Memorial Day Weekend

Hey Guys,

This weekend is Memorial Day Weekend. And by that, I mean the first time this year that I get to go up North. I’ve been waiting for this day for quite a while, and I’m counting the hours until I get to take that beloved trip up Highway 169.

This year is gonna be really special. I didn’t get to make the trip last year due to family complications, so I’m really excited to get up there again. It’s insane to see how much I’ve learned (and how much tackle I’ve accumulated) since the last time I fished that lake.

My favorite part of each trip, though, is getting to fish with my Grandpa. He got his love of fishing from his dad, who passed when I was only 4. Ever since then, he’s taken me fishing at every opportunity he’s gotten. This year it’s my turn to return the favor.

I got my boater’s license over the winter, so now I can take him fishing. I already know the lake pretty well, but I want to make sure that this trip goes perfectly.

The lake is 600 something acres just west of Mille Lacs, with lots of weedbeds and docks. The max depth is just north of 50 feet and the water is pretty clear. My plan is to throw Chatterbaits and Spinnerbaits at some prespawn fish around docks and shallow structure, but I want a plan B (and maybe a plan C) in case things go south. The forecast looks like 65 with a mix of sun, clouds and rain.

I want to hear how you guys would fish the lake if you were in my shoes so I can make this weekend as enjoyable as possible for my Grandpa.

Thanks and Tight Lines,

FDCMN

Good for you… great to come of age and return the favor to your Grampa. I always told my dad as long as he could hold a pole in his hands I’d take him fishing. No regrets..

I think your strategy to throw a Chatterbait is a good one. Great search bait this time of year. Good luck!

Also try jigworms and Senkos if they don’t chase the chatterbaits. Docks are not always a great bet on clear lakes. Start fast and shallow move to slow and deep if you gotta—good luck!

One of my favorite ways to work docks, weeds and weed edges is a plastics on a Carolina rig. Cooler water means finesse fishing may pay off. Ringworms, tubes, flukes and swimbaits and if given a choice I prefer the Z-Man Elaztech plastics. Tough as nails, great action and a touch boyant. Ned rigs are killers too.

Don’t lock in to one method – through the spinners and chatterbaits, if it’s slow switch up to a finesse method.

Don’t forget stick baits like the X Rap and Shadow Rap. Those worked best for me last week.

How could I forget those? Clear water killers

JERKBAITS!!!! They absolutely crush. Depending on the weather you might be able to get on some bed fish with jigs or texas rigged creature baits as well.