Bemidji Area

Bemidji, MN is Travis’ hometown and base of operations. Bemidji is the first city on
the Mississippi River. It’s here that the MightyMississippi turns south on it’s journey
toward the Gulf of Mexico. Thelakes and rivers are ultra-clear here. There’s no shortage
of water tofish either. Virtually all lakes in the area harbor largemouth bass with a few
isolated populations of smallmouth. The bass fishery is untapped as walleye, panfish, pike,
and muskie get most of the attention. Foradditional information, contact the Bemidji
Visitors and Convention Bureau at 1-800-458-2223. .

Leech Lake

This lake is a sleeper largemouth lake. Because of Leech Lake’s famous walleye
and muskie fishing, largermouth are generally overlooked. Bass anglers should
target the shallow vegetation found in the lake’s numerous bays. Travis’ top lure
choice here is a Northland JawBreaker Spoon. This lure was in fact designed
specifically for fishing Leech Lake. For lodging, Travis recommends the Lakeview
Inn (1-800-252-5073), located in Walker, MN.

Lake Vermilion

Situated between the Iron Range communities of Cook and Tower, this Canadian
shield lake harbors a healthy population of smallmouth bass as well as a fishable
population of largemouth. For smallmouth, cast topwater lures like the Rapala
Skitter Pop along shorelines. Another super lure for Vermilion smallies is the
Northland Mimic Minnow Spin. Cast and retrieve this bait along shorelines and over
reefs. For lodging, Travis likes Fortune Bay Resort and Casino (1-800-555-1714).
Fortune Bay is situated right on the lake near the town of Tower.

Lake Minnetonka

Located in the shadows of Minneapolis, Minnetonka is a bass fishing paradise.
Largemouth can be found shallow, deep, and in between. For the real bruisers,
target the dense milfoil with ReedRunner Spinnerbaits and 7/8 oz. Northland Rattlin’
Jungle Jigs. When fishing Lake Minnetonka, Travis stays at the Medina Inn
(1-800-643-9211) in Medina. His primary reason for choosing the Medina Inn is
location. It is one of the few lodging facilities from which an angler can access Lake
Minnetonka without having to travel on the primary metro traffic routes with boat in tow!
The Medina Ballroom next door has excellent food and entertainment too.

Rainy Lake

This Canadian border lake is one of the top smallmouth fishingdestinations in the
world. Rapala Husky Jerks are a great bait here as these fish feed heavily on smelt.
Northland Slurpies Jerk Shad or Berkley Power Jerk Shads are also dynamite minnow imitators. Travis’ favorite lure for covering lots of water however, is the Mimic Minnow Spin. Be sure to check off-shore reefs too. Slip Northland’s new "Inner-Tube Jig" inside a Slurpies Jigging Tube and fan
cast the top and edges of likely reefs. When fishing Rainy, Travis headquarters out of the
Super 8 Motel (218-283-8811) in International Falls, MN.

Lake Minnewaska