We did the cruise on Holland Line, very happy with them. Be aware there are numerous day trip that are awesome but also quite expensive. Bring quality rain gear along with quality small binoculars. Even though the side trips are expensive remember it’s a trip of a lifetime and you probably won’t repeat it.

Good luck
Wayne

We fished mostly 8 to 10 areas with emerging weeds.

Next to Redgut is Porter’s Bay (I think that’s the name) be careful I think fishing is closed in that bay to June 20 or 24th there is a sign at entrance. Drifting small jig and minnow can be deadly and good amount of 12 inch plus. Lime green has been the color of choice. Mostly Crappies but some Walleye’s to. Just outside the entrance are two small humps near shore always hold some nice eating Walleyes.

Good luck Wayne

Left Rainy Lake June second had a great time. Fishing was pretty good. Had to adjust presentation based on sun v/s cloudy.Chartreuse when sunny. caught lots of Walleye and some Crapie and lots of small Pike, well except for ONE.

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Thunderbird does a excellent job.

Missed important step, cover with tinfoil so that it actually is steam cooked.

I season and put on 1/2” cookie sheet on 1/4” rack add a little water. Two hours at 250 add more time if extra thick. Cool for a few hours and finish on the Weber or gas grill with your favorite sauce. Tender, juicy meat almost falling off of the bone. Easy system with no mess. You can also make a extra rack in the oven and freeze it for later.

Wayne

All those bays can be very good ,post spawn. Problem now is no bait is legal ,not live or dead . Makes for tougher bite.

Me to on iPad using Edge.

James Holst wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Wayne Daul wrote:</div>
Congratulations, our group of 6 haven’t drawn a tag in 5 years in ‘Montana.

Points creep for Western Big Game hunts is very, very real. I missed out on MT General Elk this year for the first time in 4 years and it about broke my heart which is how the NM elk tag came into being. I couldn’t stomach the idea of missing out on an elk hunt completely this fall so I bought a landowner tag in NM.

I did manage to shoot a high Boon and Crocket goat 6 year’s ago so I can’t complain.

I’d love to see a picture of your goat if you’re inclined to share it.

Here’s the picture, note the very rare double “cutters” on right side.

Speaking of Elk tags I have the big slap in the face from Montana this year received a Elk tag in mail and two weeks later a letter asking me to send it back! Seems they sent 1,200 hunters tags instead of refunds by mistake. That really hurt.

Wayne

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Congratulations, our group of 6 haven’t drawn a tag in 5 years in ‘Montana. I did manage to shoot a high Boon and Crocket goat 6 year’s ago so I can’t complain. Your new “22” is very interesting. I shot mine with a Weatherby 257 mag, also a very fast flat shooting rifle.

Good luck on your hunt.
Wayne

Thanks for the update. I’m heading up July 11th and looking forward to close to normal water levels. Looks like shore lunch may still be a problem.

Wayne

Good luck. Watch for debris in the water.

2 years ago I developed some heart and circulation problems sold my boat and house purchased a condo. At 77 age has slowed me down. I use Sam Dougherty a good friend for many years. He is a excellent guide who used to fish with me on days off as a dock boy at Thunderbird. We take turns picking spots and methods. It’s a little pricey but then operating your own boat isn’t cheap either. Funny thing the week with my buddy and is wife ended up just being another guys week, wife’s didn’t feel safe having a guide boat. I explained Sam isn’t one of those guides who always drive full throttle but they didn’t trust anyone but me driving. First year without a boat was tough but I’ve adjusted.
Still do 2 weeks at Rainy each summer. Plan on doing it as long as can stay mobile! Still hunt out west every fall just stay closer to Jeep then years past.

Wayne

Just canceled next week’s trip. Road access looks to be a problem and guide isn’t sure he will be able to put boat in or out.

I’ll be at Thunderbird on Memorial Day fishing till Friday. Hopefully will be able to fish both sides of the border.
I’m sure it will be open by then, quit fishing the opening weather was always a issue usually settled down by end of May.

BigWerm wrote:

Were you up there in 2014 Dutch? That was a crazy year, entire campsites underwater, RLHB’s basically had a whole new dock system on top of the regular docks, some of the smaller islands were just trees sticking out of the water, pretty wild!

I remember that Thunderbird gas pump was just 1 foot from being totally submerged and it was still working. They we’re running pumps in their basement 24 hours a day. Fishing was still good.

Hearing high water is expected this spring.

I recently purchased a Savage 17 super magnum and really like it. adds about 100 yards down range to standard 17 hmr and half the wind drift. Cheaper then 223 and much quieter which is a big advantage to 223.

Wayne

There are very strict rules for ranchers who lease BLM sections, for instance they can’t fence or grade roads without written permission. Also rancher’s craze land only a few months each year then it is rested so grass can grow for next year. They also can’t cut trees or clear land without permission.

Many ranchers do allow hunters to access BLM and even parts of their ranch for hunting. Some also charge fees for big game but usually free to shoot prairie dogs. I’ve hunted out west for 45 years and have always hunted private and BLM land on many different ranches. It’s not always easy as ranches change owners and open or close based on new owners preference.

Building relationships is the key, offering to help goes a long ways.

Wayne

try again
It is very clear that my fishing skills are considerably better them my computer skills!

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double, sorry. it must be other pictures are to big.

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lets try one picture

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scottaheller wrote:

Wayne – does that area normally get a lot of pressure?

Have you been on Rainy yet this year?

Just came back June 1st from 4 days on Rainy and will be back July 5th. We did good especially since we got there right as a big cold front hit. 33 at 8 a.m. and 29+ winds.

The humps near there get a lot of pressure but not so much by islands, best spot is small hump on very tip of that area on west side, it has two peakes and Walleyes like the the cut between them. I have found this area sensitive to pressure and do best with a run and gun approach also more lunch fish with few over 17″ Be prepared to eat 13″ and 14″ fish as perfect 16 and 17 fish are hard to find.
Also check out the structure east of the “cans” at entrance to Brule, can be another good spot for lunch fish. With all the fishing pressure this year consider using live bait rigs rather then just a jig. Sometimes Rainy Walleyes prefer Shiner’s, pricey but can be just the ticket.

good luck, Wayne

lots of structure by Fox Islands, fairly good for eyes, never caught bass there. With Canada closed lots of fishing pressure west of the Brule so be first in the am to beat the competition.

In spring most any work. Summer and fall I prefer shiners.

For the first time in many years I didn’t purchase a Canadian fishing license. At my age a missed season takes a big toll.

Oh well at least the restaurant at Thunderbird is open and the beer is cold. And any fishing is better then a dirt nap!

Wayne

bigstorm wrote:

We have fished some of reef/shoals on the west end between the resorts and the Brule with limited success (seems like the average size for <strong class=”ido-tag-strong”>walleyes is smaller on the west end compared to the east end). Most of the time we dont start fishing until we get close to the Brule Narrows anymore (unless wind makes it too tough to get down there

Until last year I would have agreed with you as that was my experience. But with a guide last year and limited to Minnesota side we fished some reefs about half way down but right on top at 9 Ft. and did very well on 16 to 22 inch. I was pleasantly surprised as in July I always had fished deeper. Also did good trolling gold spinners. Thought I new a thing or two but Young guide taught me a few things. I did redeem myself and showed him a couple spots he was unaware of.

Good luck this year, Wayne

Great job bringing this to light!

Dutchboy wrote:

<div class=”d4p-bbt-quote-title”>Wayne Daul wrote:</div>
Great safe harbor at Thunderbird and no problem with items disappearing. New owners are great and working very hard to improve a already great facility. Great food and awesome deck. Fishing is good and can be great.
Enjoy the change, good luck.

Wayne

You were the first guy I thought about when pulling down the driveway. You always mention Thunderbird in your reports.
Maybe we can get together for a burger and a beer if you come up this year.

I will be arriving May 31 for a few days and back again July 5thfor 3 or 4 days. Would love to share a cold one.

Wayne