Spring Time Fishing on Sand Lake - By fishing guide Charlie Worrath

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Spring Time Fishing on Sand Lake
by fishing guide Charlie Worrath

Springtime fishing for all species of fish is one of the best times of the year. Do to several reasons, after a long winter and the riggers of spawning, the fish have huge appetites. To make things even better the food sources are in short supply. Baitfish has been eaten down throughout the winter, and new food sources haven’t developed yet, such as fry of the new year, insects, ect.

Sand Lake has all the area fish species and then some, do to the fact that it is part of a river system. It is one of top walleye lakes in northern Minnesota. It has a lot of shoreline with nice emerging weed lines and sharp breaks, along with rocks and rubble points, also lots of mid lake humps and bars. The best part of Sand Lake that I personally like, is the water clarity, which is only 4, or 5ft., which makes fishing during the day as good as it’s gets.

Most people coming to this area and Sand Lake are in pursuit of the state fish, the walleye. Sand has plenty of them, due tv natural reproduction and stocking programs. The best presentation for them in the spring is a jig minnow combo; color should be in the dark Varity, such as reds,blues, black, and orange, ect. Start out with the lightest jig you can get by with considering the current weather conditions. I use mostly 1/8 oz. at first. Make sure you just tie the jig direct to the line, no swivels or other jewelry.

Another thing that is very popular in this area is the shiner minnow, but on Sand Lake I prefer a rainbow chub, or just a regular chub. The reason is Sand lake has an over abundance of small northern pike, which provide a lot fun and action, but sometimes too much and to cut down some of them by using a chub minnow. They don’t see the flash of the shiner to attract them to your bait as often, giving a better chance for walleyes. Basically the jig minnow combo is you need for your springtime fishing adventure for all species of fish that Sand Lake has to offer.

One quick note about different species. Sand Lake has a great population of larger then the average crappies in the area, averaging around 1 pound or better. In the spring you find them in the warmest shallow part of lake, usually the north end. The warmer water provides insect larva for the hungry crappies prior to spawn. The water temps. have get up to about 65 degrees before they spawn. At which time you find them along and into pencil reeds and weed beds. Cold-water crappies, the best bet is fish with small jig and slip bobber set up, tipped with a small crappie minnow. Keep a tight line, and enjoy your stay at Lake Wood lodge.

I can assure you that staying at Lake Wood Lodge for your next fishing adventure or just to relax, will be very enjoyable outing for you and your family. Lake Wood Lodge has all the modern conviences of home. Your hosts (Steve & Dannie) are friendly, considerate, people that will make your stay a very memorable, and enjoyably one.

Area fishing guide Charlie Worrath

Guided Fishing Trip Rates

Rates for a full day or half day guided fishing trip are reasonable and include bait, fish cleaning and packaging services as well as use of pro’s boat, fuel, fishing equipment and safety gear. Clients need only bring their valid Minnesota fishing license, rain and/or cold weather gear and food & beverage.

2010 Guided Fishing Trip Rates
Number of Anglers	Full Day Trip	Half Day Trip
1 - 2 people	$340	$270
3 people	$420	$315
Tag Boats	$100 per boat
Shore Lunch or Shore Dinner	$25 per boat
A $100 deposit ($100 per boat for group trips) is required to hold your reservation for a guided fishing trip with a MN Fishing Pro. Please send check or money order to the guide with whom you have booked your trip. The date of your full or half day fishing trip is not guaranteed until your deposit is received.

2010 Fishing Opener Dates

Walleye & Northern Opener - May 15, 2010
Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass Opener - May 29, 2010
Muskie Opener - June 5, 2010

2010 Fishing Regulations

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