The MN "game fish" season closed this past weekend and we made sure to finish strong and go out with a bang! Pete managed his personal best best gravel lizard, 30" of golden sweetness. This fish was as big around in the belly as it was long-swollen looking she was so fat with spawn. His biggest walleye to date was a 28" raw rye...so needless to say he was stoked to catch this donkey. That was one of many great fish we caught on the final weekend of the season. Believe it or not Pete caught his fish jigging a Rapala Jigging Shad Rap in a glow firetiger #3.

Shortly after we finished celebrating Pete's new PB I was hooked up on this rather skinny 29" dandy fish. But first Pete had also caught a 26"er that was tagged. Lake Mille Lacs was kicking out one big fish after another. It was an all out onslaught of fish over 24". By the time the dust settled we had caught no less than 10 fish over 23". We did also pick up our eater fish between giants, which was nice so we could have a little fresh fish for dinner that evening.
This was one of Pete's nice fish from the outing. I think this fish measured in at 25" or so. It was an absolute blast and the only way I would have wanted to end the "game fish" season through the ice! We finished with a bang. Thanks to everyone who fished with me this winter or shared time with me on the ice. I will never forget this winter, not only because of the warm temps and freakish ice at times but also because it was the best fishing I can ever remember. Every where I seemed to go or fish, I got on the fish in a big way. Now it's onto open water season and all the great things that come with that. Stay tuned for some river updates, spring crappie action, and just maybe a late season ice out trip to Canada that you won't want to miss. Until next time, Fish On and keep your string stretched!