Spring is finally here in the Brainerd Lakes Area!!
Opening weekend is upon us and things are shaping up to be a great opener!
Walleye and Pike open Saturday May 10th. Walleyes have finished spawning and should be ready to Bite. Pike should be found mix in with the walleyes this weekend as well. Main lake temps are in the upper 40s to lower 50’s. Baitfish are just starting to show up shallow, the predator fish will be close behind. Think shallow for this weekend 6-12 feet and a jig and shiner will be like dynamite! Also try, pitching a jig and minnow or plastic swim bait shallow will be option #1, lindy rigging in the 10-15 feet with a minnow or leech will be option #2. In low light conditions casting a husky jerk or bobber or leech in shallows should be the ticket. Pelican, North Long and Gull Lake will all be really good options. The flat areas along the shorelines should hold some fish.
If crappies are what you are after, they have been and will continue to bite well! The shallow bays, smaller lakes and dark bottom bays are holding panfish. They are starting to come shallow 3-8 feet. If we have cooler nights, the fish push deeper and stage to come back shallower as the water warms up. Smaller jig and crappie minnows, wax worms, small leeches.

Our own Nisswa Guide League member Nate Blasing will be taking the governor on the white fish chain; it should be good there too!!
Remember to get your fishing license and wear life jackets with the Cold-Water Temps. Good Luck and Have Fun!