Monday, January 19th, 2026

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Monday, January 19th, 2026

Breaking News for

Sportsmen Since 1968

Al Lindner

Al Lindner: Anglers located and caught a lot of lunker fish during open water 2025

I’ve been fortunate to fish across the Upper Midwest for decades. With every season, there are some common themes, general observations, and lessons learned. While some years are on the good end of the spectrum, others tend to be less than ideal.
As this open-water season of 2025 draws to a close, I’m reflecting on what went well, on what didn’t, and everything in between. There’s no doubt in my mind that the theme for this season was big fish.

Al Lindner: Anglers located and caught a lot of lunker fish during open water 2025 Read More »

Al Lindner: October is meant for trophy fish

October is one of those special months. Truth be told, it’s the first “real” month of autumn. For many, the season is filled with activities such as watching high school football, hunting, and numerous other fall-related happenings. But for me, it’s still all about fishing.
People often ask about my favorite time of year to fish. If I could pick only two months, there’s no question they would be June and October.

Al Lindner: October is meant for trophy fish Read More »

Al Lindner: Flexibility, finesse, and the tools that saved a recent, wind-blown trip in North Dakota

In my opinion, the best time to fish is when you have time. Work schedules, family time, life events, and other obligations often take precedence in our lives, as they should. If you want time on the water, then you have to fish when you can.
Unfortunately, as anglers we aren’t always dealt the best hand. In many instances, the only time we can fish is when conditions are less than ideal. Maybe it’s raining, maybe there’s too much or too little cloud cover, maybe it’s too hot or too cold, or maybe the wind is blowing.

Al Lindner: Flexibility, finesse, and the tools that saved a recent, wind-blown trip in North Dakota Read More »

Al Lindner: Spring river action is the ultimate walleye window

With game-fish seasons closed on inland lakes across much of the Midwest, anglers flock to river systems in hopes of setting the hook. Mass migrations of walleyes are making their way to spawning areas, and legions of walleye anglers aren’t far behind. Spring is a favorite time of year for many, and that’s for good reason. This is, without a doubt, the best timeframe to target walleyes.

Al Lindner: Spring river action is the ultimate walleye window Read More »

Al Lindner: There’s much to love about fishing the heart of October

October is officially here, and with it comes a slew of activities.
Football season, hunting (of various types), and a number of other fall-related happenings take precedence over time on the water for many. For me, however, it’s all about fishing. The month of October is, without a doubt, my favorite time of the year to fish.

Al Lindner: There’s much to love about fishing the heart of October Read More »

Al Lindner: With water levels back, late-summer fishing has been a bassin’ bonanza

For many anglers, the month of August is one of those dreadful periods. Typical days often involve a combination of heat and humidity. The old “dog days of summer” thing can certainly feel like the real deal for many species, as water temperatures reach their peak.
Largemouth bass fishing, however, can be downright amazing. In fact, from now and through the fall is without a doubt my favorite timeframe for bass.

Al Lindner: With water levels back, late-summer fishing has been a bassin’ bonanza Read More »

Al Lindner: Top tips for early-season walleyes

The 2024 Minnesota game-fishing season has arrived. The fishing opener – a tradition rivaled only by that of the firearms deer season – was last weekend, but the thrill of catching prime-time, early-season walleyes remains.
Some of most popular early-season destinations include Mille Lacs, Vermilion, Upper Red, Winnibigoshish, Otter Tail, and Leech lakes. There’s no question that these areas will see a temporary population spike during the first stanza of the new season.

Al Lindner: Top tips for early-season walleyes Read More »

Early open-water walleye action on rivers about to heat up

Typically, following a long, cold, and snowy winter, many anglers yearn for a chance to fish open water. Unfortunately, for those who love the ice, it was one of the mildest winters I can remember. Whether you’re ready or not, spring is on its way. This time of year offers a sense of newness and rejuvenation that inspires many of us anglers.
Across the north country, the month of March means one thing: walleyes. Specifically, river walleyes.

Early open-water walleye action on rivers about to heat up Read More »

Angling’s mysteries: What makes similar lakes fish so differently?

As fishermen, we are constantly learning. Every time we’re on the water, there’s something to learn or take away from the experience. As a lifelong angler and a fan of the sport, I have spent a great deal of time working to acquire as much fishing knowledge as possible.
In my early days, I kept detailed notes regarding moon phases, weather conditions, wind speed and direction, and more. In recent years, I’ve spent more and more time talking with friends and colleagues to see what’s happening for them. The ultimate goal: to learn more about fish species and their behaviors.

Angling’s mysteries: What makes similar lakes fish so differently? Read More »

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