The calendar confirms that the "dog days" of summer are here. But the temps are saying otherwise! The morning temperatures in the Mille Lacs area have been in the low 50's at day break...and midday temperatures in the 70's, not what a normal July summer ought to be. The water temp has remained in the low to mid 60's which is also rare for this time of the year. So it’s been a weird summer so far!

The walleye fishing has been a bright spot for the most part compared to most summer days in July. I believe the lower water temperatures have allowed that. Many comments have been made by fellow guides stating that this has been one of the better midsummer bites we have had in a few years.

While the big west / northwest winds blew this week not, many fishermen made it out on the main lake. Some brave souls did the run and launched up on the far northwest corner of the lake to get their fishing fix. I held off till this past Saturday to get back on the water. What I found was that most fish were holding tight to the bottom and not very active. You had to utilize your zoom feature on the electronics in order to even see the fish. Today I was able to see a few more fish moving from their previous positions tight on the bottom. This will continue to improve as our weather stabilizes.

My recent trips on the lake have consisted of bobber fishing the mud flats and gravel areas of the southern third of the lake. I have also enjoyed some shallow action in the 6-10 fow on the rocks along the eastern shores of the lake. I have not had any kind of a worm/blade pulling bite. Which has really bothered this fisherman. The question is, why has fishing been so different this year? The walleye have been in a strange mood as in "you need to put the bait right here" or "I’m not going to feed on it!" They have not been biting on a crawler harness for me at all this June-July...yet that is.....

Over the past week I have had the pleasure of doing a benefit trip that Collin and Ron had the opportunity to take. As well as a trip with an enjoyable couple from Texas - Roseann and Bruce. Now it would just not be right for me to not make any comments about my day on the water with these Texas folks! After picking up Roseann and Bruce I was thinking of what kind of a trip I would have. One of the pleasures of being a guide is the opportunity that you get to make acquaintances with many different personalities. Well this day it would not be any different. It was a treat to say the least. During this half day trip the fishing was not that great, but having the good conversation and stories told by both parties makes an off day a special one. Thank you for the opportunity to share my boat with you fine folks and I look forward to a return trip another year. I hope you enjoyed your time in my boat as much as I did.