Wow is all one can say to those Red Lake crappies. The bite continues to be a hit or miss deal and when you land on them, whether it is mid-day or after dark the bite is nothing short of awesome. Are day started on WInnie to find a slow walleye bite, so around Noon I asked Ben and Brian if they would like to try Red Lake and with very little arm twisting it was an offer they couldn’t pass up. As we pulled into a little village out of Westwinds we bumped into staffer Scott Steil, who was already watching slabs come through the hole. So quickly we set up and it wasn’t long before Ben pulled his first Red Lake SLAB. Both Brian and Ben were first time red lakers and they were absolutely amazed at the size, which most of us are. Thanks for the tip Scott.
The crappies were on the feed during the daylight hours in this spot. They would come and go in small groups but as each small group came through it was nearly doubles and triples. IT seemed that nearly any presentation would work, but we stuck to the jigging spoons tipped with a full minnow. We had good luck on the Forage minnow, Buckshot rattle spoons and the Angle eyes, in just about any color combination. Here is Brian with his first Red Laker.
The best action seemed to hold about 3-4 foot off the bottom. We did get some fish closer to the bottom, but when we would raise the spoons up 3-4 feet the Vexilars would really light up. The schools sizes are fairly small but look for the numbers to continue to get better as we head down the stretch towards spring. A large population of the crappies head to the Eastern portion of the lake which is thier annual spawning water, making for some great outings in the next couple of months. Here is a few of the thirty fish limit with a couple of guys that were truely amazed with this first outing to Red.
Again if you have not had an opportunity to try this crappie fishing, normally late February through March can be some of the best crappie fishing for numbers and size that any lake can offer. The last photo is another 15 incher with a Northland Buck-shot rattle spoon. Thanks for the great day guys, hope we can do it again.
On behalf of Hoss and myself, we had a great time fishing on Saturday. Winnie was fun and Red Lake was “just not right”. The crappies bite was hot and the fish were pigs!
For anyone who is unfamiliar with the North Central Minnesota Lakes area, I highly recommend using a guide. My experience with guides is not large and my fishing skills are limited, but I cannot say enough good things about Sean Colter. We had a first class day of fishing both on the hard water and off. He was willing to answer all of our fishing questions and as a bonus he even put us on some fish. His knowledge was expansive and he was able to put up with our BS throughout the day.
Great day of fishing Sean!
Ben,
Thanks for the kind words, it was a great day and an enjoyment fishing with the both of you. Hope you enjoy those crappies, as there is nothing like a meal or two of RED LAKE SLABS.
Thinking about going out next week. how far out are you guys going out, in miles or what water depth is working the best. I will not forget my camera.
Jack.
Jack,
We were out of Westwinds about 4 miles on this trip. There has been a consistent bite coming from Rogers and Hillmans this week. Both of these spots one needs to be real close to the pressure and keep moving if your not catching fish. Rogers is on the Southend and Hillmans is just past Westwinds on the NE end. Once a guy finds them, your bait selection, outside of a small to medium minnow, will be about anything that glows, whether it is blue, yellow or red. Good Luck and let us know how it goes. Your not gonna want to forget that camera.
Anyone Else headed to Red in the Near future? I won’t have a chance until next weekend, then it will be a pretty regular trip for us until May 15, last ice and first open water trips are even better.
LOL, I may be up there the next 3 weeks it sounds like
Tomorrow baby…. TOMORROW!
Anyone plan on coming to Red This weekend, boy the forcast is looking like a crappie weekend..LOL I will be fishing out of Rogers this weekend. I have a Maroon F150 Club cab, swing in and say hi
Are you fishing Red on Friday & Saturday? I might hit Winnie Friday morning and Red in the afternoon by myself with a repeat on Saturday w/my dad and his buddy.
Sean, Thanks for the Winnie and Red Lake Fishing trip in the begining of Feb. Catching the slabs was a blast. I have never used a guide before but fishing a new lake I found it really helpful and informative.
With your knowledge of fishing and the lakes we fished, really made a difference. I would definitely recommend using a guide such as Sean.
Thanks, Hoss
Saturday afternoon…hopefully Sunday as well…
Heading up on Thurs morning and staying til fri afternoon. looks like the weather will be stabile and mild and warming temps, could not ask for a better time to go it looks like. what forum is a good one to make a post on this weekend when I get back. can’t wait. Jack.
Good Luck Jack, go ahead and post it under this forum or under the northern lakes forum. Boy the weather is looking better and better each day. There talking 40 degrees today. That should really get the fish jumpin.
I’m hoping to be on Red Thursday evening around 5 or 6 oclock. Staying Thursday night
in Baudete then Friday heading to LOTW. Anyone going to be there for the weekend? Steve