April 2019
4608 Tower St.
Edina, MN 55424
(612) 440-7171
tcwalleyes@gmail.com
Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited Monthly Newsletter
April Club Meeting
Featuring Scott Glorvigen
Thursday May 2, 2019
Good morning TCWU club members! Thank goodness Mother Nature has finally started to ease up on the weird weather, these April blizzards are getting are out of hand. The Ice is coming off the lakes quickly now and we hope you all are getting ready for fishing opener,

We have have had a great 2018/2019 season of club events and we are extremely fortunate to end the club event season on Thursday May 2nd with special guest speaker Scott Glorvigen.

Scott grew up in the heart of Walleye country, "Grand Rapids Minnesota", where he channeled his passion for fishing into an amazing career. Scott is a very successful tournament fisherman. He began competitively fishing in the late 80's with his hard work paying off with a PWT Championship. He is extremely active with social media. He has a really cool website ' WIRED2fish.com ", which is packed full of fishing tips, videos and much more. He also ha an excellent Facebook page, make sure to follow him for a great source of real time information. Definitely take the time to check him out online.

We couldn't ask for a better a speaker to get us all geared up and fired up for fishing opener 2019. Scott is one of the of most respected and best Walleye fisherman around. He really knows our Minnesota lakes and he will certainly prepare us all for the soft water fishing season, which is right around the corner, can't hardly wait!
Meeting Time and Details
Socializing - 6:30 PM
Presentation - 7:00 PM

Meeting Location:
BLOOMINGTON KNIGHTS OF COLUMBUS, (aka Bloomington Events Center)
1114 American Blvd. W.
Bloomington, MN 55420
Sponsor Spotlight
A special welcome to new club sponsor
Welcome to a revolutionary way to shop for tackle!

Omnia Fishing is a local Minnesota company, that has created e-commerce retail experience based on a “shop-by-lake” concept.
It's actually quite brilliant, here is how it works:
  • Select the lake you are going to fish.
  • Select the fish you are targeting.
  • Select the style you plan to use.
  • Select the season.
Click on Shop Relevant Products to generate a list of tackle recommendations.

It makes shopping for what we need almost too easy, by helping us get the right tackle the first time. It takes all the guess work out of play, pretty cool!
Omnia also provides relevant lake information with your
search, which is a sweet added benefit.
Speaking of added benefits, check out this sweet offer from Omnia, which was made available to all club members!
All members will receive a first time purchase discount of 15%! Perfect timing for the annual fishing opener tackle purchase. Use code: TCWU-MEMBER.

3% of purchases made by club members will be returned to the group. After the use of the TCWU-MEMBER code, they’ll be tagged as a group member.

Receive 10% back on all purchases and unlimited free shipping when you sign up for the Premium Plan, which is available at registration.

Need more information:
Check out their website: https://www.omniafishing.com/
Email Omnia at: hello@omniafishing.com

Click on the link below to join the Omnia Fishing experience
Sponsor Spotlight
A special welcome to new club sponsor
HERITAGE OF QUALITY
"Guaranteed excellence in outdoor clothing and bags ”

Filson is known for making tough, comfortable outdoor clothing and accessories, which are perfect for Minnesota Anglers. They have 120 years of experience in making high quality products, that last! If you are not familiar with their products make a visit to their store in the Galleria, Edina. You will be impressed.
Filson is located on the east side of the Galleria with a parking ramp available just off of York Avenue South


STORE ADDRESS
Filson
President's Letter
I Think It’s Finally Here

It is quite fun to live in Minnesota sometimes. Actually most of the time…But?? After I wrote my March president’s article, I was convinced that we were out of the icebox. I was wrong, as usual. I should really know better having lived here for 26 years now. I had the dogs out this afternoon, and it had a better feel of spring. I think we are may be finally out of winter. The 85 acre lake behind my house became ice free a week ago, as many of the smaller lakes in the area. It is likely that we will see a fairly “normal” ice out in Minnesota this year. I have my fingers crossed!!

I want to send out another big Thank You to Mike Frisch for his presentation at out April meeting. He brought a lot of great fishing tips and stories that kept our group well entertained all evening. I can’t wait to use the tricks and tips he left us at the meeting. Thanks Mike and Fishing the Midwest. We look forward to having you as a TCWU supporter.

I am very excited for the upcoming season for our club. We have several things planned in the next few months that will be an exciting time for the Club. We are going to host the Fraser House residents for a fishing outing on June 8 th this year. Please see the article from Josh Laabs in this letter with the details. This is a great feel good event and it fits our club’s mission. We will have a sign-up sheet at the May 2 nd meeting, and I encourage everyone to come out and enjoy this outing. This will make you happy.

We have two summer club fishing outings coming up and encourage everyone to join in. Please see the report on these events in this letter from our Club Outing Committee from Dan Camp and Paul Johnson. I am excited to fish Lake Washington!

Fellow Board members, Dale, Rusty, and I have been discussing things and we want to invite everyone in the club to join us in sending pictures, articles, recipes, and fishing stories to share with our group. This is your club and we are excited for your input. Everyone has something to share, so don’t hold back. Use the website, Facebook, email, or face to face to get us your information. We welcome all of your input. Thanks to you all!!

I look forward to our May 2nd meeting and welcome Mr. Scott Glorvigen. He has so much fishing knowledge to share and I am excited to learn his tips and tricks. His reputation precedes him and we are very glad to welcome Scott to our club. I can’t wait!!

I hope to see everyone on open water in the following months. Keep those lines tight everyone!!
  
Jim "Doc" Wood
President of Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited 
Silver Carp found in the
St. Croix River
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has confirmed the capture of a Silver Carp on the St. Croix River. The invasive carp was caught by a commercial fisherman near Prescott, Wisconsin, during routine spring netting.

"Captures of individual invasive carp are disappointing but not surprising,” said DNR invasive fish coordinator Nick Frohnauer. “This silver carp was captured in an area that is heavily fished in the spring, as it is an overwintering area for several species of fish.
The most recently captured silver carp was a 26 1/4 inch male weighing seven pounds.
Mille Lacs Walleye Limits Reminder
 Mille Lacs anglers fishing from Saturday, May 11th through Friday, May 31 are able to keep:

One Walleye over 28 inches
or
One Walleye between 21 and 23 inches.

Similar to recent years, a night closure for the 2019 Walleye fishing season will be in effect on Mille Lacs from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. beginning Monday, May 13th. The night Walleye closure will remain in effect throughout the entire open-water season, which ends Nov. 30.
Club member Ron Tabar 3M Eagle Lake Club Invite

Fish beautiful and famous Eagle Lake, Ontario, Canada, 120 miles north of International Falls.

This is a premium trip, including charter bus service. Temple Bay Lodge is a full-service, American plan facility with excellent boats and comfortable cabins/lodge. 

Fish species include: Walleye, Northern, Smallmouth & Muskie.

Details:

August 6 – 11, 2019
5 night, 4+ day trip.
Price (per person): 
  • $1150 (3 in boat)
  • $1320 (2 in boat),

For more information c ontact:
Ron Tabar
Phone: 952-818-7630
Email: rjtabar@comcast.net  
Special Thanks TROPHY Level Sponsors
Performance Fishing Gear for Anglers
‌
Club Member Photo of the Month
Congratulations Emily and Kyle on boating a Gigantic Sea Monster!
We love your hat by the way Emily, touché !
  Summer and Fall Club Fishing Outings
We all get together one night a month to talk and learn about fishing. Now it’s time to put that knowledge to work.

We are very fortunate to have so many amazing lakes that provide great fishing opportunities within the Twin Cities Metro area. That made the task of selecting lakes for our Spring and Fall outings a difficult one. After discussion with the other members of the board, Dan Camp and Paul Johnson have come up with two lakes that will hopefully provide a fun day on the water and put a few fish in the boat. 

The Spring outing is on June 1st on Washington Lake in Meeker County
Here are some fun facts about the lake:

  • It is relatively shallow, with a max depth of 17 feet.
  • Between 2007 and 2015 nearly 12,000,000 walleye fry have been stocked into the lake.
  • The most recent net data shows a large population in the “eater” size range. 
The Fall outing is on September 14th on Cedar Lake in Wright County
Here are some fun facts about the lake:

  • It has a max depth of 108 feet.
  • According to recent gill and trap net data, it boasts a significant walleye population spread across several age classes.
  • It has a large population of northern pike as well.

We will have a morning start for each of these outings and Lunch will be provided.

If any of you have walkie talkies, please bring them with you so the boats can keep in touch out on the water. That way I can let you know when I boat a giant walleye!

We will be providing further details in future newsletters and at the monthly meetings. Mark your calendars, we look forward to seeing you all out on the water!
Update on Club Friend Tommy Skarlis

Hello TCWU club members.

In case you haven't heard, our club friend Tommy Skarlis has revealed he is battling a brain tumor.

Please keep Tommy and his family in your thoughts.

We sent special note from the club on his Facebook page and wanted to share his GOFUNDME page, which was organized by Kyle Steinfeldt.

A link to the GOFUNDME page can be found on our Facebook page or by clicking on the link below.
Thank You LUNKER Sponsors!
Guest Speaker Re-cap Mike Frisch
Special thanks to our April special guest speaker Mike Frisch . We truly appreciate you coming out and spending the evening with our club!

Mike captivated the entire group for a solid hour and a half and probably could have kept going.

He spoke about Fishing The Midwest and how it got started, shared some very cool stories about the "School of Fish Program" and then he really got into schooling us on how to catch Walleyes.

For our club friends who couldn't make it to the meeting, here is a re-cap of what you missed.

How it all began,
Bob Jensen was a student at Iowa State when the school decided they wanted to start a fishing show. Bob was at the right place at the right time as he kicked it all off.

Mike joined the Fishing the Midwest team on recommendation of Duane Petersen from Northland Tackle. They penned out an agreement on a napkin, beautiful!

Fun Facts:
  • According to Bob, Pro fisherman have one goal: Educate? no, Make money? – no, Avoid real work at all cost – Yes!
  • Their goal is to take you places close to home, and represent realistic fishing. "You don’t catch 6 lb walleyes every day out."
  • Learned quickly to Control production costs by filming shows in one day.
  • Social media has its benefits, especially when it comes to showing off our catch with the lift and grin photo. Make sure not to use it as a platform to complain, and remember to say great job.
  • Three best things about teaching are June, July and August.
  • Sport of fishing is near and dear to our heart – without fishing I may not be here today The good people "Fishermen" are the reason why its near and dear.
  • MN-Fish doesn’t do anything half way. DNR has money but no over site group to advise and spend. MN-Fish will be a huge benefactor for us all.
  • Zebra muscles are changing lakes and not for the good; We are experiencing 28 foot weed lines. Currently fishing Bottom bouncers in 60 feet of water and its no fun pulling in a Walleye from 60 feet. Windy days are your only hope during the day and ½ hour before and after sunset.
  • Bob nets his fish because he is afraid of get hooked by crank baits.
  • Use Shiners on Shiner Lakes. Or you better be good.
  • The Law and Order method is a proven tactic. Mike's six year old caught the biggest fish in a snow storm writing the word law with her rod tip in the water on a spelling challenge, good humor.

School of Fish:
Founded The "School of Fish." based on concerns that there are not enough kids involved "They are missing out on a great opportunity." Mark said.
  • If you spend all your time trying to catch fish you and the kids are going to miss out. Mike ruined his oldest's fishing interests due to fishing Walleyes on Lindy rigs all day.
  • If you spend all your time trying to help kids catch fish you will have so much more fun.
  • Bring the parents to School of Fish to get them engaged, wow very high impact.

Its a 2.5 hours long course and c lasses are offered to Community Education Departments, fishing/sportsman's clubs, and civic organizations. Nearly any group interested in the next generation of anglers can host a School of Fish!

The School has hosted over 200 schools, and 3,000 kids since 2012. Definitely check out the full story on the School of Fish website by clicking on the link below.
Fishing Tips

Mike and Artie on Big Stone Lake

Three techniques
  • Mike primarily uses a jig and a minnow in spring on Big Stone's 26 miles of rock shoreline. Look for big walls with sharp drop-offs not the gradual flats.
  • Walleyes spawn on the rocks, then move out on the flats. Work the different flats moving from one to another. Walleyes work together to push minnows up on the flats, look for bait fish and schooling Walleye.
  • The Lake is very clear, and here is a trick. Follow the carp. Yes, its true Mike said "follow the Carp." They root up the bottom and it mucks up the water, which in turn invites bait fish and Walleye. Mike and Artie placed fourth in a tournament using this technique one year.
  • When fishing 10 feet or less pitch jigs. Mike prefers a short shank hook with a wider gap that keeps minnow up next to the jig head, which is what the Walleyes target. Pitch and let the jig settle in. Lift pause and follow it down. Don’t let the jig set on rocky bottom long to avoid snagging. Nine out of ten fish hit on the drop.
  • Walleyes inhale so set the hook. Don’t wait, they will feel the lead head jig in their mouth and spit it.
  • Important! Pitch, and watch the line. If you can see the line move set the hook. We miss fish because we all expect the fish to hit when the jigs hit the bottom. Visual strikes happen! Make one quick crank on the reel handle and set the hook on a visual strike.
  • Artie sets the hook when ever he thinks he has a fish. He looses a lot of jigs but not to worry. Artie reaches in Mike's tackle box and grabs a 12 jigs first thing when they get on the water, LOL.
  • Get tight to the fish. When you pitch that jig out set the hook on the bite. Don’t get into a feeling contest with the fish. Hook sets are free and jigs are cheap! just ask Artie.
  • Crank bait trolling for perch on Big Stone is awesome. Troll the 6 mile basin then when you hit a school and catch 3, then pass through again and catch 3 more, then move on as they will be spooked out.

Equipment, Tackle and Special Techniques
  • Mike uses P-Line CX Premium for early season Walleyes, for a more buoyant slower presentation. Artie uses thin diameter fire line.
  • When tying leaders to braid Mike uses the FG Knot with a 3 foot mono leader.
  • Uses 1/8 and 1/16 oz jigs.
  • Try Jig trolling. Work the wind with a sideways boat position and drift. Lift and let it settle back. Let 40 to 50 feet of line out, speed at 5-7 tenths mph.
  • If you catch a fish spin and try to catch another on the spot. Early season packs of fish are on the move, don’t run away from them.
  • Most people accidentally catch fish on a jig and a minnow, not so much on a Lindy rig.

Mike's Bread and Butter
Use a 2 ounce bottom bouncer with a 42 inch snell and a Northland #4 orange super glow hook and with a #4 red hook and a night crawler (this is most effective when the Shiners finish spawning).
  • Let out enough line so the bouncer just ticks the bottom. Don’t drag it or your bait looses its presentation, you want it pegged on the bottom with a short line.
  • 2 ounce bouncers work out to 30 feet of depth, then move to a 3 ounce if you go deeper.
  • Pinch the tail off your crawler, about 4 inches long.
  • Speed = 8 tenths of a mph at a 45 degree angle.
  • Will out fish Lindy riggers 4 to 1.
  • Learned this technique from Al Linder.
  • Target main lake structure, and wind blown inside corners.
  • Cut the snaps off the Bottom Bouncer and tie your line directly to create better feel/sensitivity of the bottom.
  • Mike likes Rock Runners due to a heavier gauge wire. They give him a better feel of the bottom.
  • Catches a ton of Walleye on this technique with the rod in the rod holder. Catches more fish due to patience is less when the rod is in your hand.
  • Medium heavy rod, 7 foot with 20 pound braid and a 10 pound flouro/mono leader.
  • Sneaky tip, take your crawlers out the night before, clean them and put them in ice water. They double in size and liven up when they hit the warmer lake water. Believe it or not, crawlers won't drown for 48 hours. Keep them cold, and add ice throughout the day. When you are done, you can re-bed them and they come back. Use well water not chlorine water.

When the water clears in June look for the Walleyes to move deep.
  • Mark is catching fish out on 26 foot mud bottom basins. Probably due to insect hatches or they are scattered from Boating and fishing pressure.
  • Use Cranks with Lead Core. Let out 3 colors and one third of the fourth.
  • Speed = 2 mph
  • Suffix 832 advanced braid lead core.
  • Shad Rap, Wally Diver, and Smash Shad, are some of Mike's favorites. Also likes the Crystal Shad Pink Belly.

If you see fish & they don’t hit, it won’t happen that day? Try the Bread and Butter! r

Mike is based out of Alexandria, if you are interested in fishing with him, visit the "Fishing The Midwest" website at: https://fishingthemidwest.com/
Mike and Fishing The Midwest offer amazing content on their website, Make sure to check it out for information on:
  • Fishing tips
  • Past episodes
  • School of Fish
  • Guide service
  • News and stories
Doc's Knots
To no ones surprise, Doc Knot's has over 1,000 Facebook views.
(Okay maybe some surprise there)

Regardless we all find these demonstrations very helpful and we can pull them up at any time we need them.
Club President Doc Wood provides his latest knot demonstration, on how to tie a Mono leader directly to Lead Core.

This Knot is very easy to tie and most importantly it's dependable.

Click on Doc Knot's picture to view his latest video demonstration.
TCWU members volunteer at MN-FISH booth at The Northwest Sportshow
We have heard from several guest speakers this year about a new group called MN-FISH forming to support and advocate for Minnesota fishing. Steve Pennaz, Chip Leer, Bill Sherck and Mike Frisch to name a few.

Our club was invited to volunteer at the Northwest Sportshow. Little did TCWU club members David Salmo, John Jordan and Rusty Nelson know, the MN-FISH Coalition has arrived and they do mean business. This group is comprised of the top fishing leaders in Minnesota, and they were all in attendance.
What is MN-Fish about?
Lets start with the State of Fishing.

With over 10,000 lakes and 69,000 miles of rivers and streams, fishing ranks as Minnesota’s #1 outdoor activity! It supports over 27,000 jobs and generates a whopping $4.2 billion economic impact to our state’s economy!

Minnesota ranks 2nd nationally in resident fishing participation and is the 3rd most popular fishing destination in the nation. It also ranks 4th per capita in watercraft registration by the National Marine Manufacturers association.

Minnesota has truly earned its reputation and title as the . . . “State of Fishing!"

Are our fisheries being taken for granted?
Minnesota’s land of 10,000 lakes, rivers and streams are under constant attack from invasive species, habitat loss, lake shore development and increased fishing pressure resulting in lower catch rates and reduced enjoyment of our passion.
We are also witnessing a major decline in kid/youth fishing participation, a reduction of fish stocking programs and fishing license sales.

Since 2010, the legislature has not made major new investments for fish hatcheries, new public accesses, fishing piers and shore fishing facilities despite the $200-$300 million in state taxes generated each year by economic fishing-related activity. Our state fish, the Walleye, doesn’t even have lobbying representation at the State Capital!
The MN-FISH Sportfishing Foundation and Coalition, led by President Ron Schara, was formed to help reverse these negative trends and bring a strong, unified voice to St. Paul advocating for our anglers, our fisheries and our next generation of anglers. There is only one way to take on these fishing related issues and raise awareness . . . and that’s working together! That’s why fishing leaders, innovators and legends came together to build a grassroots fishing advocacy group focused on improving fishing for future generations to enjoy. It’s your “State of Fishing”, and we need you to become a grassroots participant. Together, we can accomplish our mission!
Please check out the MN-Fish website to learn more about MN-FISH and how to become a member.
There are several membership options, which are also listed below. We encourage you all to take a good look and hopefully join the cause.
MN-FISH Individual Membership Programs

  • Charter Member – FREE 2-Year Membership – (Benefits include access to exclusive MN-FISH e-newsletter and invites to all special events for a period of 2 years.)
  • Founding Member - $35 annual dues – (Membership benefits include access to exclusive MN-FISH Benefit Rewards Program discounts, monthly e-newsletter, invites to all special events and a MN-FISH window/boat decal.)
  • Life Member - $250 one-time donation – (Membership benefits include access to exclusive MN-FISH Benefits Rewards Program discounts, monthly e-newsletter, invites to all special events, a MN-FISH window/boat decal and special Life Membership #.)
TCWU Volunteer Opportunity
Fraser Group Home Fishing Event
For residents and individuals with special abilities
Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited and Fraser have planned two outings this summer, which are coming up on Saturday June 8, 2019 & Saturday August 17, 2019.

We are absolutely thrilled to again partner with Fraser Group Homes this summer for fishing outings where volunteers from TCWU help Fraser Group Home residents fish from piers/shore.

TCWU is looking for volunteers to help with these events. Volunteer tasks to include prepping equipment, serving lunch, assist residents in baiting hooks, releasing fish, tutoring about fishing and physically assisting some Fraser residents in a fishing-from-the-piers outing. TCWU will be supplying the rods for the event, along with tackle and bait.

The first event is on June 8, 2019 at Moore lake Park in Fridley. Volunteers meet at Moore lake Shelter #2 for morning check in, and later to serve lunch.

Location: 5898 Central Ave NE, Fridley
Volunteers Arrive:  9:00 am.
Fishing: 1 0:00 am – 12:00 pm
Serving Lunch:  12:00 am – 1:00 pm

The second event is on August 17, 2019 at West Bush Lake Park in Bloomington . Volunteers meet at Shelter #2 for morning check in, and later to serve lunch.

Location: 9401 W Bush Lake Rd, Bloomington
Volunteers Arrive:  9:00 am.
Fishing: 1 0:00 am – 12:00 pm
Serving Lunch:  12:00 am – 1:00 pm

If you have interest in becoming a volunteer for either or both of the above outings please e-mail Josh Laabs at jlaabs@mnlawteam.com or call Josh direct at (612)666-3030.

Last year was just a blast. We are looking forward to more successful outings this summer. See you out there!
 
Josh Laabs
TCWU Board Member
Bait School 101
Bait school is in session. Our goal is to learn little about the live baits used to catch Walleyes. Each month we will feature a specific bait and learn about their patterns, locations, forage, and spawning.
This Month's Lesson: Emerald Shiners
This month we look into one of our favorite Lake of The Woods baits, the Emerald Shiner.

Emerald shiners are native to and widely distributed throughout the United States and Canada.They are a slender minnow commonly reaching lengths of 3.5 inches.

They can live in nearly in every watershed; lakes, rivers and reservoirs. Our climate is perfect for them and they can handle low oxygen levels, which is nice when bad winters hit and perfect for the minnow bucket. The are extremely hardy in cold weather, perfect for Ice fishing.

They are a schooling bait fish that like to hang out suspended between the surface and the middle of the water column following their food source.

They feed on various plankton's and they will follow the food source through the water column. Understanding the locations and concentrations of this food source and the time it travels through the water column would be excellent knowledge to have. The Walleyes will be sure to also follow this food chain. It is common to have plankton activity to increase in the evenings. They will actually rise through the water column towards dusk and inversely return to the depths at sunrise.

They also eat algae's and plant matter, especially in the spring after ice out and during spawn. They should be especially abundant in the shallows after Spring lake turnover due to all the nutrients that are stirred up, the first plant growth happens in the shallows and oxygen levels replenish quickly there as well.

Life expectancy is 4 - 5 years, with the females outliving the males by a year or so.

Spawning
Occurs in late May and extends into late June. They have unusual spawning habit compared to other minnows. They sp awn at night, about 1 to 2 feet below the surface near boulders and gravel reefs. Males tend to pursue larger females, and the pairs swim together in a circle. This is interesting, the male presses closely on one side of the female and interlock  pectoral fins . The female then rolls over and eggs are released for the male to fertilize.

Emerald Shiner Stats:
  • Size commonly = 2. 5 to 3.5 inches.
  • Life span 4 - 5 years.
  • Diet is both plant and animal matter. Consisting of Plankton's, algae, and other higher plant matter.
  • They are a hardy minnow especially in cold weather and can handle low oxygen levels.
  • Most desired for Walleye and Perch fishing.

Seasonal Locations/Patterns

Huge spawning advantage for Walleyes to frenzy on Emerald Shiners, since they are a schooling fish and typically spawn at night. If you can locate their spawning locations you could really get into some great night fishing, which is something we all will have to do more of with our lakes getting clearer every year. Since they spawn over several weeks of time you could really enjoy a nice long bite in these areas, go find them!

Use your electronics to find their bait balls in the water column. Big hungry Walleyes should be close by. Look for big Walleyes near the bait balls or should I say look for bait balls with Walleyes close by to get into some suspended Walleye action.

Russell Nelson, Board Members TCWU
Newsletters are now available on the website
Hey great news members, We have made a few changes to the www.tcwalleyes.com website, which include PDF's of our past newsletters posted to the News and Newsletters tab. If you are looking for those missing Guest speaker fishing tips, well now you got them any time you need. Click on the link below to check it out. 
Thank You KEEPER Sponsors!
Chef Ben's Wildlife Kitchen
Welcome to Chef Ben's Wildlife Kitchen
This month we are serving up one Rusty's Walleye Wild Rice Gumbo. Rusty was experimenting in the kitchen when he stumbled into this one, it's really good! It's based on a traditional seafood gumbo with a couple of Minnesota tweaks, which include tomato and exclude chicken. The sweetness of the Walleye and the smokey flavor of the wild rice compliment all the other flavors.

Bon Appétit!

Chef Ben
Walleye Wild Rice Gumbo
Ingredients:

  • Walleye fillets broiled
  • 3 cups cooked Wild Rice. Use fast cook wild rice, you want it to open up and be tender, unlike the over processed dark wild rice commonly sold in grocery stores. You might have to buy this some where up north, its not commonly sold in the city.
  • Shrimp sauteed in butter with Cajun Seasoning
  • Andoullie Sausage - 4 Bratwurst size, sliced thin.
  • 1/2 to 1 pound mild ground Italian sausage. Don't over add this one.
  • 2 large peppers any color, Rusty likes Red and Orange large dice.
  • 1 1/2 to 2 Jalapeno peppers, diced fine.
  • 2 Medium onion large dice.
  • 4 large ribs of celery, large dice.
  • 3 quarts chicken and vegetable stock. Best if made from scratch, load it up with fresh herbs; Sage, Rosemary and Thyme. (Add a tablespoon of chicken base for extra flavor)
  • Okra, one 12 ounce bag frozen cut.
  • Roux made from flour and oil. 1/2 cup oil and 1 1/2 cups flour. Cook it up a little to darken the color.
  • 1 large can petite diced tomatoes.
  • 4 - 5 teaspoons of Old Bay spice. Adjust to your taste.
  • 3 teaspoons Paul Prudhommes Seafood Magic. Adjust to your taste.
  • 2 teaspoons Mexican Oregano flakes. Crush them up in your hand as you add them.

Directions:
  • Brown Italian sausage in large stock pot.
  • Add chicken stock and roux to thicken the stock.
  • Saute vegetables (Not the Jalapenos) and add to the pot.
  • Add tomatoes,
  • Add Andoullie Sausage and cooked shrimp.
  • Add seasonings.
  • Add a couple nice sprigs of fresh thyme and rosemary. Tie them with a string, to keep the sticks together. Remove the bunch when finished.
  • Add Jalapenos.
  • Add Okra, no need to thaw, it can thaw in the stock.

Let simmer for 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend and come out of the Andoullie sausage.
  • Taste and adjust flavor with Cajun seasoning if needed.
  • Add Wild Rice, okay to add more if you like it.
  • Simmer 15 minutes
  • Add Walleye, flake it up before adding. Simmer 5 minutes.

ENJOY…. THIS IS DELICIOUS!!

Ben Roach
Board Member of Twin Cities Walleyes Unlimited  
Check out Target Walleye and sign up to receive weekly emails loaded with Fishing Tips, The Latest News and Cool Pics with an added touch of Fun.
Click on their logo or go to www.targetwalleye.com to check out
their website and see what its all about .
Thank you VALUED Club Donors
Click on their logo or go to www.targetwalleye.com to check out
their website and see what its all about .
TC Walleyes Unlimited, Inc.
Like Us on Facebook:
Follow us on Twitter: