Unpredictable weather patterns but consistent fishing is still the norm.  Wind is still dictating where to find fish and with water temperatures not moving much, fish are fairly predictable.
 
Once again, follow the wind and you will find fish.  This has been a nice pattern for anglers as depending which direction the wind blows, fish of all species can be found.  The biggest change in the last week is a fairly significant mayfly hatch has arrived but this has not affected angler success.  Lindys with a short snell and leeches are by far the tackle and bait of choice.  The only problem some are having is a short bite.  If you are getting bit short or getting bit off try downsizing your bait, move a little slower and give them some time to take it in.
 
Tom Cod is still producing fish but not nearly the numbers we usually see this time of year.  Try shallower areas around Cutover, Yewbush and northwest to Three Sisters.  Once again, wind is critical.  Fishing wind blown shorelines and entrance to bays and funnels is still working well.   Reefs will pick up soon but with the cooler weather forecasted it could be a couple weeks still.
 
Northern are being taken more frequently in the smaller variety (2-7 lbs) as the larger fish have become a tougher catch this past week.  Pike anglers are getting larger fish to follow but are somewhat reluctant to take the bait.
 
While most are seeking walleye and pike, small mouth bass reports are limited but do hear of the occasional 18 plus incher being caught.  All shorelines with gradual depth changes and rocky points are a good place to target.  Look to inside turns.
 
We have had some fantastic rainbows as of late so don’t forget your camera no matter where you go.  Buck deer are in full velvet and more wildlife are being seen along shorelines attempting to escape pesky bugs in the woods.  Voyageurs National Park has countless opportunities for photographers, so take advantage of this magnificent area!

We have had our share of everything this past week but fishing remains stable and everyone is having a great time on the lake!  The unpredictable north land weather has a few scratching their head wondering where to go next but the key to success is adapting to the weather conditions that present itself, especially the wind.
 
Water temps took a dive into the mid 60's with the latest cold rainy weather pattern.  Mayfly larvae are just starting to show up so shallow soft bottom structure is still the go to for walleye and sauger with a better balance of both in the live well.  A few reports of fish showing up on the reefs but not in great numbers yet.  Won’t be long though. 
 
Minnows are still turning fish but leeches seem to have taken over as the bait of choice and bottom bouncers with spinners have been doing great as of late triggering active fish.  It's a great time to try moving a little faster to cover ground and spinners are perfect for this approach. 
 
As usual, northern and small mouth are an easy target casting shorelines and shallow bays with emerging weeds.
 
Activities are in full swing here in the park.   Bald eagle chicks are a frequent sight now being fed by their parents and our first ducklings have been seen in the harbor.  Seems late this year. 
 
We all hope everyone is having a great start to the summer and look forward to seeing you soon!
 


   

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.

  

 Warm sunny days have water temps up over 60 degrees, water levels are perfect and the fishing is heating up as well!  Walleyes that were reluctant to bite earlier in the week have shown up much shallower following bait fish that have moved in.  The first decent reports of a good bite in less than 15ft of water are becoming more common and leeches have started to turn fish.  22-28 ft is still a good bet to find sauger and walleye but start looking at traditional shallow areas.  In the last few days we are noticing bait fish in the harbor which a sign the bite is about to go shallow.  Wind blown bays and shorelines are doing good and funnel areas where the wind is blowing the bait fish through are on fire.  Start thinking lindys and when you find active fish try a jig tipped with a leech or even better a slip bobber rig if conditions are right.  Switch up baits if what you are using isn't working.  

A few fish are being had in Tom Cod but not the typical flurry we should see soon.  Ash River entrance has been decent and the current areas around Kettle Falls are still producing.  Early morning and late evening time periods are producing with the best bite right at sunrise and that last golden hour before sunset.  Sauger seem to be most prevalent in the live well but walleyes are becoming more common.  

As usual, small mouth bass and northern are an easy catch casting shorelines with just about anything.  Quite a few northern in the high 30 inch range are being caught with consistency with a few 40 inch plus mixed in.  Good chance to tangle with a big pike while fishing for walleyes as well.

Crappie reports are scattered at best with most anglers focusing on our state fish.

Fawn deer are a very common sight right now so please slow down when you see deer crossing the road.  Its a good bet that there is a fawn somewhere close.  We watched bald eagles feeding their young this morning and goose goslings are everywhere.  It won't be long and duck broods will be taking to the water.  Goldeneye ducks are constantly in and out of our nest boxes which is a sure sign they have young to feed.

Last but not least don't forget we have a full strawberry moon in store this Friday.  It should be spectacular with clear skies forecast!  It's the last full moon of spring which means summer is just around the corner! 

​Its a great time to play hooky and come visit us in Minnesota's only national park!