Argeed sinker. Bottom line is that “Ice is Land” when it comes to MN/Ontario border waters. There is no pending court case. The law was broken…can’t argue that. As to why these 2 guys were made an example of in this case, we will never know. End of story.
Still driving trucks on Leech. Need extension in some areas!
There won’t be any I would estimate. The law is the law and that is the way it is. They didn’t do anything that everyone does there. Those that blew the whistle will continue to do what they do. Woody and Schmitty will likely not get there sleds back. All over a wolf hunting issue in Canada…by an American Gov’t employee baiting within a few blocks of the sanctuary known as Voyageurs National Park. Can’t fight the Man Dutch Boy. Nothing will change along the border…business as usual. The locals won’t forget however.
Frontier is open as well. They are still driving trucks on the ice closer to Baudette.
I wasn’t attacking or defending anybody. Quite the opposite. I remember the day the cop up in Cold Spring? (forgive me for a bad memory) got killed. Everybody buried the guy first announced as the shooter. I said to wait and let the dust settle before convicting anybody. Turns out the guy accused didn’t do anything yet his life was nearly ruined. Thats my point here. Nobody knows the whole story or any facts. I don’t know every name listed so I don’t want to throw rocks. No sense in picking sides unless a person was there and was willing to tell the whole story in court.
Agreed Dutchboy. I didn’t take it as such. I just feel badly that these guys are involved in a local “this is my territory” deal, particularly when the aggressor in the case is a highly positioned Federal Employee. None of this has even been mentioned btw. You are correct in that I do NOT know exactly what took place and I do know the guides involved quite well. I do not know the other American involved in the territorial debate that took place in Canada. This will never see the courts. I am in no position to throw rocks either. Not my intent. Just frustrated that “we/us”…the public, does not get the whole story. We just get the press release by the one side that has a bottomless budget and access to every media outlet.
Any thoughts on if this “Ice is Land” debate goes through, could it make access to private lakes through rite of ways, frozen waterways/creeks, ditches etc. tougher on non border waters? This might have serious implications for all Minnesota sportsman.
Good point drifter. Implications and legal interpretations may have effects that were not intended. The individuals involved have no shot against an employee of the United States Federal Government. I doubt this will get any legal legs.
And this Deron is no different then the first report. Different views that neither side has proved. We will just see how the courts handle this and form our opinions from there.
I don’t know how anybody knows for sure who called the tip in. How do you know who it was? Did Canadian customs tell you his name? Lots of axes to grind in life, we will see if this case is one of them.
Maybe Mr. J…will release his phone records for us showing the time frame after the confrontation on the ice took place. Oh that’s right, nobody mentioned that… I wasn’t there, but this was in no way non typical behavior for those that cross the border remotely every day.
Bottom line is the “law is the law”. Tough to defend that unless they determine ice is actually frozen water… They will likely pay the price.
I’m glad to hear someone is challenging the “2 rules” situation. It seems monumentally stupid to have a border crossing where the rules change by the state of matter.
Since we have water and ice rules, presumably the border patrol also has a third different set rules for crossing in a thick fog?
Grouse
Right on Grouse! The issue here is becoming the “ice is land” thing but that is not what created the whole deal. Should be interesting…this was a wolf hunting vs ice fisherman conversation initially…curiously by both parties directly involved. Maybe something more valuable for everyone will be the result.
Ryan lost 3 sleds and Woody lost one.
What is not being reported in this story is that the whistle blower on this whole deal was NOT the Border Patrol witnessing an illegal crossing. They crossed nowhere near Dryweed Island on the way back – as reported. It was a call made from a private individual (who happens to be the Boss at US Customs) steamed that the guides were fishing to close to his wolf baits near his family’s property in Ontario and adjacent to the protected confines of VNP. He himself probably crosses there regularly on the way to and from his property bordering Voyageurs National Park without calling in. That said, the rules are the rules and these guys are Professional Licensed Guides…not part time teachers and part time guides or whatever…they absolutely know the laws and so does every other local up there. Nobody “calls in” when they carry a Nexus Card. The locals AND the guy who is behind it know this. They are making an example out of them for some reason. I don’t claim to know “all” the facts here but there is a lot more to the story than the Press Releases are printing. I know they feel terribly about how it went down for their clients! Both Schmitty and Woody are top notch guides. This has some local flavor that the public will never read about.
Just got back from the River this afternoon. There is open and fishable water west of Frontier about a mile and a 1/2. There was an ice jam there yesterday which prevented travel any further west. The Frontier Landing is open as of today but the whole river channel from Frontier to Birchdale re-froze last night making fishing challenging. If you wish to travel anywhere you have to break skim ice that is everywhere today. Not a huge deal, but it makes for challenging conditions when combined the cold conditions. Settle into an open pocket of drifting ice and vertical jig…that is the only viable option today. I think those living on or near the river must just laugh on days like today.
Yesterday was not great but decent. Fish to 26 maybe 27 inches were had with plenty of keepers if you wish. Low current and clear water (relatively speaking) should make for good fishing if and when you can get out there this coming week.
DoRight
man that stuff really IRKS me!!!!
Me too. Hate to hit one with any kind of speed…
Lindyrig,
As you know there are lots of shallow rice beds and shallow water in general up there. Seems like there is plenty of spring activity and I have come across bad areas before. None this year , but last year there was a couple random open areas. I try to avoid travel in and around the rice or other visible vegetation just to avoid shallow springs. That said I have driven my truck plenty in Steamboat.
To sum it up travel cautiously your first time…and every time I guess!
sjc,
Should be good timing on your trip! I have been out quite a bit but there is a lot of area to cover out there so this is just my 2 cents. Here’s the deal the way I see it right now. I would stay away from the traffic around Sand Point. Not that you can’t catch fish there…you certainly can, but the perch run smallish and you have to sort through numbers of fish on most days. Unless you know of a “spot on the spot” that might involve cabbage for example I would look elsewhere. Now if you want to pop a big walleye then maybe, but think outside the box. Drop your house on a pocket of open sand surrounded by vegetation in about 6 to 8 feet of water and be quiet overnight. Large task I know! That’s not a numbers deal however. There are areas that have been pretty good for perch on the big lake. Think expansive flats and move all the time until you find fish. Might I suggest Traders Bay…? The walleye bite has been fairly tough out there but if you set up shallow as a home base you might nail a thick fish or two! Travel is relatively easy by truck right now although you may have to negotiate around a drift or a non-active heave or two. I can’t stress the keep moving part enough. If you want impressive perch keep moving until you find them. Walker Bay has actually been decent for walleye action for me lately but pretty brief windows followed by hours of nothing and lots of noise/traffic.
Good Luck,
DoRight
I am making my very first trip to Leech Lake. The spot my buddy suggested is out of the Stony Point access. Is the access tore up? Any concerns a guy should be concerned with? I am portable so no wheel house to deal with. Any tips would be good too.
Thanks,
Dave
I bet I didn’t catch you in time Dave…hopefully I did. The Stoney point access was pretty hairy last time I went by, which was about a week ago. You can get on the ice but it is all heaved up and active as usual. It can change on you from hour to the next. If you are on a snowmachine and portable you will be ok, but vehicle traffic is probably a NO go.
The bite was quite good for keeper sized walleyes over the weekend which was a pleasant surprise! We had to move some to find them but in the end it paid off. Good luck out there.
Good idea Tom. I have had some nice February catches on Leech. I will be out there this afternoon in fact.
The fishing is still pretty darn good!
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Sorry you didn’t score on some walleyes Napa. Was good for us over the weekend boating some big fish and an accidental walleye…yup it hit the bucktail!
DoRight
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Hey guys,
I haven’t been to Leech in a few years and I need to find a place on the lake for next weekend. Looking online there is almost too much information. Thought I’d try to get recommendations here to narrow it down.
Must haves:
Protected harbor – dock slip (preferably on Walker Bay side or close)
Cabin for 5 – 5 beds needed (not bedrooms, beds)
Boat rentalAlso looking to not break the bank. There are some very luxurious places and don’t want to go there.
Any recommendations appreciated.
Cougareye,
Late to the game with my response, but give Hiawatha Beach a call if you have not booked. Nice harbor, nice people, and located just North of Sand Point.
ET
Walleye fishing was slower yesterday…but we made up for it! Derek got his first Musky! Big smallies are still available as well. Con Man…good to see you at Sugar Point! Headed out shortly…
DoRight
“Don’t Book Your Trip With Snidely”
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I’m going to be on Pine Point over the weekend. Any suggestions on patterns to try for the walters?
Nice eating sized fish are being had on sand grass flats. Try perch or craw colored shads in 10 to 15 feet and cover some water until you find fish.
What water temps are you seeing? I am giving them a break because around here they are in the 80’s.
Not a bad plan Capt. The temps here are in the mid to upper 70’s depending on location. I suspect the warming water over the weekend slowed the fish as well as the angler. I was beat by the end of the day. We had a run of about 5 days with hot and calm weather.
I’ve had the opportunity to get out on the Mississippi and St. Croix several times in the last few weeks and we’ve had some very good luck chasing Samllies. We’ve caught fish exceeding 18 inches as well as a lot of smaller fish. And I really honestly think the 15-16 inchers are the most fun. They tear around faster, they jump higher, they’re just nuts. Great fun!
SR
Those are some prime smallmouth waters! Great fun indeed.
I have heard plenty about tough fishing on Leech Lake over the last week. I have also experienced some tough fishing on Leech Lake over the last week. We all seem to see photos of catches seemingly coming in at will. Well it’s not that easy! I have also experienced some good fishing over the past few days. What I can gather is that the fish are scattered a bit right now. There are some predictable “areas” that are consistently kicking out some walleyes right now and I love to see it! They don’t seem to come terribly easy by any means, BUT if you are in those areas you will scratch out <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>walleyes all day long. These areas don’t have anything terribly unique about them other then year after year they produce <em class=”ido-tag-em”>walleyes for me. When I start to see fish in these spots it means it’s about to get real good and that’s why I love to see it. I have been a bit “anti” picture after seeing some crappie destruction but what the heck. Thanks for coming up all the way from Kentucky RJ. Thanks to you as well JB and Stevo!
DoRight
I have heard plenty about tough fishing on Leech Lake over the last week. I have also experienced some tough fishing on Leech Lake over the last week. We all seem to see photos of catches seemingly coming in at will. Well it’s not that easy! I have also experienced some good fishing over the past few days. What I can gather is that the fish are scattered a bit right now. There are some predictable “areas” that are consistently kicking out some walleyes right now and I love to see it! They don’t seem to come terribly easy by any means, BUT if you are in those areas you will scratch out <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>walleyes all day long. These areas don’t have anything terribly unique about them other then year after year they produce <em class=”ido-tag-em”>walleyes for me. When I start to see fish in these spots it means it’s about to get real good and that’s why I love to see it. I have been a bit “anti” picture after seeing some crappie destruction but what the heck. Thanks for coming up all the way from Kentucky RJ. Thanks to you as well JB and Stevo!
DoRight
I have heard plenty about tough fishing on Leech Lake over the last week. I have also experienced some tough fishing on Leech Lake over the last week. We all seem to see photos of catches seemingly coming in at will. Well it’s not that easy! I have also experienced some good fishing over the past few days. What I can gather is that the fish are scattered a bit right now. There are some predictable “areas” that are consistently kicking out some walleyes right now and I love to see it! They don’t seem to come terribly easy by any means, BUT if you are in those areas you will scratch out <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>walleyes all day long. These areas don’t have anything terribly unique about them other then year after year they produce <em class=”ido-tag-em”>walleyes for me. When I start to see fish in these spots it means it’s about to get real good and that’s why I love to see it. I have been a bit “anti” picture after seeing some crappie destruction but what the heck. Thanks for coming up all the way from Kentucky RJ. Thanks to you as well JB and Stevo!
DoRight
Those about to be filleted are from today…not the 20th. Didn’t realize I miss typed it.
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The pan fish bite on Leech can be fickle. They have been absolutely pounded over the past coupl of weeks but I am sure there will be some stragglers left IF you know where to go looking. Big Werm is correct, there is a lot of varied structure near Huddles. Most of it is Walleye and Musky country. Big walleye territory I might ad. If you are after a memorable experience hire a guide…like Bobby Landreville at South Shore Guide Service. He may not be a social media addict but the guy can fish and he works out of Huddles regularly.
Captain Deron DoRight
Leech Lake Guide
TransAm,
You will be fine with the olde jig and minnow combo. Nhamm was right on. The lake is ahead of an average spring. Water temps are a bit warmer and weed growth is beginning. Perch have spawned. Spot Tails and perch will keep the fish shallow and feeding. Not that you cant get some deep, but not necessary that’s for sure. Play the wind. Sounds like a Leech Cliché but it applies. You can find fish “inside” the weeds and scattered on sand as well right now. You can drift with the hoards of boats and still catch fish, but you can certainly find your own. Don’t be afraid to fish shallower then you would think if the conditions are right.
DoRight
Sorry for the double up on pics. I guess I don’t know how to edit properly.
Planning my first trip to rainy in may and hoping to get some Intel
Has anyone used a handheld marine radio and how did it work? I’m eyeing the $50 options that are out there but will pass if they don’t work.
Live bait is obviously king but has anyone had luck with plastics for jigging and lindy rigging walleyes?
I know this next question is a hail Mary but any tips are appreciated, what methods and success can I expect near kettle falls in mid may?
Thanks for the help and tight lines,
Mike
Mike,
Handhelds have limited range but they will work depending on the quality of the product. On the open lake you might get a few miles out of it.
Plastics definitely have their place Rainy. I have had excellent success with them from opening weekend until the 4th of July. But, I am almost always casting some plastic on nearly every trip. Some days they are dynamite and other days not so much…and I am talking deeper fish…not shallow fish now. Early in the season my favorite setup in an 1/8th ounce Crystaleyes jig with a Castaic Tackle Baby Jerky J Swim Bait in Golden Shiner…wow that’s a lot to write! But I am being specific because they work. Something about that Golden Shiner color…very tough to beat and I have seen 1000’s of fish caught on plastics on Rainy.
Just my 2 cents, but I don’t have a resume like Billy.
DoRight Out
sold. give me a call at 218-556-1312 Thanks Matt.
I will take it! Just saw the ad…hopefully you still have it. Deron 218-226-8488
