May 31st Fishing Report

Last week we saw the water temps actually go down a couple of degrees with the below average air temps and cool nights. Even with the strong winds mid week the bite was a bit off for this time of the year. We defiantly caught fish and the average size was up, with more 16-19 inch fish than previous weeks. We did have to work harder and move around more to get them. 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. Sucker Bay action picked up this week after being slower than normal this spring. 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.

Dick Weinberger
651-492-1646

May 25 Fishing Report

Water temperature and wind was the story this week. The water got into the low 60’s and the fishing picked up. The beginning of the week the wind blew and fishing was excellent with both numbers and size. The holiday weekend saw calm winds and fewer big fish but still plenty of action. Good numbers of 13-15 inch walleyes with an occasional 20+ along with a few perch and northern kept the young anglers attention. Shiners were plentiful and the bait of choice for most. With the calm winds some used leeches or crawlers with a slower presentation on the rocks and were rewarded for their efforts. The next 2 weeks should be some of the best fishing of the year.

Dick Weinberger
651-492-1646

May 17 Fishing Report

The first 2 weekends of the season are in the books.  The weather for the opener was the big story with snow and cold. However, the water temps were in the high 40’s  and the fish cooperated both early Saturday morning and then again after the snow stopped about 4pm.  A mixture of some nice ones (18-20), a few big ones (24-26) and a lot of smaller walleyes (13-15”) has been my experience these first 9 days.  Although they are done spawning they are 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 have all produced at times. Mid week varied by day with a couple of really good days/evenings and a couple of slower days/evenings.  Shinners were tough to come by but rainbows and fatheads worked just fine. This weekend saw warm weather and calm winds and the bite slowed and so should you.  A bobber and a leech or anchor/spot lock and cast and slow retrieve triggered both perch and walleye. Memorial weekend should be the best so far with the water temps in the mid 50’s and rising with warm weather expected all week.

Dick Weinberger
651-492-1646

May 22 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.

July 9th 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.

June 6th 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.