Column: Looking back on the outdoors

Staff

Published Friday, December 29, 2006

By Dick Herfindahl, Woods & Water

Now that we are approaching the new year it’s time to look back on some of the things that have taken place this past year.

One significant event for Minnesota outdoors enthusiasts was the unexpected resignation of state Department of Natural Resources Commissioner Gene Merriam.

Although it took a lot of people by surprise I guess I was even more surprised by the speedy appointment of his replacement. I have to give Governor Pawlenty credit for not wasting any time in selecting a replacement. His replacement is Mark Holsten who was Deputy DNR Commissioner.

He has a good understanding of the management of the DNR and also has the support of many outdoors organizations and is also viewed as a friend of hunters and fishermen.

The improved fishing on Fountain and Albert Lea Lakes and the watershed as a whole is another positive for our local outdoors environment. It is also evidence that the stocking program that was originally started by the DNR and the Fountain Lake Sportsman’s Club many years ago is working.

I would hope that we will be able to see a little more physical evidence that our tax dollars are starting to be put to use. Studies are good but it seems we have been doing studies on our area lakes and streams for quite a long time and a solid plan of action is what is needed.

There are some good things being done like repairing some washouts that were causing soil erosion and runoff into Pickerel Lake. While this may not seem like much, it is a step in the right direction. If we are looking for a quick fix we will not find it nor should we expect it. We, as taxpayers, would like to see some results but proper management over a period of time will lead to a healthier watershed.

On another note my family and I were able to enjoy a lot of time together in the outdoors together this past year. The highlight of our fishing in 2006 was probably this past Memorial weekend that we spent at my brother-in-law Ron’s, where we caught a lot of fish and were able to enjoy a fantastic fish fry. It’s not too often that you can catch two keeper sized muskie (released) in two different areas of a lake in a matter of two to three hours. My son Brad accomplished this and my grandson Dylan caught his largest northern on the same day. I was also lucky enough to catch some nice walleyes.

Although I like to think there was some skill involved, luck was the largest factor. Fishing is still a matter of being in the right place at the right time.

I found that the best fishing I personally enjoyed this past year was in the Grand Rapids area. And it was in the month of August. Now this is not prime walleye time but if you like to fish for every other species it is a great time to wet a line. The month of August through Labor Day proved to be a great time for me to be on the lake.

The outdoors experience was topped off by the time spent in October at the cabin with my wife’s brothers Ron and Lynn and his wife. And of course my son Brian and grandsons Trevor, Taylor and Grant. There is nothing more rewarding than being able to spend time in the outdoors with family. There have been more and more fish houses showing up on area waters. While the fishing may be pretty good but proceed with caution.

Here are a few outdoors reports from around the state:

RED WING - The walleyes and sauger are still biting below the dam, guys are getting out in their boats. Still using a hair jig and minnows, and also guys fishing under the high bridge too. Crappies still biting at the Baypoint dock area.

PARK RAPIDS - The walleyes have picked up on Potato Lake in 18 feet of water on fatheads and rainbows. The Crow Wing chain has a good northern bite going in around 14 feet of water. Also, the panfish are biting there, sunfish in about 12 feet of water and crappies out a little deeper in about 30 feet. All area lakes seem to be doing well, and there is roughly 12 inches of ice around.

Still be cautious on taking any vehicles out on the ice.

BEMIDJI - Turtle Lake has given up some nice sunnies, and Lake of the Woods and Upper Red Lake continue to be good places for walleyes. On Upper Red Lake, some reports have come in of a great walleye bite going on about 1/2 mile out from Rogers on the south side. Cass Lake also has a good walleye bite going on, be careful of the pressure ridge off Stony Point. Lake Bemidji and Plantagenet are doing well on walleyes. Try Pike Bay and Irving Bay for some nice perch.

MILLE LACS Lake - There is a good morning and evening (from roughly 3 p.m. until dark) bite going on the lake and some perch being caught during the day. 10 to 11 inches of ice in most areas* check with resorts for latest ice thicknesses.

There was 10 inches of ice out on Sherman's Flat last weekend and some big houses are starting to get dragged out.

NISSWA - Anglers are reporting good success on Gull and Pelican. Most fish have been on the small size. The best depths for walleyes has been 20-30 feet. Glow jigging spoons are working pretty good for the walleyes. For crappies try the smaller lakes like Nisswa, Cullen, Sylvan, or Gladstone. Pike are on the prowl along the weedlines. Smaller lakes or bays of the bigger lakes are all producing pike. A shiner minnow on a tip-up in 10-14 feet of water seems to work pretty good.

Until next time play safe, watch out for the thin ice and most of all enjoy the outdoors. Have a great New Year! Remember to keep the troops that are serving our country in your thoughts and prayers this holiday season.

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