Warm sunny weather has brought water temps into the high 60's, low 70's in some areas. In return, spawning minnows are shallow which have fish in shallow as well. Small jigs or slip sinker rig tipped with a minnow or leech are producing a great sauger bite in water under 12ft and less than 5 ft along emerging weed lines. Look to Tom Cod and mouths of wind blown bays such as Mud and Daley. Wind direction is important. Funnel areas always a go to when the wind is blowing through. Soft bottom working best as the first mayfly larvae of the season are starting to emerge. Pulling bottom bouncers and spinners has been successful as well triggering fish. Walleyes a bit deeper still, 24-28ft with leeches and crawlers but leeches doing best. A few better reports coming from Namakan for walleyes.
2-3 lb pike are common as usual just about anywhere. Small mouth bass as well. Daley and Tom Cod have been on fire for pike. Just about any gradual sloping rocky shorelines for bass casting crawdad colored Rapalas as they are the food of choice.
With our constantly changing weather pattern giving anglers the fits adjusting day by day is important as fish are always on the move. Keep moving to locate active fish and you will be successful.
Starting to see water skiers and tubes on the water which is a sure sign summer is here! All of the Voyageurs National Park visitors centers are open so plan accordingly to book your trip to see the park. Kettle Falls Hotel is also in full swing and a must go to if you have the time. It is also a great time to take a hike on one of the many trails the park has to offer as you never know what you will see around the bend.
One last note. The long awaited strawberry moon was a bust as we had cloud cover move in 5 minutes after after it broke the horizon. We did get to see it for just a few minutes though! Oh well, maybe next year.
2-3 lb pike are common as usual just about anywhere. Small mouth bass as well. Daley and Tom Cod have been on fire for pike. Just about any gradual sloping rocky shorelines for bass casting crawdad colored Rapalas as they are the food of choice.
With our constantly changing weather pattern giving anglers the fits adjusting day by day is important as fish are always on the move. Keep moving to locate active fish and you will be successful.
Starting to see water skiers and tubes on the water which is a sure sign summer is here! All of the Voyageurs National Park visitors centers are open so plan accordingly to book your trip to see the park. Kettle Falls Hotel is also in full swing and a must go to if you have the time. It is also a great time to take a hike on one of the many trails the park has to offer as you never know what you will see around the bend.
One last note. The long awaited strawberry moon was a bust as we had cloud cover move in 5 minutes after after it broke the horizon. We did get to see it for just a few minutes though! Oh well, maybe next year.