The Memorial Day holiday is one of our favorites here at the resort, not only is it the unofficial start to summer, it’s the unofficial start of knife dulling season, and there was plenty of fish cleaned by our dock staff. It also marks the start of our outdoor pool season here at the resort, come take a dip! I would estimate that 75% of our guests return year after year to enjoy the early season Walleye and Panfish bite, some may even come for my cooking, we have had a hog roast/potluck going back as far as I can remember, it was wonderful to sit and relax near the lake and enjoy a great meal.
A 3-day weekend of fishing and relaxing is what Memorial Day has turned into for many, let us not forget the brave that have made the ultimate sacrifice for this country we call home. For those past, present and currently serving in the military we thank you for your service, our support will never end.
The weekend started out as if it was shot out of a cannon, water temps crept into the mid to upper 50s accompanied by light winds and high sun it was easy to figure out what to do, and that was to go chase come Crappies and Sunfish. Anglers pushed the pedal down and headed to the northern part of Sucker Bay with small leeches, nightcrawlers, and minnows in tow, large black Crappies, Sunfish, and smiles followed.
Pictured below from L to R: Scot Bowman, Chad Frank, and Mary and Gary Aschenbrenner – from New Hope, Minneapolis, and Sauk Rapids, MN – Crappie Deluxe.
As Thursday turned into Friday and then to Saturday there was a bit of a change as far as wind goes and with that anglers were forced to abandon their panfish mission and settle into more familiar Walleye and Northern Pike territory close by. Strong winds tend to dictate where I go fishing, too. Jigs tipped with shiner minnows were deployed around the rocky shorelines that line the southwestern edge of the main lake, anglers also ventured to Stoney Point and Pete’s hole with varying degrees of success, almost all positive.
Pictured below from L to R: Pat Jacobson from Brooklyn Center, MN with his grandson – Jan Schmidt from Eden Prairie, MN – Doug and Chuck Suchy from Champlin, MN with their long time friend Vinny and finally, Dennis Osterberg from Belvidere, IL with a nice batch of Miller Bay Perch.
With water temps remaining on the cooler side, especially compared to last year, look for fish to continue to chase live bait in shallow water, work areas with wind, and try a slip bobber or 2, it’s become more and more popular over the last few years and it definitely works. The panfish bite is sure to slow down soon, make haste and head to Sucker Bay before it’s too late!
The featured image up top is of Pat Jacobson and his grandson – hold that stringer high
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Ray@bigrockresort
Ray
