Mille Lacs sand bite 6/12/11!

Last weekend I took my Dad and my Uncle out on the "Big Pond" for some walleye action. We were not disappointed at all. We set out on Thursday afternoon, winds were blowing from the east 15 to 20 mph. Launched out of Malmo and headed out to rig the sand. Water temp was 61 and these fish are still hanging out in the sand to gravel transitions. Depths that I was marking most fish was 18 to 22 fow. Fish were not grouped up, but spread out all over these transition areas. I would see a good hook or two near the bottom and tell the guys to get ready and usually they would bite.

After boating enough eaters for dinner, I wanted to try the mud flats for awhile. Marked allot on the flats but they were suspended 6 to 8 feet off the bottom near the pods of bugs that will be showing soon. Each spot we would catch a couple of "too big" fish and then move on to the next flat.

Friday was much calmer and we found the fish still in the sand. Technique was running 1 1/2 oz. bottom bouncers with 8 to 12′ fluorocarbon snells with a #2 Gamakatzu octopus hook. Hook color that worked for us was either blue or pink. Leeches seem to be the bait of choice; I did try crawlers a bit, but they weren’t interested.

Took Saturday off to bring the "Old Guys" pan fishing and they had a blast. Bluegills and crappies are spawning now on the area lakes and they are hungry.

Sunday morning was dead calm and the bite was slow until the wind started blowing from the south. As soon as the wind picked up, so did the bite. Water temp rose to 63 and Still found the fish on those transition areas. If you want to catch nice eaters, my advise is to work the sand and gravel areas until the water warms a few more degrees. Good Luck! P.S. For you corkers, I talked with people that are doing well at sunset in the shallow rocks on the east and north shore with leeches.