You never know what type of weather you will get on Memorial weekend but so far it has been quite pleasant.  As I write this we do have some minor thunderstorms moving through but not a wash out by any means and at and least it's not snowing! (yes, we have had snow this late before).

We had our first major bug hatch of the year last week with black clouds of midges fairly common but they have died off now.  A very minor mayfly hatch is the first of the season as well.  It is quite a show to watch bats come out at dusk and feast on them.  We have had dozens flying around on a good night.  Even though you may not like them they are ecologically vital in reducing certain bug populations and the pollination of plants.  Fawn deer are a common sight around the area now and eagles are aggressively hunting for their young.  Hummingbirds and Orioles showed up a week ago and as soon as I put up the feeders they were almost knocking me over to get to them.  Tree buds have all popped and its finally starting to look like summer!

Water temperatures are now around 54-55 and slowly coming up.  Walleye fishing continues to be good throughout the lake with good reports coming in with fish being caught anywhere from 12 to 40 ft.  Almost everyone is getting in on the action with no real hot spots to speak of and catching fish at just about all the popular hang outs.  Use the wind to your advantage and fish the wind blown shorelines and funnel areas.  Tom Cod has started to produce a few fish and it's now just a matter of time before it heats up.  It's extremely encouraging to hear about the size variety anglers are seeing with fish anywhere from 6 to 28 inches.  Moving slow or anchoring with a jig or split shot rig and plain hook tipped with a minnow is still the most productive with rainbows and shiners doing best.  There has been good fishing in the current areas up towards Kettle Falls as well.

Northern pike and small mouth bass are still common and almost a nuisance.  Perch are showing up in bigger numbers and the size is incredible.  It is not uncommon to catch jumbo perch over 12 inches on a regular basis. 

One angler was surprised when a musky made its way into the net.  Very uncommon on Kab but pictures confirmed it was definitely a musky in the 20 inch range. 

It is shaping up to an awesome summer in Gods country!

Lastly, tomorrow on Memorial Day don't forgot to honor our fallen heroes who died bravely for this great country as we owe them for defending and preserving our freedom and democracy.  

Thank you.  We remember you.  We are grateful to you!

       

What a great way to start the season!  Lots of big fish being caught.  Walleyes up to 8 lbs and many northern pike pushing the 15 lb mark with a ton of perfect eater sized fish mixed in.  Even the small mouth bass have been on a tear which is not generally typical this early.  The only downside is that keeper walleyes have been tough to find but on the flip side the 14-17 inch sauger are making up for it.  It has been a great opening week to say the least.  As far as depth and presentation goes, it is somewhat of a mixed bag.  Shallow shoreline points and then deep water (30-40 ft and sometimes deeper) seem to be the ticket.  Can't stress enough that a VERY SLOW presentation is working best with anchoring boats producing most fish.  The smallest jig possible or even just a plain hook with a small split shot 12 inches up and tipped with a minnow is producing.  Staying close to the bottom is key and the bite is light.  Just a small "tick" on your line might indicate a fish has taken the bait.  Give some time before setting the hook.  As for shorelines and dock fishing a simple slip bobber rig is the way to go.  Again, staying close the bottom is key.  No more than 6-12 inches off.  Water temps still hovering around 50 degrees.

It's not just the fishing that has been good.  Almost all wildlife are in breeding mode with some already having young ones.  Please keep your distance when viewing so as not disturb one of natures true miracles.  A couple of our guests spotted moose on Locator Lake while on a short camping trip and many deer have been seen along the shorelines.  Taking a hike this afternoon found another guest in quite the predicament as their curious pooch tangled with a porcupine.  A trip to the vet and 40 quills later and all was good again.  Just a reminder that you never know what you will see when exploring the park!  

The hummingbirds and pelicans are back and usually the last migrating birds no make the journey north.  The loons have been back for quite some time and are on the nest.  It is nice to see the population rebounding after the 2010 gulf oil spill took its toll on our state bird where they spend their winters. I would say we have definitely noticed the numbers increase the last couple years.  Hopefully MN will see some of the money from the almost 19 billion dollar settlement with BP.  Minnesota and Wisconsin would be the only non-coastal states to receive money.

All in all a great kick off to the 2017 season!  Get out there and enjoy!

Mothers day weekend opening day greets anglers with mixed success.

The long awaited day has come and gone and leaves most anglers happy and a few frustrated.  Our guests here at Park Point were mostly successful catching the very abundant northern pike and small mouth bass with a few sauger and walleye mixed in.  Last years 1-2 pound pike are now a healthy 2-3 pounds and are providing the most action.  One lucky angler hauled in a beautiful 39 inch northern tipping the scales right around 14lbs.  Shorelines are the best for pike and small mouth action.  As for the walleyes and sauger, they are scattered with either the shallow shorelines or the 25-35 ft depths providing action.  Water temperatures are still hovering around 50 degrees.  Patience is the key.  The preferred bait is a jig tipped with either a shiner or rainbow minnow.  The forage base is still very high which can produce a tough bite.  The fish are there just getting them to take your bait instead of the abundant other options takes some patience and exploring.  Based on DNR surveys, Kabetogama is loaded with fish and excellent fishing can be had.  Give your boat a workout and keep moving until you find the actively feeding schools.

​Happy Mothers Day to all the wonderful moms out there!  We hope you have a great day!!!