With the recent onslaught of poor reports, slow activity and a good old fashioned case of the under ice doldrums I am very happy to report an increase in fishing activity on Upper Red Lake. Now we are not talking 100 fish nights as we seen in late December and early January but we are definitely catching some fish. Some of them are even flat and silvery.
With a moon phase last week that was not only timed poorly but also as bright as a spot light we seen the peak times of activity go completely haywire with flurries of activity scattered throughout a twenty-four hour period only to be separated by long intervals of endless staring at the flasher. Thankfully things are settling back into to normal as we see the beginning of our classic Upper Red Lake February/ March pattern starting to develop. To be honest I’m as excited as a kid at Christmas for this pattern to start as it does every year; aggressive walleye and schooled up crappies!
Last night’s scouting mission was perfect demonstration of the beginning of this annual event. The once sluggish walleyes where showing many signs of aggression and hunger as they would chase the Lindy Rattl’N Flyer spoon three to four feet off the bottom and attack with a rod shaking thump before bending the rod tip and pulling drag. It was great to have aggressive fish under me again after a long run of negative activity. I ended up with my limit of walleye in forty five minute window right before sundown, classic walleye action.
As for the crappies they are moving around and sneaking onto the flasher screens in small schools for those set-up in a portable and filling the screen for those on the move. Last night was a perfect example; I was done walleye fishing and beginning the process of packing up when I turned around to see four to five fish on my Marcum that wanted nothing to do with the bigger presentations. After a quick decision those multiple marks where crappies and some hasty line tying I sent down a Techni-Glo red Genz Bug and a tail hooked minnow offering the perfect 45 degree presentation for the suspected crappies, and they liked it. This cat and mouse game of packing up then finding the Marcum screen full of fish went on for some time as I debated evading my chores and taking off with the auger to spend an evening of chasing them around. Unfortunately there was work to be done and clients waiting forcing me to abandon the roaming school of crappies for another day…or another angler.
The forecast is looking pretty crappie down in Iowa as well:) Nice looking fish!
Great report Jonny thanks for the update
Thanks for the update and good luck on Monday. You will be in our thoughts.
Yes good luck on monday Joony P .I hope things go well and the reports keep flowing. Jonny Boy took 3 guys out yesterday and managed to find 3 of the elusive but still catchable upper red lake crappies. All 3 were males and all 3 were 14 1/2 inches. They are now in there bellies as they had them for supper last night in old mionnesota.When I stopped in they were all kicked back like they just had thanksgiving dinner,stuffed to the gill. I could not beleave they ate them before I got a pic but they are going to email the pics whenthey get home. Again good luck and we will say a prayer for you at church on sunday
Great post.. we are Still hunting for the walleye /sauger bite in the Winona Pools on the Mississippi River.
Just to clarify I am not “Jonny Boy” and I do not guide small groups form December until the first of March. I do appreciate the interest and email inquiries to be guided to the three crappie hotspot although “Jonny Boy” is Cookie’s son whom is visiting for the weekend not to be confused with Jonny P. as so often happens when posts about “Jonny Boy” are made.
Come March when the rental fishouses slow down and as long as the doctor gives me the green light I will be available for small party guided trips again.
Good luck with the doc Jonny P
Should be fine, I am looking forward to the expected results…that and a few days rest.
Youve earned the rest
Sorry about that Jonny P. As you may of noticed I nick name most of my friends and other things. grandma nick named people up here and I have kinda carried it on. She gave the greek his nick name as well as mine cookie.Dad hated it and said no son of mine will be named cookie. Grandma called joann the vegitable lady and called terry with all the dogs dog man. She called Kellle that women. she also had some others that I’m better off not saying. Again sorry about the nick name and confusion.
I have always wondered but why “Cookie”. Guess I never asked.