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trip to minnesota

1K views 11 replies 6 participants last post by  beretta24 
#1 ·
The family and I will be heading up to bemidji for the week of July 4th. I've never been there and would like to do some fishing while im there since we will be staying right on the lake. Im not looking for any secret spots or anything and would prefer responses by pm so as not to upset anyone. Lake naming is taken pretty serious in the Texas forum when it pertains to duck hunting. Not sure if that applies in this forum or if it really pertains to fishing but either way I want to remain respectful. What im looking for is what species are in the lake and surrounding lakes. If possible any tips on tackle, bait, or what sort of structure these fish hold up in. If there are certain things I need to know about those lakes to stay out of trouble would be appreciated. I have been using google and the dnr website to do as much research as possible but would appreciate any info yall could give me. Hope yall are having a good summer and if yall ever have any questions about north texas let me know.

Thanks in advance
 
#3 ·
I would just keep it simple and check in with the local bait shops on techniques, and show you're buying something before you ask the question.

For lures I would start with a 1/8 oz jig and 3-5 inch grub, and start at the endge of the weedlines. The only issue with that is there are quite a few northerns in most lakes so a crank bait might be preferable if you're getting bit off or if the fish are really agressive. In general, the weed lines on areas of the lake adjacent to other stucture will hold some fish. It's a pretty decent area but without more details that's about all I can contribute. The weedlines should be getting pretty visible this time of year.

I haven't fished a much in that specific area but I have buddies that hammered fish up there throughout college and have fished a lot in "northern" MN. Good luck! :thumbsup:
 
#5 ·
beretta24 said:
I would just keep it simple and check in with the local bait shops on techniques, and show you're buying something before you ask the question.

For lures I would start with a 1/8 oz jig and 3-5 inch grub, and start at the endge of the weedlines. The only issue with that is there are quite a few northerns in most lakes so a crank bait might be preferable if you're getting bit off or if the fish are really agressive. In general, the weed lines on areas of the lake adjacent to other stucture will hold some fish. It's a pretty decent area but without more details that's about all I can contribute. The weedlines should be getting pretty visible this time of year.

I haven't fished a much in that specific area but I have buddies that hammered fish up there throughout college and have fished a lot in "northern" MN. Good luck! :thumbsup:
Thanks man!! That's some good info and greatly appreciated! The bait shop idea is definitely something I will use. Looks like I will be bringing the bass fishing stuff for sure.
 
#6 ·
Indiancreekducks87 said:
beretta24 said:
I would just keep it simple and check in with the local bait shops on techniques, and show you're buying something before you ask the question.

For lures I would start with a 1/8 oz jig and 3-5 inch grub, and start at the endge of the weedlines. The only issue with that is there are quite a few northerns in most lakes so a crank bait might be preferable if you're getting bit off or if the fish are really agressive. In general, the weed lines on areas of the lake adjacent to other stucture will hold some fish. It's a pretty decent area but without more details that's about all I can contribute. The weedlines should be getting pretty visible this time of year.

I haven't fished a much in that specific area but I have buddies that hammered fish up there throughout college and have fished a lot in "northern" MN. Good luck! :thumbsup:
Thanks man!! That's some good info and greatly appreciated! The bait shop idea is definitely something I will use. Looks like I will be bringing the bass fishing stuff for sure.
Your best bet will likely be chasing bass or northerns, unless you you want panfish for a meal. There are crappies and sunfish available too. Just keep in mind our bass are a bit smaller. :yes: If you get yourself a fish over 18" you've done well. You can get bass in the 20-21 inch range, but until you pattern those big boys or get lucky you won't likely be seeing much of them.
 
#7 ·
If you're looking for walleyes for table fare, Red, Cass and Winnibigoshish (Winni) are all within about an hour of Bemidji and are easy fishing -i.e, sand bottoms. Red can get a little choppy at times, otherwise they are easy traveling. Nice northerns are around as well. Bass are pretty much everywhere-both large and small. Bring bug dope, sunscreen and a rain jacket. Be safe. :wink:
 
#8 ·
Thanks guys this is some awesome info and I greatly appreciate it! Im definitely looking forward to having the opportunity to catch some species we don't catch here at home. I've always heard walleye is amazing for the table so I'm hoping to catch a few but I won't complain about anything I catch lol.
 
#11 ·
Well I didn't catch much but I still had a blast up there! Y'all have a beautiful state and those loons were pretty need to see. We got to see the headwaters of the Mississippi and enjoy some great weather. We will definitely be back in the future. Thanks for all the info guys! Turns out my wife's family loves to hunt and fish so I think we will be swapping hunts in the future. Met a lot of great people up there for sure!
 
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