Here we are in the festive month of July and the big fish are absolutley marching straight for the “Daze Fish Casket”!! The walleye fishing continues to be lights out while the parade of fish being CPR’D has been ri-DONK-ulous. Our most recent outing was on the 4th of July (Pre-Parade) fishing a half day with a limit of eyes for 3 and around 25 walleyes surpassing 21 inches unable to stretch the tails past 26 inches that day. Pockets full of jigs seem to equal boxes full of walleyes from here til the snow flies. Don’t leave home without a nice selection of H20 Precision jigs in multiple color combinations and weights. Typically I will utilize the “in-between” 3/16 oz. size, but on our last outing the water was so calm a 1/8 oz. jig was the ONLY option for boating these big fish effectively. As always combinations that peak the color spectrum (Chart. and Orange) are very effective in our tea stained waters.
We’ve been keeping tabs on multiple bites taking place right now that has big elementary schools (Eaters) seperated from the High Schools (BIG GIRLS). So we’ve been boxing nice eaters 13-16 7/8 along with some bigger fish,and then focusing our energies on the biggest and baddest with only a few falling under the protective slot. While working the bigger fish they have been averaging 22 inches. Nice rod benders and dangerously fun for all with jigs and spinning gear!! Key seems to remain constant with most bodies of water, and that is to follow the food source. Big fish here on Rainy Lake have predominately focused energies on ciscoes and smelt right now. Find their holding patterns and find the big fish. Seems logical huh?? The tricky thing about fishing Rainy Lake is that our fishery is can be complex based on changing water levels and temps that the baitfish can change holding locations drastically week to week. Of course Traffic and pressure will also push the fish too!!
As we have pretty much focused 99% of our energy on walleyes we haven’t boated many pike this past week. Typically we will boat some larger Toothy Critters along with these nice big Marble eyes, and I expect them to join the fun soon. We are sitting tight with 49 Jacks being CPR’d over 10lbs since the beginning of may, so I’d greatly appreciate someone helping me out with #50!! (Definately sounds more Cool!!) Our weather has finally stabilized and the fish have responded with fins up!! Dragon fly snaps on the end of your jigging rod and deep head throbs have been the order of the day!!
In closing I’d like to briefly discuss the importance of taking your kids fishing!! I tip my hat to my parents and grandparents who took the time to take me when I was a just a Lil Daze. I’m sure glad I was HOOKED on fishing rather than something else in the hustle and bustle of our world. Posting PB’s for kids and becoming passionate about good clean fun like the outdoors whether it be fishing or hunting is absolutely priceless. I am a firm believer that there is no better investment than our children. Take them along, and I’ll hook them as they hook fish!! Smile kids your the next big hitter on In Depth Outdoors!! Heck maybe James should make up a forum for kids who fish!! Kudos to all the Dads and Moms taking the kids along UP NORTH!! For the next 2 WEEKS any trips pre-booked in the next year have the kids tossed in the boat for NO CHARGE!! I also promise to bring them back to the dock!! Hey Dads!! Trust me the kids will pay you back for the rest of their lives when they get hooked on fishing!! Tight lines team!! We’ll be the boat with the net out!!
Great job Chris, Awesome lookin fish!
Great job putting the hammer on some pig walleyes Mr. Daze
What were you tipping the jigs with to get them toothy’s to take the offering?
Hey Bret,
Most of the big pike early this season came on a variety of stick baits. We’re simply tipping the minnows with Fatheads, shinners and crawlers for the walleyes. Of course if your LUCKY you’ll boat some the big gators on jigs and minnows when fishing for eyes. Of course there is a lot of whip cracking as those big pike take tackle!!
Great report and message Chris! I look forward to meeting you this Fall!!
For some kids getting hooked on the outdoors takes a couple years and for others only one great day on the water or in the woods changes their life forever. As a guide I feel very fortunate to be able help create some of these moments and Chris your numerous posts about kids proves you feel the same way. It’s easy to see you take great pride in providing the best trip possible for everyone of your customers so Chris once again great post and keep up the good work
Chris, I’m heading up this Thurs thru Sat with my two boys and a buddy for their first “Guys Fishing Trip”. Do you have anything open this Fri or Sat. Your Reports are telling me to leave the boat at the dock for a bit and take a ride in the “Daze Casket” Call or PM me.
Mike
763-238-8214
Chris, Great report. Michael and I had a great time fishing with you and we look forward to our upcoming December trip. It was awesome watching Michael catch the big walleye for our trip (23 3/4″).
Keep your eye open for a card in the mail. I realized when I got home that I forgot to give you something
Anyone out there contemplating a trip with Chris don’t hesitate, you won’t regret it.
Let me tell you the pleasure was all mine!! Watching Michael work that jig was very impressive!! 23 3/4 is a beautiful walleye!! Trust me he’ll have a great shot at topping that this winter!! I believe he caught our first walleye for the day too!! Look forward to our next trip in December!! I’ll keep my eyes peeled on our mail!!
Mike You’ve got mail, and I look forward to posting pics of your 2 boys here on Ido!! Glad to help promote bringing the kids fishing!! I guess I feel I wouldn’t be here if my parents hadn’t!!
Hey Tuck!!
Look forward to meeting you this fall as well!! Should be some fantastic big walleye fishing. I’m really looking forward to it!!
A few more reasons……..
Way to go Michael
Just remember, ice fishing is where it is at 
Good to see you guys made it up to Mr. Daze piece of heaven Abe
Hey Bret!!
Is your team going to make it up here during the hardwater season??
Last I heard Bos was working on it……I better check on that.
I know Mike C and I will be making a trip up that way even if it is for a day and night
Great report Chris!
Your message about taking kids fishing is so important. 
It truly can change a child’s life forever. My step-grandfather took me fishing for the very first time. We fished for bullheads by using cane poles. I had a blast and from that day on, I was hooked on fishing! If it weren’t for him, I don’t think I would be fishing today. 
Keep up the great reports and I hope to get up there again to spend some time with you on the water.
I hear ya Brad!! My grandfather who lived in Ohio used to take me bullhead fishing also!! I had a blast, and of course progressed into other species. No time like the present Brad!! Fishing has been tremendous!!