May 22, 2019 | Fishing Report
The first two weeks of the season are in the books and weather has been the big story. The water temps were in the high 40’s – mid 50’s for the opener. Fish were active in windows that produced consistent fishing. The rest of the day it was a fish here and there. A nice mixture of small walleyes (less than 14”) nice ones (16-20) and larger ones (20-24) were caught. Often either in the same area or near by. Although they were done spawning they were near their spawning areas. The entire west shore from the narrows to Big Hardwood, Pine Point (especially in the evening) Stoney Point and down into Traders Bay. I did not go up to Sucker Bay because of the wind direction. Back to the wind. We have gone from flat water to 25 + winds and rain that made it close to if not impossible to fish. The fish were biting on the calm days and the few days of good weather with manageable winds produced fish. Shinners and Jig have been the bait of choice and should be for another week or two. Leeches and crawlers are starting to produce and will pick up as we approach the crayfish molt. Memorial weekend will be a mix of weather but the winds look manageable and with the air & water temps going up I would expect some great windows and rewards.
Jul 9, 2018 | Fishing Report
Just over 4 weeks out from bypass surgery I was able to get back on the water a bit the last 5 days. Obviously that was the reason for the gap in reports. A lot has changed in the past 4 weeks. We did have a couple of very good weeks the end of June. As we transition into the time of the year with the highest natural food supply in the lake you need to adjust a bit. Number 1 for walleyes: be mobile. There will be feeding walleyes in the school just less of them at anytime. You are more likely to get a couple and then have to move on. Number 2: slow down. Rigging with leeches and crawlers can entice a non aggressive to feed as they still struggle to pass up an easy meal. During low light conditions speed up and cover water looking for aggressive fish. I prefer to match the hatch with crank baits and that means crayfish and perch. Remember they call it fishing not catching. Enjoy your day on the water and be aware of what is going on and learn. My favorite marinade is/was (high in sodium) Lawry’s Santa Fe Chili. From there either in foil on the grill or breaded and deep fried. Pair with some local wild rice and asparagus.
Jun 6, 2018 | Fishing Report
Last week we encountered what many would say was the best fishing of the year. The water temps were stable and we had some good winds 8-15 MPH. The winds provided for a nice drift and a good bite while not getting beat up. Shinners were still the bait of choice but with the warmer temps they were tough to keep alive. Leeches on a jig were a good second choice, especially for the less experienced anglers. Those proficient with fishing crawlers and weeds continued to be rewarded with both numbers and size. The mid lake rocks reefs on the East side of the main lake have also picked up. Do not be afraid to try some of the smaller and even unmarked reefs. Anglers continue to get a nice mixed bag of eaters and slot fish, making for a good time on the water. Soon the walleyes should be feeding on crayfish, (some of the jumbo perch have already started) making crawlers the bait of choice with leeches a close 2nd.
May 29, 2018 | Fishing Report
Last week we saw the water temps go from the mid to upper 50’s to the upper 60’s and even some 70’s in some of the shallow bays. While some of the walleyes have moved off shore, others are still in the shallows especially in the evening or during the day with a good wind. A nice mixture of eaters (15-19) smaller (10-14) and slot fish (20-26) made for some good memorial weekend walleye fishing. For those that just wanted action there was plenty of that. A mixed bag of perch, northern, rock bass along with a walleye or two had smiles on a lot of peoples faces. The mixed bag was in many of the shallow spring walleye spots including, The Narrows, Joe’s Landing, Star, 2 nd Duck and in Agency Bay. Shinners are still the bait of choice and probably will be through this weekend. The leach bite has picked up and as always crawlers are affective for those that know how to fish them. For those proficient at fishing the weeds you will be rewarded for your efforts in both Sucker and Portage Bays. Don’t forget to check out the weigh ins for this weekends walleye tourney.
May 21, 2018 | Fishing Report
This past week found walleyes showing up in the more traditional spots on the west side of the lake. Although the wind and the bite was inconsistent those who were willing to move were rewarded. Otter Tail, 2 d and 3rd Duck, the Hardwoods, Meadows, Star and Pine all had their times. The high winds on Saturday made it challenging to get around the lake but once you got there, Star and the east side of Pine produce nice fish in the 16-18 inch range as well as a few slot fish for fun. Shinners were more available and still the bait of choice. The water temps stayed fairly steady in the mid to upper 50’s due to the cold nights and wind. This week look for the water temps to get into the 60’s and the post spawn activity to increase leading into Memorial Weekend.
