FAN Outdoors · Billy Hildebrand (KFXN)

Fan Outdoors: Denny Fletcher, Jarrid Houston, Stan Tekiela, Reese Glover

·1 hr 29 min·5 clips

A fishing guide reveals how a snagged lure nearly cost him his eyesight in a split-second accident.

This episode of Fan Outdoors is a Saturday morning radio show offering hunting and fishing tips and conversations, hosted by Captain Billy Hildebrand with co-host Bob St. Pierre. The episode features interviews with bait shop owner Denny Fletcher, fishing guide Jarrid Houston, and naturalist Stan Tekiela. Denny Fletcher reports a shortage of brassy shiners due to delayed spawning from cool water temperatures, but notes golden shiners and fatheads are available. He details recent heavy rainfall raising lake levels and observes sunfish have started but paused spawning, recommending stealthy approaches with small jigs in 8-9 feet of water. Jarrid Houston shares a personal fishing accident where a snagged lure struck his eye, causing vision impairment. He reports excellent walleye fishing on the St. Louis River using slow-dragged soft plastics like paddle shads, describing walleyes attacking in "complete destruction mode." Houston contrasts river fishing with inland lakes, noting walleyes are more migratory in rivers but often stationary around weed edges in lakes. He mentions several upcoming fishing tournaments in the Duluth area and notes improved walleye fishing on Lake Superior in recent years. Stan Tekiela discusses observed bird mortality linked to recent cold, wet weather, including swallows and purple martins. He notes early painted turtle egg-laying and explains dragonfly migration and life cycles, including their predation on mosquitoes. Tekiela answers listener questions about preventing bird window strikes with UV-reflective clings and differentiating house finches from purple finches. The tone is casual and conversational, blending friendly banter between hosts with educational segments from expert guests. Listeners seeking current Midwest fishing conditions, local naturalist observations, and practical outdoor tips would enjoy this episode. Those preferring narrative storytelling or debates on conservation policy might find it less engaging.

Listen to the show on

Apple Podcasts Spotify

Play clips from this episode More from FAN Outdoors