outdoors

It was quite the experience watching the ice recede from the shoreline last week since my office is facing the lake.  Monday, the 29th, the ice was was 10 feet from shore.  Tuesday, 30 feet.  Wednesday, 80 feet at noon.  The wind started to blow and by 1:30, the bay was completely open just like that...complete with white caps and weeds all over my beach.

I also drove around the northern shore of Mille Lacs last Saturday and with the strong southwest to westerly winds, there was open water just out of Garrison with the ice pack pushed into the northeast shoreline. 

There is no doubt that this the earliest ice out since I've moved to Minnesota over 10 years ago.  And from what I have read, this is one of the earliest ice outs in recent history.

With the quick departure of ice on the lakes and warm temps, it is my prediction that this year's walleye opener will be one of the best ever.  Warmer water temps will translate into a more aggressive bite.  Throw in the week later than normal walleye opener, May 15th, and you have the formula for active fish, potential better weather, and a fantastic weekend of fishing!

So, get your rods ready, Lindy Rigs wrapped onto your Lindy Riggers, and spool on some new line.  Let's go fishing!!!  Oh no... we've still got a month to go... for walleyes anyway on inland waters.

I recently spent a couple of days on Lake Winni in north central Minnesota where I was greeted by one of the friendliest persons I have ever met.... Kim Leonhardt, who with her husband, Rick, owns and operates High Banks Resort.  Her smile is contagious and her demeanor is perfect for the resort business. 

When it comes to running a resort, it is a full time, non stop job - 24 by 7.  In addition, she raises a couple of young boys, ages 4 and 2, Carson and Cade.  With customers constantly coming in, phones ringing, and serving drinks/meals, I sat and marveled at the way she was able to juggle about a hundred different tasks...always with a big smile and a "can do" attitude. 

I asked her how she does it and she replied, "I like helping people and things have to get done".   That's the life of a resort owner, making their customers happy. 

So, when you're looking for a place to go fishing and where you will feel welcome, then High Banks Resort is the place to go.  Look them up at:  www.highbanks.com.

After spending the last week on the ice of Lake Thompson in bitter cold temperatures, one can appreciate fishing from the comfort of a permanent fish house, like the one I was in... The Lodge by Distinct Builders.  This is one awesome fish house and I was completely impressed by the way it was insulated and kept me warm overnight in 25 below zero temps.  It just would not have been fun fishing outside or in portables in this kind of weather.
 
The little things that are built into the Lodge is often overlooked by most anglers... the ability to trailer at 70mph, spray-in insulation which seals all of the little openings, amenities of home just like fishing out of a living room.  Pretty cush!

Oh... and the fishing.  Well, it wasn't fast and furious, but just enough action to keep it interesting.  Watching tv or a movie kept me occupied while the fishing was slow... not too bad since I was still fishing!