Finally, a full week of sunny skies and no rain!  The thunderstorms that were supposed to take over Friday afternoon and all day Saturday never happened and it looks to be another good week ahead.  With the bright sun and warm temps, the skiers and tubers are out in full force.  Water temps are finally creeping up into the mid 70’s making the water an attractive option to escape the heat.
Without any real wind to speak of the walleye bite has been consistent in a variety of depths anywhere from 9’ to 30’.  Locating and finding active fish is still the rule of thumb.  Most are still focusing on island and shoreline points as well as the mid lake reefs.  Ram, Picnic, Harris and Ritchie have been good as of late.  A Leech or crawler is still the bait of choice and most recently a longer snell with a float, say 5-6 ft, has been producing well.  Moving slowly is working best. 
Nice pike and smallmouth are still being caught with regularity in shallow water.  Casting small Mepps spinners of any color this time of year can be extremely productive.
Nice jumbo perch catches are common with anglers most often finding them by accident looking for walleye.  Stay with the school if you do happen to find them.  You can’t beat perch for a midday shore lunch!
Our usual second mayfly hatch hasn’t happened yet which could be due to the fact that the water temps are staying cool for this time of year.  It’s only a matter time though as there are many different populations waiting to emerge.  The entire population of a single mayfly species will hatch at the same time.  Midge swarms are common right now (commonly mistaken for mosquitos) but don’t usually affect the bite.
Blueberries are peaking or have peaked in some areas.  Look for short bushes growing along north facing rocky areas and you are sure to find some.  With the warmest weather still ahead of us don’t forget your sunscreen and come join us on Kabetogama Lake and Voyageurs National Park.  There is something for everyone!
We have Bingo every Tuesday and Thursday night starting at 8pm. 
 
Vacation Bible School will start this Sunday, Monday and Wednesday at 5pm -8:30pm  food will be provided, ages 4 and up.
 
Blueberry Pancake Breakfast is August 6th from 8am to 1pm.
 
HAPPY VACATIONING!
 
Jason and Robyn

The 4th of July has come and gone and fortunately along with it the mayflies.  After a tough bite during the holiday due to a significant mayfly hatch we have finally turned the corner and the bite is improving.    Walleyes are being found along deep weed lines and are now starting to show up on mid lake reefs.  A short snell (2-3 ft) tipped with a leech is still producing the most fish.  Water temps are well into the 70’s and the 22-26 ft depths have been better as of late.  Crawlers should start to produce more consistently as we get into the mid summer weeks.  If the walleyes aren’t biting look in the same areas for schools of perch.  The ones being caught are of the jumbo variety.
Smallmouth bass are still being caught along shorelines casting just about anything.  Crawdad colored rapalas are always a good bet.
Larger northern pike are beginning to seek a colder environment as water temps rise.  Trolling deep diving cranks is the way to go and can produce some nice fish.
It won’t be long and the blueberries should start to ripen.  There is an abundance out there.  Bring the bug spray as with our wet weather recently the mosquitos are quite a nuisance as well as horseflies.

Please be aware that loons, ducks and most animals are cruising the lake now with their babies.  Keep your distance and enjoy the show but realize that any unnecessary stress you cause is unhealthy for both the parents and their young.  If loons and ducks are calling loudly while you are near that just means they not appreciating you invading their space!  Take a quick picture and move on.

Canoes and Kayaks are out in full force.  Slowing down and creating less wake is much appreciated!  It is a great way to enjoy the park so grab your paddle and enjoy the solitude.

Until next time!