The job, he says, certainly beats laying flooring and living in the Twin Cities.
I think I found my retirement job after flooring here!
My 6.2l gmc will be plenty rusted up by then too just to look official up there 
It’s like he wrote it about you, specifically, beads…
The season is underway as tonight will have our first guest staying on the lake.
A few hiccups for sure. That’s nothing new though. its expected. I call it putting out fires. We still do not have the red baron up and running. if my fuel pressure gage does not come today I will purchase one tomorrow,
I got the radiator repaired on blue thunder . there was no guarantee , she still has a leak but nothing like it was. I will have to baby her un tell i can find a new one. The new one ii did pick up was wrong. I saw that coming, so I will have to find a new one on the internet.
I’m not sure what Buddy Hillman will be letting on the lake this weekend but I can bet it will not be 3/4 ton trucks. That cold snap we had helped. Tonight they are saying single digits so that’s good.
The big problem is the fisherpeople think they can go any ware they want?
I have heard of some fish caught so we will have to see how the weekend pans out. I know that Pat and his buddy in the cabin did real well fishing south of here. Neil and his son staying down on shore hooked up with them so they also caught some fish as the first day they struggled.
Today is going to be real busy for us . Wish us luck. a little prayer sure does not hurt.
Our first weekend on the ice was a little slow for us. Chris in North dakota with his boys had some good action the first 16 hours then she just fizzled out.
Dan and Mel had florida for the weekend . They only managed to get 4 keepers. They did have a grand time on a grand lake and will be back tomorrow for a Christmas vacation.
Montana had another customer that has been coming for years . Leroy his son Scott and Scotts daughter Nataly. They only managed a couple fish at best.
California had Joe and his family Kathy,Lucy and Izec? They all ready made plans for next year same dates. Even though the fishing was slow they did enjoy there stay.
Wayne came for old minnesota. We played some cards, watched some movies. Wayne is a dear friend of mine that we worked together in the auto body trade. He came in saturday and sunday to help with some truck windows plus a door on the red baron.. It will make it a little easier to go on the lake with window that are closed.. he lost 3 fish and only landed two.
We moved Larry and Dan yesterday . They have been fishing in kentucky our ice castle. They have gotten a few fish but nothing to brag about.
It sure would of been nice to say limits were caught?
Jonny boy and I got all the houses moved into a new area. There spread out so we will see what happens.
Brian and Stacy checked into montana yesterday. They have also been coming up for years. We also checked in Dan and his buddy Jerry into florida. Later today we will see if they had any action.
Were back to square one with the red baron as we have good fuel pressure. Sure would be nice to figure out the problem.
I ‘m going to pick up a timing light today, I’m not even sure when was the last time I used a timing light. I would guess over 20 years.
Our ice castle Kentucky opened up for this coming weekend 24th 25th 26th?
erry Christmas and Happy new year.
Been a very busy 2 weeks here on the shores of upper red lake. Every year the week between Christmas and new year its the same thing, With wheel houses becoming so popular they started rolling in after Christmas. Yesterday trying to access to the lake at hillmanwa’s was crazy. A gentleman in front of me walked down to the lake to stop the wheel houses and vehicles coming off so the few trying to get on the lake could go. Guess they could of used a traffic cop for a bit. I would also say that 70 percent of the fisher people went to the end of the road?
Jonny boy, I. Plus Jake has been up a couple times have been moving houses ,replacing radiators, spark plugs, etc. If it has a motor we have had to fiddle with them. Every thing always seems to be fine in the summer and fall, but has soon as the temps drop and the wind howls, we run into problems. Its always been a grind fighting mother nature . This year the lake broke up and refroze numerous times causing some very rough bumpy conditions for the fleet of vehicles and houses. Lot of areas for the fishy’s to hide.
The fishing has been a little tough finding the under 17s. We have seen numerous elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies on the internet which should be expected when there is that many lines in the water.
Jonny boy has found his nitch pointing fishermen in the right direction. On the other hand I’m answering the phones while we try to work during the day. I’m also still trying to find my groove, having last winter off kinda threw me through a loop. Also with the covid, visiting with our customers and hanging out a bit has been limited.
The houses have seen quite a few fish over 17, fat and healthy. This lake sure has a great forage base. I have not seem a skinny looking fish. Also numerous fish over 21. I said years ago the fish grow fast here then get stunted I guess I can eat my words now. The houses have also seen a lot of smaller pike? That may be where we had been fishing as it was a newer area we had been working.
With some houses rented during the week we get a little break of having every thing all most rented every day.
Looking at the books we have 3 houses open the last weekend of fishing 2 houses feb 19 20th, 1 house this coming weekend florida had to cancel due to the covid.. We have had cancellation due to covid . I expect we will have a few more. California is open feb 12 13, 19 20,
I also expect we will be making adjustments in are rates.
The red baron is in a shop in black duck. I broke down trying to figure out why she will not run right so I bit the bullitt figuring they could figure it out. The way that’s going that may of been a bone head move.
The big red 3/4 ton busted the radiator do to the bumpy lake. We have decided to have a mount built on her so the v plow can have a back up.
I’m hoping the season can start going a little smoother as we push out to deeper water on this” Grand Lake That Owes Us Nothing”
Going to play the good news bad news game this morning. The Good news. The shop says red baron is running. Bad news the bill from trying different parts. I ‘m kinda funny , my whole car owning life I become attached to my vehicle’s.. My dad owned car lots. Of all the cars I have owned I’ve treated them like a women. Every single one has been referred to as her or she. I think. Maybe not the plow trucks but I think if a guy looks back over the years on my blogs they say she. The plan is to go test drive it “Then Get Her Home”
Bad news had a no show last night. Out 3 nights rental on florida. Same house got canceled last week due to covid crap.
I Plan on calling the missing customer un tell his answers his phone.
Since I started this business I have taken the attitude that things happen for a reason. Some time its hard to figure out why. Example that really jumps out is crashing my car last year when I dosed off. Studying the crash site the car should of came to a dead stop. But buy some miracle. It launched straight in the air.. David was going to go get it that next morning. Figuring out the accident seen. He said my car probably went 30 feet up in the air before landing on all four facing all most facing the direction I went into the ditch.
So for some reason florida does not want to be rented this weekend? I have always been a take it easy kind of person. Growing up in the late 60s, 70s it was peace and love.
Cousin Pete my mentor up here when I fell into this business. He taught me so much . Try not to be in hurry was a big thing. Slow and steady. One year I dropped blue thunder 1 into a crack on the right side. .That year the lake had all these cracks. Buddy Hillman had police tape all over the place out there. Many vehicle’s did the same thing that year. I would bet 8 of 10 got damaged yanking them out. Mostly Tie rod ends.
With Pete’s knowledge we got it out in the dark with no damage. It was not easy either.
The good news we have caught some fish in a fishy area. Doing what’s been nick named the cookie shuffle. The biggest key is to find another area too “RUIN” before the bite peters out. Jonny boy spent some time scouting a few spots while Jake and I moved old minnesota, north Caroline to a new area.
Having just blue thunder I can not take any chances of damaging anything. With chunks of ice out there every ware. I again need to you caution first. The winds after that last big blow packed the snow drifts, then all the Christmas traffic has also created frozen ruts to deal with.. never a dull moment here on the shores of such a grand lake.
My brother Warren was here for a week. He installed a new toilet in the grey house, which was huge . He fished old minnesota all week landing well over 20 fish.. with us never moving the house.
My old helper Tony came up with his 2 kids. They also caught some fish. Tony did do some run gunning type of fishing which helped them go home with there limits.
Kentucky with Dawson and Mason landed a big pike. at some point yesterday. which may explain the lack of walleye in that spot.
Jake also brought his kids up to fish while he helped. He also was able to go to some spots and fish tip ups with great success. Plus some quality time with the kids away from there lap tops/video games. The other big high lite for him was chasing down and catching a lost dog. He chased the poor thing around with his truck and on foot, dressed in ice fishing close including boots.
The last bad news, good news. I injured my shoulder wednesday , by yesterday after moving and cleaning old minnesota and north carolina I was in severe pain the worst I have ever experienced. The dr at the emergency room recommend I see a ortho as the ex rays were negative. Time for a team meeting have a nice day cookie
esterday was a up and down day. The red baron came home, hind site when he unloaded her off the flat bed I should of had him take black beauty to the tranny shop.. would of saved a 100 bucks.
I over did it yesterday with the sore shoulder and paid the price last night. The plan today is to throw orders as we have 3 houses to reset by 2 pm.
I think I can clean and vacuum but I’m going to really focus on not aggravating what ever is damaged.
I’m going to ignore how long, and how red baron was repaired and just be thankful she is home.
I was able to take her on the lake yesterday with out the plow Tough ride as the road is quite bumpy this year do to how the lake kept breaking up and then refreezing. One year she froze like glass. I could of ice skated off our property all the way to the north shore. This year it could not be more opposite. Every year I hope that it will freeze like that again. Maybe next year I will pray more. Might even do a ‘freeze like glass’ rain dance.
Since jonny boy was staying on the lake last night in our canceled the day after they were spose to be here Florida house. I skipped making the rounds with the bad arm.
We did make a big, not so big move . Abandoning the area we were working.
Curtis and his 2 buddies staying in north Dakota hammered the fish Friday night from 11pm tell 3am. Curtis said the bigger the shiner the better. He booked another trip in a coupled weeks with a different group. I explained to him it does not mean it will be like that again next trip.
I can not guarantee the fish are going to swim under our houses then bite your presentation. I can put them in what we feel as fishy areas. I can do my best to have them on a fresh spot but that’s not always a guarantee either.
Mother nature can throw a wrench in things as well as mechanical problems .
California is our furthest house out. Bob And Tiff. They had 5 eaters on the ice and had some decent action on there tip ups. The tip ups were set up for a walleye presentation.
Bob, Shawna there 2 friends Zack, Katie? were in old minnesota. They also have been running tip ups outside of the house. When I stopped in they were having a grand time on a grand lake They had 5 in there bucket with Shawna having the lead with a fat 19 1/2 inch walleye. I think they said they were going to have a fish fry last night.
When I was visiting we determined this was there 11th year. I have said it before, Ben proposed to Shawna in old minnesota all those years ago. Next trip they bring the rug rats.
Kentucky plus Montana were set up for two family’s with kids. I checked in Jake and Katie with there two young ones.
While Jonny boy checked in Brad , his wife there kids. Being I never went back out to visit not sure how they have done yet. There here again tonight so we will see how they did later.
Kyle came late for north carolina. He sent a pic of a couple fish so that was a good sign.
Today the plans is to prep, clean, move 3 houses that are re rented., I also planned on putting the v plow on, being one armed, with out help, there is know way I could put that baby on.
The sky is kicking over gotta go
I saw this so I’m sharing it as it is funny..
THE FISHING IS SO BAD. EVEN THE LIARS DID NOT CATCH ANYTHING.
Any way the fishing has been better then bad. Kentucky and montana had two very nice family’s. Jake, Katie, kids Sophia, Otto. Brad, Beth, Kids Brady darn can not remember the little girls name. Sunday eve into the morning they had a hoot catching more then a few over night. The night bite has been the ticket for us most of the season. 1am to 3am.
there is also a morning bite as the sky starts to kick over. Then throw in the bewitching hour. they had a nice fish fry and took fish home. I was checking in jeff . The kids were out playing in the distance, Brady’s dad threw a football. He dove head first making a spectacular catch, Jeff saw it to as we were looking out the picture window. Reminded me of all the times Jonny boy and I played football with Kyan and his dad Larry. Kyan is I think 1 day apart from Jonny boy in age. Larry was my brother inlaw.
North dakota had a second night of crazy fishing? Again shiners were there goo to bait.
Jeff ,Jessi have been in old minnesota for two nights. They had ate a fish or two ? They also had one on the ice, plus jeff said he missed more then a few. Jessi also lost one off a rattle wheel.
Chad and his 2 buddies spent there second night in california . They had some action “I think they had 5 saved as of yesterday”
Joe and his daughter Page are in north dakota. They have had action also again after or just before dark.
They also have caught some fish. My short term memories is interfering with me by the way.
I know every one has caught a fish or two the last 48 hours.
Jonny boy and Dan the carpet man came to shore to get the v plow on red baron.
I was able to take her on the lake yesterday. She seemed to be running real well. I made the morning rounds plus made a few short cuts in our road system. It kinda funny but I do not lay things out like a neighbor hood. There is a reason I do this ?
I also got to slowly, slowly punch threw some of all the broken ice chunks. I saw a few spots just south of us that looked very very fishy.
Jonny boy and Dan got busy moving montana as I gave the ice castle a good cleaning. “Including my phone”. As I was walking in I reached for my phone in my inside pocket. As I brought it out it caught the sling I’m wearing. Just like a free throw” nothing but ice hole”. I dove as if I was sliding into third base head first. I guess all those years of coaching baseball payed off. With only one arm I somehow trapped it on the side of the ice hole where it got away, I got it again as I gave it the death grip. I rolled away from the hole phone in hand. I quickly got the cover off it, shook any water out of orifices’ then set the edge of it on the defrost in red baron.
Wow talk about some excitement for me. This was all before noon.
I had a meeting around 1 so as I headed in so proud driving my red baron. Just after the bridge some bumps caused the red baron to blow a fuse and just stop running. Jonny boy said it also happened a few time last year, we think it has a flopping wire some where above the spare gas tank.
Its never easy, challenging YA? Fun! Most of the time. Stressful !ya ya! all most every single day plan a can become plan b c d e f g h etc….
Off to say good bye to our guest today, then the plan is to work on the hillmans highway as much a possible without destroying all we have ‘On a Grand Lake That Owes Us Nothing’
Never a dull update from you, cookie. Good reads. And better save on the phone! I swear, those things have an affinity for finding ice holes…
nother crazy busy busy week has gone by. 5 inches of wet snow threw a monkey wrench in things, but as we all know that’s nothing new on such a grand lake.
As the snow was tapering off I was asked to clean up the first mile after the bridge. I would say it is the bumpiest section. The red baron was as ready as we could get.. After talking to my good friend Tom about how to find the short, I relayed what Tom told me to Jonny boy who found the loose wire causing the truck to quit running.
My plan A was back to my mentor cousin Pete “slow and steady”.
Around 3 hours of back and forth moving snow to the south. I headed out to old minnesota. Buddy Hillmans was plowing the next 3 miles . At 4 times the speed of me. As I cleaned up the side road going to old minnesota I had too stop and drop off a few things for Wayne and Paul who would be arriving shortly. when I jumped back in to the red baron I had no heat. I quickly shut her down.
Blue thunder has been sleeping on the lake most of the season . I fired her up, Then headed back to the main road cleaning up our secondary road in the process. While I waited for the guys I continued to clean up around the end of the road as buddy Hillman was finishing the 3 or so miles he had knock out.
When Wayne and Paul showed up I got them checked in. I fired up red baron and topped her off with lake water, I had some heat again so I limped her home. Today Jonny boy will be pulling the radiator. As another one bites the dust.
We had guest all week . With Jake rolling in with the boys to help cleaning, moving, repairing then a little fishing to boot. Not only did Jake enjoy another week fishing. He also got his boys Gabrial and Lakken working side by side with him. There great boys that are learning about hard work, but also fun rewarding work in the great outdoors. The future is in good hands.
Brad Turk came up with his daughter Riley and her friend. Brad was so generous to bring me one of his late fathers Bill Turk a oil painting for north dakota. The painting will spend the next twenty or so years hanging on a wall in north dakota 2 years ago they were able to fish with us spending two nites in north dakota.
I always want our guest to catch fish , some I really want great fishing. That was not the case this trip. Even in a new area on a new spot that miles marker was horrible . Making that side road for north dakota, minnesota and north carolina did not pan out.
Sarah, Carl, Kenny and Terry were here again for they think 6 year. Then Sarah’s nephew was also here again Jake Holly Katie Jeromy. Florida had there best action the second afternoon into the evening where they had numerous bites keeping 10 in there 5 hour flurry. meanwhile Jake seemed to be all landing all the fish in north dakota, Jake landed 2 elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies. plus had his 3 walleyes. Katie did get a 20 incher I be leave.
Jake also released a few fish as he did not want to party fish. Party yes party fish no.
There such a great group to have every year. They always give me some home made breakfast burritos. Plus this year they had 4 for Jonny boy. I cooked two in the oven in old minnesota when I was moving it yesterday. Best breakfast burrito I ever had. Thanks again. Sarah also saved me a french dip that I whoof ed down last night when I came back off the lake at 10. 14 hour day yesterday had me worn out.
Jonny told Alex and his crew in kentucky that if they found better fishing we would move them. About 2pm saturday the phone rang.. we were moving. They ended up catching 10 after the move plus 6 when they found the spot.
Brett and his son Zack were in montana where they took home 5 plus caught a few others.
Jarrod his brother and friend were in california , They took home 7 . They were tickled pink. super nice polite younger guys. They have another trip coming up for the same house.
Yesterday we moved montana, north dakota ,old minnesota then checked in 3 more crews Hope they did well over the last 16 hours. I did stop at minnesota last night with Steve and his dad Jerry. It started off slow .They had caught a small pike and may of lost a walleye at the hole.
I was beat last night so I skipped kentuckys visit as well as north dakota last night.
Well off to say goodbye to the Iowa crew then clean, prep, move florida and montana to new grounds.
The winds did play a little havoc but all in all not bad.. Jonny boy pulled hillmans drag for 5 hours at least letting the winds take the snow off the main road. Our off shoot road had some drifting but with the red baron re routing was easier then moving all the snow in certain spots.
We said good bye to glen. He makes it up a couple times a year. He is right up there with being a better fisherpeople then most and is right up there with greek. He never sets he rod down. He is constantly jigging a purple northland buckshot, totally focused on the vexlar. I’m happy to report he went home with his 3 and his gals 3.
Matt and Casey spent one night. They only managed 2 keepers but said they want to bring the kids next year,
Domminick and his buddy also had a grand time on a grand lake. They left old minnesota in really nice shape which is much apricated . They also had some action just not sure how many they took home. They did eat a couple.
The rest of the day was spent plowing new trails, cleaning, moving, blocking, banking, augering..
Yesterday Jonny boy and I headed out to button up the houses, getting them ready for our guest.
Every thing went well un tell our last guest were on the lake. When the red baron sputtered then quit running. Hitting the key there was nothing there. I had to jump in friday morning? After checking in Jim and Grace Jonny boy towed me home. It seems one of the 2 batteries took a crap . We got her running by jumping the good batterie. I have a new batterie to throw in this morning so hopefully that cure the issue.
We were also able to accommodate a few wheel houses down by us, plowing them there own little fishy areas.
Time to tackle that battery as we say good bye to mike and mark in north dakota. Then plow and pick a new fishy spot for Randy and his crew, On a Grand Lake that Owes Us Nothing.
Where does the time go. I have noticed as you get older time flies buy quicker?
The red baron is in the driveway warming up, with a new battery, a new alternator, a new wiper motor.
I’m again looking forward to taking her on the lake as we keep moving houses on to fishy areas for us and our guest.
We had good fishing in my book s last weekend.
I have been plowing and setting up wheel houses for the past few years to try and help recruit some of the expenses that occur to the fleet. We are always willing to accommodate a few wheel houses. You can have the peace of mind knowing you will be able to safely get off the main roads. I or Jonny boy may even swing buy to check on you through out your fishing adventure. We even can pick up extra supply’s for you while were on shore. For me it has and always will be customer service.
Now for the past weekends fishing report. I set rod up inn his ice castle. he was tickled pink landing numerous fish . They went home with 11 plus a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie.
Dan and Mel also showed up. We had hem over for dinner saturday night. I made smothered burrito’s. So So good. One year I made them in old minnesota for Bob and Jacky. I put the pot of sauce on the stove and gave them directions to stir occasinaly as we did not want the sauce sticking to the bottom. That evening The hammer and brought the rest of the fixing out to the shack. Boy did we laugh. Jacky had Bob and his buddy stirring the sauce all day. The pork was shredded from stirring so much. They were calling her the stir natzi as she rode them all day.
We had Mark and Mike in north dakota. They ate a fat 18 incher saturday morning for breakfast. saturday night Mike sent me a pic of a trophy he caught. mid 20s ii was wrong when I said we would never see trophy walleyes. Mike and Mark were old school buddies from ill. They had a grand time on a grand lake.
Jim and Grace were in old minnesota. They took home there six plus enjoyed there stay tremendously. Grace teaches pre schoolers. She said she was tickled pink to have her kids back in class.
Florida had Dan and keith They also had fish for dinner plus I think they took home 5.
california had Fred and his gal Mel plus there dog. They caught a few fish. They come back in a couple weeks with another couple in kentucky.
Kentucky canceled on us the last minute. We were able to rent friday night for one night. Kyle rolled in from grand rapids with his wife and daughter. When I came back later that night they had 2 more adults and 3 grands kids come up. They also took home some fish saying they will also be back.
We also set up darrin up sunday evening in his wheel house. They left with there 6 monday morning.
Montana had Nick and his crew, they also had our cabin here on land. They caught a few fish but not sure how many.
The hammer and I spent a few hours in old minnesota last night after another cancelation? I’m going to have to change up our policy. I have had more cancelation this year then the last 10 years combined? I landed a nice fat 18incher for supper out there tonight. The hammer is out of practice as she lost a nice fish ,landed a small scuffit. She lost more then a few minnows. She might of even swore? After making us a giant chef salad I had the pleasure of taking a nap while she watched one of her favorite movies Dirty dancing. Tonight we will be having dinner on the chana enjoying the movie jersey boys.
North dakota canceled for the weekend as well as florida and old minnesota. 18 years I have never had 3 houses all cancel the same weekend?
Time to hit the lake. I just talked to Ryan they were in florida the last 2 nights, he said they caught 20 fish and are taking home 12 Quality fish. The 2 young girls each got to catch there first walleyes. That’s just another reason its a grand lake that owes us nothing. Plus another elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie was caught last night.
Jonny boy was making the rounds this morning to see how Don’s crew did over night in north dakota as well as Scott in montana. I have high hopes as again both house’s were on fresh spots
Great report as always. I’m sure covid has a lot to do with cancelations. It’s to bad that they don’t give you much notice but a lot of resorts have been seeing the same as you.
Great report as always. I’m sure covid has a lot to do with cancelations. It’s to bad that they don’t give you much notice but a lot of resorts have been seeing the same as you.
oh for sure thats been the reason on most. Not the end of the world plus it does not change my life style .
We were able to fill one of the 3 houses that got canceled this week.
The hammer and I will be fishing old minnesota again to night. Jonny boy his gal Heather will be staying out in montana if it does not get a customer in it tonight.
North Dakota got snatched up buy Danny and his family. Danny is a electrician so there could be some bartering as were planning on building a shop for the fleet. I hope it all pans out, only time will tell.
I’m headed out in a bit to spend some more quality time in old minnesota. I spent the bewitching hour out there last night. I had 3 rattle wheels go off but nothing there. Ii did manage to get a smaller walleye 13 incher on the chubby darter using the vexlar. he inhaled the lure.
Jonny boy was using north carolina as our scouting house. Sounds like he hit the mother load.
WE set up Jim in his wheel house wednesday. He landed a bigger pike yesterday. 35 incher I think Jonny said.
I also set up Pat in his wheel house. It was in a very fishy area that we had done well at a couple weeks ago.
I told them if the fishing was to slow in that spot we could plow another driveway today.
Marlo and Butch also set up by north carolina.
Don and his crew did so bad Monday in north dakota. I moved the house for them even though it had not been there 24 hours. I put them over in the area that Scott figured he caught over 20 in montana.
Wednesday morning I go out there to say goodbye. They again had poor fishing? Wow how can a house land over 20 fish with the house next to getting nothing.
Andrew, Dave and the 2 boys were in florida for 2 nights. They did just all right. Andrew said leaving the house where it was last fished was fine with him if they could get a discount. They did get enough for a big meal.
I be leave last night was the first night all our houses were open with no overnight customers.
Not sure if anyone remembers me talking about the greek. He came up with a invention that helps load your boat.
When he showed me his prototype 2 years ago I was like that’s a million dollar idea. I came up with a name. The first Mate as you can load your boat with no help. It did not stick but thats ok with me. Its pretty cool as they get ready to launch, they will be donating some of the first profits to big brother. Billy/ the greek mentored 2 young men years ago. James was one of them. He now has become a big part of the new company. I will fill more in as time goes buy a I will also be trying to sell a few to the boaters I get here.
26 days tell another big game fish season comes to a end. Its hard to be leave how fast it has gone buy. We have had house on the lake for 46 days. With 26 days to go its time for that second wind.
Old minnesota has opened up for the up and coming weekend. If it stays open I will be camping on the ice. The hammer and I had a chef salad out there last night, plus a bonus crappie we ate on the side.
Danny jr had released 2 this weekend out of north dakota. The third one was not so lucky as the hammer was craving a fresh crappie. Danny ,Janel and the rest of the family had a good time. Danny did catch a 35 inch pike saturday night. I think it may of been the same fish Jim caught thursday as the house was a couple hundred feet from where I had set Jim up in his wheel house. Him and his wife did ok thursday eve. They had a nice run the last night and got 3 quality fish. After that 2 little scuffits over night.
We set up Pat and his buddy in there wheel house thursday eve. I think they got 4 or 6 keeping 2. I told them I would have a good report in the morning and we could make them a new driveway if they wanted to move? They liked my report so they wanted to move. Upon lifting the house a cable broke. Err bad timing for me as we were kinda busy being a friday. I was able to make a round trip to shore and gather enough things for him to improvise a fix. The new spot paid off . they landed over 20 fish the next 48 hours. 20 fish sound great but when you do the math that 10 a day or 5 per guy? or 1 every 5 hours? The spot they left they got 5 in less then 16hours.
Montana had jonny boy and heather. She had a tough time landing a fish. If I told her once I have told her a dozen times you have to set the hook LOL.
California was a bust for Jarred. They had quite a few bites but only managed to land 2. In hindsight we should of moved them saturday. Jarred said they still had a good time and will be back next year. Its such a small world as Jarred’s dad Donny use to play pool with the greek. 20 years ago.
Old minnesota was only rented saturday due to the cancelations last week. Dick Shawn and there gals did pretty good for 1 night taking home 9. From the looks of it they may of been fishing minnow heads as there were a few minnow body’s under the house. Meanwhile 400 feet away, on a fresh spot Andy and his family can not buy a bite?
I plan on fishing old minnesota every night this week, besides the chubby darter I will be trying minnow heads on a Swedish pimple?
As long as mother nature cooperates. “Knock on wood” we will be staying on the lake chasing the elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies yes crappies. The last 2 years mother nature has thrown a wrench in things so time will tell. The plans are for the gang to go on the hunt the 11th 12th 13th of march. More details will follow. For now we will keep trying to land on the walleye mother load on a grand lake that owes us nothing
Trying to blog has been a little more then tough. It has been a world wind here on the shores of upper red lake.
Mother nature has showed her ugly side. Starting with 1/2 inch of snow then big nw winds came rolling in last wednesday. Once the winds calmed just a tad, the temps have dropped like a rock hitting 31 below saturday morning. Then followed by 29 below, then throw in some more wind. Zoiks does it take a lot out of you and the help. Keeping the fleet going has been a big chore. Jonny boy thinks white lightning blew a head gasket? The hammers trail blazer coil packs decided they had enough. I have been waring 4 layers of clothing.
Hillmans highway has again came threw with flying colors, They dragged the road for 2 straight days letting the winds take the snow into the air. I spent some time cleaning up the landing as it was also blowing shut. Our secondary roads blew in to the point of having to cut new trails to take care of the guests.
Last sunday zack and his brothers checked in to north dakota where the first night they landed 7 walleyes. It went down hill from there. Mike and his family were at the end of the road. They also did not do that well. The fishing picked up a bit with bob and rick taking home 6 before the big winds.
Jackie and her family arrived thursday just as we buttoned up north dakota and montana. Thursday night after dinner they crushed the fish? Just crazy? They landed 7 elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies plus a bucket full of walleyes. Friday they went to westwind for a big fish fry. The fishing continued to be good for them. The biggest walleye I be leave was 22. They also released another 7 crappies only keeping 3 of the 14 caught.
Mean while 50 yards to the north california could not buy a bite with Brandon and Blain. Old minnesota had Harly with his son and grand son. They did manage too get 7 walleyes all under 15 inches.
Kentucky had Andy and Andy plus one. they managed to take home9 and released some fish with friday into saturday having the better fishing.
Florida had Kevin and Rollie where they also took home there 6 even though it was slow they had a grand time as there tradition of staying in florida continues.
Jake was also up to help a couple days last week.. they stayed in north dakota the last night where his youngest son Laken got his first elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. A fat 14 1/2 incher that jake filmed as he released it to fight another day.
We did check in some more guests the last couple days. Due to the extream weather conditions the houses had to stay where they were. I guess they drew the short straw. One of my golden rules when its below – 20. Are number one goal is to try and keep the fleet running with as little ware and tare as possible. It has started to warm a bit with minus 16 as I type.
The hammer has some doctoring to do so Jonny boy will be holding down the fort the next couple days. Sayimg good bye and checking in some more guest.
I went out of Hillmans last Wednesday. It was 32° and pretty mild when we got there but by Friday morning we had drifts over the hood of the truck. We were there just under 48 hours and caught 17 eyes, 3 perch and a pike. The biggest walleye was 17″ while most were cookie cutter 13″ers. Only one fish on a jig, everything else on wheels. Latest I’ve been up there but had fun as always.
The cold snap continues. -32 right now. Yesterday coming back from fargo we stopped to pick up another radiator, yes another radiator for blue thunder. At one point we were down to a car and that was in fargo. Talk about going from plan A to plan Z. The big red 454 is getting a plow mount made . No sooner then we dropped it off white lightning took a shi… Head gasket. Blue thunder new radiator split along the seam, the red baron blew a power steering hose. Black beauty cooked the tranny this fall towing the red baron. I’m not sure why none of these problems pop up in the fall but I think it may have something to do with 31 below.
The fishing report is a mixed bag. Danny boy and Andrea arrived Monday. she was so pumped to land a walleye on her new rod. The first time I stopped in Dan was battling a big pike on 4 pound test. We landed a beautiful 33 incher. They also landed a 30 inch pike. Elvis was set up right next to them. He landed 2 walleyes and a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. Dan and Andrea did finally have a run of fish, I know they landed a 20 and 18 inch walleye.
After they pulled out Johnny boy plowed Elvis a new spot. He had landed a couple fish last night plus as a bonus he caught the fish that took his pole earlier in the day.
While I was gone Brian checked into Montana. Not sure how they did but seeing that some one was spitting chew in the hole was disgusting.
Andrew and matt were in Kentucky they had 2 on the ice when I saw them last,
Dave and Robin were in Montana before Brian . Dave did land a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie Tuesday morning plus they had a couple walleyes in there bucket. They had checked in Sunday. The house was in the same spot Jackie crew fished as mother nature kept us from moving her.
Tanner called yesterday and cancel Florida so she is open tonight and tomorrow. Keith also canceled California.
What was a full house turned into not so full this weekend.
On a side note a gave away a free night in a contest. The winner would like to donate to a kid that would like to spend the night in a deluxe fish house. One that does not get the opportunity to do a trip like this/ so if anyone has someone in mind reach out to me so we can get her done
well where to begin? I guess it would have too be the weather. Its been a battle too say the least. We got the red baron up and running after replacing the power steering line after getting the wrong one 3 times. Also got the new radiator installed in blue thunder. Of course the place I bought the last radiator will not respond to my email. Imagine that.
We also got a call from Barny the fabricator in Kellier he said big reds new plow mount is done, We now have the capability to put the v plow on either truck if one breaks down. Plus I have a straight blade that we can install.
The stupid little ford had to be jumped two morning in a row. 2011 ford will not start but 1988 454 chevy does?
North dakota had Tanner and his crew, the first time I swung in friday they had a pike, a perch, a crappie, and a walleye. Talk about a fishy area. They headed home sunday with a mess of fish.
Kentucky gave us fits with propane problems 38 below. The 30 lb tanks do not work so well. Then johnny boy was changing one out a 6am and the line going through the wall broke. After coming back to town I was able to find a replacement line. Glad I’m a hoarder. Its so hard to throw things away when a parts run is over 60 miles away. Fred, Mel, Jeromy and Denice were very nice about the problems we were having. They did get some fish with some smaller ones thrown in.
Poor caliifornia set empty all weekend .
Old minnesota had Tim and Joy. He is a big part of the take a vet fishing, hunting etc. They had to take a trip to baudett saturday morning as she got a lure in her thumb. The fishing was poor for them only landing 1 walleye.
Shell chick stayed in there sunday, monday .They got a fat 18 a fatter 19 and a couple other fish. They are heading home with there 6.
Florida had our daughter Melissa and her hubby Eric. They also had some action. Boy did I have a laugh. At some time sunday night one of them must of kicked a sock down a hole. When I was visiting yesterday I jigged a line. It felt like a small fish. I told miss so she reeled it in, a nice size 13 sock. Man did I laugh.
We all hung out for valitines dinner. . Last night Heather or feather as Eric calls her landed a 30 inch pike. She must of set the hook. They also had some walleye action landing a few walleyes to take home.
Montana had Mitch and John they managed to take home 5 with a few misses.
Another busy day is ahead as we have more guest coming today, tomorrow, thursday with a full house friday.
With just 7 days of game fish season coming to a close, most outfitters are ready to pull the plug. I think?
It as always has been a grind but what makes it easier is when you love your job.
We did have a guest swing by yesterday Jonny P red lake remote swung by and gave us a ride in his tricked out suburban with tracks. Wow what a machine he has there.
The fishing the past week has been on the great side? Yes lots of limits were caught with some big pike thrown in and a few elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies.
Kentucky had Harley and his crew. They figured they caught 40 fish with 90 percent caught at the bewitching hour or after dark.
North dakota had Sean, Michële, Payton and Geoff. They had a grand time on a grand lake with Geoff landing his biggest fish ever a 36 inch pike on a rattle wheel .Thats 3 feet of fish.
Montana has Justin and his family They took home 7 I be leave but released quite a few as the over 17s were tougher to get.
Florida had Cambie Aron there 2 kids. They also went home with there 12 but did dontae a fishing rod to the bottom of upper red lake.
California had Ron, Ron and James? They also did well but had to leave due too the snow coming to southern minnesota.
Jim and his son had our little house north carolina. they also did well.
Old minnesota had Wayne and Paul two very close friends, We all had a hoot catching and missing fish plus playing a little cards with the hammer up to her usual game. I think with a little practice she could possible win a texas hold um tournament . She just needs to bluff one time every once in a while.
We also started a new program setting up wheel houses to fish in areas we caught fish and or close to our fleet. every one I checked in on did well. Plus picked up a couple supplys for them. More minnows, case of beer etc.
Zack broke a break line when his tire chain came off. Welcome to our world. I came out and we pinched it off with a small vice grip. I’m not sure if he limped it all the way home but he did message and say he made it home.
I had a free night I had given away. The gentalman that won was not a fishermen so he suggested to find a kid that could come and fish John messaged and him and his grand daughter Angela spent the night in old minnesota where they also caught more then there limits.
brian and Stacy were here for 3 nights, They also did well. She sent a pic of there dinner one night. The fish looked amazing. They stated it was better the lobster. They have been coming for years also.
We have also started to look for more then one elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. Harley got one. Marlo got 3 with 2 small ones. Jarrod got 2 small ones. Greg got one . Butch got two ,
I think jake got a couple last week before e he went home. 90 percent of them were released to fight another day or be eaten buy a big pike.
Our big crappie hunt is shaping up to be another grand one on a grand lake. March 11 12 13th. The last 2 years m mother b nature has put a kabosh on it so crossing our fingers it works out this year. I plan on spending quite a bit of time in old minnesiota starting tonight as we zero in on the mother load
Going out with a hot bite for sure. The Wisconsin boys Paul and Evan teamed up with Jake and the boys Gabriel and Lakken figures they caught over 100 fish . Jake ate fish cooked by westwind every evening. The second day with all of our fish Jake took 6 lbs of fish to get them cooked.
The hammer and I spent two evenings having dinner in old minnesota missing more fish then we caught.
Sean, Chad, Dave and Wyatt ate fish in montana the first night. They packed up yesterday with a few more fresh fish to take home.
As the season winds down we start looking for the elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. We have me looking one way , johnny boy another. Then jake going where no man has gone before. Were thinking the spot we have been looking is to infested with walleyes to find the mother load. Fun catching all these fish for sure. Then out of no ware a big old famous fish fools you at the hole. Its been a treat watching the hammer in action. I’m still having a hoot with the chubby darters. Now jake has challenged me to catch a elusive upper red lake crappie with one. I think if I have the right color it could be lites out.
I have a idea where I want old minnesota sunday evning as the season ends. I’m really hoping that spot pans out. Only time will tell but I may know by next monday morning? I might even have to break out the fish call .
I set up Tim with his wheel housemonday .Yesterday if said he caught a fish all day about every half hour.
We also set Ken and his buddy’s up yesterday .They have 7 keepers so far. No crappies though. Pesky bottom feeding walleyes.
Time to get busy for the day as I again plan to wet a line at the bewitching hour with my fishing partner the hammer.
We have california open this last weekend as well as another cancelation This time florida is wide open. She will be on a fresh spot also
The hot bite continued right into the last weekend of game fish season. All our guest did pretty well with quite a few fish caught through out the week into the weekend. The elusive yet still catchable crappie were not in the area with just one here and there. Dan and Mel had good fishing for over a month in the same place.
The last weekend we had Nick, Butch and Jim in north dakota, they did really well thursday evening.
Friday saturday were a little slower but they still caught some fish plus ate a few.
Florida had Rick and Aron friday saturday. They also had good fishing.
Jonhny boy and Jimmy fished california where jimmy figured they landed over 35 fish.
Montana had two couples. they had a blast with there best fishing the first night. They said they would love to come back next year.
kentucky had Joe and Zach and Seg? They use too work with johnny boy and have been coming up for a few years now. Joe just loves it as he also comes up with his dad. He caught a 24 inch walleye the first night , saturday they all had a fish fry.
Old minnesota was only saturday night. with Randy and his daughter Zoey. They also got there 6 fish to take home.
We also plowed a few spots for wheel houses with all of them doing pretty well.
Sunday we moved old minnesota and north dakota for the last night to a area I figured we might be able to land a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. The hammer and I fished in minnesota while I had Ryan and his wife Mollie and north dakota Ryan did land a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie but it was again just a loner. They did go home with the 6 walleyes.
This week we moved all the houses to a new area hoping to find a few of those trophy crappies, Jake was here fishing like a mad man as he just wants to land them, get some picks then release them to fight another day. I would say he drilled over a 100 holes give or take. He finally found a few the last morning he was here. Next weekend we have a few of the guys coming to find the mother load, Jake is pumped as he has found 3 or 4 spots he would like to get everyone fishing.
Last night the hammer got to catch a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie she then released it to also fight another day. It was the only one we caught last night but I got a great picture of her holding it .
This weekend we have our daughter her hubby, grand kids, great grand kids coming up. Johnny boy and I have all the houses set up close together as we all get to spend some quality time together. Once again its time to get busy as we prep for the weekend.
Our small crappie get together proved just how elusive the elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie can be. 2 and 1/2 days of hard fishing yielded only 5 . Jake and I fished the area I first met Jake. One small crappie was caught. We did have some action but they were the wrong specious . Coming in we did talk to a few other die hard fishermen . They also struggled to find them. The walleye population seems to be fine with numerous sizes caught the last few days.
Johnny boy and I were able to get all the houses on land and put into the woods for another year. Its hard to describe how good it feel to have them safe at home. I have had nightmare’s waking up after dreaming that the houses are still on the lake and its all open water as far as you can see.
All in all it was another successful season. We did have some bad fishing but also some good fishing . Catching 20 fish a night in my books would be fantastic. Johnny boy did another outstanding job looking for fish. Plus the many nights spent out there gives a good report of the best times they seem to be biting. Every year is different. This year catching walleyes during the day was all most impossible? There were a few early afternoons where they put on the feed bags but 90 percent of the fish were caught after sunset or early in the morning.
Our good friend Jake also was a huge help ,prepping, and moving houses to fishy areas. He also brought his boys up quite a bit, Laken and Gabriel. Gabriel did a nice job helping out as well.
We owe a huge thank you to all our new and repeat customers again this year. I was not able to visit as much as I have in the past. Lets all hope and pray that things get back to normal as the year goes buy.
Our fleet of vehicle’s had some issues again this year, that is to be expected as the lake can be hard on them at times. Blue thunder had to be limped the last week with a wheel bearing issue, The red baron broke a front axle/u joint. I had decided to get the same v plow mount installed on our other 454 chevy. She does not have the weight of the red baron but did her job.
Our good friend Bill aka the greek launched his new invention. When he showed me the proto type a couple years ago I was like that’s a million dollar idea. It called the Boat load mate. It illuminates using your bow mount catch. Here’s the web site http://www.boatloadmate.com.
Another year is in the books. Again a huge thank you goes out to all the customers and help we had again this year
Time for a fishing report? As the days of the internet ,cell phones etc. the hot bite can be reported in seconds?
I / m not sure why the opener was so slow? My best guess is the fish are eating good with the abundance of bait fish in the lake. My brother Warren from Chicago was here with his friend Roy. We struggled to find a bite. We did manage to get 3 keepers with 2 of the 3 being overs. 2 were caught in less the 4 feet of water? Frank and his crew have been coming for years and they also has a rough opener. Frank said this was the first year they did not have there fish fry Saturday afternoon. Sunday was much better for them and they were able to have there fish boil which is always a treat.
We did send warren and Roy home with there fish but we had to work for those fish.
Josh and his gal came monday and struggled to find biters. Jim showed up tuesday and also struggled.
I did here the bite has picked up with again the shallower the better. With our 20 foot boat, fishing 3 feet of water can be tough some times. We have a full house again this weekend so we will see how the fishing is. Yesterday morning would of been perfect to hit our pre spawn crappie spot but my mowing job got in the way. I may get out the next few days if we get some calm water to target the elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie.
My back did flare up big time last friday so it was a tough weekend to be in the boat. I fretted all weekend that my golfing days may be over? Its is much better then it was so I think I will still be able to swing a club.
Time to head to work Ii see what I can report monday morning
Another weekend is in the books. Buddy Hillmans Dad Shorty Hillman told me 20 years ago. “You have to be honest about how the fishing is it you want repeat customers” Last weekend was hard to report how bad it was especially how bad saturday opener was. The bite sure did pick up starting sunday then carrying to this weekend. Both our groups went fishing for fun as they ate fish then kept some for the trip home.
In hind site when my brother was here maybe we should of tried trolling spinners? Oh well next time.
I never got to our crappie spot ? The window to catch them on there beds is short so I need to get out there this next week for sure. just like every year my golf course job gets in the way, as I just have to golf after work as its part of the pay.
All the kids will be coming up this next weekend. Its always confusing when I try to take them fishing as you can not take everyone on one trip. This year the boat will be leaving the dock 8am sharp then again after dinner so they will all have to decide who is going to go. Its so funny every year Oh I though so and so was going then no one goes?
Been showing the greeks boat loading invention to our customers with boats. Still need to work on my salesman ship.
Our very good friend Ole which is 81 got his turkey yesterday. Big old tom he just sent me a pic.
Well there is a pattern every year. Every year my reports and blogging go by the way side. There are a few reason . One I have 2 summer jobs one at the golf course in Baudette” Oak Harbor golf course” I also do the mowing around here for the township. Throw in a few guiding trips, cleaning our two cabins after guests, plus I’m addicted to golfing makes for a busy summer. The other reason is when it come to fishing reports it drives me crazy when I’m mowing homestaed park and the ball fields seeing all the day trippers launching there boats knowing our cabins are empty. They come from every where. So there you go that’s why my reports are seldom in the summer.
Fathers day weekend the fishing was outstanding in 4 feet of water. Crazy 85 degrees and sunny, I would assume the fish are gorging the young of the year classes. Every thing from baby shiners to baby walleyes plus every thing in-between.
I did get out with our boat named ‘Imagine That’ my best friend Billy boy named the boat after a saying my Granma Olga. She would say in that Swedish accent oow imagine that. I had some leaches that customers left. Headed out to my summer morning spot . Trolling a spinner, 12 feet of water I got a nice 19. A fat 16 1/2 I also missed a couple fish before I called it a day. The hammer and I had a delicious meal.
Jonny boy and I went out yesterday . I missed quite a few fish, I did keep a 16 as we want to have a fish fry again. We also tried shallow, Again I missed a few fish. We did manage to get a couple small ones so I’m assuming the fish we missed were small.
I also reached out to find some friends from my childhood on facebook. Darn if I got a response from my best friend in forth fifth and 6th grade. Paul one of the nicer things about social media. He moved away from colorado. He now lives in las vegas . Soo enjoyed talking to him on the phone yesterday.
We are also became grand parents again. Luka halvarson we cant wait to go see him in mpls. I hope to take him fishing here some day.
Update on The boat mate, my good friend Billy boy invented. I have not sold one but it sounds like there falling off the shelfs. I new when he showed us the proto type 3 years he had a million dollar idea.
Well its sunday gotta go finish the yard work before back to the grind tomorrow
Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Another ice fishing season is right around the corner. Jonny boy will be swinging by later today as we button up a few lose ends on old minnesota, I’ve cleaned the houses, fired up the heaters plus did some inventory of the houses. Again this year there are no pillows in the houses.
This year the phones have been a little quieter, the weekends are starting to fill up with more openings in feb then jan.. North dakota has again been the most requested house. It does sound like we may have 2 ice castles to rent this year also. I will not be taking any reservation on these un tell they are here on property.
The truck fleet as some issue again this year, The red baron started and ran fine this summer but now has developed a electrical problem. Barny in Kellior is taking a look at it for us. Blue thunder seems ready as well as the other 454 . I did fix the window so it stays up this season. Gets a little chilly when the window falls off its tracks and comes down. The black chevy was going to get the tranny rebuilt? That plan back fired as the price doubled to 2800 hundred dollars from last year so I will have to come up with a plan b.
This end of the lake looks like it locked up a few nights ago with lots of chunky ice. No clue how far it goes out that way. Every year I hope it will freeze nice and smooth like it did one out of the last 19 years. Guess maybe next year.
I personally do not like pushing the early ice. With last few nights temps I expect we may be pushing 3 inches of ice. Since we go out of hillmans resort I let Buddy Hillman decide on what and when is allowed out. I did see he has built another new house. I have no details on size at this time.
The new limit starts dec 1rst 4 fish with 3 under 17 and 1 any size.
It’s pretty much a guess when the houses will go out this year. Maybe by mid dec just depends on mother nature.
Jake will again be helping us out this year. I think he had a decent year with his guiding business On The pond outdoors. He also makes some musky baits that are works of art in my opinion.
The hammer and I are looking forward to spending some time ice fishing inn old minnesota again this year.
Everyone have a safe and happy thanksgiving
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Things are starting to pick up here on upper red lake. All the resort are checking ice thickness and conditions as we approach the coming weekend. Most have facebook or web pages they are updating. We team up every year with Buddy Hillman out of Hillmans resort and bar Tall Tale tavern. Sound like they will be allowing just wheelers just wheelers out the the 3 X stakes. Buddy did find unsafe ice, unsafe ice further out. With the mild temps I’m sure it not making much more
Just like every year I’m staying on shore tell I can explore by vechicle.
We have had a few customers staying down on shore in our fish houses that had done all rite, I do not think anyone has been skunked. They save that for me.
We did have a cancelation this coming weekend. I would assume most operators are full. It’s a hassle hauling down hot water for cleaning the houses on shore, but it’s a good trial run every year.
We did acquire a ice castle again this year that has arrived so that one will be going on our web site, I nick named it alaska. cookiesonupperredlake.com;
Yesterday I had 30 phone calls with most of them wanting ice conditions? or fishing reports. Err hard to get things done sometimes. I hate not answering my phone and need to learn to let it go to voice mail.
The fishing report changes every day. One day they are biting well in 6 feet the next day 8 the next day great morning bite. Then a nice window at dusk in 5 feet for a hour. Its fishing you cannot catch any if you’re not out there trying.
Well that all for now have plenty of things to get done today. Everyone coming up just remember common sense is free
Everyone coming up just remember common sense is free
It may be free Cookie, but many times its not all that common 
See you in a few weeks!
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