Outdoor Activities

Cold fronts don’t shut bass down—they shift their mood, pushing them tighter to cover and making aggressive tactics fail fast. Slow down, downsize your presentation, and target shaded structure or deeper ledges for a better shot at quality fish.

Stop losing money on bait that dies too soon—learn how to keep minnows and worms cool, oxygenated, and protected so they stay lively and ready to work their magic on your next fishing trip. With insulated buckets, steady aeration, and simple storage habits, your live bait will last longer and attract more fish.

Spillways and dams create some of the most productive fishing in the river—cool, oxygen-rich currents funnel baitfish and trigger big bites from muskies, bass, and more around wing dams, riprap, and deep holes. Go with the flow by targeting the seams and downcurrent edges, then adjust your lure cadence as fish stack up and shift throughout the day.

Feel that dinnerplate-sized crappie or creek chub tug? Ultralight creek fishing makes it thrilling—using light lines, short spinning rods, and tiny lures to confidently target bluegill, perch, and more around logs, brush, and reeds.

Carp fishing with corn is the ultimate low-effort, high-reward setup—keep your gear simple, read where carp are feeding, and present sweet kernels naturally for that first cautious bite to become a solid hook-up. From float rigs that detect tiny lift takes to free-lining when carp are spooky, this guide helps you land (and handle) heavy fish with confidence all day.

When water temps slip into the low 40s and smallmouth stop chasing, float-and-fly puts a tiny hair jig right in their strike zone to hang, quiver, and tempt the low-effort bite. Target steep banks, points, seams, and “nothing spots,” then adjust by inches until your float starts showing those subtle lift or slide signals.

Devils Lake guide “Zippy” Dahl is loading clients’ coolers with walleye using slip bobber rigs—an easy, depth-controlling setup that’s especially deadly on natural lakes when conditions get tough. From schooling crappie to suspended walleye, a perfectly balanced slip float, the right hook size, and live bait at the strike zone can make your next day on the water feel effortless.

Small rivers aren’t one steady current—they’re lined with invisible “seams” where fast water meets slow, bringing insects, bait, and fish into predictable lanes. Learn to spot (and read) those quiet transitions and you’ll stop guessing and start targeting the most consistent holding spots—season after season.