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How to get the Smallies to Stay Hungry

The hotter the better.  We get our share of cold around here, so you’re not likely me to complain about it being too hot.  Besides, the hottest days on the water are usually great days for catching, especially on The River.  And it doesn’t get much hotter than...

Back to the River—Finally!

I remember a fine Sunday afternoon about ten years ago when I was battling big boat wakes on a popular metro muskie lake.  At that point in my life, I really did a lot of muskie fishing and I as slowed to bounce through still another ski boat’s wake, I strongly...

Black Hills Trouting

Black Hills Trouting

Black Hills It was decided last year that we would be making a family trip to the Black Hills this summer.  When I say family, I mean FAMILY…lots of cousins, aunts, uncles and other kin would be gathering near Deadwood.  I don’t get excited about gatherings,...

The Stream Less Traveled

A fine day in May, what to do?  I love trouting this time of year, the streams and the woods are alive with all kinds of life.  The contrast between the streams when I start out in March and what they look like now is amazing.  Looks like someone was turned loose with...

Now for my Next Impression…I’m a Walleye Guide!

There may not be any other event that defines Minnesota fishing like the Walleye Opener. Although the Minnesota fishing opener is a tradition long held sacred by many Minnesota anglers, for a variety of reasons I often skip it. I don’t skip fishing, of course, but...

Trout fishing is a family tradition

I can't say for sure what the first year was that I fished the Wisconsin Trout Opener, very early 70s though.  Grandpa took me every year, and for the most part I haven't missed an opening weekend since.  Grandpa has been gone for a while, but I do my best to keep the...

Take Me to the River

Take Me to the River

"♪♪♫...I don't know why I love her like I do... All the changes that you put me through...♪♫♪" This song plays on a loop in my brain this time of year.   Despite all the different kinds of fishing I do, I guess I'm still a trout angler at heart, and like many, I start...

The Timber Rattlesnake

The Timber Rattlesnake

I was recently asked about the details of the picture of me with a rattlesnake, taken on the Kinni in the early 90s.  Please note that this incident took place long before the late great Steve Irwin permeated our TVs, clad in shorts with a crazed enthusiasm for all...

One Eyed Willie

One Eyed Willie

  "Nice fish!" Gunnar yelled from the back of the boat.  I  looked back to see a nice sized muskie closely tracking his spinnerbait.  "Why is he swimming sideways?" Gunnar asked as he went into a classic Gunnar figure -8 [too much line out, moving the lure too...

How many casts does it take?

How many casts does it take?

How many casts does it take to make a good day of muskie fishing? One. We were out to accomplish one of fishing’s most difficult feats—a muskie on the fly.  My two customers, Kris and Jordan, were up to the task, and we were fishing water that I know pretty well- the...