Well I said I would report back….and I do so with my tail between my legs. We went and picked up bait in Walker and headed out to the lake. It was windy and raining most of the day. Slight mist to a pretty good drizzle by 5:00. We fished from about 10:00 until 5:00. We tried fatheads and crawlers on jigs. Also tried trolling some small reef runners as well. Only managed 2 small perch all day. We started our day by drifting along the North side of Pine Point. Anywhere from 6-12 FOW. Moved up to take cover behind Goose island for a bit while the wind was really blowing. Drifted the southwest side of Goose island, then with the wind out of the North drifted down the east side of Goose island. From there we moved down to the GrandView flats thinking maybe they would be in deeper water. Marked a nice pike or musky hanging on the bottom and got bit off by it. (Saw it on the side imaging). From there we moved up to Big Hardwood Point. “Hid” behind the point and ate a late lunch/snacks (of course fishing while we did so). Moved up on the North side to drift down along the point. It really started to rain at this point and I knew the weather was supposed to turn more severe so we moved back into Walker bay, picked a 18′ hump and sat on top of it. Got really frustrated, trolled along the West shoreline of walker bay in 6-14 FOW and picked up the small perch. Decided to head in at this point. I had a hard time keeping the boat under .9 mph, even with the drift sock I have and I’m thinking my jigs were not on or near the bottom most of the time. I had a 1/4 oz jig on and it seemed like the boat was moving too fast to keep it on the bottom. Casting in the wind seemed like a waste of time as I had such a huge bow in my line when I tried. Definitely had some humble pie for dinner. I have ideas for next trip but I was really disappointed with this trip. I know it was us but I would have liked to pick up a couple fish. There’s always next time as they say.

We ended up on Farm Island Saturday and picked up a few nice walleyes and some sunfish. Ended the day throwing some spinnerbaits and picked up a couple nice pike for the grill.

I just wanted to say thank you to those that replied with info. I appreciate you taking the time to give us some help. Phil, do you have ice houses out there during the winter? What about if we have portables and 4 wheelers/snowmobiles? Do you guide out there in the winter as well?

How did everyone else do? Anyone catch any fish on Friday?

Hey guys, thanks for the information. It’s looking like the weather may be decent after all. I don’t have high hopes but I will definitely report back. I appreciate the tips. Have a good weekend. Nick

I think I will be launching into Walker Bay. I have to see where a good boat launch is. I was going to launch out of Whipholt but I’m going to need to get some bait in Walker.

I’m no expert but my understanding is that with autochart live, as you troll and record it will make your new map live. With autochart you have to troll and record your lake, take the chip out of the unit and upload the information on a PC to convert the information, then when you put the chip back in your graph the information will be there. They will both get you the same information onto your graph but the autochart live will do it immediately, whereas with the autochart you have to upload and convert on a PC to get the info.

Thank you James and Dave for your input. I really appreciate it.

Dave Koonce wrote:

Love my AK-48 made by TUCR !!!

As usual another great episode. I find myself tuning in every Sunday morning to watch the show and live vicariously through you guys on the hot bites. An infant and 2 elementary aged kids will do that to a guy. With that being said I do have one trip coming up to LOTW.

I have a question for you Dave. When you fish the Rippin Rap, do you use a swivel tied a foot or two above the Rippin Rap or do you tie directly to the Rippin Rap? I’ve only fished one a couple times with minimal success. Thanks in advance for the tip.

Eelpout guy, last year we took the bomber from Sportsmans to Sunset Lodge. If I recall it was around 45 min-1 hour doing about 25-28 mph. We had another group that drove around through Canada to get there and we both showed up about the same time.

Thank you all for your responses. Safety is my number one concern.

Bob, we will be camping about an hour west of the river so I thought I’d bring the boat down and check out the river or local lakes. I do have a humminbird that will track my course so I shouldn’t have a problem finding my way back to the landing. That is a good idea though. I’ve never had any issue on the small lakes I’ve fished.

I will look into a boater safety course. I think that’s a great idea. Thanks again! Nick

Quote:

---

Quote:

---

Cal,

On the show you said you were tipping your rap’ with a minnow head. I was wondering which hook you were tipping? I assume the rear hook ? Or was it the treble? I’m sure this is an obvious answer but I’m new to this stuff. Thanks! Nick

---

I use the treble hook to tip with a minnow head. One thing I noticed recently is I started to hook the minnow head thru the skull first instead of from the chin thru head. Seems to hold better if you hook skull first thru the chin.

---

I was out fishing last weekend and lost the minnow head a couple times. I watched it fall to the bottom on my flasher so I know I didn’t get outsmarted by a walleye . I was going to try something different but then I caught a couple walleyes with it hooked the “traditional” way so I didn’t want to jinx myself. I had just picked up a jigging rap’ the week before the show and I can’t wait to test drive it, now that I see how they are supposed to be fished. Thanks for the response. Nick

Cal,

On the show you said you were tipping your rap’ with a minnow head. I was wondering which hook you were tipping? I assume the rear hook ? Or was it the treble? I’m sure this is an obvious answer but I’m new to this stuff. Thanks! Nick

Chris,

I have to say it was fun being the envy of the other fisherman. Rolling in to shore lunch the second day and having everyone come over to check out our netfull was fun….I think they learned the first day what to expect.

This trip was nothing like what I expected. I’m not an avid fisherman, although I’ve been out a decent amount. I was extremely impressed from start to finish with what Mr. Granrud provided for us. I couldn’t have had more fun if I tried! From the fabulous fishing, the entertaining dialogue, and Chris’ expertise I’m hooked on walleye fishing! My dad and I just picked out a trolling motor for the old bluefin and plan to try our hand at catching some down here (twin cities).

I can’t speak highly enough of Chris and Rainy Daze guide service. If anyone is even contemplating putting a trip together don’t hesitate to contact Chris, you won’t be disappointed! I hope to make the trek to Rainy Lake again and hopefully be on Chris’ boat. I already ate the walleye we caught, it’s about time for some more!

Thank you very much Chris, we all had a blast! NapaNick