An unstable weather pattern, long duration mayfly hatch, slowly warming water temps and a spectacular full moon. For some it can be a difficult time to catch the elusive state fish but for those willing to adapt, the results can be rewarding. Don't forget, there is world class small mouth fishing to be had as well!
Mobile mobile mobile. The key right now is to keep moving until you find actively feeding fish. If you get stuck fishing your favorite honey hole without success give a try one of the thousands of beautiful places to wet a line in this incredible fishery. Grab your map, pick some spots and make wakes until you find em'.
The weather has been unstable to say the least. The consistent easterly winds that have plagued us for what seems like an eternity have finally given up and now we have a more summer like pattern with more southerly and westerly winds. Water temps are creeping into the high 60's with an occasional 70 here and there. With the warmer temps, fish have started showing up on the mid lake reefs but not on a consistent basis. Keep trying those areas and you will eventually find them in larger schools and easier targets. If you are having trouble locating them on the reefs then move back to shoreline areas in the 26'-30' depth with a Lindy. Leeches seem to be turning fish best right now but sometimes just switching baits is the key as I found just that on a rare recent fishing adventure. On windy days try the 6'-10' wind blown weed edges. It doesn't seem to matter what time of day.
The mayflies have been around for over a week now but not the explosion we are used to. It has been a long hatch and just today noticed an increase in the pesky critters. That being said, it doesn't seem to be affecting the bite just yet even though targeting soft bottom areas can give you an advantage.
Bigger northern pike are starting to head for deeper, cooler water but the smaller pike and small mouth bass are active on all shorelines feasting on crayfish. Casting rocky shorelines with just about anything is turning fish. Trolling bigger baits just above the thermocline can produce bigger pike as they like to cruise the more oxygen rich water above it.
If you were fortunate enough to be on the lake recently on a clear night you could't help but notice the incredible full moon we just experienced. It was spectacular to say the least!
The national park visitor center tours are in full swing now and summer seems to be finally showing up!
Enjoy what Voyageurs National Park has to offer. It is unforgettable.
Mobile mobile mobile. The key right now is to keep moving until you find actively feeding fish. If you get stuck fishing your favorite honey hole without success give a try one of the thousands of beautiful places to wet a line in this incredible fishery. Grab your map, pick some spots and make wakes until you find em'.
The weather has been unstable to say the least. The consistent easterly winds that have plagued us for what seems like an eternity have finally given up and now we have a more summer like pattern with more southerly and westerly winds. Water temps are creeping into the high 60's with an occasional 70 here and there. With the warmer temps, fish have started showing up on the mid lake reefs but not on a consistent basis. Keep trying those areas and you will eventually find them in larger schools and easier targets. If you are having trouble locating them on the reefs then move back to shoreline areas in the 26'-30' depth with a Lindy. Leeches seem to be turning fish best right now but sometimes just switching baits is the key as I found just that on a rare recent fishing adventure. On windy days try the 6'-10' wind blown weed edges. It doesn't seem to matter what time of day.
The mayflies have been around for over a week now but not the explosion we are used to. It has been a long hatch and just today noticed an increase in the pesky critters. That being said, it doesn't seem to be affecting the bite just yet even though targeting soft bottom areas can give you an advantage.
Bigger northern pike are starting to head for deeper, cooler water but the smaller pike and small mouth bass are active on all shorelines feasting on crayfish. Casting rocky shorelines with just about anything is turning fish. Trolling bigger baits just above the thermocline can produce bigger pike as they like to cruise the more oxygen rich water above it.
If you were fortunate enough to be on the lake recently on a clear night you could't help but notice the incredible full moon we just experienced. It was spectacular to say the least!
The national park visitor center tours are in full swing now and summer seems to be finally showing up!
Enjoy what Voyageurs National Park has to offer. It is unforgettable.