Northcountry Guide Service & Promotions

05/31/2026

Last day of turkey season in Minnesota and Justin got it done! Incredible hunt that included a 100 yard strut all the way to the decoys...

05/26/2026

Matt and Kev talk all the things on the latest Paul Bunyan Country Outdoors!

ON THE LATEST PBCO PODCAST, presented by Lund Boats:
Matthew Breuer of Northcountry Guide Service & Promotions is back to recap the first week or two of the fishing season, even though he hasn't had a lot of time on the water yet. But he has been turkey fishing and checking out the latest guns and ammo for the many hunting seasons he takes part in. We get all the details and a few tips for spring fishing from Mr. Breuer. Listen HERE: https://art19.com/shows/paul-bunyan-country-outdoors

05/22/2026

Check out Matt's feature for Gun Digest reviewing the JP Enterprises JP-5 PDW featuring the Eberlestock Little Trick Backpack.

If you need compact performance small enough to throw in a bag, you need to check out JP Enterprises' JP-5 PDW package.

05/21/2026

Nothing beats a jig and minnow in the spring! We love the Drop TG from Clam Outdoors because tungsten gives anglers a better feel, and it's eco-friendly!

Post-spawn walleye fishing in the Midwest can be one of the most productive times of the year if anglers adjust to changing fish behavior. After spawning, walleyes move away from shallow spawning areas and begin feeding aggressively to recover after an exhausting spawn.

In lakes and river systems across Minnesota, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and Iowa anglers consistently rely on a handful of proven baits to locate and catch fish during this transition period. Water temperatures typically range from the low 50s into the 60s, and walleyes often spread across sand flats, rocky points, the tops of breaklines, and near emergent weeds. Choosing the right bait can make or break your outing.

The most reliable post-spawn bait is the classic jig-and-minnow combination. This setup remains a Midwest staple because it imitates the natural forage walleyes feed on immediately after the spawn. A lightweight jig tipped with a spot-tail shiner, or rainbow minnow works especially well along rocky shorelines, current seams, and shallow flats early in the season.

Jig weight can vary depending on conditions, but a 1/8oz. or 1/4oz. long-shank jig works well. Tungsten jigs like the Clam Pro Tackle Drop TG are great for extra speed and feel. Subtle colors like blue, chartreuse, gold, and firetiger are consistent producers. Jigging remains one of the most versatile presentations during the post-spawn period because it allows anglers to fish slowly while staying near bottom structure where walleyes often hold.

05/16/2026

What are the water temps where you've been fishing!?

When water temperatures reach roughly 54–60 degrees fahrenheit, crappies move into the spawning phase. Spawning activity usually begins with males moving into shallow water first to establish nesting sites.

These nests are often located in 1 to 6 feet of water, depending on clarity, and are typically built near cover such as reeds, brush, stumps, or docks. Males fan out shallow depressions in the sand, gravel, or firm mud bottom, and aggressively guard these areas.

Females move in to deposit eggs, often during low-light periods or under stable weather conditions. After spawning, females quickly vacate the area and move back to slightly deeper water to recover. Males remain behind to guard the nest and protect the eggs from predators.

During the spawn, crappies can be both easy and difficult to catch. Males guarding nests may strike aggressively out of territorial instinct, but their focus on protection rather than feeding can make them inconsistent. Females, on the other hand, are often less accessible, staging just outside spawning zones and feeding intermittently.

Water clarity plays a major role here. In clear lakes, spawning may occur deeper, while in murkier systems, fish push extremely shallow. Wind-protected areas tend to warm faster, making them prime spawning locations.

05/14/2026

Does the 3.5" shot shell need to just go away? Matt's latest for Gun Digest Magazine has ruffled some feathers... 🤣 Give it a read, tell us your thoughts!

Thanks to modern science, size doesn't matter as much as it once did regarding shotgun ammo, and it's why the 3.5-inch shell needs to die.

05/12/2026

Crappies follow the script like clockwork... check out Matt's piece about their movements over at In-Fisherman! Watch for the full article dropping soon...

As water temperatures reach 48- 53 degrees, crappies enter the pre-spawn phase. This is when their behavior becomes more aggressive and predictable. Schools begin consolidating closer to spawning areas, which are typically shallow bays, coves, and protected shorelines with minimal current.

During pre-spawn, crappies hold just outside of these spawning areas, often in 6 to 12 feet of water, depending on the lake. Key structures include submerged vegetation from the previous year, fallen trees, docks, and any form of cover that offers both protection and access to shallow water. Don’t overlook places where oxygen and bait combine, like culverts or creek mouths.

Feeding intensity increases significantly during this stage. Crappies are preparing for the energy demands of spawning, so they become more opportunistic. Minnows, insect larvae, and small crustaceans make up the bulk of their diet. Warmer afternoons can push fish shallower, while cold fronts may temporarily move them back into deeper staging areas.

One notable aspect of pre-spawn crappie behavior is their sensitivity to weather fluctuations. Stable warming trends can create excellent fishing conditions, while sudden cold snaps may stall their progression for several days.

05/11/2026

Been a windy start to the season... mixed with cold and even some rain! We hope everyone had a safe and successful opening weekend and all the moms out there got spoiled!

05/06/2026

So many springtime activities! May might just be the best month on the calendar...