Stay, Play, B.L.A. - a blog - Area guide

Fall Fishing on Leech Lake

By Chuck Hasse, Leech Lake Fishing Guide with Leisure Outdoor Adventures

Fall is finally here.

Unfortunately, nobody told Mother Nature, Water temps in the mid-60s have kept fish in their summer patterns as of late except earlier in the week. Recent daytime highs in the high 70s or even 80s have warmed water temps back up as of right now.  Given the forecast, water temps should slowly start to decrease again throughout the next 10 days and hopefully activate the attitudes of fish on Leech Lake.

As of now, the best tactics for catching almost all fish are the same as you would have used a month ago.  For Walleyes, reaction baits such as a #7 Rapala Shad rap or a Berkley Flicker Shad trolled over flats in 8-10 ft of water is a good go-to right…

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Paul Bunyan Trail Tour: A Seasonal Guide

Your guide to the Paul Bunyan Trail. 

We've rounded up a list of summer must-stops for your time on the trail this month. 

POPULAR summer ACTIVITIES ON THE TRAIL 

• Biking
• E-biking 
• Rollerblading 
• Hiking/Walking 

Trail Towns 

• Brainerd 

• Baxter 

• Merrifield 

• Nisswa 

• Pequot Lakes 

• Jenkins 

• Pine River 

• Backus 

• Hackensack 

• Walker 

• Benedict 

• Laporte 

• Guthrie 

• Nary 

• Bemidji 

Fun facts:

→ The trail runs over 115 miles from Bemidji, MN to Brainerd, MN.

→ Named after the giant lumberjack Paul Bunyan of American folklore (check out the Babe statue as you roll through Pequot Lakes).

→ The…

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Professional Vacation Home Management in the B.L.A.

We hear it daily… “People self-manage their rentals all the time, how hard could it be?” Or, “Management companies charge fees, wouldn’t it be cheaper if I just did it on my own?”  

Don’t get us wrong, there may be instances where self-managing is the right option for you. Some people have ample free time, live in close proximity to the property, or have prior short-term rental experience. Maybe renting it is a temporary solution for a few months or, some people may be a glutton for punishment. Regardless, we’ve learned that self-managing simply isn’t a viable long-term solution for most owners. We know because our clients tell us!

When you partner with a professional management company you’re getting a trusted partner, a “boots-on-the-ground”…

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Head North for the 4th! Fourth of July events + happenings in the Lakes area.

The best time of the year in the North! Check out local events for the 4th of July.

Friday, June 30th 

Live music by mark mraz 

4-7pm at Big Axe Brewing Company. Event details here. 

live music at zorbaz on gull 

6-9pm at Zorbaz on Gull featuring Tail Gunners. 

LIVE MUSIC AT QUARTERDECK RESORT 

Live music at Quarterdeck Resort featuring Tony Williams from 7-10pm! 

Tony sammis at quarTERDECK RESORT 

Enjoy live music by Tony Sammis back to back on Friday, June 30th and Saturday, July 1 from 4-7pm with more live music in the bar at Dock 77 immediately following. See the Facebook event page for more information! 

PONZI SCHEME AT the commander bar 

Enjoy live music by Ponzi Scheme both Friday and Saturday night from…

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Our Top 10 Patio Picks!

Your guide to good vibes.

We're soaking up every minute of sweet, sweet Minnesota summertime. Here are our top ten patio picks in the Brainerd Lakes Area.

BAR HARBOR SUPPER CLUB

Lake Shore, MN 

A top-notch dining experience in the area with a patio to match. Pull the boat up and enjoy spacious outdoor seating with great food and drink alongside Gull Lake. 

ZORBAZ ON GULL LAKE

LAKESHORE, MN  

Minnesota Margz and Pizza on the deck. Sign us up. 

DUNMIRE'S ON THE LAKES 

BRAINERD, MN 

Located right off of Highway 371 offering a full menu and good views of North Long Lake. Check out the event page on their website for upcoming live music schedules! 

MOONLIte BAY

CROSSLAKE, MN  

Arguably one of the best patios…

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New to the scene: Love Lake Manor

A three day Gull Lake getaway feat. Love Lake Manor

[BLOG CONTENT WRITTEN BY TAYLOR HILDRETH + ADAPTED FROM TAYLORJOHILDRETH.COM.]

Summer adventures are right around the corner, and what better way to get away than to one of Minnesota’s premier chain of lakes - the Gull Lake Chain? This beautiful Minnesota destination offers a variety of activities and attractions for locals and visitors alike. 

The Brainerd Lakes Area (Gull Lake Chain) is located just over two hours north of the Twin Cities, making it the perfect cabin week away after what might be the longest winter ever. Trust me, you’ve earned the trip. 

As someone who both lives in the BLA & has had the opportunity to participate in a few local staycations here’s how I’d spend…

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Outdoorsman Update | Issue 15: Thinking spring

Will the snow ever go away? I sure hope so! 

Anglers are still having luck with a good panfish bite. Be careful as the ice conditions change rapidly with warmer temps on the horizon. 

→ Shed hunters wait patiently for the snow to melt to find some white gold! I was recently down south for the Iowa Deer Classic and got to get out and see some awesome sign! 

As the snow starts to melt and temps warm up, it makes for a perfect time to frost seed. The best time to frost seed is when there is minimal snow and the temps are above freezing during the day and back to freezing at night. This environment naturally allows nature to pull the seed into the soil giving it great moisture and seed to soil contact — making it a great spring food plot and a…

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Spring happenings in the Brainerd Lakes Area!

Spring is on its way in the Brainerd Lakes Area [at least we hope] and there are tons of upcoming events to choose from! 

16th annual brainerd gala 

May 4th from 4:30-9pm at the Northern Pacific Center. Hosted by MN Adult and Teen Challenge! Tickets available for purchase here along with event schedule info! 

safari north opening daY

May 13th beginning at 10am. Rides will run through 5:30pm. See more on their Facebook event page. 

CROSSLAKE STREET FAIR

May 20th from 9-3pm in Crosslake Town Square. Events will include vendors, food items, music, family activities, sidewalk sales & more! More event information listed here. 

Brainerd lakes Bloody mary fest

May 27th at Breezy Point Resort.…

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Welcome to Clark Lake.

Where to stay, sip + shop in Nisswa, MN.  

[BLOG CONTENT WRITTEN BY TAYLOR HILDRETH + ADAPTED FROM TAYLORJOHILDRETH.COM.]

Picture this, you’re 12 years old and on your way to summer camp for the first time. You are surrounded by the feelings of excitement for a week of freedom, nature, new experiences, and up-north vibes. It’s the first time you got the taste of independence. Now as an adult, there’s something so nostalgic about those cabin vibes and summer trips, and I truly believe it’s because it brings you back to those memories.

If you’re saying, “yes! I know exactly what you’re talking about,” I have found the cabin for you and it’s located in the heart of the Brainerd Lakes area in Minnesota.

The location

Clark Lake…

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5 things to think about before you purchase a home.

Whether its your first time or you're just looking to relocate...

The real estate market is ever-changing and its more important than ever to have an agent you trust by your side to help guide you through the process! Here's 5 important tips to consider before investing in your next property! 

Decide how much "home" you can afford.

What price home are you in the market for? In addition to estimating monthly mortgage payments, have you factored in other expenses such as insurance, property taxes, utility payments, and maintenance costs? 

When you talk with lenders, they’ll help you understand the maximum mortgage you qualify for. Then you’ll need to make a decision about what price house and which loan amount up to that maximum feels most…

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