Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Where Did the Sun Go?

Good morning to all!

Welcome to another edition of the Wigwam Fisherman’s Blog. It has been 3 days since we’ve seen sunshine on Lake of the Woods and I can’t wait till the clouds break…hopefully tomorrow. I was planning on fishing this afternoon, but if we don’t see better conditions my little fishing trip will have to be postponed till a later date (tomorrow). The Summer North Star Classic Fishing Tournament, despite the weather, was a great success. The contestants that showed up for the tourney had to make lemonade out of lemons, and they certainly did that. The winning group was the Thief River Falls duo of Mike Lindholm and Marshall Tanner with a total of 8 fish weighing in at a whapping 24.38 lbs. The second place team was Mark Chapman and John Swentik, both residents of Baudette, and they finished with 8 fish weighing in at 16.38 lbs. I was considering fishing this tournament, like so many; I didn’t want to brave the horrendous winds that were evident on Saturday. Instead I watched from the sidelines…maybe next year.

For all of you that are wondering what the fishing will be like this next month, I anticipate another awesome month for Lake of the Woods. Be sure to checkout our website for the Daily Fishing Report, Catch of the Day, the Wigwam Blog and our photo gallery.

I will be putting together a great July special package for Veterans and current Military personal alike. During the current turmoil that is occurring in Iran and across the globe, being we are coming up on July 4th (Independence Day), it really makes me happy and proud to be an American, and we all need to step back and thank the people that have had a hand in securing our democracy…our armed forces. Being the son of an ex-jarhead (Marine) and Vietnam Veteran, I know first hand the sacrifices that have been made by many families across this great country, and I only wish to do my little part. Since I am fortunate enough to be involved in an outdoor recreation that many people enjoy (fishing), I would like to offer what I can to help put some smiles on people’s faces. To all the current and ex-Marines…Semper Fi! I hope to meet and shake the hands of many service men/women and veterans alike…thank you for putting your lives on the line for the freedom of every American. To view our specials, just go to our website at, http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/ and click the “Specials” icon at the top left hand corner of our home page.

Daily Fishing Report: Today we will have a mix of clouds and sun with gusty winds, high near 65F with winds N at 15 to 25 mph. Tonight we will see partly cloudy skies, low 49F with winds N at 10 to 20 mph. Tomorrow will look a little better with mostly sunny skies, high 69F with winds N at 10 to 15 mph. Tomorrow night will be mostly clear skies, low 51F with winds ENE at 5 to 10 mph. Today’s fishing report will come from a few different sources (our guides, guests and I). The past few days have been pretty miserable, because of the high winds and rain we have been having, but we anticipate that to change tomorrow with the arrival of some sunshine. We all have been having success out about 5 miles from Morris Gap in about 32 - 34 feet of water. We have been anchoring and jigging with frozen shiners. Another place where our guests are having some success is a little boat ride away, but they have been slamming them up there…Little Oak Island. Trolling spinners on the west side of Pine Island, using hammered gold spinners with crawlers as bait, has also been working. Graceton Reef may be another spot to keep on your radar. I have been having some good success trolling and jigging with Pink and Gold Jigs with frozen emerald shiners as bait. We need the sun to warm up the rocks a bit more, but it’s still fishing well. Just a little FYI – Graceton Reef will be good, but bring extra tackle…there are a ton of rocks and you will get snagged up a couple times if you’re fishing over there. Don’t miss out on this great fishing that we’re having on Lake of the Woods…come visit us at the Wigwam Resort!

Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

Wigwam Fisherman aka Jean-Paul Tessier
Wigwam Resort
http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/

Friday, June 26, 2009

Fathers Have Life Lessons to Give Through Fishing...At Least Mine Did

Good morning to all!

Welcome to another edition of the Wigwam Fisherman’s Blog. Well I know that I’ve said this about a thousand times already, but when it fits you’ve got to say it, and it fits…the fishing on Lake of the Woods is absolutely PHENOMENAL!!!! I just went out this morning by myself and caught over 50 Walleyes. Be sure to checkout the Daily Fishing Report to catch, where I was at, and what I was using…catching fish on Lake of the Woods is so much fun…I LOVE IT!!!!

Yesterday I had the pleasure of hanging out with my Mother…she was telling me how much she enjoyed reading my blog…thank you Mother. She said, it made her laugh and cry all at the same…now when she cried it was only because of the fact that she misses all the fun we used to have together as a family, and since the passing of my Father, we don’t get the opportunity to do those things as a family anymore…don’t worry Mom…I believe we all feel the same. On a happier note, my Mom did tell me of one story that I must share with you today. I had totally forgotten about this one, because it wasn’t one of my better moments, but looking back at it now, it’s pretty funny. I just have to say…Kids, don’t do this!

It was the start of a summer fishing season in the early 80’s and I thought that I was ready to graduate to a “Grown Up” rod and reel, from the youth rod and reel I was sporting for the past few years. I had told my Father that I wanted a new rod and reel for about 6 months prior to going out with friends that morning, and my Father told me, “we will get a new pole next year”…I was having nothing to do with that…I wanted a new rod and reel, and I wanted it now! I had proven myself as a very good young fisherman and I wanted to be equipped that way, but as we all find out sooner than later, fathers always know best. What proceeded next I’m not too proud of, but it was a life learning lesson and I took it. We were fishing with Mr. and Mrs. Crew (Terry & Nancy) from International Falls, MN and once again that morning I asked my Father for a new rod and reel and once again he denied me. We had been fishing for about 30 minutes when I got the bright idea that if I didn’t have a rod and reel that my Father would have to get me a new one, so I went to cast my line and “accidentally” let go of my rod and it went for a swim. Things didn’t play out the way I would have hoped, and this is where I got my life lesson. My Father looked at me and said, “well it looks like you didn’t want to fish today or this summer…take a seat”. My Father wasn’t too happy and thank God he didn’t keep me from fishing all summer, but for a while and I paid dearly for it. The lesson that I learned that day was it doesn’t matter what you’re fishing with as long as you get to fish! To say the least, it wasn’t a fun day of sitting in the boat without fishing…I wish I could take it back. Kids, don’t make the same mistake that I did…listen to your parents…they do know best!

Daily Fishing Report: Today we will have mix of clouds and sun, high 83F with winds S at 5 to 10 mph. Tonight we will have scattered thunderstorms, especially late, low 63F with winds SSE at 15 to 25 mph…there will be a 60% chance of rain. Tomorrow will be windy with showers and thundershowers likely, high 67F with S winds shifting to W at 20 to 30 mph…there will be another 60% chance of rain. Tomorrow night will be windy with rain showers in the evening becoming less numerous overnight, low 56F with winds WNW at 20 to 30 mph…there will be a 50% chance of rain. Sunday we will have a few showers possible, windy, highs in the upper 60s and lows in the low 50s. Today’s fishing report will come from a few different sources (our guides, guests and I). We all have been having my success out about 5 miles from Morris Gap in about 32 - 34 feet of water. We have been anchoring and jigging with frozen shiners. Another place where our guests are having some success is a little boat ride away, but they have been slamming them up there…Little Oak Island. I just went out this morning and in a 3 hour period, by myself, I was able to catch over 40 Walleyes. I was trolling spinners on the west side of Pine Island, using hammered gold spinners, using crawlers. Graceton Reef may be another spot to keep on your radar. I have been having some good success trolling and jigging with Pink and Gold Jigs with frozen emerald shiners as bait. We need the sun to warm up the rocks a bit more, but it’s still fishing well. Just a little FYI – Graceton Reef will be good, but bring extra tackle…there are a ton of rocks and you will get snagged up a couple times if you’re fishing over there. This past weekend I was able to make it to Garden Island and I was having success in 18 to 20 feet of water on either side (East or West). Don’t miss out on this great fishing that we’re having on Lake of the Woods.

My shout out today will go to Robert (Oakdale, MN) and Chad Berdahl (Minneapolis, MN). I wanted to personally thank you two for visiting us this past week. I hope that the fishing was all you anticipated. I look forward to seeing you guys again very soon. I’m glad you guys had the opportunity to catch, back to back, Catch of the Day’s…30” Walleyes don’t come along every day…Nice Fish!!!! I hope all of your expectations were exceeded while staying here at the Wigwam Resort on Lake of the Woods!








Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

Wigwam Fisherman aka Jean-Paul Tessier
Wigwam Resort
http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

Finally, Summer is Here on Lake of the Woods

Good morning to all!

Welcome to another edition of the Wigwam Fisherman’s Blog. Sorry about being absent the past few days…I have been feeling a little under the weather, but I’m feeling better now. I had to ask Tom Briggs this morning how the past two days have been fishing, and he said, “just as good as it was two days ago”. The fishing has been very good this summer on Lake of the Woods, everyone at the Wigwam Resort, feels very fortunate. I have been preaching the success of Lake of the Woods this summer, but there are still millions of you who need to visit us up here and check it out first hand. The weather just last weekend started to make itself known…I for one am happy about that. It looks as if we’ll be seeing plenty of nicer weather in the future, which is if the meteorologists are on…I hope they are.

I hope that everyone was able to enjoy Father’s Day this past Sunday. It is always a time for remembering and making new memories for me and my family…I wish that it was enjoyable for you and yours also. This weekend the Wigwam Resort will be hosting the Summer North Star Fishing Classic at the Wigwam Resort on Saturday (Sunday if needed for weather). We also will be having Poor Boys back for another weekend…don’t miss out as they “Rock the Wigwam” this Friday and Saturday from 9 till close.

Daily Fishing Report: Today’s weather forecast will look like this, sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds, high 79F with winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph. Tonight will be partly cloudy with a slight chance of thunderstorms overnight, low 58F with winds SW at 10 to 15 mph…there will be a 30% chance of rain. Tomorrow we will have isolated thunderstorms in the morning with Lots of sunshine late. It will be warm, high 84F with winds W at 5 to 10 mph…there will be a 30% chance of rain. Tomorrow night will be clear skies, low 61F with winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph. Today’s fishing report will come from our guides. We all have been having my success out about 3 miles from Morris Gap in about 30 feet of water. We have been anchoring and jigging with frozen shiners. Another place where one of my guests had some success, was trolling spinners on the west side of Pine Island, using hammered gold spinners, you can use frozen or live bait, minnows or crawlers. Graceton Reef may be another spot to keep on your radar. I have been having some good success trolling and jigging with Pink and Gold Jigs with frozen emerald shiners as bait. We need the sun to warm up the rocks a bit more, but it’s still fishing well. Just a little FYI – Graceton Reef will be good, but bring extra tackle…there are a ton of rocks and you will get snagged up a couple times if you’re fishing over there. This weekend I was able to make it to Garden Island and I was having success in 18 to 20 feet of water on either side (East or West). Don’t miss out on this great fishing that we’re having on Lake of the Woods. On a side note, I have been marking some fish with my graph that are elevated…so we might not be to far off from down rigging.

My shout out today will go to all of our new and past guests. We appreciate the great comments you guys are making and, we at the Wigwam Resort, will make sure that your stay next time is just as good, if not better, than is was this go around. I’m so happy to be able to share your comments with my staff, just seeing their faces light up makes all the difference. I just wanted to thank you again for all of your kind words and I hope that we are exceeding expectations, here at the Wigwam Resort on Lake of the Woods!

Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

Wigwam Fisherman aka Jean-Paul Tessier
Wigwam Resort
http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Family Fishing, Brings Families Together

Good morning to all!

Welcome to another edition of the Wigwam Fisherman’s Blog. With Father’s Day approaching I wanted to talk a little bit about my memories with my Dad and I would have to say that more than half are related to the outdoors. Whether is was fishing in the summer, Partridge hunting in the early Fall or Deer hunting in the late Fall, early Winter…my father was inspirational in letting me experience the outdoors.

I was born and raised in International Falls, MN and had the great outdoors at my disposal…I feel blessed in so many ways to have had that opportunity. About two weeks ago I shared the story about my favorite fishing memory, which just happened to be on Father’s Day. I truly have hundreds of family fishing/hunting memories that I could share, and I’m sure that through the years, if you keep reading, you will hear a great number of them. Today I would like to share another fishing memory that happened about 25 years ago on the Canadian side of Rainy Lake.

For a month every summer as I grew up, my Mom and Dad would hook up the pop-up camper and we would head out to a resort on the Canadian side of Rainy Lake, called the Fisheries Resort in Red Gut Bay. We would be accompanied by relatives and friends from church…I believe there was a total of 25 people in the group. On one gorgeous calm June day, we all gathered into the boats and headed toward Crow Rock Inlet on the northern side of Red Gut Bay for another day of fishing, but we weren’t expecting the surprise we received. With the 9.9 Honda, the Tessier’s, were a little bit behind our fellow friends with a little bigger boats and motors, but we eventually arrived. My Father decided to try a little bay that we usually wouldn’t have tried, just because he had a feeling. Well that feeling lead to a number a great fish! Within a thirty minute period we had already caught our limit and were starting to throw fish from boat to boat. Everyone heard the hoots and hollers and came on over to see what we were yelling about. People that had fished that lake for 30 years were amazed at the amount and size of the fish. This was almost unheard of on Rainy Lake 25 years ago. What a day…that was truly one of my best memories as a kid. I hope someday to be able to make some of those memories with my kids…it would be truly special.

Daily Fishing Report: Today we will have showers early with isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon, high 79F with winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph…there will be a 30% chance of rain. Tonight we will have scattered showers and thunderstorms, a few storms may be severe, lows near 60F with winds light and variable…there will be a 40% chance of rain. Tomorrow we will have variable clouds with scattered thunderstorms, high 77F with winds SW at 5 to 10…there will be a 50% chance of rain. Again today’s fishing report will come from me first hand. I have been having my best success anywhere from 1 to 4 ½ miles northwest of Lighthouse Gap in the big water in 28 to 32 feet. The fishing has picked up again in that area since we started to get some good wind blowing through the area (1 to 1 ½” chop). Graceton Reef may be another spot to keep on your radar. I have been having some good success trolling and jigging with Pink and Gold Jigs with frozen emerald shiners as bait. We need the sun to warm up the rocks a bit more, but it’s still fishing well. Just a little FYI – Graceton Reef will be good, but bring extra tackle…there are a ton of rocks and you will get snagged up a couple times if you’re fishing over there. My other sources (our guides) have been going to Garden Island and having success in 22 to 25 feet of water. They have been using the same lures and bait as I have been using. Don’t miss out on this great fishing that we’re having on Lake of the Woods. Make sure you’re on the bottom because that’s were the fish are at!

My shout out today will go to all the Dads out there…I know that it’s going to be your day, but take your family fishing on Father’s Day, you won’t regret it. Make your family memories on Lake of the Woods this Father’s Day week, weekend and day…heck role this over to the entire summer. It’s pretty inexpensive to do, and it will give you plenty of time to talk about many different things with your kids and family. Hope to see you all on the lake!

Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

Wigwam Fisherman aka Jean-Paul Tessier
Wigwam Resort
http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

Your Last Catch Keeps You Coming Back Every Time

Good morning to all!

Welcome to another edition of the Wigwam Fisherman’s Blog. Yesterday, when I was out fishing with one of my friends, we had a great conversation…we reminisced about past catches and lakes. The common theme was that the last catch on those lakes are what keep us going back time after time. I feel that I’m living my dream right now, being able to fish everyday on Lake of the Woods, and my last catch of the day most defiantly keeps me coming back, day after day.

Daily Fishing Report: Tonight we will have showers and thunder showers this evening followed by a few lingering showers overnight, low near 60F with winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph…there will be a 60% chance of rain. Tomorrow will look like this; partly to mostly cloudy with a chance of thunderstorms, high 78F with winds light and variable…there will be a 40% chance of rain. Tomorrow night should be partly cloudy with a slight chance of thunderstorms, low 59F with winds light and variable…there will be a 30% chance of rain. Again today’s fishing report will come from me first hand. I have been having my best success anywhere from 1 to 4 ½ miles northwest of Lighthouse Gap in the big water in 28 to 32 feet. The fishing has picked up again in that area since we started to get some good wind blowing through the area (1 to 1 ½” chop). Graceton Reef may be another spot to keep on your radar. I have been having some good success trolling and jigging with Pink and Gold Jigs with frozen emerald shiners as bait. We need the sun to warm up the rocks a bit more, but it’s still fishing well. Just a little FYI – Graceton Reef will be good, but bring extra tackle…there are a ton of rocks and you will get snagged up a couple times if you’re fishing over there. My other sources (our guides) have been going to Garden Island and having success in 22 to 25 feet of water. They have been using the same lures and bait as I have been using. Don’t miss out on this great fishing that we’re having on Lake of the Woods. Make sure you’re on the bottom because that’s were the fish are at!

My shout out today will go to the Jim Femrite Group from the Twin Cities area. These gentlemen visited us earlier this week and were able to get into some great fish. Gentlemen, I hope that all your expectation were exceeded on your trip and that we will see you again very soon back at the Wigwam Resort on Lake of the Woods!

Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

Wigwam Fisherman aka Jean-Paul Tessier
Wigwam Resort
http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/

Monday, June 15, 2009

The Best Days, May Not be the Best Fishing Days

Good morning to all!

Welcome to another edition of the Wigwam Fisherman’s Blog. Well we have had some great weather the past few days, but the fishing has slowed for some. My advice is, when the wind dies down you have to troll. The fish are still there, but when there is very little wind on Lake of the Woods the bottom isn’t getting turned up, and hence the fish are not feeding…there sitting there getting tans just like the rest of us. When there is very little wind, which isn’t often, but it does happen, you must start trolling. I would start off by maybe pulling some jigs, but if that doesn’t work for you, you can always go to the Lake of the Woods gem…the hammered gold spinner, with either shiners or crawlers (use a crawler harness if you’re using crawlers). I hope that will put some people on the fish, because as I always say, it’s a lot more fun catching fish than chasing them around.

Daily Fishing Report: Today we will have lots of sunshine, high 79F with winds S at 10 to 15 mph. Tonight should be partly cloudy this evening followed by mostly cloudy skies and a few showers after midnight, low 58F with winds SSE at 5 to 10 mph…there will be a 30% chance of rain. Tomorrow will be cloudy with occasional showers, high 76F with winds SSE at 10 to 15 mph…there will be a 50% chance of rain. Tomorrow night we should have showers and thundershowers likely in the evening with a shower or two possible overnight, low near 55F with winds ESE at 5 to 10 mph…there will be a 60% chance of rain. Again today’s fishing report will come from me first hand. I have been having my some good success about 4 ½ miles northwest of Lighthouse Gap in 32 feet of water, but it is starting to get a little spotty. Last night I went out with Jake Magness of Fargo, and he made the call to tryout Graceton Reef and we had some good success trolling and jigging with Pink and Gold jigs with frozen emerald shiners as bait. I think it might be another week or so before they start hitting harder over there. We need the sun to warm up the rocks. Just a little FYI – Graceton Reef will be good, but bring extra tackle…there are a ton of rocks and you will get snagged up a couple times if you’re fishing over there. Nice call Jake…nice call! Another place where I’m having success is about 200 yards west of the BIG PINE on Pine Island in 16 feet of water…I am using the same lures and bait! My other sources (our guides) have been going to Garden Island and having success in 22 to 25 feet of water. They have been using the same lures and bait as I have been using. The fishing is still phenomenal. Make sure you’re on the bottom, because that’s where the fish are at!

My shout out today will go to Jake Magness for making the great call last night about going to Graceton Reef. Jake works the ice for the Wigwam Resort in the winter and is looking to join our summer crew guiding. Jake is a native of Fargo and great fisherman to boot. Anytime you’re in the area, please give me a call to go fishing…it’s always a blast.

Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

Wigwam Fisherman aka Jean-Paul Tessier
Wigwam Resort
http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/

Friday, June 12, 2009

Lake of the Woods...The Best Freshwater Fishery in the World!!!!

Good morning to all!

Welcome to another edition of the Wigwam Fisherman’s Blog. I know that I’ve said this time and time again, but it needs to be said another time…Lake of the Woods is by far the best freshwater fishery in the world! Just this year alone I have seen monster Sturgeon, Walleye, Musky, Northern, Small Mouth Bass, Crappie, Lake Trout and Perch all come out of Lake of the Woods and there’s no other place like it in the world. If you’re on the fence about coming up, over or down to Lake of the Woods, jump off now and get your butts over here…you won’t be disappointed!

Daily Fishing Report: Today we will have some clouds and possibly an isolated thunderstorm this afternoon, high 68F with winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph…there will be a 30% Chance of rain. Tonight we will have isolated thunderstorms. The skies will become partly cloudy after midnight, low 53F with winds SW at 5 to 10 mph…again there will be a 30% chance of rain. Tomorrow we will have a mix of clouds and sun in the morning giving way to a few showers during the afternoon, high 73F with winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph…there will be a 30% chance of rain. Tomorrow night we will have a few showers in the evening, then clear overnight, low 51F with winds N at 5 to 10 mph…there will be another 30% chance of rain. Sunday will be sunny, highs in the upper 70s and lows in the mid 50s. Monday there will be times of sun and clouds with highs in the low 80s and lows in the upper 50s…FINALLY THE 80’s…YES!!!! Again today’s fishing report will come from me first hand. I have been having my best success about 4 ½ miles northwest of Lighthouse Gap in 32 feet of water. When you get the chance to get out that way you will want to be fishing with Pink/Purple/Gold & Pink/Gold (my personal favorite) jigs with frozen shiners. Another place where I’m having success is about 200 yards west of the BIG PINE on Pine Island in 16 feet of water…I am using the same lures and bait! The fishing is still phenomenal. The biggest advice that I can give at this time is make sure you are anchored! I have been having success and so have others using that method. Make sure you’re on the bottom, because that’s where the fish are at!

I have been hearing that people are “following the boats” and not catching that many fish. My question is, why follow the boats? Most of them are doing the same thing that you’re doing…following other boats. The fish are still biting and some of us are having a great time catching the fish instead of chasing them around. The Wigwam Resort has been able to put people on the fish this year, not just the people that are going out on our launches, or even our own guests, and those people are spreading the good word about the Wigwam. I want every time on Lake of the Woods to be a great time! If you know of people that aren’t having the best of luck catching fish, please send them to the Daily Fishing Report on our website at http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/ and help them out. I want everyone that fishes Lake of the Woods to have an awesome experience and keep coming back year after year! Good Luck and Happy Fishing!

Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

Wigwam Fisherman aka Jean-Paul Tessier
Wigwam Resort
http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Warmer Weather Is On Its Way...YES!!!!

Good morning to all!

Welcome to another edition of the Wigwam Fisherman’s Blog. Today we’ve had good weather early, but right now it’s currently raining. Today I was able to go out fishing for about an hour between 12 pm and 1 pm and caught about 12 fish. The fishing is still hot on Lake of the Woods. If you are waiting for a good time to fish Lake of the Woods, don’t wait any longer, the time for catching Walleye is now! Don’t let the drive turn you off…go to where the fish are at…Lake of the Woods! Call us today at the Wigwam Resort (800) 448-9260 and let us put you on the fish!

Daily Fishing Report: Today we have had showers early and we should have clearing overnight, low 43F with winds NW at 5 to 10 mph with a 30% chance of rain. Tomorrow we will have intervals of clouds and sunshine, high 64F with winds NW at 5 to 10 mph. Tomorrow night we will have partly cloudy skies, low 46F with winds light and variable. Today’s fishing information will come from me first hand. I have been having my best success in front of Zipple Bay, north of the green marker in about 25 feet of water and on the northwest side of Pine Island in 16 feet of water, and finally, 4 miles northwest of Lighthouse Gap in 32 feet of water. When you get the chance to get out that way you will want to be fishing with Pink/Purple/Gold & Pink/Gold (my personal favorite) jigs with frozen shiners. Another place where I’m having success is out about ¼ mile from Lighthouse Gap, out in the bigger water, in 20 to 22 feet, fishing with the same lures and bait. The fishing is still phenomenal. The biggest advice that I can give at this time is make sure you are anchored! I have been having success and so have others using that method. People last night were trying to troll all around me and they weren’t catching fish, even as I was bringing them in one right after another. People were getting so close to me that 2 people hooked their lures on my anchor line. Again, they weren’t catching fish and were 10 yards away from me! Make sure you’re on the bottom, because that’s where the fish are at! Good Luck and Happy Fishing!

My shout out today will go to Ralph Gordon. I had the pleasure of guiding Ralph on Tuesday and wanted to thank him the great time. Ralph was an excellent fishing partner and taught the guide a few things, which I will hopefully master down the road. Ralph is from Kansas City, Kansas and made the drive up here by himself to fish our unbelievable fishery. He has been coming to this area for years, but this was his first time staying with us at the Wigwam Resort and I hope that we exceeded all of his expectations. Ralph, I hope to see you back before the end of the summer…I wish you the best of luck with everything and will be waiting for your return.

Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

Wigwam Fisherman aka Jean-Paul Tessier
Wigwam Resort
http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/

Monday, June 8, 2009

Lake of the Woods is a Huge Walleye Hangout

Good morning to all!

Welcome to another edition of the Wigwam Fisherman’s Blog. Today we have had nothing but rain, but once again, it hasn’t hindered the fishing. That has still been phenomenal. The word on the street is that we should be seeing better weather as the week goes on. Last night I went out with my dog and 4 dozen frozen emerald shiners and got into the Walleye. In a 4 hour time frame from 2 to 6 pm I was able to land over 40 Walleye…2 of which were in the slot (22” and 27”) and one exceeded it (29”). I had to share the pictures I took with my camera phone last night with a number of friends. I felt as if it were like Christmas every time I set the hook! If you are waiting for a good time to fish Lake of the Woods, don’t wait any longer…the time for catching Walleye is now! Don’t let the drive turn you off…go to where the fish are at…Lake of the Woods! Call us today at the Wigwam Resort (800) 448-9260 and let us put you on the fish!

Daily Fishing Report: Tonight we will have showers this evening becoming less numerous overnight, low around 45F with winds S at 5 to 10 mph…there will be a 60% chance of rain. Tomorrow will be cloudy, high around 60F with winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Tomorrow night will be cloudy with showers; low near 45F with winds NW at 5 to 10 mph…there will be a 50% chance of rain. Today’s fishing information will come from me first hand. I have been having my best success in front of Zipple Bay, north of the green marker in about 25 feet of water and on the northwest side of Pine Island in 16 feet of water. When you get the chance to get out that way you will want to be fishing with Pink/Purple/Gold & Pink/Gold (my personal favorite) jigs with frozen shiners. Another place where I’m having success is out about ¼ mile from Lighthouse Gap, out in the bigger water, in 20 to 22 feet, fishing with the same lures and bait. Lighthouse Gap is still producing in about 14 to 18 feet of water, but is slowing a bit. The fishing is still phenomenal. The biggest advice that I can give at this time is make sure you are anchored! I have been having success and so have others using that method. People last night were trying to troll all around me and they weren’t catching fish, even as I was bringing them in one right after another. People were getting so close to me that 2 people hooked their lures on my anchor line. Again, they weren’t catching fish and were 10 yards away from me! Make sure you’re on the bottom, because that’s where the fish are at! Good Luck and Happy Fishing!

My shout out today will go to Tom and Melanie Greer of Hibbing, MN. They gave me the pleasure of letting me guide them on Lake of the Woods last weekend and we had a blast. I just wanted to thank them for giving myself, and the Wigwam Resort, the opportunity to take them fishing. Tom is a General Contractor and Melanie is currently opening a Herbalife store in Hibbing, MN. If you’re interested in learning more about Herbalife, please call Melanie at (218) 969-0167. Thank you both again and we are looking forward to your return.

Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

Wigwam Fisherman aka Jean-Paul Tessier
Wigwam Resort
http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/

Friday, June 5, 2009

Even Though the Weather Isn't Hot...The Fishing Has Been!

Good morning to all!

Welcome to another edition of the Wigwam Fisherman’s Blog. Well despite the terrible cold May weather we just went through the fishing has been unbelievably good. Every launch trip we have had out this year has caught their limits and then some. What I mean by the some, are the fish that are in the slot that must be thrown back, your 19 ½” to 28” Walleye…we have some great pictures though…if you’d like to see them checkout our site. I haven’t heard that much from the other resorts around the area, but I can only imagine that they are seeing the same success, or I can only hope. The fishing on Lake of the Woods takes care of itself…you won’t be disappointed.

Daily Fishing Report: Tonight will be mainly clear skies, low 36F with winds from the NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Tomorrow will bring us a mix of clouds and sun early, then becoming cloudy later in the day, high 57F with winds from the NE at 5 to 10 mph. That should make for some great fishing tomorrow. Tomorrow night should be cloudy, low 42F with winds NE at 5 to 10 mph. My sources (our guides) have informed me that they are still doing well on the big lake about 1 to 2 miles out from Lighthouse Gap in the mud fishing at the depth of 32 feet. They are also doing well out in front of Zipple Bay, north of the rock marker in about 25 feet of water. When you get the chance to get out that way you will want to be fishing with Pink, Gold & Orange jigs with frozen shiners. The fishing is still phenomenal. Lighthouse Gap is still producing in about 14 to 18 feet of water, but is slowing a bit. I personally have still been having great success casting out into the current and jigging back to the boat against the current with my trusty Pink jig with a frozen shiner. Once again, make sure you’re on the bottom, because that’s where the fish are at! Good Luck and Happy Fishing!

My shout out today will go again to the Redneck Crew from Cross Lake & Apple Valley, MN aka the Meredith Group. They came here for great fishing and relaxation and I believe that they were delivered both. I again, wanted to thank them for giving us, at the Wigwam Resort, the opportunity to have them as our guests. They are a great group who knows how to fish and have a great time. I know that will see at least a couple of you back this winter and I can’t wait for return…Happy Fishing!

Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

Wigwam Fisherman aka Jean-Paul Tessier
Wigwam Resort
http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

When Will We Get the Warm Weather?

Good morning to all!

Welcome to another edition of the Wigwam Fisherman’s Blog. There has been a common question asked quite frequently at the Wigwam Resort and all across northern Minnesota, and that is, when will we be getting warmer weather? And the answer is…I don’t know. We have been waiting all spring for the warmer weather and I have been watching the weather channel diligently everyday for any glimmer of hope. All I know is that we need it soon…not for the fishing, because the fishing has been fabulous, but for all of us that are looking forward to summer in northern Minnesota. Today was a little of the same, sunny but just a tad chilly. I heard today on the weather channel that we could expect some warmer weather by the end of next week, which should sustain for a while. I can’t wait…bring it on!!!!

Daily Fishing Report: Tomorrow we can expect scattered clouds with the possibility of an isolated thunderstorm developing during the afternoon, with a high 66F, winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph and a 30% chance of rain. Tomorrow night we will have showers likely along with a possible rumble of thunder during the evening, then cloudy skies overnight with a low around 45F, winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph and a 60% chance of rain. My sources (our guides) have informed me that they are still doing well on the big lake about 1 to 2 miles out from Lighthouse Gap in the mud fishing at the depth of 32 feet. When you get the chance to get out that way you will want to be fishing with Pink, Gold & White jigs with frozen shiners. The fishing is still phenomenal. Lighthouse Gap is still producing in about 14 to 18 feet of water. I’ve been having great success casting out into the current and jigging back to the boat against the current with my trusty Pink jig with a frozen shiner. Once again, make sure you’re on the bottom, because that’s where the fish are at! Good Luck and Happy Fishing!

My shout out today will go out to the Redneck Crew from Cross Lake & Apple Valley, MN aka the Meredith Group. They have been our guests for the past few nights and have one more day of fishing, which they proclaim will bring them the “big fish”. I think they have had some great luck and caught some very nice fish so far, but I’ll let you be the judge of that from their pictures…NICE FISH!!!! I just wanted to thank them for giving us, at the Wigwam Resort, the opportunity to have them as our guests. They are a great group who knows how to fish and have a great time. I hope that we will see them back very soon. Take care Redneck Crew…we will miss you when you’re gone, and be waiting for your speedy return…Happy Fishing!

Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

Wigwam Fisherman aka Jean-Paul Tessier
Wigwam Resort
http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/

Tuesday, June 2, 2009

A Community Lends a Helpful Hand and Gets a "Thanks to Baudette"

Good morning to all!

Welcome to another edition of the Wigwam Fisherman’s Blog. Today I wanted to share the story of a customer that we had a couple weeks ago that had a little mishap with his float plane, but was scooped up just in time and taken care of by the Wigwam and the people of Baudette. Mr. Paul Schroeder of Pine River, MN was very appreciative and thankful to all the participants…he subsequently wrote a letter thanking all the parties and I would like to share that with you today. I think this personifies the Baudette area and our northern Minnesota hospitality.

Thanks to Baudette

“A note of thanks to all the good folks in the Baudette, Rainy River area who came to my rescue after my flat plane flipped over on the Rainy River May 14th.

Mike Sullivan and his fishing partner picked me up in their boat as I was exiting the upside down airplane. The Wigwam Resort under the direction of Tom Briggs got me dry clothes; let me use their phone for hours and a vehicle to get to town for new clothes and everything else I needed. Stuart Noble at Noble Drug for getting me some prescription medicine I needed. Tom Griffen orchestrated the whole salvage operation spending two long days getting the plane back upright and to the Baudette airport.

Eric Bendickson spent 16 hrs trying to get the plane upright but didn’t quite have the horse power. Lake of the Woods County Highway Dept. came to the rescue. Lee Hancock with the approval of Jeff Pelland spent all day Thursday on the barge and then offered to get their excavator to an access to get my plane upright on the floats. Lee’s skill with the excavator got my plane upright on the floats with minimal damage.

I can’t thank the Lake of the Woods County Highway Dept. enough for their help. Four other Baudette locals helped Tom G. with various aspects of the salvage…John Craig, Gary Noble, Bob Sindler and big time help from Emory Vaagen of Bear Aviation.

You are a great community and it certainly was evident after my accident.”

By, Paul Schroeder
Pine River, MN

Daily Fishing Report: Today will be mostly sunny with a high of 58F with winds NNW at 10 to 20 mph. Tonight will be mainly clear with a low of 37F with winds NW at 10 to 20 mph. Tomorrows forecast will look like this…mainly sunny with a high of 66F with winds W at 10 to 15 mph. Tomorrow evening will be partly cloudy skies with a low 48F with winds SW at 5 to 10 mph. I have been told that as of this morning the wind was too gusty, even for the big launches to go out on the big water, but I hope this evening and tomorrow will bring us some calmer winds, so we can get out to the bigger fish about ¾ or a mile out from Lighthouse Gap in the mud fishing at the depth of 32 feet. When you get the chance to get out that way you will want to be fishing with Pink & White jigs with frozen shiners. The fishing has been phenomenal. Lighthouse Gap is still producing in about 14 to 18 feet of water. I’ve been having great success casting out into the current and jigging back to the boat against the current with my trusty Pink jig with a frozen shiner. Once again, make sure you’re on the bottom, because that’s where the fish are at! Good Luck and Happy Fishing!


My shout out today will go out to Paul Schroeder. Paul was our guest that didn’t get to do much fishing with us during his stay, because of the float plane accident, but I hope to see him back very soon and I wanted to thank him for his kind words about our great community. Paul was part of the Jim Pittenger Group that visited us from the Omaha and Lincoln Nebraska areas. I have been told they are all planning to visit us again in August. I hope to see them all at that time. Paul is the gentleman who is first from the left.

Happy Fishing to all, and to all a good day!

Wigwam Fisherman aka Jean-Paul Tessier
Wigwam Resort
http://www.wigwamresortlow.com/