Today we will start off with a fishing report.. She was a little slower this weekend for sure.
Old minnesota has Travis and his buddy I have not met yet. They did better yesterday then saturday and are here a nother night. They get a treat tonight as we plan on getting the last of the fleet out onto the lake today.
Chris arrived later in the day on saturday. They were staying in North dakota. Never got the 3 young guys names. Once they were unpacked Chris called about 4 30 pm. There wheeler would not start. We made arrangements to get them out there yesterday. No sooner then I got back to shore. Chris called. Augur trouble. I had Jonny boy go out there to punch them some holes. Maybe 2 hours later Chris called again. heater trouble. By then the wind was whipping pretty good so they decided Red lake had kicked their ass and were ready to pack it in. They did get to catch one walleye 17 incher and 1 pike.
Jana,Mike Boar and Lori were in the Alaska ice castle and Florida fish house. They only caught 6. Boar did say that his cousin about 200 yards away was hammering them. It was good to see boar again. We visited for a bit saturday night.
Montana had Lorie from stillwater with her husband Mike? and son. They headed home a day early as thy limited out.
California had Brian and wade. Really not sure how they did as we never hooked up. They did leave the house nice and clean though.
Utah the other ice castle had Duane and his two buddies. They did real well having a fish fry both nights, plus they got into a mess of Pearch.
Nathen and his buddy in the cabin also did well.
Jonny boy and I started pulling the houses out on to the lake yesterday afternoon. With 4 down and 3 to go. So far so good. We only have one guest today so Jonny boy plans on wetting a line again tonight to see how the house does in that area. He did get one last night.
A couple more elusive yet still catchable crappies were caught again this weekend. With 10,000 lines down that would be expected. Send a 100 hundred guys out there and it would probably be a different story on A Grand Lake That Owes Us Nothing

Mother nature gave us a one two punch Wednesday Thursday, with quite a scare for all up here. with the temps reaching 44 degrees the snow slowly melted away on the lake. The visibility was as thick as pea soup. I was very thankful we had no one staying here. One of the employees down at rodgers had became lost on the lake. Not good, I hate to admit but I have had a couple times out there in white out condition. I guess I would say the best advice is do not panic. The first responder were notified at some point. By 830 wednesday night they gave up deciding to wait tell morning. In the meantime the temps started to plummet with a 32 degree swing in less than 20 hours. We actually got lucky with the snow fall with maybe a inch. The wind on the other hand was gusting and blowing 30 to 40 miles a hour, I think. Searching for this young man made it all most impossible. Such a dangerous citation. As the winds finally calmed down and improved visibility, they found him safe and sound. I do not know all the details, other than he got hung up on a pressure ridge at some point. He then was able to get to a cabin on the north shore which is pretty much a miracle. There are only a couple places you can even see a cabin on the north shore. I would really like to hear more about what exactly happened so it could be a learning lesson. This lake can have a very ugly side when it comes to weather. With the winds being a main culprit. Throw in a little snow and white outs are very common out there. I guess the best thing you can do is hunker down.
I personally was so relieved when we heard he had been found safe. I do not want to admit it but I thought the worst.
Thursday I had a eye appointment. Driving to Bemidji was treacherous once you got past Kellier. What normally take a hour turned into over 2. I got home just as the sun was setting. I knew I would have to plow down at the lake due to high winds plus 1 inch of snow. I headed down yesterday morning to turn on the heat to the house’s only to discover 3 foot drifts. Blue thunder got her first good work out with a tank of gas and four hours of plowing. I did also go over to hillmans to help him clear some of his landing.
We did have Quinton and Paul staying in old minnesota . They have a snow bear, they were out in those elements during the fog but stayed on shore thursday. They did fairly well with one of them landing another elusive upper red lake crappie. Jonny boy did spend some time fishing with them yesterday. He has hooked up with them before as they hit it off the first year they stayed here.
The rest of my day was spent taking care of arrivals that are staying here over the weekend. I get to visit a bit tonight so I will have a good fishing report for the weekend.
We’re planning on bringing the fleet out of the woods and on to the lake starting sunday. Jonny boy has been scouting, fishing since thanksgiving so we have some spots picked out to start the season. Once the house are on the lake I will pretty much be out there for the next 100 days so the real season starts sunday.
Since I go out of Hillmans with my rentals we help Buddy hillman on his main road. At this time he is allowing side by sides pulling single axle wheelhouses out. Make sure you check in to get any other details in the store, bait shop where you buy your road pass. Same with any other resort you may go out of.
I’ll be checking out the lake more today once we get are last guest checked in.
A big thank you goes out to all involved in finding the young man that got lost out there. Let’s all remember to use common sense out there as this is a big lake that unfortunately can have a very ugly side. Watch the weather as always plan for the worst.

I would have to say it was a very successful weekend when it came to the fishing this past weekend. Our houses are still on shore. We’re shooting for the 20th after this next cold snap.
Jamie and Karah liked the house, she also mentioned she got here personnel best crappie. An elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie.
Jason, Melisa, Barb stayed in the ice castle Alaska. Jonny boy set them up on a saved way point. Barb was tickled to get an elusive upper red lake crappie on her birthday to boot.
Dan and his crew said they did well.
Joe Jamie, and the two girls Shelly and Shannon? Had a grand time on a grand lake. One of the girls liked that we had pots, pans, etc. in the house. Joe stayed in the other ice castle Utah. He did well also. Paul and Effron? were two older gentlemen I did not get to visit with them, but I assume they did well. Ozzie and his two buddie hit it hard 3 days in a row. I did take a ride with Jonny boy onto the lake, so we stopped to see how they were doing. They landed 2 while we were there. One on a tip up the other jigging during high noon.
Calvin, Nikki and Jose were staying on our cabin. Super nice people I was able to go have lunch with them yesterday at westwind. They also had some friends staying at beacons resort, so they all hooked up every evening. They all went to Hillmans bar Tall Tale Tavern. They shot some pool. Wish I knew that I would have joined them. I love pool.
Not sure what all the resort plan on letting out this coming weekend. This cold snap should help us out a lot. Jonny P up at Red lake remote posted a short video on whats going on up on the north shore as far as ice conditions. Very informative and hands on the ice conditions up there. Every year the ice sheet freezes different depending on wind direction, snow, cold, etc.
Jonny boy has spent quite a bit of time on the lake fishing, so we have a pretty good idea where to start the season with the houses. Finding those under 17s can be tricky that’s for sure.
The wife Nicked name “the hammer” are looking forward to spending some time fishing in old Minnestoa again this year.

We got all our guest checked in for the weekend. Jonny boy has been escorting some of them this week toa few of his way points with real good sucess. I’m going to go check out the lake for the first time today. Once we start seeing over 14 inches it will be time to haul the houses over to Hillmans . Buddy Hillman has been hard at it staking, grooming, dragging the new highway. There are a couple spots that he is concerned about. Not sure if I have done a need cold, cold dance but might give it a shot. My no snow, snow dance may have helped a bit as I think we only got 4 of the 10 they predicted. I still have not heard of any fisherpeople getting skunked , I guess they are saving that for me.
One of our good customers Rick had to cancel the cabin next weekend. prayers for his family would be apricated.
I’ll have a full report of how everyone does monday .
Sounds like the north shore has some sketchy ice write now. I have also seen a couple satellite pics of open water. Once that gets a skim of ice you can easily be on 10 inches going to 1 or 2. That has always spooked me.
All the resorts up here in waskish are still keeping wheelhouses off the ice, I have a feeling its plenty busy down on the south end. Had a couple small wheelhouses that were going to camp here but decided the last minute to head down there instead. The traffic here has been pretty consistent this morning.
Last weekend’s Sunday snowstorms gave the lake a nice break from all the fishermen. We did have 3 younger kids that stayed out there Saturday night. They did make it through the night but said it was brutal. They will not forget that night that’s for sure.
I picked up new plug wires for blue thunder last week. man was that a fiasco. I just turned my head and walked out of the first parts store. The second one I just bit the bullet and dealt with it I think they will work but not quite what I wanted.
Were still waiting to hear about red baron’s electrical issue. Glad I got that mount built on the other red 454.
I think we found someone to put a used tranny in black beauty. Getting the old one rebuilt was way out of the price range for that truck. The price doubled for rebuilding to 2800.00
We’re getting the two-ice castle dialed in here on shore. They are nick named Alaska and Utah.
I have seen a few more pics of the elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. When they get that big now days, they seem to be a loners.
Well, it’s getting lite out time to check more to do off our to do list.

Wow what a weekend. I’ll start with the fishing report. Real good for some, so so for others. Some are finding the under 17 while others have trouble getting those under 17 inches.
We had a nice treat from the air force as a couple F 16s came over the lake twice. They have been coming over quite a bit the last few weeks. Back in the 40s? They did test bombing up here. Some cool history if you take some time to look it up. The big bog state park had a presentation a few years ago and had pics of cargo planes landing on the lake. Grama said she remembers when you would here the bombs going off up north. I have also heard they have dropped bombs in lower red but not sure about that.
In my educated guess I would say the traffic yesterday was 1/5th of last year, which may be a good thing. We need to save some fish for the ice houses.
I Have no clue if it’s my age or my car accident a couple years ago, but my Memorie is slipping a bit and I do not like it.
Yesterday was busy day trying to button up a few more things before the cold snap hits us. Blue thunder has started all summer, fall. I go to fire her up yesterday get click. turns out bad battery connection. I did get her running to gas up for the impending snow. Coming back I could tell it had a miss. Pop the hood and a spark plug wire has burnt from the exhaust. Today Jonny boy will help me take care of that. I’m sure I should have a few plugs wire around as I have a hard time throwing anything away. A Hour drive to get a part can make it a hassle.
We did get the v plow on. I got the step for north dakota done. Were waiting on a new heater for florida. The old one still works but a plastic part broke. We built the houses to last 20 years. If had not thrown the other one away that we replaced in montana I would of had the part. Trying to find the part is pretty much a waste of time. I’m going to take one more look in the sheds just in case I did not throw it out.
The phone, emails and messages has also kept me busy. I only do my emails once in the morning but may have to start checking them twice.
Were wide open all week un tell friday then everything is full again. Buddy Hillman does have some openings. If I here of any others I will put it out there. Curt from Fishbone maybe has something also?
I would like to keep writing but just too much to do. I wanted to try a harvest a deer one last time last evening but it did not work out. With all the price increases a deer would of been nice this year.

So it really begins. Sitting here this morning having my cup of coffee at the crack of dawn the vehicles are rolling buy. I was expecting it to be quite busy this morning if it is anything like last year. Although Rachele at HILLMANS POINTED OUT THERE ARE MORE PEOPLE WORKING THEN LAST YEAR SO MAYBE NOT.
Some of the resorts are allowing wheeler traffic out to a certain point. Make sure you talk to the resort you’re going out of as most have been on the ice looking it over. I personally have been out about 100 yards if that. Buddy hillman has some stakes shaped like a x and has requested to not go beyond that point.
No idea what the other resorts are asking so thats why it’s so important to stop and check in to get the scoop.
The winds did pick up yesterday afternoon. Red lake remote posted some pics of open water on their side of the lake.
We may have some lodging tonight as few of the guys are worried about the possibly of snow coming. If it gets sketchy out there Saturday eve. It would be a great idea to get off the lake as white outs can be really spooky out there.
We’re going to try a button up a few more things today before the bitter cold hits us here on the shores of upper red lake. I’ve did my no snow snow dance so will see if it works. Sometimes it does but sometimes it does not.
One year they predicted 6 inches of snow. I got up the next morning. I went outside and was like sweet it missed us. I dilly dallied around that morning before heading out to get the houses prepped for the weekend. Holes augured etc. To my surprise the snow had come across the lake after all. With that plus the winds, all the houses were drifted in with no roads or trails even going to the houses. That turned into a grueling day. That was a good lesson.
The fishing report from all the guy’s last night was ok. I do not think anyone got skunked. Jonny boy even landed a elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. I nice 15 1/4. The hammer/wife had vision of eating it, but Jonny boy released it to fight another day.
We all full again next weekend on shore, Buddy Hillman did say he still had some on shore lodging. I peeked into his new double decker, very impressive. Thinking it sleeps 4?
The guys in the ice castle nick named alaska were going to play some cards. I was still waiting for some late arrivals so I could not play a few hands. Maybe tonight if they shuffle up and deal.

Well here goes. Good morning
Nick and Jacks crew were here Tuesday Wednesday.. they figured they caught 20 per day. They also caught one elusive yet still catchable upper red lake crappie. This year I’m calling them a bonus fish They did land on the keepers. I should of walked out to where they were. Oh well hindsight is 20 20. I could see where they were so that’s good enough for me at this time.
Dan and his crew also arrived for our cabin. I will see how they did today as they were out there all day yesterday. Jason and his crew arrived around 4 30 last night. They unpacked and headed out as the sun was setting so we will see how they also did. I can all most bet they forgot something as they hustled out there.
Yesterday I spent the day cleaning all the shacks for this weekend. It’s kind of nice getting them all dialed in before they come out of the woods.
I did talk too Buddy Hillman briefly yesterday. He does have openings next weekend. We are all full at this time. We are waiting for another ice castle but I will not book it un tell it’s here.
Jonny Boy will be up today to help get more propane’s on the houses. The hundred pounders shot up in price? This year I will have to shut the heat off if they are going to be empty for even one night. I have always kept the heat on old Minnesota once it hits the lake. I also use it for my office on the lake so more than likely it will be status Quo.
I also have a couple other things that need to be taken care of before the cold snap hits.
I’m sure Johnny boy will be getting a little fishing in this weekend. I see a fish fry in the very near future say Saturday night.
The first band of snow missed us last night. just a trace so far. If you’re on the lake this weekend watch the weather, walking in a white out could be quite the challenge. All the resort have been updating what they are allowing to go out there access this weekend. I expect tomorrow to be super crazy just like last year. Please everyone use common sense a listen to what the resort say. Quite often they are soo pumped to arrive they do not listen. I can not count how many times I have told someone ok come out on the lake drive 2 miles you will see a orange cone. wait for me there. Then they call were a the end of the road by the orange barrel’s?. Kinda funny but with the early ice conditions pay attention. Have fun and save a few fish for me on a grand lake that owes us nothing

Things are starting to pick up here on upper red lake. All the resort are checking ice thickness and conditions as we approach the coming weekend. Most have facebook or web pages they are updating. We team up every year with Buddy Hillman out of Hillmans resort and bar Tall Tale tavern. Sound like they will be allowing just wheelers just wheelers out the the 3 X stakes. Buddy did find unsafe ice, unsafe ice further out. With the mild temps I’m sure it not making much more
Just like every year I’m staying on shore tell I can explore by vechicle.
We have had a few customers staying down on shore in our fish houses that had done all rite, I do not think anyone has been skunked. They save that for me.
We did have a cancelation this coming weekend. I would assume most operators are full. It’s a hassle hauling down hot water for cleaning the houses on shore, but it’s a good trial run every year.
We did acquire a ice castle again this year that has arrived so that one will be going on our web site, I nick named it alaska. cookiesonupperredlake.com;
Yesterday I had 30 phone calls with most of them wanting ice conditions? or fishing reports. Err hard to get things done sometimes. I hate not answering my phone and need to learn to let it go to voice mail.
The fishing report changes every day. One day they are biting well in 6 feet the next day 8 the next day great morning bite. Then a nice window at dusk in 5 feet for a hour. Its fishing you cannot catch any if you’re not out there trying.
Well that all for now have plenty of things to get done today. Everyone coming up just remember common sense is free

Happy Thanksgiving to all.
Another ice fishing season is right around the corner. Jonny boy will be swinging by later today as we button up a few lose ends on old minnesota, I’ve cleaned the houses, fired up the heaters plus did some inventory of the houses. Again this year there are no pillows in the houses.
This year the phones have been a little quieter, the weekends are starting to fill up with more openings in feb then jan.. North dakota has again been the most requested house. It does sound like we may have 2 ice castles to rent this year also. I will not be taking any reservation on these un tell they are here on property.
The truck fleet as some issue again this year, The red baron started and ran fine this summer but now has developed a electrical problem. Barny in Kellior is taking a look at it for us. Blue thunder seems ready as well as the other 454 . I did fix the window so it stays up this season. Gets a little chilly when the window falls off its tracks and comes down. The black chevy was going to get the tranny rebuilt? That plan back fired as the price doubled to 2800 hundred dollars from last year so I will have to come up with a plan b.
This end of the lake looks like it locked up a few nights ago with lots of chunky ice. No clue how far it goes out that way. Every year I hope it will freeze nice and smooth like it did one out of the last 19 years. Guess maybe next year.
I personally do not like pushing the early ice. With last few nights temps I expect we may be pushing 3 inches of ice. Since we go out of hillmans resort I let Buddy Hillman decide on what and when is allowed out. I did see he has built another new house. I have no details on size at this time.
The new limit starts dec 1rst 4 fish with 3 under 17 and 1 any size.
It’s pretty much a guess when the houses will go out this year. Maybe by mid dec just depends on mother nature.
Jake will again be helping us out this year. I think he had a decent year with his guiding business On The pond outdoors. He also makes some musky baits that are works of art in my opinion.
The hammer and I are looking forward to spending some time ice fishing inn old minnesota again this year.
Everyone have a safe and happy thanksgiving
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Well there is a pattern every year. Every year my reports and blogging go by the way side. There are a few reason . One I have 2 summer jobs one at the golf course in Baudette” Oak Harbor golf course” I also do the mowing around here for the township. Throw in a few guiding trips, cleaning our two cabins after guests, plus I’m addicted to golfing makes for a busy summer. The other reason is when it come to fishing reports it drives me crazy when I’m mowing homestaed park and the ball fields seeing all the day trippers launching there boats knowing our cabins are empty. They come from every where. So there you go that’s why my reports are seldom in the summer.
Fathers day weekend the fishing was outstanding in 4 feet of water. Crazy 85 degrees and sunny, I would assume the fish are gorging the young of the year classes. Every thing from baby shiners to baby walleyes plus every thing in-between.
I did get out with our boat named ‘Imagine That’ my best friend Billy boy named the boat after a saying my Granma Olga. She would say in that Swedish accent oow imagine that. I had some leaches that customers left. Headed out to my summer morning spot . Trolling a spinner, 12 feet of water I got a nice 19. A fat 16 1/2 I also missed a couple fish before I called it a day. The hammer and I had a delicious meal.
Jonny boy and I went out yesterday . I missed quite a few fish, I did keep a 16 as we want to have a fish fry again. We also tried shallow, Again I missed a few fish. We did manage to get a couple small ones so I’m assuming the fish we missed were small.
I also reached out to find some friends from my childhood on facebook. Darn if I got a response from my best friend in forth fifth and 6th grade. Paul one of the nicer things about social media. He moved away from colorado. He now lives in las vegas . Soo enjoyed talking to him on the phone yesterday.

We are also became grand parents again. Luka halvarson we cant wait to go see him in mpls. I hope to take him fishing here some day.
Update on The boat mate, my good friend Billy boy invented. I have not sold one but it sounds like there falling off the shelfs. I new when he showed us the proto type 3 years he had a million dollar idea.
Well its sunday gotta go finish the yard work before back to the grind tomorrow