better fishing. I know they were watching us when we moved them and thought is this guy goofy moving us 100 feet. Then the last weekend I gambled we would still do well working our way west. Afew fish were caught but again not the best fishing. My crappie get together is on hold as of now as I brought the houses close to shore for now. I have some spots we want to try but I need to watch whet the lake does with all the snow as It’s not worth tearing up the equipment

I would be interested in fishing crappies toward the end of the month-cookie?

well not much to sat other then its a grand lake that owes us nothing. The winds from the south made it a challenge to fish. I would say it was more like catching then fishing. What can you say they wanted to harvest some of the fish between 17 and 20 inches . I would say that was a success. All the guys here at our cabins had no problem catching fish Even a couple rookies got in on the action.
I’m hoping some morel mushrooms will start too popping this week.as we finally had temps over 60.
There’s no problem with lack of water this year as the lake is more then likely above normal with the tamarac river still flowing at quite the rate.
I did even here of a couple elusive yet still catchable crappies caught. And of all places out in front of our place to boot?
I expect to be going back to work at oak harbor golf course this week so it will be back to the grind.
Every year I have these grand plans of getting my old 56 merc running like a top. Then I get caught up in golfing after work. I also have some repairs from the past winter, plus maintenance on the fish houses.

My uncle said it was lights out up there, and he barely knows how to fish!

Mother nature decided to give red lake a reprieve as she has been getting hammered. Yesterday the ramp was busy all day long. For every boat going out another was coming in. The fishing has been pretty darn good but today the white caps will keep 99% of the fishermen off the lake.
I still have not had much luck finding any morels but I ‘ll keep looking.
Will be heading back to the Oak Harbor golf course for work next week.
We do have a couple crews coming today.
With all the water this year I expect one of the tough years when it comes to skitters .They can be brutal up here at dawn and dusk.
We plan on doing some fishing again this weekend. Our good buddy Wayne is going to try and make it up.

With the winds yesterday morning it was a bit quiet on the lake for at least part of the day.
A couples of the guys from Sean crew arrived and did get out to catch enough for a fish fry.
Sitting here this morning the boats have been going by at a pretty good pace. I did watch a semi pass a boat. I’m not sure why people think they can pass other vehicles through waskish as it is painted a double line I see it every day. lets just pray no one ever has a accident as there’s driveways all the way through town. Living here 20 years and I have never seen a vehicle pulled over for passing ? Do not see many getting pulled over for speeding either? Oh well.
Frank and the guys will also be rolling in today.
It will be interesting see the harvest numbers when they come out . When we fished last weekend we never caught 1 under 17 so it was a good thing they changed the slot. I have not seen the gigantic schools of shiners like last year. It may have something to do with the water levels but last year it was totally amazing.

The weather was a factor this past weekend as it was chilly on the lake.
Jonny boy and I tried to find a couple elusive yet catchable upper red lake crappies Friday night with no avail.
We did catch quite a few walleyes though. Will keep searching ,looking for the mother load.
The walleye fishing was definitely slower this week for some. Jonny boy wayne and I did get out twice. Wayne did get to go home with 4.
The new crew that stayed here had a great time and all ready committed to next year. They had a nice camp fire ,did some grilling,played some bags,had a fish fry.
Frank and the guys did find fish with the evening being way better then the morning bite.
Wayne and I did tromp through the woods a bit with no signs of any morels yet.
Back to work today, Ken never showed or called so if you read this give me a a call as I do not have your number anymore.

I usually do not put out many fishing reports during the summer. Last Thursday while mowing the park I did stop to talk to the census lady as the access was crazy busy. I ask her where all these fishermen come from. She said most from the county. I guess you call them day trippers. Bemidji, northome, kellier, grand rapids etc. She said 121 boats went out that day and most everyone coming in had caught some fish. The lake was like glass that day and one of my favorite days to fish on red myself.
Friday the winds picked up but again the fish were snapping.
Saturday we had some guest for one night Ronnica and Traig. With strong winds straight out of the south we ventured out on the lake. It took us a while to get down towards Rodgers to get out of the 4 foot waves where we drifted spinners and jigs with some fantastic fishing. Lots of fun and laughs with some nice people for sure.
Bobby and Daryl son Justin was also up for the weekend. They went out in the wind friday and found the honey hole where they got 7 limits in 3 hours of fishing. They also managed to get sun burnt and soaking wet coming in . They had a blast and never went out Saturday.

Its again been awhile since I put a fishing report out.
Working 2 jobs in the summer 5 days a week keeps me plenty busy. I’ve been seeing the same patterns as most years. The bigger 18 19 inch fish we were crushing are now 13 to 16. There’s different theory’s. After watching the dnr doing there seining test last summer, if this year is the same there’s plenty of food for the fish to eat . They swim to deeper water? There all have been caught?
We did get out twice over the fourth of July with family. Both trips were a lot of fun. Saturday morning we headed to my morning spot with Miss, Eric, Britny and Nick. the weatherman said winds would be less the 3 mile a hour but once we were out there they had to be 12 to 15. As we fished the winds dissipated and by 9 am it was much calmer. Are first fish in the boat was none other then a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. A nice 14 1/2 incher that my grand daughter brit landed. Eric then got in on the action with a real nice golden eye. I may have to start smoking fish as there seems to be plenty of them if a guy were to target them. Eric had the hot had and landed the most fish, brit was right behind, Nick could not by a bite so I designated him the minnow boy. Miss also had trouble catching any thing but finally landed a monster sheephead. We ended up keeping 6 fish and letting a few small ones go.
The second trip of the day Matty, Elvis, Jonny boy and Nick went again. My grandson Mathew had the first bite, when I checked his bait 90% of the leach was gone. Then Elvis caught on fire, Jonny boy missed a couple before he landed a real nice one, Nick then got on the board followed by Mathew getting a nice 18 incher for the biggest walleye of the two trips. We ended up with another 8 keepers in the live well with everyone missing and landing a couple fish.
Leaches out performed fatheads by far as both trips we burned through 24 leaches in no time. With all the bait fish/young of the year fish. I be leave a leach is like a piece of candy to the fish. We never tried night crawlers.
I also talked to a few fellow fisherman that did well fishing cranks.
The rest of the summer looks real quiet. Neither of the cabins are rented the rest of the summer.
The big bog festival is this weekend. The potluck in the park Friday night is one of my favorites followed by church in the park Sunday morning then a wild rice pancake breakfast here in Waskish. There’s a softball tournament in Kellier Saturday as well as car show, kids activity’s and two bands Saturday evening. Sunday early afternoon is also the mud runs in the pit here in Waskish, This has really become popular and is always a big turnout.
We then have Hillman’s memorial softball tournament coming July 26 27 28th. there always looking for more teams. They start there festivity Friday with beer ball. Saturday after softball they play tackle football in the mad pit which is again a huge turnout. Hillmen’s also have a band Saturday night. Then Sunday they finish off there softball tournament.
We then have Westwind Corn hole tournament the first weekend in august . I think the hammer and I may enter as she is also using that nick name throwing bags.
Time to get ready for work, again leaches seem to be the better choice of bait.

ust like that and summer has came to a end. I’ll miss going to work at the oak harbor golf course in Baudette.
We did have a few late summer highlights with our granddaughter Britanie landing a elusive yet still catchable 14 !/2 crappie while we were trolling for walleyes. My grandson Mathew catching a fat 18 inch walleye within seconds of throwing his line out. Him saying hey I got one with me saying no you don’t! Only to turn around and say hey maybe you do . Shell chick landings 41 inch pike after throwing a 100 cast with a spinner and 2 minnows. I think I maybe threw about 25 cast before I called it quits. She has always been a above average fisherwoman.
We have started to take reservation for the up and coming ice fishing season. Quite a few or our regulars have already reserved there traditional dates. We have also taken a few new ones.
Talking to The dnr while they were doing there late season test nets. They looked good with a average of 40 fish or so per net. I also heard a rumor of some smaller nets getting quite a few small elusive 5 inch upper red lake crappies erlier this summer. I always like hearing that.
I have talked to a few fisherman the last 2 weeks with some good fishing reports. The last time I was out I got 2 nice fish and lost another.
I’ve only seen a couple grouse so far this fall but have not even been out to my deer stand yet.
Just like every year we have a little work to get the fleet up and running for the season. All the houses will get another detailing with the heaters fired up.
The Minnesota twins have been a big surprise so I’m looking forward to enjoying rooting for them.
Bob, Rick and James will again be up for deer hunting so it will be nice to see them.
I have plenty of organizing to do to keep me busy for the next few weeks.

We have started to see a few fishermen walking out with good success on this very,very early ice. Jake came up yesterday and ventured ou.Walkedt with his 4 year old son Lakken. They managed to land 6 releasing one just over 20 but keeping 4 healthy fat fish. . Jake raves about how much he likes the way Westwind “the premier resort here on the shores of upper red lake” cooks your catch. So I got to enjoy my first fresh dinner of walleye since this late summer.
Most of the resorts planned on allowing fishermen out last Wednesday the 13th but high winds shifted the ice causing a large gap/crack down on the south shore. It was decided to hold up a few more days to be on the safe side.
Here on the east side it also cracked but pushed together causing a pressure ridge at this time. It sounds like it formed in about 4 feet of water.
Our books here are starting to fill in weekends for jan but still pretty wide open in feb. With many weekday openings where I offer 20% off.
Looking at the long range forecast there is a chance we may have our sleepers out the first weekend in Dec, but only mother nature will help decide that at this time. I’m herring a average of 8 inches of ice at this time . I personally do not venture out on the lake until I can drive blue thunder on the ice. So we need about 6 more inches for me.
We still have plenty of prepping to do with the fleet of houses and vehicles.
I be leave everyone has lodging in sleepers along the shoreline at this time.
My good friends Bob and Rick are here deer hunting this week. It again has been a very quiet year. This is tough country to hunt. One of the areas we hunt has a wolf problem which may or may not have anything to do with it.
I moved my bow hunting stand Wednesday. Last night when I got there two deer had at some time walked within 10 feet of my spot. Darn the luck. I have not tried that spot in the morning but may give it a shot tomorrow morning.

Thanks for the reports Cookie! Good luck to you this year! Hunting and Fishing.

for those of you looking for cookie, I was told by a reliable source that he was in a bad accident, has head injuries. he wasn’t found right away either. haven’t heard the full extent of the accident yet. I guess his son is taking over for now but word has it he will be out of commission for this upcoming ice season.

and I guess his son is looking for a hired hand for the winter.

glenn57 wrote:

for those of you looking for cookie, I was told by a reliable source that he was in a bad accident, has head injuries. he wasn’t found right away either. haven’t heard the full extent of the accident yet. I guess his son is taking over for now but word has it he will be out of commission for this upcoming ice season.

and I guess his son is looking for a hired hand for the winter.

Terrible news! I hope he makes a full recovery. I only met him once and a very nice and helpful guy. Keep us posted if you get more news. Thanks for the info Glenn.