4 minute read
SEVEN HEAVENS
RAINY LAKE, MN Rainy lake is a truly a unique ice fishing destination!! Encompassing over 225,000 acres and home to 2500 islands, this is a must-see fishery. Off the beaten path Walleyes, Pike and Slab Crappies are a big draw to our guide service. It’s not uncommon to find yourself completely alone enjoying the untamed backdrop of Voyageurs National Park during your expedition. If you like the opportunity to chase big fish with very little pressure, we have something special for you!!
If you go, contact: Chris Granrud, Rainydaze Guide Service www.rainydazeoutdoors.com 218-290-6102
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SOUTHWEST WISCONSIN Here in SW Wisconsin, I have found myself making my way to the backwaters of not only the Mighty Mississippi, but the Wisconsin River as well. These hidden jewels not only present accessibility to all but may also offer up a few personal bests.
Hole-hopping between the bluffs provide ample opportunity for anglers of all ages to find continuous panfish action. Oh, and do you like tip-up fishing?? Well, that’s great news for you because the bass and pike fishing can be phenomenal as well!!
Don’t forget your camera... the views are incredible!
If you go, contact: Captain Patrick Kalmerton, Wolfpack Adventures www.wolfpackadventures.com 920-918-9653
CENTRAL ROCKIES, CO The ultimate ice fishing experience is when you combine big fish in shallow water, and you get to see the fish eat! The mountain reservoirs of Colorado offer this unique experience targeting monster Lake Trout in less than 10-feet of water. These giants feed on Rainbow Trout and Suckers found in that shallow water. I’ve had days where we’re catching 20 lb. fish as shallow as 2-feet. These Lakers look like a great white shark cruising in and truly take your breath away as they inhale 7-inch plastics. This is the most unique ice fishing experience I’ve ever seen!
If you go, contact: Nate Zelinsky, Tightline Outdoors tightlineoutdoors@gmail.com 720-775-7770 MINNESOTA
WISCONSIN
COLORADO
SAUK RIVER CHAIN OF LAKES, MN The Sauk River Chain, or also known as the Horseshoe Chain, is located about 1-1/2 hours from the Twin Cities and is home to most of the sought-after winter species… walleye, crappie, bluegill, pike… but it’s the channel catfish that seem to be generating the most attention! These catfish are plentiful and roam the entire chain—which is made-up of several different bodies of water, all connected, but please use CAUTION when navigating as river systems are never safe. Catfish range from 16-24” on average, although fish over 30” are caught every year. These fish can be finicky, but they sure put up a fight!
There is also an abundance of crappie and walleye that roam the chain. The walleyes are starting to grow but it’s encouraged to practice careful selective harvest so the chain can continue to flourish. A lot of 8-11” crappies find their way to the end of your line, along with the occasional 12-13” fish as well. The chain provides a lot of opportunity to target a variety of different species and challenge yourself as well! MINNESOTA
If you go, contact: Matt Johnson www.mattjohnsonoutdoors.com 612-385-3379 Matt Johnson Outdoors on social media
MINNESOTA
MILLE LACS LAKE, MN Mille Lacs Lake is just a short drive north of the Twin Cities. It’s home to world class fishing for walleyes, smallmouth bass, muskies, northern pike and many panfish— although walleye is king in the winter! With its many mud flats, rock piles, gravel, and sand bars you’re sure to find a solid bite and the places to fish are almost endless. Your shot at perch and even tullibee is an option during the winter as well! There’s a great year-class of walleyes finding their way to the end of angler’s lines and we’re expecting a great ice fishing season! Give us a call and we will be sure to make your experience a memorable one.
If you go, contact: Captain Mike Rodger, Rodger Outdoors 651-470-7211
LAKE WINNIPEG, MANITOBA Lake Winnipeg is without a doubt North America’s dream destination for walleye anglers looking to ice their fish of a lifetime. The south basin in particular boasts a massive expanse teeming with giant pods of huge walleye in shallow water. On top of the fact that 100 fish days are common and multiple 30” fish are caught in the south basin daily, Winnipeg “Greenbacks” are known for their aggressive behavior. Chasing large baits with wrist breaking strikes, these fish are guaranteed to get your heart pumping!!
If you go, contact: Matt Cornell, Bruin Outfitting & Guide Service matt@bruinoutfitting.com | www.bruinoutfitting.com 1-204-291-5375
MANITOBA
LAKE GOGEBIC, MICHIGAN The UP is a hidden gem. From ice fishing giant perch to snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and skiing it’s a land of adventure.
Lake Gogebic is the largest natural lake in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Roughly 16.5 miles long and 2.5 miles across, the lake span’s 2 time-zones and covers parts of Gogebic and Ontonagon counties.
Fishing the giant perch of Gogebic can be challenging and rewarding all at the same time. I like to target these fish on the vast mud flats that run north and south in the 20-25 ft waters and sometimes they are 4-5 feet off the bottom. There is also plenty of opportunities for walleyes in the bays and on the rock humps. I like to use Clam Pro Tackle Epoxy Drops and Pinhead Minnows, as both have helped me land some giant fish. We have been running guide trips for 20 plus years and would be happy to help you catch fish!