Well here we go again. Last week we had Tim staying in old minnesota he was by himself and caught fish every day. Jimmy was here again with Todd they also caught fish. We have been doing much better for sure.
Cole with Matt and Dan were in utah for the weekend. The weather was all most short sleeve with the sun and no winds. I pointed them in the direction for a chance at the always elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. With there cheatmaster 3000 fish eliminator, they put the smack down on the fish and took home a limit. They also did well in the house with walleyes.
Rick was here again also they were in north dakota where they had off and on action both days with slower fishing after 9pm. I enjoyed some biscut and sausage gravy with them saturday morning, a french dip saturday eve. so so good. Thanks again for the lobster tails and steak. The hammer and I will enjoy that dinner.
Lucas a nephew was here with friends. The were staying in montana. They also took home some fish.
Eric his wife Amanda plus there 4 boys seemed like they were having a good time. I tracked down some poker chips for them so I hope they played some fun poker. Always fun to see kids playing poker, brings back my own card playing memories as a kid. Again, the old short time memory haunts me as how well they did.
The hammers sister Shellchick and Grandma stayed in old minnesota they took home their limits. Elvis was here again in his house Tennessee he also went home with his four.
Colorado had Steave his dad and another. The guys checked on them throughout the weekend I never did make it to their house. They did go home with some fish.
Nevada had Adam a friend and 3 younger boys. They also caught some fish.
Eric was here with his family in Texas. They also took home some fish. Sorry about the poor fishing numbers but just lost track of how everyone did. Mark was in california they also had good fishing. It was nice to see all the houses had action. With some doing better then others.
It was a busy week as sunday we had a few turnovers. Again the guys are doing a tremendous job without me dictating what or how to do things. I have my way and will always do it the way I’ve done for over 20 years slow and patience. Never be in a hurry.
Banjo Mike showed up sunday for north dakota they did real well taking home 16 with their 4 overs.
Les his wife and their two friends were in florida. We offered to move them the second day but they were good. Les really wants them elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies. They were here earlier this year but the brutal cold and wicked wind got the best of them. Matt was here with his daughter we did move them the second day and Zoie got her first ever walleye a nice plump 19 incher. Tuesday and wednesday the guys got a break with nothing rented so they banged out getting everything on fresh spots for thursday on.
Matty our grandson went out to old Minnesota on a spot I liked. We did well with 13-year-old Mathew catching a 20 a 16 1/2 and a 16 3/4. plus i got a 18 we also lost a few in the 3 hours we fished. The whole team had a fishing contest from 4 pm to 9am as everyone was scouting out new areas. Mathew went to bed with the lead with dusty a close second with three fish all in the 16 range. We screwed up should of stuck it out as 8am the next morning Dusty went out to catch his fourth fish to win it all. It made for some good memories, ribbing,camaraderie on a group chat, on a lake that owes us nothing nothing

I thought it would be cool to show a report from 2016 so here ya go
Just like that and another season is in the books. 79 days and nights on such a grand lake. Every year is different and again this year was different. With the late ice watching all the outfitters and resorts coming up with plan bees to accommodate there clients was very interesting. I had to start right in front of my place as that’s the only place I could find over 14 inches of ice. That shallow water bite can be fantastic and we did have a few nights of great fishing in 7 to 8 feet of water. Getting the houses out to buddy Hillmens highway was a challenge, but with my good friend Marty,s help we were able to improvise and get them over there with out going through Buddys southern berm. From there it was off to find the mother lode. Finding a good late night bite was brutal. Being we rent sleepers I would like the rattle wheels going off all night . We had some nights that the rattle wheels had to be pulled up but not what I have become accustomed to? I found some good fishy areas and the fish would refuse to bite? We slowly migrated out to deeper water driving over millions of fish to catch a few? The sunrises and sunsets never get old and again my phone is full of morning and evening pictures. The red barons v plow got a whole new face lift and was much needed as I demolished it last year chasing the very elusive but still catchable upper red lake crappie. Blue thunder two’s 2nd year on the lake and I could not be happier with its performance. What a great truck.” knock on wood” I expect to get a good ten more years out of her if not more. My good friend Wayne was able to come up every other weekend and we had some good laughs and epic cards games. Mother nature was very kind to us this year as every year is different. The houses flooded just about every ware we set up. Working on the lake everyday was a joy. there were a few cuss words now and then but that’s nothing new. I again met some great people that will or have become life long friends. My goal has always been to have repeat customers .That has worked out real fine as it sure is nice to see them year after year. I never stop learning new things on the lake and Buddy Hillmen taught me a few more things about running a ice road. Helping with Hillmens highway is a treat for me and its sure is nice being part of the team. I had a couple brain farts? One that really sticks out was when I pulled a truck out of the southern berm and then gave the guy my new tow strap and told him to drop it off at hillmens store when he was done with it. I learned a lesson there and will never offer my strap to another fishermen un less they ask. Marty has helped me two years in a row now and still has not experienced the wrath the red lake can produce. She sure can be a eye opener as Randy can attest to when we tried to get off the lake in a white out. We made the right decision and went back to the houses where we hunkered down. Wayne was totally amazed at the wife Kellie” the Hammer ” as she could come out to the houses day or night with all the confidence of a seasoned professional . My working vacation was just that as I went on the search for the mother load of the very elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. Randy and Tammy ended up getting 14 which was pretty darn good. All the houses managed to get a few here and there as I kept moving them . I never managed to land on the mother load like last year when the hammer and I got 27 in a hour and a half the last night old Minnesota was on the lake. Oh well there is always next year. This year I changed up gears and kept my mouth shut in preparation for my crappie hunt. The crew were all rolling in last Thursday and I did not want to be over whelmed with fishermen like last year. It could not of worked out better as the fishing was outstanding with over a hundred elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies caught and released to fight another year. Jake and Gabrial kept 4 for a meal. Ole kept 5 to take home. The hammer and I kept 7 total since the end of walleye season. Brady, Shawn, Wes, Joff kept a couple for a fish fry Saturday night. Florida, North Dakota and Montana all caught some elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies after dark which was great to see. Old Minnesota had Don and his buddy and even after moving it Saturday it still did not produce a elusive upper red lake crappie. Don did land a dandy pike on his rod and reel and that may of been the reason there were no elusive upper red lake crappies under the house. Adam / Ginger ended up with only 4 and is still looking for that wall hanger. Tim and his son Leon managed to get 11. The guys in the white ice castle got 6 after I talked to them and gave the suggestion to move. Randy fished the exact same holes he fished where they got the 14 and got skunked. It sounded like Buddy Hillmen found the mother load with some clients / friends and caught 70 while his other group got 45 Saturday into the evening. Yesterday morning I headed out to bring the fleet home. The timing could not of been any better and it is such a relief to have them home and on shore. I slept like a baby last night as all the worries associated with having the houses and fishermen out there were gone for another year. The liter I picked up last year has been nothing like this year. Thank you fishermen as the word has got out that it will not be tolerated. All the outfitters and resorts are on board and not afraid to make a phone call if need be. It may sound kinda of funny but I’m hoping I can spend a few more days out there in blue thunder policing the lake for liter. There is nothing worse then seeing that crap floating in the water and washing up on the beach. I huge thank you goes out to all my customers as with out you I would have nothing to write about . As Dave the old timer said it a GRAND LAKE AND It Owes Me NOTHING! NOTHING!

Ole ,Marty and I are headed off to low to do some pike fishing tomorrow. Wish us luck

Share this:

There is no way I can remember who were in which houses the past 8 days. I will try and share some of the highlights and lows of the past week. Sean and Jeoff were up staying in Florida. There uncle Paul were in nevada fish house he had two friend’s relatives from sarsota florida. Very interesting guys to visit Both had raced boats plus one was a boat mechanic the other now a captain that transfers boats up and down the eastern coastline. The stories they could share. I could have visited for hours but it did not work out. Sean and jeoff had some friends catching walleyes and elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies 2.7 miles from us. They ask if it was possible to move the house. Thats quite the distance to move a skid house cross country with no plowed road so we gave them a option that we could bring a wheelhouse utah out there as the house was no show. They decided to go out with their hub. The next morning, they decided to head home a day early. We did get his uncle paul moved in Nevada to a new spot where they did manage to catch a few more fish. But no elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies. Bob the owner of colorado was also her for the weekend .After catching a couple walleyes wher we had a couple houses the moved out to a area they would have a chance for a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. They did manage to get a few plus a few more walleyes.
Alaska had the owner John here. They did manage to catch some fish and had a grand time on a grand lake.
Old minnesota had Brian and his gal Sarah here for her birthday they also had there 2 friends Eric and Amy staying in montana. They had a riot figuring they caught well over 50 fish between to the 2 houses there were already planning to come again. That has always been my goal, good fishing or bad to have clean comfortable houses, on fresh spots even if it just the cookie shuffle in a fishy area, Nice and warm when they arrive, spend a little time visiting with them. being a good host. possible moving if the fishing is horrible depending on conditions, vehicles, weather etc. The guys Jonny boy, dusty, and Dave have been getting nothing but compliments from our guest which makes me feel real good.
We had Travis and his family in Texas it was a little slow but they did get some fish.
California and cabin were a no show as well as Utah and Tennessee. The guys we had for Utah and Tenn. They were here last year, we gave them a heck of a deal as they came from Oklahoma with some vets. They did not even bother to call. North Dakota had Josh they also caught fish and had a good time. We had a few guests the last few days, Jonny boy offered to take a couple of them out the chase elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies. One that came along was a 12 year old that got to have some if not the best fishing ever as he landed 10 of these special fish. The 3 of them ended up catching 27 total in 25 mph winds. We again had some crazy winds that again have made some good drifts around the houses you never stop battling mother nature here on the shores of upper red lake.

Mother nature decided enough was enough and reared her ugly side Starting Friday. The winds came in with a relentless fury. The drifts started to build around each house throughout the day right into the evening. After two days There are 3-foot drifts that you can drive right over with a truck the snow is packed so hard. I do not quite understand the science of how the wind can do that.
I was out friday evening fishing with our good friend Wayne. A pulled the plug around 10 pm. I had to have Jonny boy escort me off the lake blazing a trail with rusty trusty and her v-plow.
We did have two no shows that really put a sting on us. I have always done a handshake over the phone rather than have most customers send a deposit. But having 2 full time guys. Me not doing any of the manual labor. From here on out we will be having a new policy. We do take Venmo at this time as well as mailing deposit. The future we shall also plan on taking credit cards. The part that really stung is MLK weekend has always filled fast with many many many calls that I refer out.
Wayne and I probably had the worst of the fishing. We did miss some bites. I lost a nice keeper at the hole as I did not want to take any chances with my back so tried to hoist it out. We did have a grand time laughing, playing cards, reminiscing having a couple cocktails with diner in old Minnesota.
Tennessee had the owner Elvis he did go home with his 4 plus released quite a few fish.
Florida had Terry, Sarah, Ken and Carl They have been coming for years. They also had a grand time. They went home with almost there limit plus let some bigger one go. They always bring me a few homemade breakfast burritos and venison sticks. They said thanks are headed home already planning on coming again next year.
California had Som Courtney and Oliver their dog. The figured they caught 15 fish.
Andy, Andy, Sam the rest of the crew caught fish plus had me over to try some eel pout and Venison, the eelpout was good but the venison back strap was cooked to perfection so so good. They had Colorado and Utah again they have also been coming for years.
Our granddaughter Asley poo her Hubby Justin and our newest great grandchild Wesley 7th generation on the lake fished in North Dakota They also caught some fish but released them for another day as they don’t eat many fish. I guess next time I make fish I will tell them it’s chicken.
Momata had Ryan and his crew. They also did well even though quite a bit of time they were fishing for a phone that they did manage to get back.
Texas had Kaiti hubby Jake? plus the kids they also got some fish, but they also had a slower house.
Our houses never had the chance to release a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie the weekend as none were caught. If you happen to get one where we are fishing more than likely it will be over 15 inches and a loaner chasing some shiners, once there that size, I assume they would be hard to eat from any fish looking for a meal. We do have a couple guest we are waiting for today. They drew the short straw as We have not started to again move houses do the cold. The high for today has been -19. We can give them a couple options with one being a house further out that our friends D and D ice fishing that did well on some elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies on a grand lake that owes us nothing

Well the guys are out there again today doing what they do. I have no idea where the houses are headed too but will know later when I venture out. Yesterday I did venture out on the lake and made my longest drive. Theres some ruts under the snow that got made when we had that very wet slushy 3 inches of snow earlier this year. Most of the time I was in 4 2-wheel drive in black beauty still being able to go all most anywhere. I checked on a few other ice roads that nobody owns. Never know when you get lost in a white out. Jonny boy and Dusty Did take four of our customers staying in our houses out to chase the mother lode of elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies. Chris and Kieth from nebraska. Keith landed 7 without any vexlar. I guess he was a good listener. Cody also was with a friend. Everyone else got too at least catch one. They found a nice school but once the noise starts, they will take off. If you can get a couple! Sometimes it can start a flurry/feeding frenzy. Some of the best fishing you may ever have, other times they just swim away. Thats when the cheatmaster 3000 fish elimanator comes into play. It’s still fun working as a team catching an sometimes releasing such a beautiful, thick, big, iridescent colored fish. We always keep a couple as the hammer would rather eat them instead of a fresh walleye. I will keep encouraging fishermen to not take ten apiece, but they sure can as that is the limit.
Tim and Laura also had a cheatmaster, staying in montana the first night they did get 4 to eat. Never got to see how they ended up but did get to visit for a bit yesterday. I think the boys also had moved them? Texas had Elliot and his crew. I never stopped in but I did talk to him, a little sloww but they enjoyed the stay said they will be back. We only have 4 groups out there tonight so we shall see how they do. Lots a planning the next few days as a cold windy fronnt will be blowing in. This is the weekend I guy could of rented 50 houses as it martin Luther King Day on Monday. The guys might get a chance to catch their wind as we only have 3 houses rented wednesday at this time. Customers are still complementing the guys so they must be doing something right on this grand lake that owes us nothing

First, I would like to thank all the old and new customers we have had this past week. Last Saturday Jonnny boy took Customers from the houses that wanted to go after some elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies. Him and Dusty took them out on the search where I think everyone got to catch at least one of these special fish. Sean A few other groups on the internet put the hurt on them the past 10 days. Most are caught outside of the house as you have to work for them to get them. The cheatmaster 3000 fish eliminator has made it a little bit easier, but as they all like to say, “You still have to get them to bite” I just roll my eyes and say “righhht”. Jake is just itching to get up as he has a passion for catching these fish as well as Jonny boy plus quite a few others. Colorado did get two out of the house as well a California also got at least one. If any others got any I did not here about it. The walleye fishing did get better as The boys again made big moves with the houses. Tami, Tony and the two boys. The first night they managed to get a good fish dinner. Jonny boy and the crew moved them where they figured they caught a total of 20 fish for the weekend. Ice castle John only managed to catch just a few but they will be back. Florida with Josh and his wife also landed two elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies. I cannot read some of my notes as the days of remembering names and events are just a little harder. I’m 65 not 80. Dusty house has again been spitting out nice walleyes during the day. 2 of our customers fished in there. They got there 8 fish from noon to 4pm and headed home.
Alaska had some excitement as one of the guys dropped his money clip down a hole. They were able to land the magnet on it, but the clip was not metal. They were fishing for it all weekend but did manage to get it the last day.
Rick and his crew in north dakota went home with 11 very nice fish 1 shy of their limit. They were here to redeem them self’s from there last trip. Gave the guys a nice tip that was greatly apricated. Les was here with his wife and another couple they drew the short straw when the temps dropped and the wind picked up to gale force. They ended up packing up a day early. I plan on calling them today to see if they would like to come back for a free night.
We have had a few guests this past week starting sunday. All the house moves started to pay off with every house getting some action. We have Chris and his buddy up from Nebraska they are having a grand time on a grand lake. Paul and Bob? had some action in florida.
My back has again gotten better than it was last Wednesday. I think maybe pulled a muscle. I was pretty bummed when I woke up friday and she was still hurting pretty good. I did spend the longest time so far on the lake yesterday I checked in a new couple, visited Paul. Todd, Jimmy B B in California. I also visited Tim and his wife I think this may be their 3rd year. One of the nicest things is spending time with the customers even though I’m struggling a bit with names. With guest out there last night no phone calls are always a good thing.
Jonny bot had a flat on rusty trusty of course it had to be 5 miles out so we ended up picking up 2 new tires just a heads up there now made of gold, Zoiks!! very expensive. One of my best friends Wayne will be coming up this weekend, so I am expecting some good laughs plus a few good hands of cards on as Dave an old timer that use to host viking players up here. Its A Grand Lake That Owes Me Nothing Nothing in a very loud voice with spit shooting out his mouth while we fished in old minnesota that day such a long long time ago.

Its been a busy week coming into this weekend. Jonny boy, dusty have been basically moving houses nonstop. It drives jonny crazy when the houses do poor, which I also know that feeling after over 20 years of stopping in to check and visit customers,
The fishing did pick up as the weather warmed and the barometer pressure started to drop. I have heard of a few groups landing on mother loads of the famous elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies. We have had one here or one there but know big school the past week. We were able to find a few more walleyes than a week ago so that’s good news. All the houses were on new spots as of yesterday but Jonny boy and Dusty are out there moving houses with customers that checked on Thursday and even yesterday, I think. It a lot harder to report happenings on the lake when you’re not participating. We do have a nephew with his wife Liz and the 2 kids staying in minnesota They have had pretty good action as they had caught over 10 fish when I visited with them yesterday.
The back had been feeling better every day. Walking down to the lake without having to sit down was very encouraging. I was daydreaming that I may be able to spend some time in Old Minnesota next week. Not sure how I would catch a fish without bending or twisting? That changed a little tuesday when I was in our laundry room doing what I should not be doing. I knocked over a gas tank that was off a generator. I twisted and reached out to grab it. Not a great idea as a did something That really aggravated a muscle or something. It slowly gotten better each day so hopefully I’m fine, she still hurts but nothing like it did Wednesday .That should or better of been a wakeup call to think before I do anything. what I was doing I should not have been doing so I hope it’s a good lesson learned.
I have talk to all the customers over the phone today with just so, so, fishing. A couple houses have caught a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. There’s been a few larger walleyes in the 19 to 21 inch range. A lot of dinks or small ones, Alot of misses, a lot of rattle wheels with nothing there. No complaints so that was good. I’m going to venture out there in a bit but do nothing that could set me back. I need to visit a few people out there. Including Jon the owner of Alaska “On A grand Lake That Owes Us Nothing”

It was a very hectic week for us this past week. At least for me. I did go out on the lake late saturday eve. I was able to find North Dakota and Old Minnesota with Rick and Matt. They each did a trip in a snow bear while they were here. The bite was tough this past weekend. Old minnesota did catch 12
elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies. Matt said there was a school of elusive crappies under north dakota when they were on their snow bear trip. Most of the house just had tough fishing with lookers but not many takers.
Tim and Amanda were in Montana. They have also been coming here for quite a few years, they know how to catch fish. They did pretty good and did take home 8 nice fish plus 2 elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies plus a couple nice perch. We did let them fish in dustys scout house where they got a couple of the fish. Amanda said she figured they caught over 40 fish. The rest of the houses this weekend only caught some fish. We did check in new customers sunday and yesterday. All those houses have started get a little more action.
I did celebrate my birthday on the 5th and our 47th year in marriage on the 6th. I do not understand how she handled me all these years. I know i can drive the hammer a little crazy sometimes. I’ve always said it was love at first site as I passed here going down some stairs at their house when I met her brother. The back seems to be getting better as I have walked down to the lake a couple times without having to sit down. I still have to be careful with the bending and twisting as I can tell the next morning if I have overdone anything.
Dusty and Jonny are doing a great job without me throwing around orders. I’m still struggling with a foggy brain, I’m thinking some of it has to do with the pain pills so we will see. I still want to stay off the lake as much as possible as it is a Grand Lake That Owes Us Nothing
.

Welcome to the new year. I’ll start by saying thank you to all our customers this year and last year. This weekend we still have a couple of our houses available. Texas is the nicest ice castle we rent out. It has a slide out a large kitchen counter a fireplace, oven, microwave, indoor biffy, can sleep 5. Tezas is only open one other weekend this year feb. 7th weekend. The second house we have open is the yeti Tennessee. she is also a nice house with oven microwave indoor biffy tv dvd player can sleep 4.
My fishing reports are much harder to write when I’m not spending anytime on the lake with our customers. It’s always such a treat when I step in to say hi and someone catches or misses a bite while I’m visiting. Kristeen and her son spent 2 nights in the Teneessee. They caught just enough fish to keep him entertained. She said they will be back, which has been one of my goals all these years to get repeat customers. Sometimes I do things a little different than other outfitters and or businesses. I’m fine with that. If it works why change
Bobby and her pup were in Montana she got a few fish 13. She also had a couple friends that set up their wheelhouse close buy. They may be heading to lake of the woods.
Old Minnesota had mark and his wife Julie. They did some fish.
Brian had 3 kids here for a night They are playing a hockey tournament in Bemidji they did get a few last night that they cooked up.
The guys in north dakota were friends of dusty . I know the boys moved them to a fresh spot yesterday.
The boys have another busy day cleaning and moving houses for the coming weekend. Last night California had a school of the elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies. Jake called me last night and wanted to know the limit. Utah checked in late so we will see how they do there here for a few days.
I get the stitches out of my back today or should I say staples. I’m not good with pain and that sounds painful. The back is tender to the touch , I also think I should still stay off the lake. I’m defiantly brain foggy. The hammer figures it’s the pain pills I’ve been taking. Some up here call this week still he$$ week. The guys have been doing great I’m assuming there working like a fine-tuned piano, A well-oiled machine. I know we had a couple generators go down, so Dusty is taking care of that.
A few other houses have gotten an elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie on a Grand Lake That OWES Us Nothing Nothing,!

Jonny boy and Dusty have been jumping since Th 26th as this is always the busiest week of the season. It’s impossible for me to keep track of all the customers we have coming and going. I can say the houses have had some slow fishing, decent fishing plus some epic fishing. I would say 90 % of the fish have been caught pre-dawn, dusk and throughout the evening. The rattle wheels have been active . Tim And Joy are here for a few days. The first night they never heard the rattle wheels. They had a exciting morning landing a 19-inch walleye with every rattle wheel stripped and tangled into one gigantic nest of fishing line so they never heard 4 rattle wheels.. When Jonny boy had time, he went over to the shack and put all new line on them.
Chang and his crew had Texas our biggest ice castle with the slide out. They loved the house They caught fish all three days with the last night great fishing. One of them also caught A bonus elusive but still catchable upper red lake crappie. One of the other houses managed to also catch one. Colorado’s owner Bob was here for a few days they went out searching for the motherlode of these elusive fish landing 5 the first day.
Matt was here for montana a couple nights with his daughters. They have only caught a few fish here’s hoping they did better last night. Not working on the lake leaves me lost when houses are moved and who’s in them. I think the girls wanted me to come out and swallow a live minnow for them for luck.
Logan had a crew up last Thursday Friday Saturday they had 3 of the houses rented I think they all went home with a limit plus cooked a few.
Boar and Lori were here for the weekend I met Boar at westwind for a few pieces of fish as he had gotten there fish to go.
There has been a little benefit from not out on the lake working. I can manage the books take care of endless phone calls and message’s. My fishing reports are a whole different thing as not working or being on the lake I almost have no clue what’s happening out there. The fog rolled in last night. I would have a very slim chance of finding the houses out there at this time. I have not driven blue thunder on the lake this year. Shes my baby and has been a great truck for many many years. Rusty trusty I have not driven since summer. The red Baron just sits there wishing he was fixed.
I have talked to a few customers this morning plus Jonny boy. Darrin, Dan, Mel all fished last night. Everyone said the fishing was slow with lookers just swimming away. If you even touched the line they were gone. But at some point, today someone will have had great fishing? Upper red lake has given so many people the best fishing of their life’s. Thats just one of the reasons that make her such a grand lake.
The back feels just a little bit better it still hurts if I get into black beauty. I was thinking at some time today I would like to sneak out there and see how it feels. My drs orders are no bending, twisting or lifting anything heavier than a gallon of milk.
The guys are doing a great job out there. I’ve only had one complaint .

Merry Merry Christmas to all.
I do have a fishing report from the few fisher people.
Sam and Allie in Montana have put the smack down on fish yesterday. When I stopped in for a brief moment, they were up to 25 fish landed. Another Sam staying in Florida fish house he got 6 Monday, Jordon and Maranda arrived for Florida yesterday they had caught a few.
Elvis came up to use his house Tennessee. Yesterday he caught half a dozen so far and lost a big fish this morning. Josh was here with his crew in Colorado. There are friends of the owner of Colorado. They were here Sunday, Monday and limited out.. Is nice giving out a better fishing report. Mel and Dan are up here in there house. Mel has caught way more than Dan but Dan is getting all their rentals ready D @ D fish house rentals on upper red lake. Starting tomorrow Jonny boy and Dusty will be busting their a$$ off. Darrin will be coming back up to help out. Were pretty much full un tell jan 2nd. Darrin and Dan may have something Dan’s taking the reservations his phone is 218 428 8904.
Yesterday I did venture out on to the lake with black beauty, the back did not care to much for that. Driving very slow I felt every bump. I did get to stop and say hi to Sam and Allie then I bee lined it back home. I need to be patience period.
Hillmans highway is now over 5 miles straight out. Wide enough to land a 747.There is not much broken ice this year as they did not have to bust through but a couple very small area’s
I would say the average ice depth is 16 inches. With this warmer weather coming we will not be making much ice on a Grand Lake That Owes Us Nothing!!!

Share this:

This past weekend was the first weekend to have all the houses out on the lake. It was only the second time in over 20 years I was not driving blue thunder with a house in tow. The last time was the year I broke my back and ribs in a car accident. Most are measuring 15 inches of ice. Hillmans are allowing 1/2 ton with single axel houses out at this time.
Jonny boy and Dusty got all the house’s set with no issues. It sure can be nice when things work like a well-oiled machine.
Due to my back surgery, I had last wednesday. The boys are in charge of anything dealing with the lake, houses, vehicle’s etc. I think there was a little issue with the boss plow on blue thunder. It just stops working Dan seems to think there are some wires that are really tight and need some slack.
The boys have also been helping Buddy Hillman with plowing the superhighway. They had 2 houses to move today then Jonny was going to go help do some more plowing. They have over 6 miles if I’m correct. I tried to drive out there yesterday, but the back was just too sore so the smart thing to do was turn around. There was one crack 1/2mile out that could become a pressure ridge when the weather starts to warm. The south side of the road has a big berm, and water was starting to ooze out from underneath making it a bad idea to attempt to cross. The weight of the snow will crack underneath sinking the berm and creating an open slush pocket hidden under the snow. I cannot count all the times vehicles have been jerked out of it. By no means should a person try and drive across it. She cracks every year.
Logan and the guys had Colorado, Texas and Utah. We used to rent logans Dad’s house kentucky years ago They figured they got over 30 fish.
Lonnie spent Saturday in old Minnesota they only got a couple fish.
North Dakota had A friend of Dustin Rick They caught a few fish.
Montana had Dave they got a couple 6 or 7
Alaska and Tennessee also only caught a few fish.
California did really well with Josh.
Florida was a no show without even a phone call he will go on the do not rent list if there is one. Nevada just had one person not sure how it did.
I guess it’s not always as good as we want for fishing. I can tell you it’s not from lack of trying.
We have a few turn overs today so we shall see if it picks up.
My back is pretty darn sore at this time as I’m on restrictions of no lifting, bending or twisting. The pain meds make me puke. Driving to Fargo last Tuesday I almost turned around a couple times.
I have to adjust too not having things my way as I’m sitting on the sidelines for now? I look forward to greeting and visiting customers this winter but for now I’m holding down the fort with the reservation book.
Were all full next weekend except Nevada opens up Friday the 28th. We do have a couple houses open through the week of Dec 22 to Jan 1 2025 but not much. Nevada 28th29th Texas 29th 30th Old minnesota 31rst and new years day.
None of our houses caught an elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. A couple of eelpouts were also caught on a Grand Lake that owes us nothing

Thanks for all the prayers etc. I did make it through the first part now we will see where it goes from here.

It sure was nice having the weather warm up for the weekend -19 was just a little brutal Just a little.
A big thank you to all We had quite a few guests the last few days. THE GOOD NEWS THE FISHING WAS REAL GOOD WITH SOME spurts of great fishing.
Jonny boy took a few different guests to some way points that he has, they all caught fish. He loves those waypoints as they pay off more times than none. I few even got to catch a couple elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies.
He also shuttled a few people that had no machine to travel. We did take Cailfornia out on the lake for Ozzy and the crews last night. The been coming for quite a few years and is one of their favorite trips besides the angle.
We also put Tennessee and Utah on the lake yesterday. Chad and the guys took their wheeler to the house after fishing for a few hours. I have not spoken to the guys in Utah at this time.
It was nice having our guest this past weekend. I’ve lost some of my touch with remembering names as my old method does not work as well as it use to.
Jonny boy and Dustin are working well together as Jonny makes decision on ice and house placement. We do have a opening for our newest house Nevada. This coming weekend. Our friends dan and Darrin that have been helping us for years have decided to get into the business as well so they still have a few openings this weekend coming up. D@D ice fishing.
I expect all the houses will be on the ice by this coming weekend Jonny went out on the ice to move Utah for the guys as they only caught a couple fish last night.
Scott a nephew had has smaller house on the lake this past weekend. It started off slow but yesterday they had action from 3 am to 7am then another nice run at 9am.
Sean Geoff and Jay also had dollied there house out. They figured they caught 25 fish saturday in the house with no heat.
I did drive blue thunder off the lake saturday. She had a defendant miss so that needs to be addressed. Jake will be rolling in tomorrow night for a couple days of helping out as new door needs to be installed on North Dakota so she will be coming out of the woods onto the ice to get her level.
Tomorrow, I head to Fargo for my back surgery, getting a little nervous but I sure hope and pray it helps me Walk more then 300 yards at a time as I do not want to give up my summer jobs and golfing. Having passions makes work so much easier in life

It’s a busy time as most of the resorts are in the process of getting houses on the lake. I did not make it to church sunday as I always request a prayer for all to have a safe and successful season on a grand lake that owes us nothing.

Being superstitious friday the 13th is never a favorite day for me. I learned to accept it as just another day.. At 19 below this morning any issues can be blamed on the weather.
Shelly and Bob from montana staying in our fishhouse nick named montana started yesterday morning with there side by side in enclosed trailer with a dead batterie. Battling 19 below here on the shoresof upper red lake are always a eye opener. When he tried to open the seat she did not want to budge. After retrieving a batterie charger trying to hand it to Bob I broke the red clamp off the charger welcome to 19 below. They decide the best option would go buy a new batterie in Baudette. They ended up out on the lake buy noon only to get skunked as moving after getting set up was not a option.
Ozzy and the boys in California did find a few fish. They have been coming for years and might get a surprise if jonny boy decides too get her onto the lake on fishable water for the evening bite. Yesterday morning when I stepped into california there was a snap in the door. It broke a metal hinge. Welcome to 19 below
Dane and his buddy staying in Chris’s Custom fish house also found a few again. Battling mother nature, moving after getting set up is not a great option. Welcome to 19 below
Our nephew Scott decided to take is small ice castle onto fishable water so we will see how they did later today. His brand new 4-wheeler did not start welcome to 19 below.
Bob showed up with colorado last night so he will be using his house before he leaves it with us for the season.
Darrel staying in florida coming up from Indiana lost a wheel on his truck just 7 miles from arrival. The tow truck brought his trailor here before taking it to blackduck for repairs. His john deer tractor would not start yesterday morning welcome to 19 below.
One of my golden rules was I do not move houses when it 20 below for a reason. Mother nature at her finest.
Our help rolled in for the season Dusty. Dusty and jonny boy will be taking her on this year as I recover from my back surgery coming up.
Today the plan will be able to take a couple of the smaller ice castles out too fishable water.
I have seen a couple of the elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies with two close friends getting a couple on their adventure.
Today we wave to mother nature goodbye 19 below on a grand lake that owes us nothing.

well well where to begin. The fishing started off a little slow last week but boy did it pick up as the weekend went along. Yesterday Rizo and his gal figured they caught over 50 fish. Ed arrived yesterday and did well just a little way out. Most of the crews staying down at the lake all went home with limits plus a few had fish frys saturday eve.
I did see a pic of where a side by side dropped a track into a crack and got hung up. I have seen that before when they drop in the track will get hung up under the ice and make it impossible to drive out. No one got hurt or even wet that I know of.
I have also heard of some larger areas of only 5 inches of ice so pay attention to the resorts that ask you not to go exploring beyond their boundaries.
We have gotten 2 to 3 inches of wet snow since yesterday so it is any one guess how this is going to affect the ice condition? Mother nature and time will determine that. If you are venturing out just common sense would be a good thing to have.
Jonny boy has shuttled a few fishermen out that have come with no machines, Dusty should be arriving for the season so he may be able to help also. The phone has been busy off and on we still have many nights open for sleepers.
Our good friends Darrin and Dan have started with a few houses to rent this year D and D fishing. Darrin 218 390 1949 Dan 218 428 8904.
Jonny boy is doing a fantastic job keeping everything running smooth. Making it much easier on my older bones.
I’m going to give blue thunder her first work out in a bit.
The temps are predicted to nosedive in the next few days on a grand lake that owes us nothing but keeps on giving

Just like that most of the resort are allowing side by side and under out onto the lake. You still need to use common sense. If it does not look right do not drive onto to check it out.
We do have a full house this weekend and will have some fishing reports from our customers.
I’m hearing reports of 9 to 10 inches of ice. I’m sure Jonny boy is itching to get out there and wet a line himself. We will be checking in some customers today.
Darrin and Dan will also be coming up today. They have acquired a few houses and are planning on renting them out this season.
We have plenty of openings still. You can check out our houses on our web page cookiesonupperredlake.com
If your a beer drinker plan on buying beer before you arrive in waskish as the store here in town has no beer? Yes no beer. Westwind does have some off sale.
I’ve decided to have back surgery this year so Jonny boy and the crew will be running the show for a couple weeks.
We have about 3 inches of snow on the ground so its a winter wonderland here on the shores of upper red lake.. I hear a couple of the trucks running so Jonny must be in the driveway.
If I was a guessing kind of guy, some resort may start allowing 1/2-ton trucks out buy mid december. There is a good chance we will be getting some of the smaller houses out on fishable ice buy mid december also. Mother nature will have a lot to do with that decision.
We have heard of a few sketchy areas out there so listen to the resorts you go out of.
I should have a decent fishing report sunday morning as I visit all our fishermen this weekend on a grand lake that owes us nothing

Every year is different. This year is started off with a nice cold wave to make a quick 6 inches of ice. A recent satellite pic looks like there is no open water which makes the ice less likely to shift. With more snow and high winds, the next 48 hrs. I would advise no fishing period. Try to stay off the lake.
It’s not a problem for me as I rarely go on lake until I can drive blue thunder.
We do have some open houses on shore this weekend. I’m looking forward to that first fish fry at JRS.
Sounds like a crack formed last night. Were not sure if it made it up this way but will know later. Heard of just a few fish caught which a few from a fisherman could mean 12, A few to me is 3, not 12, 2 is a couple not 8, Some is 3 to 5.
Jonny boy has been working his you know what off getting all the manual, hard work done as I’m transitioning away from all the hard work.
Not much else to say at this time as we batten down the hatches for the predicted high winds on a grand lake that owes us nothing

thought i would mix it up since i have been working down on our shoreline on a grand lake that qwes us nothing

We have been plugging away on all the shacks the last few weeks. Jonny boy had his hands full repairing old Minnesota. He did a great job installing a new window, rebuilding a wall and putting new runners on her. We figure she’s 48 years old.
We also have added another ice castle which I have named Nevada. It has 4 bunks 20 footer with 4 foot v. I’ll get some pics on our web site soon Cookiesonupperredlake.com
Dan and Darrin also brought up a 4 person skid house that we will be able to rent for them.
The reservations have been trickling in with still plenty of days open for reservations.
I was able to get new paint on old minnesota and montana. Florida is also on the list.
A local got a pic of a large cougar on his trail cam headed south. I have a hard time sneaking out to my stand with a bow in the morning thinking a cougar was in the area.
Ive seen a couple boats on the lake the past week but no clue if they caught fish.
I have plenty to still get done before the weather turns cold. Got the golf clubs put away for the season.
To all the deer hunters’ good luck and enjoy those days in the woods.
This season we will be allowed 4 fish with 3 under 17 and 1 any size.
Our good friends Rick and Bob are not coming up for deer season this year after not having much success the past few years.
well that’s about it for now were looking at another fun challenging season here on the shores of upper red lake

wow been 5 months since i posted anything. The fishing this summer has been bad, good, great, so so. I think I only got skunked twice. We did find a few elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies but not what we expected. Although some fishermen with the cheatmaster 3,000 did get on to them. I believe Alabama is trying to make them illegal. The guys using them Ice fishing have dialed them in pretty good.
At this time we should have the same fleet to rent this year. We are looking for a couple more big ice castle to rent for customers. They pick a few dates when they come up the house is on fresh ice ready to go.
I again will be doing less of the manual labor as the old body just cannot keep up to the young guys. With bear hunting started our books are open and we have taken a few reservations at this time. Old minnesota took a beating last year and does have some major repairs we need to tackle, it always hard to get going on the projects during the summer.as there always so much going on including work. I’ve been rehabbing my body as being 64 is catching up.
Blue thunder needs a new starter installed. The red baron still needs a transfer case. Rusty trusty has been fired up and moved a couple times. black beauty will again be my lake beater she only has 1rst 2nd and reverse. We also may have acquired a custom-made house and will give it a name and put on our website when it’s a done deal.
Jonny boy will again be handling finding the fish for the houses to be placed. After last years cruddy ice everyone up here are hoping for a much better season of ice. Thats it for now on a grand lake that owes us nothing

ice out was the 7th 8th

If I understand right Senator green is going to present a bill to try and make it where these things are studied. Shared with all involved before they try slipping in a bill

Well, a little good news. Writing our senators and reps has paid off for now. The bills have been tabled which means they suspend
consideration of a bill indefinitely. That sounds like it could be presented again but not this year. I feel we still need to keep a eye on what the federal level is doing. We all need to keep letting Amy Klobuchar http://www.klobuchar.senate.gov Also Tina Smith. smith.senate.gov let them know how we feel.
We encourage all to join upperredlakeassn.com.
This news from the beginning upset quite a few people. I know it was always burning on my mind. It also has made me think about all the times I’ve been here starting in 1966. My mom left our step farther Carl and we came up here from Colorado in a 1956 lite purple Cadillac. We left when he was not around, so he had no idea where we had gone. We arrived here sometime in the early summer. Every day we could we were playing in the lake it was so much fun on the real windy days. We would run full speed into the water tell it made us fall down. I hate to say I’m too old for that now. We also had our uncle Pete and aunt Bertha next door. I do not know how but we were all small enough to crawl through the culverts in the ditch. My real dad came up at some point, so he was able to take me fishing. I would get seasick and crawl up in the bow of the boat. Sometimes I would throw up chumming in the water. My dad encouraged me to keep pucking as it helped the bite. We also got to meet our cousin Stan. He was maybe 12 13 years old. For some reason he took me, my sister and another kid fishing. At some point we ran out of gas way out in the middle of the lake. So we were trying to ore back as a storm was coming. We were getting pushed around in the waves and lost one of the ores. We had no clue we were in any danger. At some point we lost the other ore. Then after a while one of the ores came next to the boat. We were laughing throwing minnows at each other splashing each other. That’s probably how we lost the oars. Then what seemed out of nowhere a big boat pulled up and rescued us. We did not even know we needed to be rescued. When we got back here, we wanted to go down and play in the big waves. It was a firm no. That was 58 years ago.

I will start with a fishing report since I know someone that went fishing on friday and what thy caught. Jonny boy escorted Darrin, big tony and 2 young ones Mason and Major. Tony did bring the cheatmaster 3000 fish catching machine. Most say you still have to get them to bite. The area they fished; I think someone with upper red lake knowledge could have found them without the machine. Jonny boy shared a video of them catching the ever-elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappies. It looked pretty exciting for all involved. It sure set off many memories of landing on the motherlode. Upper red lake has given who knows how many fisher people the best fishing of their life. I’m not kidding either. Let’s hear some stories! on the facebook pages. Back in the 80s we were here visiting grama Olga enjoying our time here eating, fishing, swimming, The hammer, I and my good friend the Greek. “Grama gave him that nickname because he gave her some some greek seasoning salt ! She also gave me my nickname Cookie when I was just a baby. Anyway back to the fishing story we were trolling spinners because that was the best way. The hammer and greek were catching left and right I could not get a bite. After they had caught many fish, I finally had the big one. It was fighting so good. as we scooped it up, I caught a rock with a little hole in it the hook had gone right in it.
The next day was quite the opposite as I had the hot hand as they both struggled to catch a fish. It might not have been the best fishing that weekend, but it is one of a million stories to remember and share.
I’ve caught my biggest crappie here, the hammer has caught her biggest who knows how many others have? I have caught my biggest pike here as well as the hammer. She has also caught here biggest walleye her on a grand lake that owes us nothing.

I have heard back from a few senators and reps all saying thay are against the land back the bill is hf4780 and sf5080
i was also able to track down waltz e- mail Tim,[email protected]

here is the letter my brother wrote
Dear XXXX

My name is Warren Halvarson and I am writing you to voice my vehement opposition to your calls to cede the remainder of Upper Red lake to the Chippewa tribe. My family has continuously lived and maintained a property on the shores of Upper Red Lake, in Waskish, for over 100 years and at least 6 generations.

The family property is a symbol of our ancestors overcoming enormous homesteading hardship and their attempt at obtaining the American Dream. My grandfather, John Halvarson, died of spinal meningitis after clearing land to make it suitable for farming. My grandmother lived alone and persevered on her own for 40 years after her husbands death. She welcomed many visitors over the years to enjoy her hospitality and the beauty of the area. My father John Halvarson died in a tragic car accident in Bemidji in the early 1970s and our family property is the only tangible thing that remains of his memory.

I have countless memories of swimming in Red Lake with my grandmother, cousins and siblings. Countless memories of campfires and enjoying the awe inspiring gallery of stars overhead. Countless hours spent fishing and communing with mother nature in all her splendor. A price cannot be put on the sentimental value that the lake and the surrounding wilderness has in our hearts.

While I can appreciate the intent of the perceived virtuous pursuit of appeasing the native tribes. They already control the majority of Upper & Lower Red Lake. Any attempt by you or any other officials to change existing agreements, treaties and boundaries is in my opinion Unconstitutional and profoundly unjust to people that have lived on the lake over the last 100+ years.

Please consider the economic impact of removing the area from general visitation. Please consider the emotional impact on the families that currently live there and make their living there. Please remember the profound beauty of the lake and general area is a gift for countless future visitors to cherish and behold. Sequestering this resource to a few designated few is discriminatory in nature and robbing the greater population of it’s grandeur.

Two wrongs don’t make a right. Let the natives hold what they have already and let the people who homesteaded the area keep their homes and rights. That is the right thing to do. We must all learn how to live together in peace and harmony,

So this will be more about asking for everyone’s support. If you have not heard the red lake nation has taken steps federal and state to acquire all of red lake and a 1 mile buffer zone around the lake. They would take big bog state park, the boat ramp access Plus the red lake state forest. I beleave there top priority is getting control of the lake. This has put a emotional toll on all it effects. Our best bet is to start asap e- mailing or calling as many of the state senators and reps from your districts and others districts as well. If they were rewarded a mile around the lake we would lose our home, business, and waskish would basically be gone. There would be no access to the lake .
This is a small community. This effects every hunter,fishermen,and visitor to the area.
My great grandpa Norman came here in 1909 and homesteaded here. my grandmother Olga was born and raised here. She lived her entire life here 92 years. She raised 3 children here. My dad John was going home to bemidji from waskish when he was tragically killed in a car accident. He was only 38 years old. This winter we had our great grandson here to make it 7th generation. This is Mary K Kunesh 39 dfl. Anyone in here district needs to call and or email her. even if you are not in her district call or email to oppose the land back bill 651 296 4334. This is 34 dfl John a Hoffman 651 296 4154 Grant Hauschild 03 dfl 651 296 1789 all the support we can get would greatly be appreciated.

here is our rep [email protected]
also [email protected]

if you have a minute to write them a email
There is more than a handful that will be affected.

I know that makes me a hypocrite . It’s a catch 22. dam if you do dam if you dont. I feel that if you use one they should only be able to take a couple fish. Once word gets out that a small lake has trophy crappies it could get devastated. Red lake is a little different being we can only fish a third. I’m still calling it the cheatmaster 300 fish eliminator