Good morning to you and happy Groundhogs Day!   The mild winter continues here in central Minnesota.  It's been nice but weird.  We have good ice for the most part and with the mild temperatures it sure makes for some comfortable fishing.  We are still catching walleyes, some perch and some northerns on the northwest portion of Gull Lake.  Last weekend we had some action in the overnight houses but the action still seems to be best in the morning and evening hours.  But now with a waxing moon, maybe things will change.  My daughter Alex and 3 of her girlfriends stayed over night last weekend  and caught some walleyes.  The fish have been relating to the weed lines all season long and I think this is how things are going to finish up for the season.  Northland Buckshot Rattle Spoons and Rapala Jigging Shad Raps continue to be our baits of choice!   I think it's about time to make a move for the remainder of the season and I think I am going to work a little closer to Ernie's so our customers can stop and get a quick bite or something to drink.  The Extravaganza is fast approaching (next Saturday) and the excitement is starting to mount.  I will be busy, spending some time at the pre-party at GVL and then at Mills Fleet Farm in Baxter representing MFF and Clam Outdoors.  On Saturday it sounds like we will have some cameras around as a crew from Los Angeles will be filming a documentary on the Extravaganza.  So I guess they will get our winning fish on film, that will be cool!  I'm off to the ice this afternoon on a guided trip and then the Catco crew will be moving in tomorrow for the weekend.  We are getting some black Walleydan fleece beanies in any day so if you want to purchase one, give a holler!  Gotta fly, Walleyedan   

Snow!  We just got blasted by about 2 inches of powder, not sure if we can handle it.  It sure does brighten things up a little around here and hopefully there will be more to come.  I just dropped the kids off at the shuttle and noticed the game was on the move this a.m., should have been fishing!  Looks like some deer made it through the season (I counted about 10).  Maybe they are concerned that their nuts (and other snacks) are going to get covered up!  The winter has been mild by Minnesota standards and the forecast is calling for some awesome weather for the middle of this week, come up and fish.  I will admit this has been pretty easy to take but as for the economic impact, it's not the greatest.  We are still getting people out on the ice but it's pretty easy to see that people are not venturing far from home so far this winter.  The ice conditions are improving big time and now with some snow, we might just kick some but with what is left of the winter of 2012.  We have about 16 inches of ice for those of you wondering about the upcoming Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza.  The event has been rescheduled for February 11th and we should be in good shape for that day!  Tickets can be purchased at Mills Fleet Farm and of course while you are in there pick up  your Clam portable fish house, Ice Armor goods and all you other outdoor goods.  I slept out in the fish house Saturday night with my son and it was enjoyable.  We caught a handful of walleyes but Mac missed a big one on the rattle reel...twice!!  He's learning and I had to learn patience once again (especially after having to untangle the pile of line).  Have you seen the new Polaris Ranger?  This baby is something else and the tracks will more than likely be going on this week!  Check them out at the Power Lodge on highway 371 north (just north of Baxter).  O.k., that is the scoop for now.  If you want to know more, call, email, Facebook or Twitter or You Tube us!  I must go now, Walleyedan 218-839-5598   

Good morning and happy birthday Perry Bunting!  I hope you are all doing better than I am, the crud (head/chest/ache) hit me pretty hard last Friday and I am still feeling the affects.  I did fish on Sunday evening with a friend because it was one of those evenings that was hard to pass up.  The fishing was good for the short amount of time we were out and the moon was awesome!  We have still been catching walleyes on Gull Lake but once again it's an evening thing.  A Northland Buckshot Rattle Spoon tipped with a minnow head has been our favorite as of late but the Jigging Shad Rap is rigged and ready too.  We are still working the edges of our favorite Gull Lake structure and it always seems to be best when you can be the first one to drill on a "spot".  The ice conditions are holding up just fine and today will be the last warm day for a while.  I truly believe that we will have enough ice for the Extravaganza (January 21st) to be held on Gull Lake.  The forecast looks promising and I guess we will just have to see what Sheriff Dahl measures up over on Hole-in-the-Day Bay as he will be one of the people that "make the call".  There are still some areas of concern but not near the site of the big contest.  I will continue posting reports here and also on our Facebook Page, so keep in touch and we will try to clue you in.  As many of you know, Mills Fleet Farm is "my store" and I will plan on being at the Baxter store most of the day on Friday before the contest.  Please stop in and pick up your supplies and say hello.  I almost forgot, turkey applications are due by January 13th!  Apply today for one of the most fun hunts on earth and check out the new zones!  I feel like there is more to talk about but I feel like crud and that is about all I have in me right now.  Walleyedan p.s.  The new Polaris Ranger crew cab is a beast and is an awesome ice fishing machine!  For guided ice fishing trips call us today at 218-839-5598         

Hello and happy new year to you and you and you!!!  What an awesome sunrise over Gull Lake this a.m.!  The questions of the year so far are regarding the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza.  I honestly believe we will be in good shape for the the big day (January 21, 2012).  I will be on the lake a little later today to give an accurate, up to date ice report but if I were to guess I would say we are at 12 inches.  The next few days are going to be nice and above freezing for daytime highs but then it will back down again and we should be good to go.  The fishing has been pretty steady and I think with the waxing moon, we should have a great weekend on the ice.  I have been doing a fair amount of ice trips and it's been fun.  We also have a new work machine that is absolutely a dream, it's a Polaris Ranger crew cab.  Head over to our Waleyedan Facebook page and you will see a photo of it pulling our ice house.  It's perfect, my Clam Scout TC fits perfectly in the back and there are even rod holders to keep those Jigging Shad Raps from tangling up!  I will be putting this machine to use a lot now that we have good ice in the hood!  Warning!!!  I did not mention that there are some iffy spots on the lakes.  In fact, there has been open water out in front of Sandy Beach Resort on Gull Lake and it sounds like the same is true for Mille Lacs and parts of the Whitefish Chain.  It's very advisable to go with someone that has a clue on the conditions.  For now, I must go but feel free to call, email, text or Facebook us for the latest fishing report and conditions.  Bye for now, Walleyedan 218-839-5598

It's the first day of winter but you sure wouldn't know it up here in Lake Shore, MN.  It's about 30 degrees at 9:30 a.m. and still no snow on the ground (or on the lakes).  I used the 4 wheeler yesterday on the ice for the first time this year and made it to and from the fishing spot.  We have been spending most of our time on Gull Lake and the fishing has been good.  Evenings are best and it seems like this week the best action is at 5:00.  The walleyes are hitting Jigging Shad Raps, and the green glow Buckshot Rattle Spoons tipped with minnow heads.  Once the fish move in, try to be as efficient as possible because the window of opportunity if pretty short-lived.  We have been averaging about 6 keepers at that prime time.  I have heard some good reports coming from Round Lake too and I would guess the same holds true with Pelican, North Long and other area lakes.  If you are a skater, I would suggest you bring them up, it's pretty fun and also a great way to get from spot to spot.  Only 4 days until Christmas, oh boy!  I best be getting the lead out and start really getting after it, there are still many things to do!  We have been having a little fun on Facebook, as we are doing some give-a-ways.  Yesterday, Chris Hartford won a pound of Walleyedan Coffee as he guessed correctly who was fishing in the Clam Outdoors Scout TC.  It was my dad, Ike and he was catching them too.  When you are done reading this, make sure to head over to our Walleyedan Face book page and "like it" (if you do).  Also check out the Mills Fleet Farm, Clam Outdoors, C&C Boatworks pages on Facebook as well.  I hope all of you have a great day and a blessed Christmas and New Year!  Walleyedan  p.s.  The fish house will be going out in the next day or so if you are interested in renting it.  If you are more interested in a guided ice fishing trip, we are doing those too.

Winter is back (at least for a day or so)!  We have a pretty stiff northwesterly blowing at us today and the temperatures are dropping.  Thank God!  If we would have continued at the rate we were going I would say that the time was near to pull the boat back out of storage.  I was out on the ice last night (Gull Lake) with Chad and although it wasn't a "pay" trip, I did feel like I really did my job well.  Chad hadn't fished for a while so I placed him on the hot hole and also sent a set set line down near by.  I had told him that 4:45 p.m. was action time and sure enough, it held true again last night.  Chad was jigging with  Northland Buckshot Rattle Spoon and I was jigging with a Rapala Jigging Shad Rap (I think they are still on sale at Mills Fleet Farm).  Chad caught 3 and I could 1, we also missed a couple.  This is how the action has been and we have only been fishing that last hour of daylight.  The ice conditions are good and should get better throughout today and tomorrow.  The ice depth held steady at about 5 inches on the north end of Gull but there are spots with more and less so be careful.  We got lost in the fog last night on our way back in but thanks to my Lowrance GPS and some prayer, we made it back to our starting point.  I just stopped by Pelican and I see there are some houses out there too, same with North Long, Round and most of the other area lakes.  Christmas is coming upon us quite quickly and I wish all of you a merry one.  Let's all remember that it is more important to give than receive and more importantly let's remember why we celebrate Christmas to begin with, the birth of Christ.  So, I hope you are content and stress-free over Christmas and the New Year and that you find time to get out and do some fishing.  Here are a few gift items that might come in handy for the outdoors person on your list:  Aqua Vu's new micro underwater camera, ice cleats, a Clam portable fish house, a Mills Fleet Farm gift card, a Walleyedan gift certificate, a pair of choppers, a pair of Ice Armor socks, a ticket to the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza.  So there you are!, Walleyedan 218-839-5598

So, it's been a while.  I haven't been updated you because I have had some technical difficulties with this page and I do apologize.  I would have to type until midnight to let you know all that has happened since my last post here.  But I am going to clue you in on the recent happenings.  We have Ice but we also have open water!  I finally stored the boat last week after a nice run of full day guide trips and some nice catches.  The largest walleye last week was a 28 incher caught in 28 feet of water on Gull Lake.  It was caught on a Northland Fireball Jig and a shiner minnow.  We also had numerous other walleyes in the "eater" category.  I have been on the ice a few times but they have all been with ice skates on.  I am hoping if I get organized to be after the fish through the ice tomorrow evening.  The 371 bay of North Long Lake has good ice and so do a number of the smaller lakes in the area.  I am not sure what lake or lakes I will try this week but it's always exciting to drop that jigging spoon down the hole for the first time.  I was at Mills Fleet Farm on Saturday representing Mills Fleet Farm and Clam Outdoors.  People are getting excited about the ice season and so am I.  We will be guiding out of our Clam Outdoors portable fish houses and we will also be renting permanent fish houses.  If you would like to get out on the ice with us this winter please give us a ring and we will get you in the book.  If you are looking to get equipped for the upcoming ice season, I would suggest you head into your local Mills Fleet Farm store or go online at millsfleetfarm.com.  Gotta go, Walleyedan

Good morning.  It's 9:30 here in Lake Shore, MN and the temperature is around 36 with only a whisper of a westerly.  Why am I sitting here and not on my tree stand?  Great question but I really do need to try and keep up with the "rest of life" duties.  My mind is in the woods but my fingers are here and I am going to try and maximize my hunting and fishing opportunities during these next 10 days.  This would be considered "prime time" in my book!  The deer are starting to get romantic (at least the bucks) and the fish are putting down as much food as they can get their teeth on.  I was on Gull last Saturday after my Camp Ripley hunt and then on Mille Lacs chasing muskies on Tuesday with a little tree stand time mixed in.  Things are about ready to rock in the woods, I can feel it!!  I might even try to escape for a couple hours around mid-day just to get my "fix".  I know it sounds like I am obsessed and maybe I am.  If I were to pick 10 days every year to hunt and fish, it would be these 10 coming up and it's so hard to focus on anything else.  But I need to!  I have to plan for the winter and figure out exactly what the "plan" will be.  Lots of thoughts and a few irons in the fire but I haven't got it "dialed" quite yet.  Maybe it's those darn distractions, in fact I should probably shut my blinds so I am not tempted at looking into the woods!  Hey, let's change the subject.  A few tidbits;  The pontoon is still for sale, inquire with in!  The 2nd season of Camp Ripley's special archery hunt is this weekend.  The rifle season opens on the 5th up here.  We are still guiding, in fact we will be out with Carl, Lon and the Bradow Dock Service guys tomorrow evening.  Whoops, just looked out the window again.  I better get on with things.  Enjoy today and God bless you all!  WD  p.s.  "If you gotta get it, get it where they got it, Mills Fleet Farm."  

Hello to you!  It's hunting season and fishing season, I am alternating days and today will be a day to hunt.  Tomorrow I am going in search of some big walleyes with Bruce and Brad and it sounds like it might be a little nippy in the morning.  The following day I will be hunting deer at Camp Ripley in search of a big buck.  It's a great season that we are in right now and I get the jitters just waking up every morning wondering what's going to shake down!  I was on Pelican Lake last night with Randy and Cheryl, we only caught 2 fish a 20 incher and an 18 incher.  The wind was cranking and it was hard to fish the way we wanted to.  Cheryl caught both of the walleyes on a Northland Fireball jig tipped with a rainbow chub and stinger hook in 20 feet of water.  The wind has been out of the north/northwest for a number of days and this has piled the bait and fish up, time to get out there and get after them.  The water temperature was 55 last night on Pelican and will be dropping quite fast over the next couple of days.  Guess what is next after that?  Ice!  We will be equipped with Clam Outdoors product for the winter and will be pushing the ice fishing business a little harder this winter.  Mills Fleet Farm has a lot of their ice fishing product on the shelves already, get in there and check out the new 2011 goods!  And while you are in there buy your deer hunting goodies.  Have you "liked" Walleyedan yet on Facebook?  We ask you to do so if you like us and we will keep you updated with photos, tips and success stories.  We are still guiding, call today!  218-839-5598  p.s.  Our Harris Flotebote Pontoon is now for sale, it's an awesome machine with a full warranty.  Walleyedan

Good morning.  Finally a bit of moisture after a long streak of unseasonably warm weather for this neck of the woods.  Fishing has been good in the area and we will continue to guide right through the ice season.  If we can't get the boats on the water we will give it a week or two and we will find ice somewhere.  The walleyes are biting all the traditional baits but this is the time of year I like to hop a Northland Fireball jig and a rainbow chub along the steep drop-offs.  The Lindy Rig seems to catch the bigger fish and this held true again yesterday when Kent Feltz caught a 24 3/4 incher out on Gull.  His some Grant was on the trip as well and Grant had success jigging with "the blue jig"!  The wind has been howling out of the south, so the fish will be piled-up this a.m. but I won't be after them.  My back is sore right now and I advise you not to try and put up a two-person ladder stand with a 9 year old.  Mac was a trooper but I am feeling it this a.m..  I am getting pumped for the deer season and in 12 days I will hit the woods for the first time in search of bucky!  Mills Fleet Farm is loaded with hunting goods right now and make sure to stop and look at the Walleyedan end cap and pick up some Wildlife Research products, they will help you bag the big boy (or girl).  Once the ice season hits we will be out there, call or email today and book your guided trip or fish house rental (including meals provided by Ernies on Gull).  I am seeing light and it makes me nervous that I'm not out on stand or ready to hit the water!  Better do the dishes and get on with another busy day in the life.  God is good!  Walleyedan

Good morning to you.  I had a no-show this a.m., that is a first for the year and I am hoping that he is o.k. because I have not heard a peep.  So, I have cleaned the minnow tank and scrubbed the floor of the boat and knocked out a few other things.  Fishing has picked-up big time and the confidence has been quite high! No monsters yet but lots of fish.  Gull has been good but I hear good stuff from all other lakes in the area too, I think the fall bite has begun and let's hope the weather stays nice through October.  I have not been in the woods and don't really plan on it until the Camp Ripley hunt.  Then it will be time to get serious, I am getting a little more excited with each passing day.  I have been roaming around Mills Fleet Farm quite a bit as of late and that store has a way of getting one pumped up for the best month of the year.  October rocks!!  The leaves are just starting to turn, so if you want to get the best of both worlds (good fishing and good colors) you best book your trip now.  We have had a good year and the trips keep coming in, thanks God.  We will keep fishing as long as we can get the boats in the water.  We are also starting to plan for the winter and will be pushing the winter business a little harder this year.  Look for some ice fishing packages coming soon with some good food included coming from Ernie's on Gull Lake.  For now, it's time to knock a few other things off the list so I will be ready for Mr. Buck once the time comes!  Bye for now, Walleyedan 

Awesome weather!!  I did not fish today and I am thankful because of the flat calm and sunny conditions.  We have been busy on the water and the fish have been semi-responsive.  The walleyes are staged and ready but I think they are full.  So, give them a week or so and the bite should be phenomenal.  We are catching them right now but it takes some serious work to get them to go.  Gull is where we have been spending the majority of our time and it's about ready to "pop"!  A tail-hooked red tail chub is about as hard to resist as it gets and this is how we are getting them to bite.  Jigs will do the trick too but we have been rigging for the most part.  There is an FLW bass tournament going on right now on Gull and the bass are getting "worked"!  We had Data Card out last night out of Maddens Resort and all went well.  We had 6 boats out and I do believe everyone had a good time and caught fish too.  A 26 inch walleye was the biggest walleye and there was also a 26 inch northern caught.  The walleyes are shallow (less than 17 feet) for the most part but will be sliding deeper as this heat wave eventually moves out of town.  Hopefully you are now following us on Facebook and Twitter, we will keep you posted as the "bite" picks up!  Deer season is coming too and I believe that the Camp Ripley hunt will be my first trip to the woods.  Have you been into the newly remodeled Mills Fleet Farm in Baxter?  You will be impressed, stop by and check things out.  Getting ready for the ice season, Clam is the name you should be looking at, we will be working with these fine folks once again this winter and we are making winter plans right now!  Call today for a guided trip, 218-839-5598.  Walleyedan

Good morning!  It's a beauty out there and the fish are biting somebody's chub as you read.  I am "off" the water today and will do a little catch-up instead of catching.  We have been catching and I think things area really going to fire-up big time.  I did a couple of trips yesterday (one from my boat and the other from the pontoon and it was so windy we had to stick tight to the west shore.  The bass were cooperating and the action was good.  The day before we put 9 walleyes in the "pot"!  And they came out of Gull Lake.  Gull is now showing some positive signs of firing-up and the Whitefish Chain has been going pretty good for weeks now.  I am excited for the these next two months, I think they are going to be really fun and fish-filled!  The walleyes on Gull are all over the place, it's just that they have been gorged all summer with all the natural forage that is in the lake.  The Whitefish walleyes have been more cooperative (most days) and the pike up there can drive you nuts!  As in they are thick (in numbers)!  If you are even thinking about how nice it would be to come up and feel a "nervous minnow", you should book your fall trip now because we are filling up the book as we speak.  Our new Harris Flotebote pontoon has been a dream!  I had the Grant's out last night and I do believe they were quite impressed on how this baby handles the water and how comfortable it is to fish from.  So, if you have a group that you don't want to split up, you now have the answer.  We will also be running some type of fish-n-cruise coming up this fall, keep tabs on us here, on Facebook or Twitter.  And make sure you stop by Mills Fleet Farm to check out the awesome supply of sporting goods, including the new Huldra!!

I'm alive!  You may have thought I dropped off the earth but I am still here and we have been on the water everyday.  It's hard to keep up with everything but I need to keep trying and I know that this report needs to be updated WAY more frequently!  But here it is!  Bruce and I were up on Whitefish this a.m. and Tim was on Gull along with Jon Larson.  I think Whitefish will see us again soon because there are signs of walleye life up there.  We caught some this a.m. and Dan and Jason Erklouts had a double and they hadn't caught a walleye on Whitefish in their 30 years of staying at Tip Top Resort.  We caught some other walleyes and some northerns.  And a bullhead!  We caught our fish in 18 feet of water using red tail chubs.  Gull Lake has been good for us but the walleye action is not hot yet but it will get there very soon.  The bass have been going good and so have the northerns.  We had the annual Superstars Weekend last week and there's always something.  This year Tony McDonald hooked into a fish and it came around the bow of the boat and jumped in without a net....a 38 inch northern!  We did have witnesses including Benchwarmer Bob, Rob Lurtsema, Mr. Wonderful, Pallets, Rick, Paul and Thee Anderson.  It was more than likely a once in a lifetime.  The fish on Gull are relating to the weed line and you should be working the 12-19 ' depth zone.  The walleye bite on Gull will be firing up very soon and it should be good because there are a lot in there right now.  If you are looking for a new spinning reel, check out the new Wisota 2000 at Mills Fleet Farm.  I just swapped out reels and boy does that feel good.  Most people think of August as the dog days, I believe it is one of the best months for catching fish, come up and we will get you on the water.  Visit us on Facebook and we will keep up to snuff.

Today is the first day of summer?  That is sad.  Maybe when summer does finally decide to kick in it will carry right through January this year, hard to say!  The fishing has been o.k..  We have fished Gull for the most part but have spent some days on many other area lakes.  I did take our new pontoon over to Mille Lacs the other day and had a successful trip with Dan Hudson and his boys from Texas.  This new Harris FloteBote is a deluxe fishing tri-toon pontoon and handles the water extremely well.  It is powered by a 150 hp Mercury Verado!  We are still guiding out of our individual fishing boats but this pontoon is perfect for groups, parties and any other occasion.  Shelley, my dad and I fished the Camp Confidence Fishing Classic last Saturday and we brought up the lunker walleye of the day (a 5lb 10 ouncer).  We also finished 2nd overall in the walleye category just behind Gary Roach and just ahead of Al Lindner.  That is some pretty awesome company right there.  We had a good day on the water and used Lindy Rigs tipped with red tail chubs to land all but one of our fish that day.  The "other" walleye was caught on a leech by Shelley.  Yesterday a.m. I had the pleasure of fishing with the Francis family and Kay had the Monkey Beatdown going on, he landed a 26.5 incher and a few other nice fish.  The water temperature is in the mid 60's and the fish are probably a bit confused yet.  There was a mayfly hatch the other day and I don't like to use that as an excuse, I am just letting you know.  The fish on Gull are coming out of a variety of depths depending on the spot and the wind velocity.  We have been busy and it looks like July and August should be good.  If you are interested in booking a guided trip, please call Shelley at 218-839-5598.  Bye for now, Walleyedan 

Hello.  Things are going good on this end, I hope the same on your end.  The fishing was good this morning, slow yesterday and decent on Saturday and Monday.  The good news is, we are busy and hopefully this nice weather gets the people and the fish excited!  We are fishing the Gull Chain and it is working (except for yesterday).  A Lindy Rig and a shiner is hard to beat for a presentation but the guys are also trolling cranks in the shallows under low light and catching fish.  I have to say good bye because the kids need to be picked up and today it is my responsibility.  Give us a call and we will take you fishing, 218-839-5598!  Walleyedan  p.s.  I think my turkey season is over.

Good morning from Lake Shore, Minnesota.  What an interesting spring thus far; wild weather, turkey's not knowing if it is spring or winter, no more Bin Laden, gas near $4.00 per gallon, Twins with the worst record in baseball, Lariano with a no hitter last night, like I say things are interesting and this is just some of it.  The Minnesota fishing opener is 10 days from today and we are preparing for another busy season on the water.  We are booking trips daily now (so it seems) and if the weather shapes up things will be really good.  We are excited to put the new pontoon out on the water and it should be here any day now.  I just got off the phone with Brad at C&C Boatworks in Crosslake and he will be giving me the ETA very soon.  We are going to be running a 230 Fisherman by Harris and it will be powered by a 150 Mercury Verado and will be using it exclusively on Gull Lake which runs through the heart of the Brainerd Lakes Area.  It is set-up as a fishing pontoon but we will be promoting it as an all around cruiser for whatever your fancy (family outings, ladies night, evening cruises, beach day or whatever you are thinking).  This is not a rental pontoon, it will be run by one of our "people".  We have not nailed down the rates but we will have them posted on the "rates" page on our website very soon.  Tim Hanske, Bruce Meinz and myelf will be the "main" men to put you on the fish this season and we are getting rigged and ready for opening day.  If you want to get a head start and do a little crappie fishing as a primer we can certainly do that too.  Have you visited the newly remodeled Mills Fleet Farm in Baxter?  It is a beautiful set-up and the amount of gear that is on the shelves is quite spectacular.  Weather you shop one of the Mills Fleet Farm stores throughout the mid west or shop online at MillsFleetFarm, you will find great prices and an awesome selection of fishing, hunting and sporting goods.  There are many new Mills exclusive products on the market right now including the Wisota and Vilas spinning reels, some awesome bottom bouncers and keel weights, new rod and reel combo's, crappie kit, walleye spinner kit, grub kit and many other products that you will find ONLY at Mills Fleet Farm!  Please call Shelley at 218-839-5598 to book your next fishing trip with Walleyedan's Guide Service.  Thank you and God bless, Walleyedan  

Good evening. I just spent some time out in the boat (in the garage), getting things rigged and ready.  I am nowhere near being totally organized and ready to rock but at least it is a start.  May 14th is opener and I will have the turkey hunting out of my system by then (I think) and ready for some fishing action.  The weather is not super at the moment but we are getting some nice moisture for those May flowers that are supposed to be blowing pretty soon.  Not quite sure on the extended forecast but I am hoping for some sunshine towards the end of the week so we can do a little more gobbler chasing.  I did bag a nice Tom last Thursday and had a lot more rewarding hunt with Cody Quam (from Rochester) on Saturday.  Cody bagged his second turkey and his first Tom, the hunt was short and sweeter than sweet!  Cody is hooked I'm hooked and if you want to be introduced to this most incredible sport of turkey hunting, I can take you and show you the "ropes".  If you stop in at Mills Fleet Farm in Baxter you can see the latest photos near the new log entrance to the sporting goods department.  I will also keep the local hunting and fishing report there as well.  Some of our new turkey hunting videos are on our Walleyedan Facebook page, do you "like"?  The ice has finally disappeared and the crappies will be the target from now until opening day so if you would like to get a little jump on the 2011 open water season give Shelley a ring at 218-839-5598 and book a guided trip with one of our guides.  Hey, are you looking for something to do this weekend?  How about coming out to the Sportsman's Extravaganza at Lake Region Christian School in Baxter.  I will be giving a couple of different seminars and there will be many other speakers talking on many outdoor related topics.  Good night, Walleyedan 

Good morning from Eden Prairie.  I am laying over at my parents between turkey seminars, tonight I will be doing a seminar at the Oakdale Mills Fleet Farm and if you are wanting to talk a little turkey be there at 6:30 and we'll yelp, cluck and purr.  Hopefully the nice weather that is forecast will take care of the remaining snow so that spring can really show-up.  I know that I am not the only one that is excited for warmth!  What busy times.  It seems that everything is happening as we approach April and I guess being busy is good.  Late-ice pan fish followed by the Minnesota turkey opener (April 13th) and then on into the open water season.  We will be back on the water guiding as soon as possible and we would love to get things rolling with some guided crappie trips.  If you are interested in hiring one of us to do a little crappie fishing this spring, please call Shelley at 218-839-5598 to book.  We are also booking trips into the summer months and we are thinking that it will be another good season.  Walleye opener is May 14th here in Minnesota.  If you are looking to load the tackle box, now is the time and I have the place too!  Mills Fleet Farm is loaded with and incredible selection of sporting goods, more than ever!  The Baxter store (where I spend most of my time) has been freshly remodeled and it is a sight to see.  Make sure you stop next time you are in the Brainerd Lakes Area.  How's your coffee supply?  I just checked email and we sold another bag of "Eye Opener" online and our Walleyedan Coffee continues to sell well in Cub Foods (Brainerd, Baxter), Pequot Lakes Super Valu and Schaefers Foods in Nisswa.  We are continuing to give one dollar back to Minnesota Teen Challenge and hopefully one day we can say we made a difference (I guess we already have!).  Enjoy today and thank you for reading, Walleyedan

Good morning to you.  Happy birthday Philip!!  The coffee is perking and soon I will be perky too but right now I am feeling pretty mellow.  So that's the present, now for the past and the future.  I will start by telling you that the temperature is nice today and the snow levels are slowly starting to shrink down.  We still have a lot of ice on the area lakes so ice fishing will be going strong for a good month or so (I think).  I have been out guiding a bit and the sunnies are not so hard to find but you do have to sort through the little buggers in order to get some "cleaners".  It seems that the smaller the bait the better the action right now.  I would like to get out one of these evenings to see if the crappies are on the roam but I have not done so yet.  I am getting that feeling though and it brings excitement.  We had a guide meeting Sunday night and all is well.  Tim Hanske, Bruce Meinz,  Shelley and myself were all present.  We talked on a variety of matters and I think we are all excited for the upcoming open water season.  Tim and Jeff have babies on the way (due in April), pretty sure Toby and Bruce aren't expecting any new additions and I know that we are not.  Tim has a new boat coming this spring and Jeff will need to find one too.  I am pretty certain I will be running my Triton again this year.  Toby will be running his Ranger and Brewster his Alumacraft.  We are looking forward to another good year, we just hope God brings us nice weather once again.  If you are looking to mark your calendar, here are a few things:  Saturday the 12th is the St. Patty's Day parade in Cross Lake, we will be there and will also do the Plunge for the Pequot Hockey Association around 2:30 at Manhatten Beach on Trout Lake.  How about a turkey hunting seminar?  I will be giving the turkey talk at Mills Fleet Farm on March 23rd, please come out and talk turkey and get some discounted Primos product!  How about another turkey event?  The 15th annual NWTF banquet in Nisswa is coming up on the 26th of March at the Nisswa American Legion, kids are free with an adult!  Good food, fun, prizes and a place you should come to if you want to help grow the flock!  Have you picked up your Walleyedan Coffee today?  It's available at Cub Foods (Brainerd and Baxter), Pequot Super Valu and Schaefers Foods in Nisswa!  We now have decaf (Calm Waters) along with "Eye Opener", "Perky Pike" and "Gobbler Get-Up"!  I am working on a cup of Gobbler right now!  Bye for now, WD

It's almost been a month, sorry about that.  I'm trying to think if you have missed out on anything.  Actually things are going well despite some of the viral nasty's that are going around.  My son gets croup about this time every year and it makes you feel so helpless, I was up with him at 2:30 a.m. as he couldn't breath and had a bloody nose on top of it!  So, I guess that is just part of everyday life and I thought I would share.  I just set up Brett Stark and a couple of his friends in my fish house out on Gull and we'll see what happens.  Action has been o.k., better than a month ago that is for sure.  I had a bachelor party out on Saturday and the guys had fun, caught a few walleyes and some perch.  The week before that on Saturday I had another group of guys out and one of them landed a beauty of a walleye that looked to be 26 or 27 inches (didn't measure).  So as we enter the last couple weeks of the walleye/northern season there still is hope with a few walters and northerns roaming the depths.  The landings are getting a bit ugly already and we are forecast to have record highs up here in the Brainerd area both tomorrow and Thursday.  Not sure how long the trucks will be able to get out on the lake but you are welcome to call me if you want the latest report.  We are now entering the late-ice pan fish season and I really get my jollies once they fire-up!  It's time to crack out the portables and start chasing them down.  I have been loving my new Clam houses that I really starting using this winter.  My Scout TC (thermal cap) is awesome because I can pick it up by myself and load it in the truck.  It also has the carrying capacity for all my goods and is fun to fish out of!  Hey, have you been into the newly remodeled Mills Fleet Farm in Baxter?  You owe it to yourself to pay a visit, the sporting goods section and selection is the most awesome that you will find.  I will be doing a turkey seminar in this store on the 23rd of March, if you want to get pumped up for the upcoming season please mark your calendar.  I will also be at a few of the other Fleet Farm stores throughout the mid west.  Another date to mark is April 1st, it's the date of our NWTF banquet in Nisswa, please call me if you want tickets.  Have a great day, Walleyedan

Good morning to you.  It's warming up!  But that is not saying a whole lot because the thermometer is reading 20 below at 8:10 a.m. on this eve of the 21st annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza.  My feet are freezing already as I sit here pecking away, better remember your warm boots and hand, toe and body warmers!  I hope there is still a Therma-Wrap or two left at Fleet Farm by the time I head in there around noon today.  If you want to get me take on the Ice Fishing Extravaganza or just want to talk, stop in between noon and 5 today.  We are talking the Baxter Mills Fleet Farm.  I here we are going to have a warm up tomorrow (8 above) but I would still make sure that your clothing is appropriate.  I am talking from head to toe!  A good hat and a good pair of socks (I am totally impressed with my Ice Armor socks) will keep your heat inside and I truly believe this is where a lot of people fail.  If you stay warm, you will have an advantage over the other 10,000 plus anglers that will be out there jigging or watching (their tip-up).  Sounds like Governor Dayton will be there tomorrow, God bless him!  I will have the Mills Fleet Farm/Walleyedan fish house out on the site, my daughter Elizabeth and her friend Sylvia will be selling smores so I probably will be in that vicinity.  Clam Corporation, the makers of the blue portable fish houses and Ice Armor clothing are a major sponsor of this event and they are also a sponsor of mine.  I will be spending some time around the Clam camp too!  Will I fish?  Not much!  But I will be pulling for Philip to catch a fish.  Ice?  We got ice!  18-24 inches says the sheriff.  I am good with that and I would have to say we will make even more today and tonight (and tomorrow).  Check out the icefishing.org site if you have any other "X" questions.  See you at Fleet, at GVL tonight from 6-9 or on the ice tomorrow from 9-3!  Have an awesome day, Walleyedan

January 17, 2011

Good evening.  It's 5:30 and it's about dark but the moon is nearing full.  What does that mean, it means that we will have some seriously wild folks in town this weekend for the annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza.  It's not too late to buy your ticket, Mills Fleet Farm has then for sale right now and you can pick one up any day this week.  The ice conditions are good and I don't think we will have to worry about rain like we had last year.  In fact I think you will want to stock up on some hand warmers, feet warmers and thermal wraps!  Do what it takes to stay warm, you might win a truck!  I have a ticket but I think I will be so busy with all of the "stuff" going on where I might have to drop my Arctic Fisherman tip-up in a hole and try to keep tabs on it.  I was out today with a father and daughter and we caught a nice batch of sunnies (bluegills).  We also had a northern (pike) and missed a few other northerns.  Last week was o.k. on the walleyes but it has slowed down a bit.  I will plant the house on a new spot tomorrow for PC and the crew and we will just have to see how they do!  The weather is going to turn cold tonight and for the remainder of the week.  This should drive the ice down quite nicely and all will be dandy for Saturday.  I will be in at Mills Fleet Farm in Baxter on Friday for most of the afternoon and then at the pre-party on Friday evening.  Saturday you can look for us at the Mills Fleet Farm/Walleyedan fish house out on the ice, my 10 year old daughter and her friend will be selling smores so make sure to stop by and eat one up!  This is going to be a busy week and a cold week, I hope it's a good one for you and yours!  WD 218-839-5598

January 10, 2011

It's high noon and I am in on lunch break.  We (Dave, Brian, Jerry and Mr. Walker) were out this a.m. on Gull and had some activity but nothing to write home about.  We caught two pike a handful of perch and 1 small walleye.  After lunch we will go back out and see if we can add some walleyes to the Fleet Farm bucket!  The house is in 15 feet but we have some pretty nice structure nearby so hopefully the walleyes will find our bait tonight.  I did catch 3 little ones last night but they were doinks.  It's still really pretty up here in these parts as the snow is still hanging onto the trees.  Ice conditions are shaping up quite nicely and I would say we have a good 15 foot average.  The slush has about dried (froze) up and things are looking pretty good for the big day (January 22nd).  It's extravaganza time and the Brainerd area is about to double in size for about 3 hours on the 22nd.  You can go to icefishing.org for more information on this awesome contest.  The VIP party is the night before at Grand View Lodge and it should be a fun kick-off to the big event!  General public is invited, you are VIP's!  It seems that the 1/8 ounce Buck Shot Rattle Spoon is "the bait" of the season but it's hard to pass up the Jigging Rap.  Tip either of these baits with a minnow head and you have just as good of a chance as the other 14,000 people.  I don't know if I will even fish this year, I will be at Fleet Farm in Baxter on Friday and will be with the Clam crew out on the ice on Saturday.  Please come out and fish if you have the date open, it's a blast and a big money maker for many local charities!  If you are interested in a guided trip, please give us a call and we will try to get you in the book and on the ice.  Enjoy the day, WD

January 3, 2011

12 below at 6:30 a.m..  You would think we would be making a lot of ice and we are on the areas where there isn't drifts of snow and slush underneath.  My old time snowmobile and Randy's Rocket are frozen in right now and it will be one of my chores today to try and get them home.  I knew better, but I took the risk and ended up walking home with my auger.  Good exercise I guess.  So that kind of tells you about the conditions on Gull Lake right now.  The ice in ceratin areas is really good, other areas not so good.  Will this have a negative effect on the big day?  I don't think so because the ice on Hole in the Day was some of the first to form on Gull and people are driving out off the 371 landing.  There were a half dozen fishermen out there yesterday and to take a guess, I would say there is 10-14 inches of ice covered by snow and some slush in areas.  I will confirm this but remember, I am just making a guess.  Fishing has tapered off a little bit and this means it's time to locate a new school of "fresh" walleyes.  I will do this starting tonight if I can get my other chores done first.  I was out with the Tibbetts family the other morning on Gull Lake and we fished in the rain and then the snow but thankfully we had our Clam Thermal X and Scout TC for shelter.  If you are looking at getting into a portable fish house, I would recommend and of the Clam houses.  These babies are built solid and have all the features that the ice fisherman needs and wants.  I have also switched my outwear over to Ice Armor and have been very pleased with the performance.  I have had the Extreme suit on most of the early winter but it's nice to have options depending upon how you fish.  If you are looking for ice fishing gear, make sure you shop Mills Fleet Farm you shouldn't have to go anywhere else and while you are there pick up your Extravaganza ticket, apply for your turkey permit and check out the Walleyedan end cap!  Happy New Year to all of you loyal readers and let me know if you have any brilliant ideas for 2011.  We're always looking for brilliant ideas.  For now, I will say good bye and get the kids off to school.  God bless, Walleyedan

December 24, 2010

Merry Christmas to you!  We have been given the greatest gift of all, thank you God for giving us your Son.  I hope all of you enjoy the day and the season.  It sure is a nice looking Christmas eve morning out there with the snow falling a nice little coating of light snow covering the landscape.  We have about 6 or 8 inches of snow on the ground and about 9-14 inches of ice on the area lakes.  I have been fishing Gull and only Gull thus far and it has been pretty good.  My last trip out (Wednesday) was my slowest of the season and it might be time to move the house.  I did stay over night Tuesday with my son and we didn't get bothered by the rattle reels too much.  Once at 12:20 a.m. and a couple of times at 8:30 a.m..  We ended up with a 21 incher and a 17 incher.  We have had action every night and I think if I guy/gal were to go out and actually work it a little harder (hopping from hole to hole) you will have more success.  And that is usually what we do, weather permitting.  The Northland Buckshot Rattle Spoon has been a good bait once again this year but we are also catching about as many on tip-ups tipped with shiner minnows.  15-28 feet is the depth zone that we have been working and I believe there are plenty of hungry fish out there if you are willing to go out and get after them.  My new Clam Scout TC has been a great little house for this type of fishing but it is also nice to come back to base camp and take a little break.  Things are shaping up quite nicely for the 21st annual Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza and hopefully this is one of those years where there won't be any issue as to whether it's a go or no.  It looks like we are in better shape this year than years past!  Get your ticket at Mills Fleet Farm and get ready for the most awesome ice fishing event in the world!  Bring your friends, bring your family and jig em up!  The family is waking up so I am going to sign off and talk to you later.  One more time, Merry Christmas!  Walleyedan 

December 14, 2010

The ice is growing!  I was out last night on Gull and found 7 inches of good ice under the 2 or so inches of snow that we have covering most of the lake.  It's about 7 degrees right now at 9:21 a.m. so we are continuing to make ice here in central Minnesota.  It's not so good in other parts of the state where there is a lot of snow insulating the ice.  The fishing has been pretty darn good too and this makes me happy.  I think once this cold blast has passed the bite will really get good and it should be a fantastic weekend for fishing up here in the Brainerd area.  I lost my favorite lure last night on a northern (pike) and it bummed be out because I was trying to horse it out of the hole!  I'm not so sure that you all know we are not selling Arctic Armor any longer.  We signed on with the Clam Corporation a few weeks ago and we are excited to be using and promoting their awesome line of products.  I am currently using the Scout TC, the Thermal X and the Summit Thermal.  So far I have been using the Scout TC, but it's about time to crack out the Thermal X and get serious!  As most of you know, Mills Fleet Farm is our major sponsor and the stores throughout the mid west at loaded with ice fishing gear and sold at great prices.  Please shop Mills Fleet Farm when you get the chance, You'll Love It!  Hey, I am arranging a few different trips this winter and the first will be up on Lake Vermillion.  If you and your friends and family would like to experience an ice fishing trip please inquire, I would be happy to price out a trip for you.  As an example, my first trip will be a two day trip with lodging and all the fishing gear for a price of $275.00 per person.  We are also doing trips here around the Brainerd area at 4, 6 and 8 hour increments.  The cost is around $100.00 per person, call for details.  Have a fantastic day and I hope your Christmas season is full of joy!  Looking for that stocking stuffer or gift pack?  How about ordering up some Walleyedan Coffee?  It is fine coffee and it is freshly roasted here in Nisswa Minnesota at Stonehouse Coffee.  We have the "Eye Opener", "Perky Pike" and "Gobbler Get-Up"!  We are giving back a $1.00 per bag sold to Minnesota Teen Challenge, an awesome ministry that is doing wonders!  Check them out at MNTC.org.  You can buy the coffee right here on our website or at Cub Foods in Brainerd or Baxter, Super Valu in Pequot Lakes, MN or at Schaefers Foods in Nisswa, MN.  Gotta go, WD 

December 7, 2010

It's approaching "prime time" and I am debating on whether or not to head out and try to ice a couple of walleyes.  We did it last night, my son and I and I am pretty confident that I could add to that tonight but I will have to type fast and then get my act together (fast).  So, here we go.  4 inches of good solid ice where we fished last night on the west side of Gull Lake.  There are areas where the ice is thicker and I'm sure there are a few spots where it's thinner.  Be safe!  We caught fish last night on both tip-ups and on a Jigging Shad Rap tipped with a minnow head.  We have about 2 inches of snow on most of the lake and with the temperatures dropping for the next couple of days the ice should grow.  I put together my new Clam Scout TC yesterday and my 8 year old son was loving it (see his picture on the home page and also on Facebook).  If I go tonight, I plan on using it and fishing by myself (I hope).  A little peace and quiet is a good thing and I am about due for a little quite time with just the quiet hum of the Vexilar.  We had a fun day with our Walleyedan Coffee, we had a gentleman from Vermont buy 7 bags of Perky Pike!  And we also got the o.k. from Schaefers Foods to put it on the shelf at their store in Nisswa.  Perfect Christmas present for the hunter and fisherman or the everyday coffee drinker on your list.  I was down at the Ice Show this past weekend in St,. Paul and had a good time learning about all the products that the Clam Corporation has on the market.  Nice people, nice product!  We will not be selling it here at out site, but we suggest you shop Mills Fleet Farm for all of you outdoor needs and wants.  God bless, Walleyedan

November 29, 2010

Good morning.  And how are you doing?  It's the start of another week and it looks to be a busy one.  I have been on the ice but only with my skates on.  My son Mac and I were out on Gull Lake yesterday and skates along the northwest shoreline.  Not a lot of ice (2 inches or so) but we were only over about 3 feet of water and weren't too worried, Shelley was though.  The temperatures got up near 40 yesterday and the wind blew, so we didn't make any ice.  In fact the wind opened up some area that were frozen the day before.  Play it safe!!  There have been some fishermen/women out on Round and North Long but I think I will be waiting until after the Ice Fishing Show in St, Paul this weekend.  Are you going?  I will be down there and hanging out with the Clam folks, talking fishing, shelters, Ice Armor, maybe a little hunting etc..  The show is on from Friday through Sunday and I will plan on being around Friday and Saturday.  Tomorrow is the last day to purchase your discounted Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza tickets at Mills Fleet Farm.  Go do it today and your local Mills Fleet Farm and you will save some cash.  The contest is January 22nd on Gull Lake and if you want more information visit the website at icefishing.org..  I think the walleyes are going to be "on" this year out on Gull Lake, we will soon find out.  I will keep you updated here and also on the Walleyedan Facebook page.  Like it.  Have a fanatstic day and as you go through these days leading up to Christmas, keep in mind that we are celebrating because of the birth of Jesus Christ.  WD 

November 21, 2010

Good morning.  We have some chilling temps and a slight bit of precipitation falling this a.m..  I am reporting from my computer here in Lake Shore, MN and slightly distracted by Sponge Bob playing on television.  We also have a little "bug" in the house, Elizabeth woke up early in the a.m. with the pukes!  Nothing like a little personal touch.  It doesn't look like we will be making it into church this a.m. but a little Dr. Charles Stanley goes a long way.  So, the news of the week is that I have come aboard the Clam Team.  I am excited to see what shakes down with this whole program, we should have some exciting things on the horizon.  I will keep you posted.  The ice season is here!  With the forecast, the lakes are going to be fishable very soon.  North Long 371 bay and parts of Round and other lakes are frozen and will really see some ice making this coming Thanksgiving week!  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family, I hope you enjoy this holiday.  I am very thankful for life, it gets more and more interesting with each day.  I hope your deer season was a success, ours was.  We finished things up with Elizabeth shooting a nice spike buck with her moms Mossberg 20 gauge.  It was an awesome experience and  think we have a little hunter for many years to come.  When she shot, I thought she had missed but after a 15 minute wait we got down and went to check out the site of the shot.  We found hair and 5 minutes later Elizabeth found blood!  She really is going to be a hunter.  We followed the blood trail for another 100 yards and there he was.  I don't want to be done with the deer hunting but I think I might just have to bag it and get into the ice fishing mode.  We have a lot of venison in the freezer and thanks to the McDonalds gang at McDonalds Meats in Clear Lake, MN, we have some good eats.  If you would like to book a guided ice fishing trip, please let us know and we will go!  Have a nice Sunday and go Vikes.  Walleyedan  p.s.  Keep on checking back for current ice conditions!  And make sure to buy your discounted Extravaganza tickets at Mills Fleet Farm before the end of the month!

November 9, 2010

Good afternoon.  It sure has been a while, sorry.  Fishing, hunting, knee surgery just to mention a few of the things that have been keeping me from writing to you.  We are 4 days into the 2010 Minnesota firearms deer season and all is well.  The weather has been mild, and the deer have been running pretty wild.  I would say the rut is about to peak so you might want to go pull up a seat in the woods about now.  I did score back on October 27th with my bow and arrow.  I shot a nice 7 point buck at about 9:25 a.m. on that snowy morning.  It was a fabulous hunt but it was way too short!  I am living through others stories now and will spend some time on stand with Elizabeth (our middle child who is 10).  We were out this a.m. and saw 3-5 deer, possibly the same ones but did not see any horns and that's what she is looking for.  Something was pushing them around but we did not get a look, maybe tonight.  My nephew Cameron shot a really nice 10 pointer on Saturday at about 1:30 p.m..  It was his first deer and I do believe we have a hooked hunter.  I was out yesterday with Dan Bigelow and we had a good trip out on the water.  I had not been out for a while so I didn't really have a good starting point.  We caught a couple of keepers, lost a decent one right at the boat and caught a big pike.  We will still fish if you are looking to take a trip, just call or email.  Still looking for that 30 plus incher and it should come any day now.  Still thinking about that 30 some pointer too!  Hey, go Warriors football!  They play my hometown team (the Eden Prairie Eagles Friday night), this should be a good one!  Yes, I will be pulling for the Warriors of Brainerd and they will have to put up some points to beat this E.P. team.  I watched them play the first half of the Hopkins game and that is all it took to realize Brainerd will have to bring it.  Have you had your cup today?  Your cup of Walleyedan Coffee, it's now available at Cub Foods in Baxter, Brainerd and Super Valu in Pequot Lakes.  Also online and we are working on the next roast for you mellow fellows and ladies, decaf.  Gotta go bro!  WD 

September 30, 2010

Hello.  It's about bedtime (8:50 p.m.) but I will be on the water all day tomorrow and wouldn't have been able to get the report out to you.  I will be fishing all day tomorrow with Philip and I have yet to decide where we will fish although I do know we will fish hard and have fun.  Gull has been been the best I have seen it in 15 years.  The walleyes have been cooperating most days and the size average is much better than it has been over the last number of years.  We have been catching them on rigs and jigs in many different depths.  I had Dan Schlapkohl out yesterday on his 65th birthday and thankfully Dan was able to bring in a couple of nice fish.  Check out Walleydan on Facebook and you will be able to see some of the most recent photos.  Joe and Laura Heinmiller had a nice catch the other day too and they came all the way from Philly for some Gull Lake walleyes.  Hey, how about those Twins?  It looks like it's going to be the Yanks....bring it!  This is the year, 1987, 1991 and 2010.  Here's one for you.  We were eating some stuffed pork chops at the table tonight and we had a 4 point buck walk right through the woods.  My daughter Alex was pretty impressed with my peripheral vision and I guess I was pretty amazed that I caught the movement too.  It is the season though and I have been shooting both my compound and my Holm Made hybrid.  My son Mac has been shooting his new Mission and is doing quite well.  Time for the Twins to come back and beat the Blue Jays, I am checking out!  WD

September 23, 2010

Good morning (11:30 a.m.) from the moist northland.  Sounds like we are going to have plenty of moisture in the ground heading into the winter season and if this trend continues, maybe we will have one of those old fashioned Minnesota winters with a lot of snow and cold.  I am not ready for that yet, especially the way the walleyes have been cooperating (most days).  We have been doing quite well and I would have to say that this is one of the best fall walleye bites I have experienced in many years.  We are rigging or jigging up the walleyes from 14-40 feet.  Gull has been good but it sounds like it's not the only lake that is "on" right now.  I have had some really rewarding trips as of late and also a close call!  One of the finest trips I have had in recent memory was last week when I fished with Morey and Kris Nelson and Jill.  Morey is 90 and boy o boy did we have a fun time.  He caught some really nice walleyes and fell out of his chair twice!  His military helmet fell out of the boat too, but I was able to grab it before it sank!  Kris and Jill waitressed up here at Maddens back in 1969 and returned for a visit and some fishing for Morey.  Another nice trip was with my mom's school friends from E.P., Mickey and Winnie Boyd.  We had a fun trip and caught a nice batch of walleyes on Fireball Jigs and rainbow chubs.  Speaking of Fireballs, I got one in the eye the other day and the stinger got caught between my eye lid and my eye ball!  Scary, but thanks to God it miraculously fell out on our way back to the dock and eventually to the eye Dr..  Thank you Dr. Beebe for getting me in for a check out.  Only a couple little dents on the eye ball, no punctures.  Really amazing.  Other than that, just doing my jobs and trying to hold down the fort as Shelley and Mac have been away for a week at Disney World.  I am so thankful that I have a wife, things would be just a bit tricky to balance if it weren't for her help!  Fall is here, officially and I am preparing for a little deer hunting and maybe a fall turkey hunt or two.  Winter will follow that up and I am hoping to hit the ice a lot more this winter.  Tim will be doing the fish house rentals once again and I plan on doing a fair amount of guiding, look for the detailed info coming soon.  If you are looking for the outdoor goods make sure you check out your local Mills Fleet Farm store or go online at millsfleetfarm.com.  Go Twins, Vikes and go hunt and fish!, WD  218-839-5598.  p.s. call for a guided trip today!

September 14, 2010

Good morning to you.  I am heading up north with Bruce this a.m. to do some crappie fishing, sounds like a pretty good bite happening and we have the day off.  I was out on Gull twice yesterday and did fairly well.  The morning was a little tough but we still did manage a good catch.  Last night I had my dad and his buddy Bruce out and we did well, finding a nice school of walleyes up pretty shallow (15-18).  I have been working over the deep fish, but they have been a little tougher to locate.  Maybe they were caught already.  The fishing has been really good for quite a while now and this makes it fun to go out day after day like we have been doing.  It's those streaks when the fishing is tough that make it pretty hard on a guy.  And we have been through those too.  Today will be a fun mix, a little fall crappie action in the north country.  The calendar is starting to slow down a little so for you  fishers out there it might be time to pick up the phone and book your guided trip today.  Have a great day and Go Twins!  And Vikes!  WD   

September 7, 2010

School is in session (in about an hour).  No more of the "what are we going to do today?".  The weather is a little ugly for this first day of school here in the north country but the kids are excited.  All of our guide trips this morning have decided to reschedule and maybe as early as this afternoon, weather permitting.  The fishing on Gull Lake has been good for quite some time now and I suspect it will hang in there right through the winter months.  Winter?  Guess it's time to prepare.  We are thinking of offering some trips this winter and it should be some pretty cool stuff, you will have to wait and see and continue to watch for the "packages".  As for now we will continue guiding until the boat ramps are no longer accessible.  It's been fun, so if you have interest in coming up this fall to do a little walleye angling, I would suggest you book your guided trip today and we will get you in the book.  We are finding the walleyes all over Gull and at various depths.  We will start to fish some of the other area lakes too but Gull has been very consistent.  Hunting season is almost upon us too and that creates a problem for us serious outdoorsman!  Time to head over to Mills Fleet Farm and get stocked up on everything from A to Z, one thing I highly recommend is the new Elimitick clothing that will do wonders in keeping the ticks off as you are hunting this fall.  I did use it all spring as I spent many hours in the turkey woods.  I am a believer, big time!  Have a great day, week and month.  God Bless, Walleyedan

August 25, 2010

Good morning to you.  I am going to whip this out quick because I have to haul the fish guts out of the garage, shower up and get to the LGF meeting at 371 Diner at 7:30.  Fishing has been good.  I have been saying this for quite some time now and it's still happening.  Of course some days are tougher than others (especially with the wicked wind we have had the last two days) but overall the walleyes have been cooperating.  The standard rigs are doing it in 12-25 feet and soon to be deeper.  This walleye action should continue right through the fall so maybe it's time to book your trip.  I was out flinging some arrows the other day and it felt pretty darn good.  I am legal to hunt the fall turkey and I am hoping for a Ripley permit as well as the standard bow tag for around home.  I was roaming around Mills Fleet Farm in Baxter the other day and it looks like most of the hunting clothing and gear is up.  One article that I would highly recommend is the Elimitick clothing line, stop in there and check it out.  This stuff works and let me tell you, Lymes Disease is nasty!  This clothing will keep the ticks away, I wore it all spring in the turkey woods and had 1 tick!  Gotta go, have a great day! Walleyedan

August 16, 2010

Good afternoon.  It's a breezy one but the walleyes were loving it this a.m..  I was out, Tim Hanske was out, Toby was out, Bruce was out and we all did well.  The bite is on and I would say that it will be "on" for the next two months.  We are catching the walleyes in 14-20 feet using red tail chubs or creek chubs on a Lindy Rig.  The jig bite is going too if that is what you prefer.  It sure is nice to have a reprieve from that hot, sticky air.  Let's hope we have seen (or felt) the last of that for the summer.  Gull Lake has been good but North Long, Pelican, Whitefish and the rest of the area lakes should be happening now too.  With the walleyes biting and the Twins winning, we have some good stuff happening right now in Minnesota.  I was down to a game the other night with my family (thanks to Art Staples and Staples Financial) and we had an awesome time.  Wouldn't it be fantastic to see the Twins playing the Yankees for the ALCS?  I think it might just happen.  O.k., back to the fishing.  Wanna go?  Pick up the phone and call Shelley at 218-839-5598 and book a guided trip with one of our "good guides".  If you are looking for something to do on Friday, I have two things for you to consider.  Number one is the Heritage Sportsman's Banquet at Heritage Assemblies of God Church in Baxter, Roger Raglin will be the speaker and this will be a great night of eating, prizes and stories to get you pumped for the upcoming deer season.  All monies go to B.A.Y. (Brainerd Area Youth Ministries).  The other happening on Friday is the NWTF (National Wild Turkey Federation) banquet in Nisswa.  If you want to learn more about the wild turkey and do your part to keep this phenomenal sport going, please check it out.  I will be at the Heritage Sportsman's Banquet because it's hard for me to be in two places at one time.  Walleyedan

August 8, 2010

Good Sunday morning to you.  It fells like a muggy one out there today and I am thankful that I will be taking a break in the action.  It was a long week but a good week and now I will have a short time to recharge both my batteries and the boat batteries.  This Walleyedan Coffee that I am drinking right now is getting me going and you too can drink some if you go to our store and purchase.  You will like it, right now I am drinking the "Eye Opener".  We have been catching some eyes on Gull and I believe Toby caught some up on Leech yesterday with his group.  The fishing has been good here in the Brainerd, Nisswa and Cross Lake area.  If you want northerns (pike), head to Whitefish and drop a minnow down between 22 and 30 feet and you should have action.  The walleyes on Gull are biting if you know the "spots".  They are on the outside weed edge and also on the humps and mid-lake structure.  A red tail or creek chub will entice them but so will a crawler or leech if the perch or sunnies don't beat the walleyes to the bait.  I was out yesterday afternoon with E.D. Hill and husband Joe and the rest of the gang.  We caught some northerns up on Whitefish and a nice 23 inch walleye.  Tomorrow is a day off the water unless Alex (our daughter) wants to be out there.  It will be here 14th birthday tomorrow!  Happy birthday Ax!  I love you.  Have you been shooting your bow?  My neither but I know it needs to start happening soon.  O.k., it's time for me to fly the coffee has kicked in.  Keep this day holy and shop Mills Fleet Farm for all your outdoor needs.  Walleyedan 

July 27, 2010

The weather is a bit frightful this a.m. and we just cancelled one of my two trips of the day, hopefully things shape up so I can put Roscoe on some smallmouth bass this afternoon.  The fishing in the area has been good for almost a month now.  We have been fishing Gull pretty hard but also doing some trips here and there throughout the area.  We had the Phillips Distilling group out the other day and all went well, Dean caught the big northern of the day and we also caught some nice walleyes that we put back.  Yesterday I had a gal catch a 36 inch northern on Gull and it was an awesome fight for her.  She caught it on a creek chub in about 15 feet of water on the south end of Gull.  It may have been the largest northern that I have had caught by a customer on Gull Lake and it was caught with 6 pound test line.  And last week as Toby, brother-in-law Ryan and I fished and golfed the GVL tourney, I caught my first every smallmouth out of Gull Lake (4 pounds 8 ounces).  What's next, Jingles?  Let's hope so.  The best way to fish Gull right now is with a Lindy Rig and a nice sized (4-8 inch) minnow along the outside edge of the weeds.  NorthernJen was back at last week too, as she caught another nice Gull Lake northern.  Mark, maybe next time brother and thanks for sporting the Fleet Farm hat!  The best batch of walleyes last week came out of Gull as well in about 17 feet of water while fishing with the Powell family from Stillwater.  Ken had the touch and we ended up boating 10 one morning.  We have a couple events coming up and unfortunately they are on the same evening.  I will be hosting the 2010 Heritage Sportsman's Banquet on August 20th starting at 4:30 p.m. with dinner at 6:00 p.m..  We will be having a pig roast and the speaker of the evening will be Roger Raglin, America's Whitetail Deer Hunter and host of Roger Raglin Outdoors TV show.  We will have the top 10 whitetails of North America on display and if this doesn't get you pumped for the upcoming hunting season I don't think anything will.  Lots of prizes too!  tickets are available at Heritage Assemblies of God Church or Bethany Bookstore.  Kids are welcome and all proceeds will go to Brainerd Area Youth Ministries (B.A.Y.).  The other event on this night will be the 14th annual NWTF banquet at the Nisswa Community Center.  Our local chapter, The Central Minnesota Gobblers is a great group of people that are doing great things for our wild turkeys.  If you want to learn more about the most awesome bird on the planet, call our president Dan Zimmerman at 218-821-7701.  O.k., that's all I have for now.  Have a great day and a great week.  Walleyedan   

July 17, 2010

I'm sorry that it has almost been a month since I have last posted.  I have been aqua man, spending many hours on the water and haven't had much energy for anything else.  The good news is that we are busy and the fish are biting!  So it could be another month before you here from me again but I will seriously try to be here for you more often.  The water temperature is warm (75 ish) and this has kicked in the fish metabolism and also kicked the bait and fish out of the weeds and more exposed on the edges and the reefs.  We are using our standard Walleyedan Rig tipped with a red tail chub or creek chub.  Jigs tipped with a minnow will also stir up a few Walters for you.  Yesterday was a good day as we put 12 walleyes in the boat with the Richards family from Indiana.  They were up here through Make-A-Wish.  Deryk, 13, had a kidney transplant from his mom over a year ago and it was his wish to come up and do some walleye fishing.  This would be my type of wish too Deryk, good call.  We had some good trips and I believe that the Richards really did enjoy their trip to Maddens Resort, I think Deryk is fishing right now too!  The walleyes we are catching are eaters, the big dogs will start biting here pretty quick too.  The walleyes aren't the only fish biting, everything is.  It's also time to crack out the Scum Frog and throw it up in the slop!  Have you stopped by Mills Fleet Farm and checked out the latest end cap?  Everyone loves this one and of course it is because of Elizabeth.  These baits really do work well and you can tell by the way they are "jumping" off the shelves.  Get one today and you will have a blast.  This has been a good stretch of fishing and business for all of our guides and if you are looking to come up and fish, make sure to call Shelley today at 218-839-5598 and book your trip with Walleyedan's Guide Service.  Thank you and God Bless.

WD

June 18, 2010

Good morning.  It is a beautiful, sun shining morning up here in the lakes area.  Quite a difference from last evening when we had some pretty nasty weather come ripping through the area.  We were spared, but the folks in Wadena weren't.  The wind is blowing today and it sounds like we will have a pretty good chop for tomorrows annual Camp Confidence Fishing Classic that will be held at Maddens Resort on Gull Lake.  I will be fishing with my wife and my dad and I am trying to formulate my game plan.  There are 4 categories (walleye, northern, bass and mixed bag).  We will see how things go but I think we will try to get a big walleye right away in the morning and then do some casting with jigs and Gulp Alive and maybe some Trigger X.  This past week was o.k. but not fantastic, I fished Gull, Whitefish and Mille Lacs.  The Gull Lake walleye bite is starting to shape up and we are finding some biters along the weed lines using both Lindy Rigs and Northland Fireline Jigs tipped with either shiners or red tail chubs.  Whitefish is full of northerns and on my trip the other morning with the Thomans, that is all we caught.  We only fished lower and middle Whitefish and the storms were moving in from the west so I decided not to head to upper.  Would that have been the answer?  Not certain.  Next week I have a few longer trips (6 and 8 hour trips) and will more than likely fish Mille Lacs one of the days.  The new Cyration blades from JB Lures (available only at Mills Fleet Farm) are going to be walleye catchers!  Pick some up today.  How is your coffee supply?  If you are running low, make sure to pick up a pound of Walleyedan Coffee that is available right now at Cub Foods in Baxter.  Have a great day and if you would like to book a guided trip with one of our "good" guides, please call and book with Shelley today 218-839-5598.

Walleyedan

June 10, 2010

Good afternoon.  I am dried out and getting that sleepy feeling.  I was on the water this morning with Judy, Dave and Gary and we caught some dinner.  Gary was a good stick and that help matters big time.  We fished Gull Lake and caught a bag of walleyes and perch in 10-18 feet of water using jigs and Lindy Rigs tipped with small shiner minnows.  The weather has been a little on the "iffy" side but we are started to see a little more consistency in the "bite".  The bass are turning on but the males have been the aggressive ones.  Mille Lacs is a different story as I was over there last week with the Studs from Iowa (Keith, Lee and Ted) and they put on a mini-clinic.  The biggest was a 18 incher but I am pretty sure that we had a 19 plus up to the boat and next time over there I will be shooting for a 20 plus.  We are talking smallmouth bass here.  Last night I was filming a clip for Mills Fleet Farm and the Scum Frogs were being showcased.  I was out on a small area lake with my daughter Elizabeth and I am thankful that she was with.  She caught the big bass of the night and both of us had bigger fish on that we lost.  Bottom line, we got fresh footage for the next Walleyedan end cap at Mills Fleet Farm, you will have to stop and check it out.  Last weekend was the Minnesota Teen Challenge Fishing Challenge and what a success it was!  I was loving it, I fishing with Mike Cousineau and we ended up finishing first in the northern category and second in the pan fish category.  We were tossing chartruse 3 inch Gulp Alive minnows on a jig head and catching about everything.  We are booking trips daily and if you are interested in a guided trip with one of our professional guides, please give Shelley a ring at 218-839-5598.

Walleyedan

May 31, 2010

Good morning and a happy Memorial Day to you.  Especially to you who have lost friends and family in war.  It is a gorgeous morning, the birds are singing the humidity is gone and there is hardly a whisper of wind.  Fishing has been good and now that the bass season is open we have another species to fall back on if the walleyes decide they don't want to cooperate.  My last successful walleye trip was over on Mille Lacs and that was Friday.  I am either going to heard back there or up to Leech with Keith Barnes, Ted Tedesco and Lee Huey tomorrow.  Today is a "get ready" day and a day with the family here on the ranch.  The water temperature is warming up and the fish should start to really rock here this week.  I am going to pick up some of the new blades from JB Lures that are exclusive to Mills Fleet Farm, you need to see and use these babies.  They have an exclusive design that will drive the walleyes crazy.  Also out at Mills Fleet Farm are the new exclusive Shap Raps and the Rusty Monkey has proven itself already to be a monster walleye catcher.  Don Skrove, who I fished with the other day caught a 30 inch walleye on opening day back in his town of Alexandria, MN.  The Rusty Monkey is a exclusive color Rapala Shad Rap and can only be purchased at Mills Fleet Farm.  This will become an extremely hot bait as we enter the warm water months here in Minnesota as the walleyes start to suspend around the schools of baitfish.  June is about here (tomorrow) and it is shaping up to be a busy one for our guide service.  We do still have openings though and the "bite" should be exceptional in days and weeks to come.  So if you are looking to book a trip with one of our professional guides, please call 218-839-5598 and ask for Shelley.  Have a great week and I will report back sooner than later.  Walleyedan

May 17, 2010

Good morning.  It is 7:08 and all is calm (as in the air movement).  What an amazing weekend and week ahead, thanks God.  Now it's on with the guiding season.  I guided my family for a few hours this weekend and we caught some Gull lake walleyes, tonight starts the real thing.  Tim, Toby, Bruce and Jeff guided out of Lost Lake Lodge this weekend and had some success.  My dad and brother-in-law Chris had some nice fish in the morning and that was that.  We slip bobber fished with leeches at midnight and Elizabeth caught the only fish, a rocky.  When we went out Saturday afternoon/evening we picked up 5 walleyes and Shelley caught 4 of them on a 1/4 ounce Northland Fireball Jig and a shiner, Mac caught the other on a Lindy Rig and a shiner.  Our fish were caught in 13-20 feet of water on the north end of Gull.  It sounds like Leech will be good again this year and I have yet to hear anything from Mille Lacs.  This week is going to be choice, so if you are getting the walleye urge please pick up the phone and call Shelley.  We have a few guides that would absolutely love to put you on some hungry walleyes.  We are working on some "set" hours at our new location on highway 371 north, Nisswa.  Stop by and check things out next time you have a minute.  I will be there a fair amount today before it's time to meet up with my evening fishing partners.  Have a great day and check back soon.  WD

May 13, 2010

It's about that time.  Time to put away the guns and pull out the other weapons (the fishing rods).  The turkey season was absolutely incredible, we scored on 6 different birds and of those 5 were by first time turkey hunters.  It started out with Shelley (my wife) followed by Cody, Wade, Phyllis, Elizabeth (my daughter) and just Tuesday a.m. I bagged my bird.  This was by far my most awesome turkey hunting season ever.  All were shot in central Minnesota and all were jakes except for the bird I shot on Tuesday, it was a Merriam (yes) that had just shy of an 11 inch beard, 1 1/4 spurs and weighed 22 pounds.  What a rush.  Kent still has a tag so we will see what happens there. 

Fishing.  I am going to be headed for our shop (371 north, Nisswa) in a few minutes to get the rods dusted off and fresh line spooled.  I will be rigging 3 of them with lighted slip bobbers because that is what we will be doing on Friday at midnight.  Me, Elizabeth and Mac!  Should be an interesting opener and by the sounds of things the weather is going to cooperate nicely.  I truly think that this opener will be a great one all the way around.  The fish have had plenty of time to recuperate and the water temp is getting up there to where the fish should be quite actively searching out our Fireballs, Lindy Rigs, slip bobbers and leeches or whatever else you plan on dropping in front of them.  Tim Hanske, Toby Kvalevog, Bruce Meinz and Jeff Andersen will be with us again for the start of the 2010 guiding season.  They will all be busy with the Lost Lake Lodge crew and I have a feeling that there will be enough walleyes caught to have a nice dinner.  I think Shelley and I are headed over to Lost Lake Lodge tonight for their friends and family dinner party.  Like I mentioned, it's time for me to get things in gear with my equipment.  A trip to Mills Fleet Farm will most likely be in the cards before the day is out, how can you not make a stop at Fleet farm to browse the awesome aisles of fishing gear.  Have a great day, a great opening weekend and if you are interested in booking a guided trip with one of us please call 218-839-5598 and talk with Shelley.

Walleyedan

May 5, 2010

10 days to Mac and Elizabeth's birthday, 10 days to the beginning of the 2010 Minnesota Fishing Opener.  I am not 100% ready for either so it's time to get my act together and prepare.  But what about those turkeys?  I am not done with them, in fact my season has not even started yet.  I have been doing some calling for others and it has been and exceptional year but I will try to get myself, Elizabeth and Geoff Davidge on a bird before the busy season starts!  Today is a bit on the nippy side and according to the weather people we might be in this pattern for a while yet.  The crappies have been getting "worked", just like I predicted, it's been really good (so I hear).  I still need to stop in at Mills Fleet Farm and pick up my 2010 license, my other expired on the 29th of April.  How about yours?  Are you legal?  I am not sure about you, but with the change that was made a few years ago as far as the expiration, it has screwed me up a little.  I can see how a person could space this out although I know that won't fly with the DNR.  Mothers Day!  I am sorry mother that I didn't put this as the top topic but I did not totally forget!  It's this weekend, actually Sunday the 9th.  Let's not forget guys/gals.  A few other mentions:  the Lake Shore Gun Club is getting fired-up for the season and you might want to look into some of the different events coming up (the spring kick-off and the kids shooting day).  The Gould Brothers will be putting on a shooting demonstration this Saturday the 8th and the kids will be invited out to learn how to shoot from some highly qualified folks on the 15th.  Google Lake Shore Gun Club and check things out!  Also, the Let's Go Fishing (Brainerd Chapter) is getting organized for the maiden voyage and if you are interested in either training to be a captain or co-captain or want to schedule a trip please let us know.  Go to LGFWS.com and head to the Brainerd Chapter, you will find more info.  Time to get on with the day.  Have a nice one and stay on the right track.

WD

April 26, 2010

Good morning (11:50 a.m.).  Another gorgeous spring day up here in the lakes country of central Minnesota.  I just completed a walk with my wife and I need to keep up the exercise routine.  Turkey hunting is good but I think I need a little more muscle building, particularly in the left knee department.  The walleye opener is fast approaching and it seems that people are getting the fever.  We have been booking quite a few trips and I think it's going to be a fantastic season.  With the early spring and rapidly warming water, the fish are fired-up.  Right now we are offering guided crappie and sun fish trips but the walleye opener is on the 15th of May and from the day on we should be on the water almost daily.  We are starting out the season with our full compliment of guides (myself, Tim Hanske, Toby Kvalevog, Bruce Meinz and Jeff Andersen).  Turkey season is in full swing and it has been an exceptional start to the 2010 season.  We have 4 birds under our belt, all coming from central Minnesota.  My son Mac, who is 7 missed a giant long beard last Wednesday morning and now it's time to see if our little Elizabeth can be the first to bag a bird.  Shelley shot her first bird on the 15th and I have also called in birds for Cody Quam of Rochester, Wade Geisenhof of Fort Ripley and Phyllis Pfaff of Motley/Leader.  I think tomorrow morning might be Elizabeth's turn, we'll see.  If you are heading out into the turkey woods, I would suggest stopping at your local Mills Fleet Farm for a Turkey Skinz (an authentic feathered covering that goes over your existing decoy), this is a gobbler getter!  As far as calls, The Primos Wet Box and the Cherry Bomb are two awesome box calls.  The Ring Zone slate call by Hunters Specialties is my favorite along with a few custom calls from Flash!  The Double D by HS and the Smack Down and Kung Fu Chop are good ones too from Flextone.  Some days a decoy is the way to go and other days no decoy is the way to go.  Right now I've got to go so best of "skill" in the woods or on the water and I will talk at you later.  Book your guided trip today with Walleyedan's Guide Service 218-839-5598.

Walleyedan

April 7, 2010

Good morning.  It is a little crisp, in fact I just stepped out onto the porch with my Primos Wet Box and ripped off a few yelps.  No reply.  Things have been good up here in the north country.  The lakes are open and spring has kicked into full gear.  The loons are back and so are the Snow-Birds, these are sure signs of spring.  The Twins are fired-up too and I see they won their first game last night in Anaheim.  The guide trips are starting to roll on in and it looks to be another good year of guiding for the crew.  If you would like to book a guided trip on the day you want it might not be a bad idea to call Shelley and get in the books.  Turkey hunting is obviously on my brain as opening day here in Minnesota is fast approaching (April 14th).  I had the kids out the other day shooting at targets and Elizabeth (9) peppered her homemade turkey head target, her first ever shot with a shotgun (20 gauge)!  Nice job my little tree-hugger!  I have a few events coming up here shortly and it all starts this weekend at Lambeau where Mills Fleet Farm is putting on their sport show, this is a big deal with some BIG SAVINGS on product.  Then it's off to the No Kids Left Indoors event at the airport Hilton, this is sure to be a great event as well.  Turkey hunting will be next followed by the "Let's Go Fishing Day" at Mills Ford.  Have you heard about this?  Look for the posters around town, but make sure you mark April 17th off on your calendar.  Let's Go Fishing is dedicated to our seniors and it offers FREE fishing trips here in the Brainerd Area, call John at 218-251-6054 to schedule a trip or to volunteer.  Have a great day and remember the Boss!

Walleyedan

March 30, 2010

Good morning (11:10 a.m.).  The sun is shining, the wind is blowing, the lakes are breaking up, the turkeys are gobbling, all kinds of good things happening right now!  Yesterday morning was a incredible, I stepped outside to take a leak because the girls had the bathroom all tied up and as I stepped outside the dog followed and let out a bark that carried throughout the woods.  This time of year my instincts tell me to keep an ear to the woods (for gobbles) and what did I hear, you guessed it!  The first gobbles I have ever heard from my porch!  I was pumped and still am.  I didn't hear them this a.m. but at least I know they are in the neighborhood.  April 14th is opening day and I plan on being out in the woods with my wife trying to get one close for her.  The kids will hunt as well and I have a license for a bit later.  As you can see I am getting the turkey fever big time.  In fact I have another seminar tonight at Mills Fleet Farm in Oakdale at 6:30.  If you are up in Fargo, come out Thursday to talk turkey, I will be there at 6:30.  Fish?  Yep, starting to get ready for that too.  I had my boat in the water yesterday on Gull Lake so I could check out some newly rigged electronics.  Structure Scan is going to be huge, it's new technology from Lowrance.  I also mounted my Aqua Vu Mav on the boat for this year and I now realize I was missing out last year.  The lakes are going to be opened much earlier than the past few years and the crappies will more than likely take a beating, be good to them!  If you haven't used Puddle Jumpers make sure to stop at your local Mills Fleet Farm and pick some up they are an awesome crappie bait and you don't need to tip them.  Look to the warm, northern bays on your favorite lake and the crappies will not be too far away.  A few other things to mark on your calendar...check out the media page and go to events.  How about Talkin' with Walleyedan on MCBI?  Have you heard any of the clips?  Phil Kvamme and the whole crew at MCBI are super people doing things the RIGHT way.  Are you a Walleyedan Facebook Fan?  Please check it out.  That is enough for now, have a great day and a great, Good Friday and Easter weekend!  God Bless.

Walleyedan

March 21, 2010

Good evening.  Spring break 2010 is in the books, back to school for the kids tomorrow and time to get crackin on a lot of different things for this cat.  I have had this hacking cold for too long and I really would like to kick it.  I will be doing a few turkey seminars this week at Mills Fleet Farm and hopefully my voice stays with me.  Last week I was traveling in our friendly state of Wisconsin with Mystik Lubricants, Jeff and I had a good road trip and I would have to say that Mystik will be the lube of the future!  I haven't been on the ice for a week but I will be out there tomorrow with Chad from Green Bay, WI.  I think we will probably hit North Long but I am not 100% certain.  Last week was fun but the crappies weren't cruising the shallows like years past, hopefully tomorrow night is a different story.  I was walking out on Gull Lake Saturday a.m. with my son and my dog and there was still 20 inches of ice.  The shorelines are getting a bit weak but there is still a lot of ice as you get a little further out and it will be a while yet before it is totally free.  We are getting calls and emails everyday from people looking ahead to the open water season, it looks like it will be a good one and I can't wait to wet and open water line, maybe Rainy River is in the books!  Let us know if you are interested in doing that trip and we will see what we can do to set you up, it can be a blast and the best fishing should be to come.  Lots of stuff coming up in March and April and I best get me rear in gear and make sure that everything is situated.  The "Let's Go Fishing Day", which will support out Let's Go Fishing with Seniors (Brainerd Chapter) is on the 17th of April at Mills Ford in Baxter/Brainerd.  There will be a host of fishing personalities including Gary Roach (Mr. Walleye) and many others.  Please come out, we will be there from 10-4 and it will be a fun day for all ages!  Speaking of Mills Ford I just picked up my new F150 and it is a machine!  Super smooth, comfortable and tough of course.  Thank you to the Mills Crew for being so helpful.  I could go on and on but I must wind down and get ready for the crib!

Walleyedan  p.s.  become a fan of Walleyedan on Facebook.

March 8, 2010

Hi.  I hope you had a nice weekend because it sure was a nice weekend (weather wise).  My last trip to the ice was Friday evening when Mac and I met Pastor Paul out on the ice near Nisswa.  The fishing wasn't too good but Paul went home with a meal!  Thankfully it didn't take much for their meal.  The fishing has actually been pretty good, not sure went on that evening.  We are losing snow pretty fast up here but there is still a lot of ice on the lakes, with truck travel still being the main mode of transportation right now.  I have a fairly busy week on land but I hope to get on the ice at least a few times this week.  It's getting to be the time to start thinking open water and it's nice to see that the trips are already coming in.  Before I get too cranked up with the open water fishing stuff, I will be talking turkey a fair amount in weeks to come.  We will be offering a free turkey seminar at some of the Mills Fleet Farm locations throughout March and April, look for one coming to a Fleet Farm near you.  There will be some prizes given out and a lot of useful information for you turkey enthusiasts.  I have been reminded you as well that the April 17th date should be marked on the calendar for our Let's Go Fishing (Brainerd Chapter) event at Mills Ford in Baxter/Brainerd.  Hey, speaking of trucks be careful on the roads as the deer are moving around by the roadsides gobbling up acorns and whatever they can get their teeth on.  I drilled one the other night on my way to the "Beast Feast" meeting at Lakewood and it dinged up my truck quite a bit.  Have a great week and please stay in touch as we will be updating our site quite frequently.

God Bless,

WD

March 3, 2010

Good morning.  I do believe it is going to be another beauty up here today (40 and sun).  Maybe all week they say, the snow will have a pretty good dent put in it if that's the case.  Houses are off, at least the majority.  I did see a couple on Gull yesterday however.  My dad is up for a couple of days and we are going to try and catch a crappie or two this a.m..  Not so sure where we will go as of right now but it's that time of year where a lot of the lakes start to get pretty good for the pan fish.  I haven't been out on the ice a whole lot as of late, mucho things on the "plate".  I think March and April are going to fly and then before we know it opening day will be here.  I have gotten involved with a couple of different organizations as of late and I would like to invite you to check them out.  NKLI (No Kids Left Indoors) and  Let's Go Fishing.  Both of these organizations are not for profits and both are doing good things to help give back.  You can go to out events page and read more about both of these plus a few others.  April 10th and April 17th might be dates you want to mark if you are interested in these tow different events.  April 10th is the NKLI banquet at the airport Hilton and the Let's Go Fishing (Brainerd Chapter) kick off will be held the following weekend up here at Mills Ford.  The posters will be out in a week or so and you will be impressed with the seminar line-up.  Are you looking for something to put on your calendar for March?  How about a free turkey seminar at Mills Fleet Farm?  I had a dream about turkeys last night, that should tell you that it's getting close to that time of year.  I will be doing a number of different seminars at different locations but the one in Baxter is on the 25th of March at 6:30.  There will be some prizes too.

Time to roust the kids,

Walleyedan 

Good afternoon.  My brain is getting "worked"!  I have been trying to do some updates on the website and a few other things on the list.  I haven't been ultra efficient today but I guess we'll have days like this.  Maybe it's the moon!  We are entering the last days of the walleye season (4 days to be exact), are you going to be out there?  I think I might have to jig a couple up.  We have the Cisco clan coming up Saturday and I hope we can park them right on top of some hungry walleyes.  Last weekend was good for one group and I hope the same holds true fro this weekend.  My last outing was on Saturday evening when my son, daughter and I fished with Minnesota Viking Anthony Hererra and his son.  We were in the right neighborhood but not quite close enough to the hot hole.  The KFAN crew was up here too and we had a blast in the fish house on Friday a.m. with P.A., Charch, Marcel, Ted, Jay, Eric and Joe and Anthony.  P.A. and Charch, the avid indoorsman know that the odds will go up if they decide to fish a little earlier next year.  I am guessing they won't set their alarms but we will see.  The weather looks like it will be nice over the weekend and at this rate we might not have outdoor ice much longer (at the rink).  Hey, how about those Warriors?  The Brainerd hockey team has been fun to watch this year.  They play Roseau on Saturday in Roseau, wish I could be there but my son has a big game himself.  A couple of things before I go, check out the events page to see what is coming down the pike/pipe!  And please keep coming back for more, I need to make some more changes.  Such as the Hall of Fame page.

Shower time,

WD

Good morning.  What is happening with you?  The sun is shining and I am happy about that.  The temperatures are going to be steady (20's-30's) for the next week or 10 days and this might even get the gobblers in the mood.  The walleyes have been in the mood a little bit and we will be back after them again tomorrow, Thursday and over the weekend.  The depth varies (12-34 feet) and the bait doesn't seem to make a huge difference and with this being said I think the key is to pop quite a few holes and do some "hopping".  I had the Schmidt boys out the other night and we had a good time up on the north end of Gull Lake.  They were chasing tip-ups and each other around for 3 straight hours.  We ended up with a few walleyes and some perch.  Tomorrow we have a large group that will be out and I hope they are chasing tip-ups too!  After a fairly tough winter I am getting in the mood and I think it might be a daylight thing.  As much as I think I could move up to Alaska right now, the lack of daylight in the winter might kill me so I guess I will stick tight!  Right now it's off to knock a bunch of things off the "to do" list so I best be hitting the road!  Check out the media page on our site and go to the events button to see some of the upcoming festivities.  Have a great week and remember it's not too early to book your open water trips.  218-839-5598.

Walleyedan

Good morning sports fans..  I hope you are doing well and I think you must be if you are reading this.  Yes I am disappointed that the Minnesota Vikings did not win the super bowl but I am a lifetime fan and will continue to have hope.  An onside kick to begin the half, nice job and I would have to say they deserve to win with guts like that!  Congratulations New Orleans Saints.  I am going to change the sport and talk a little about fishing and maybe hunting.  I was out on the ice last night until about halftime of the big game trying to pull a fish house off before the "snow storm" hit.  It turns out despite my hassles on the ice we did not receive the snow that was predicted.  We may have received a couple of inches but I think just west of here they got the brunt.  The ice is about 2 feet thick and it is still fairly easy to get around with a pick-up truck.  But, if we get another few inches it might be tricky.  I was out on the ice jigging for a couple of hours and landed a couple of walleyes.  One was about 18 inches and the other a fry, it was just nice to have a couple of hours to "just jig".  We were fishing in 30-34 feet on the north end of Gull Lake.  We had some folks (including a 10 day old) out in the fish houses this weekend.  There were a few walleyes and perch caught but nothing major!  We are entering the wind-down stage of the season (February 28th is closing date) but the walleyes are still fairly active on some spots.  I am already getting excited for spring.  Not only to get the boat back on the open water but of course to chase the wild turkeys around the woods.  January and February have been a little on the slow side but March is going to be busy and so will April.  I will be out on the ice a few times this week and Tim will be doing the fish house thing as well.  If you would like to fish, please call 218-839-5598.

Walleyedan  

It’s been a while! I have been here and I have been there but I haven’t been on here..sorry! The computer went haywire, I was in Las Vegas at the Shot Show for a week, etc.. Today is grey but we are above zero (10 degrees). I have been on the ice but with the gnarly cold front that we are just getting over I wasn’t out as much as normal. Fishing has been fair. But I think as the mild temps hang around the action will pick up. February is here and the first month of 2010 is already history, wow where does it go. I am looking forward to spring as I am already hearing gobblers ringing in my ears. I didn’t get drawn here in Minnesota but Shelley did and I will also take the kids out. The Brainerd Jaycees put on yet another awesome Extravaganza, the 20th! We were there, the whole family plus a couple of brother-in-laws and Cindy and Perry Bunting. We went 2-6 (2 small walleyes) for the licensed fishers. We were close once again to some of the big fish, only about 35 yards or so from 2nd and 3rd place. There were about 11,500 anglers and the top fish was a walleye that weighed in at about 6 ½ pounds. Mills Fleet Farm supplied all of the prizes and the winner from Waseca drove away with an F150 pick-up truck courtesy of Mills Ford. Have you been watching the Brainerd Warriors hockey team? They are good and we have been trying to make as many games as we can. This week they have Grand Rapids, Moorhead and Roseau, should be some good hockey action and all games are at Brainerd.

Walleyedan

The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is on!  Just got word from the "Extravaganza Boss" this a.m. and he said that Sheriff Todd Dahl gave the o.k. yesterday.  So, it's time to prepare for the largest ice fishing contest in the world.  January 23rd is the date and 12-3 p.m. is the time, be there!  Buy your tickets at Mills Fleet Farm and get all of your ice fishing supplies while you are there, this contest is a blast and it helps people in need.  The weather has been nice and it sounds as though it's going to stay nice for a while.  My last couple of trips to the ice have been for pan fish but the walleyes are going to get it one of these days.  For now I must get on with the rest of life, just wanted to give you the latest update on the Extravaganza.  Have a great day!

Walleyedan 

Good morning.  We're having a heat wave!  I think it is about 12 degrees right now (8:00 a.m.) and they are talking maybe 20 today and even warmer tomorrow.  I just dropped the kids off at school and talked with the the "Extravaganza Boss", Bob Slaybaugh.  He was out yesterday measuring the ice around the Extravaganza site and they had measurements of 11-17 inches with 14 being the average.  We need to make some ice this week and despite the mild temperatures that are forecasted we should be able to do that.  If you are wondering what to do, I would say go ahead and make your plans to be here!  The contest is on the 23rd from 12-3 p.m..  I was out yesterday and had a fun outing.  We were doing a little video clip for Mills Fleet Farm and all things went well.  I put my Northland Forage spoon down the hole and had a crappie in less than 10 seconds.  I ended up doing pretty well, catching a mixed bag of crappies and sunnies.  I had fun and it was nice to finally be able to roam around from hole to hole without totally freezing my hands off.  I think I will make fish for dinner tonight.  Hopefully this nice weather pattern will spark the fishing activity and I really think it is.  Tim has been busy with the fish house rentals and travel is getting a little easier now that the snow is settling.  So, it's the Vikes and the Cowboys on Sunday.  I know that everyone thinks the cowboys are looking tough but I don't think that is going to do the trick when they come to the dome.  Should be a good game.  My prediction of a Vikes/Colts superbowl could hold true.  Just got off the phone with Larry from Watson, Oklahoma.  He ordered an Arctic Armor suit, I think the cold front that has swept southward has people chilled out!  I think we have sold a suit to about every state in the union (with exception of Arizona, Florida and California).  Have a great week and make sure that you stop by your local Mills Fleet Farm or go to their website and check out the variety of goods they have to offer.

Walleyedan

Good morning and happy New Year.  Winter is here without a doubt, it's crystal clear here in Lake Shore, Minnesota this a.m. and we are at 20 below zero right now.  Do you think we are making ice out on Hole-in-the-Day Bay right now?  I would say so!  The snow that we received over Christmas was very moisture laden and the cold is shooting right through.  The main part of Gull Lake is going to take a little longer to drive on with a pick-up, but Hole-in-the-Day Bay and other areas have 14-17 inches of ice (and growing) right now.  Pick-up trucks are driving on many areas of the lake, but with the crusty snow travel is still pretty tough going.  Last I heard there was still a full size pick-up on the bottom of the lake down by Ernies, they were waiting for sufficient ice in order to go pull it from the depths.  The owner of the pick-up did walk away safely.  Snowmobile is the preferred travel mode.  Fishing is o.k., but this recent cold bomb has put a damper on the activity.  I had a group out on Whitefish the other day and we caught a couple of nice walleyes and missed a couple of others.  We caught out fish in 19-29 feet using perch colored Jigging Shad Raps and perch colored Salmo Chubby Darters.  The fish seem to be liking the jig over the tip-up or set lines.  Tim Hanske, one of our guides is running the fish house rentals this year.  He has three in his fleet and the newest addition is a deluxe version.  We are also doing some guided trips using portables.  Please call if you are interested in booking a house or a trip (or both).  Have you applied fro a turkey permit yet?  Have you bought your Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza ticket yet?  You can do both at your local Mills Fleet Farm and you should think about doing it very soon.  Applications for spring turkey are due January 8th.  Tickets for the Extravaganza can be purchased at the service counter and another note, Fleet Farm now is selling bait and a lot of it!  They have a great stock of anything you need as far as minnows (and waxies).  Hey, how about those Vikes?  Looking good, let's just keep it rolling.  Congrats to Jim and Christa Kleinsasser on their new baby and Jim's success on the field!  How about a game winning catch in the Super Bowl against the Colts Jim?  O.k., gotta go.  Have a great day, a great week and a great year!

Walleyedan