Keenan Wind, owner of Windy Fishing Guide Service, discusses his passion for fishing and guiding on Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota. He shares his experience growing up on the water and the legendary status of Mille Lacs as a walleye and smallmouth bass fishery. Keenan also talks about the challenges and changes in the fishing industry, including the impact of zebra mussels and the controversy surrounding walleye harvest regulations. He emphasizes the importance of understanding freshwater ecology and using research and knowledge to develop a game plan for successful fishing. In this conversation, Brian Maze and Keenan Wold discuss the importance of understanding the ecological system when fishing. They cover topics such as water oxygenation, water stratification, and biological productivity classifications. They emphasize the need to consider factors like substrate composition, forage base, and spawning areas when planning a fishing trip. They also discuss the value of keeping detailed notes and using resources like Lakefinder to gather information about a specific lake. Overall, they highlight the importance of taking a systems approach and using ecological knowledge to improve fishing success.

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Takeaways

Keenan Wind is the owner of Windy Fishing Guide Service on Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota.
Mille Lacs Lake is known for its legendary walleye and smallmouth bass fishery.
The introduction of zebra mussels has had a significant impact on the lake's ecosystem.
Understanding freshwater ecology and conducting research can help develop a game plan for successful fishing. Understanding the ecological system is crucial for successful fishing
Factors like water oxygenation, stratification, and biological productivity impact fish behavior
Consider substrate composition, forage base, and spawning areas when planning a fishing trip
Keeping detailed notes and using resources like Lakefinder can enhance fishing knowledge and success

Sound Bites

"I started Windy Fishing Guide Service at age 19 to share my passion for fishing."
"The walleye harvest regulations have impacted tourism and resort communities on Mille Lacs Lake."
"Keenan is expanding his guide service to offer river trips and fly fishing experiences."
"You know, maybe that pounder looks a little bit odd in a lake where the primary forage base is, you know, panfish, yellow perch, crappie, bluegills, you know, whatever."
"Cold water holds more dissolved oxygen than warm water."
"Water stratification is just the natural So water also fluctuates in density so water will be most dense at four degrees Celsius"

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background
19:19 Expanding Guide Service and Fly Fishing
39:22 Understanding Freshwater Ecology
47:55 Understanding the Ecological System
59:39 Biological Productivity Classifications
01:07:31 Considering Spawning Areas
01:19:06 The Excitement of Fishing
01:27:40 The Joy of Topwater Fishing

Keywords

fishing, guiding, Mille Lacs Lake, walleye, smallmouth bass, zebra mussels, freshwater ecology, fishing, ecology, water oxygenation, water stratification, biological productivity, substrate composition, forage base, spawning areas, notes, Lakefinder