​Opening weekend in the books!
The long-awaited fishing opener has come and gone leaving most anglers scratching their heads a bit. Most found the bite to be tough but there were some reports of limits coming in. Anglers that were constantly on the move did best as fish were scattered. The surface water temp is anywhere from the mid 50's to mid 60's which is more typical of late May into June. With the warm sunny forecast ahead it will for sure be on the rise. Also noticed a significant midge hatch which is early for the area.
Dock fishing was marginal at best but did notice an uptick in activity yesterday afternoon and this morning. As suspected, we were moving quite often and trying depths anywhere from 6'-40'. We found fish in almost all areas and depths eventually finding the bite in 6' of water over sand and mud where the weeds were just beginning to come up. Long lining a 16th oz jig tipped with a minnow seemed to be the ticket. Baitfish were abundant as we noticed huge schools cruising the shallows. Similar to last year, the huge amount of forage is making for a tough bite but persistence will pay off if you are willing to move and change presentations until you find something that works. The abundance of forage is great for the fishery but can make for some frustrating days on the lake. It's a cycle all lakes go through. If we can get some wind, work the shallow windblown bays and flats and you will eventually find active fish. We are most likely near the end of the post spawn period. Big females tend to head too deeper water immediately after spawn to recuperate while the smaller males will hang around in areas closer to the spawning ground for a while longer. It's only a matter of time and the walleye fishing will improve dramatically. Have all different baits in the boat and be willing to switch up until you find what works.
Northern Pike were once again very active and easy targets off the docks. We have a great population of all sizes and a good back up for a fish fry.
Not many reports on the smallie bite as most were in search of our state fish.
Be on the lookout for fawn deer as they are just getting ready to drop. Goose goslings are already getting big and some ducklings have been spotted cruising the shorelines. Loons are very protective of their nests so keeping your distance while viewing is important this time of year. Nature is really coming alive right now so watch the shorelines and you will be sure to catch a glimpse of Mother Nature at her finest!
Here at Gateway, it was busy to say the least. If this weekend was any indication, it is going to be another crazy summer on Kab! We continue to carry a good supply of all types of minnows as well as crawlers and leeches. Please be patient with the wonderful crew at Gateway as they are doing their best to keep up!
This week's weather looks to be fantastic! Be safe and have a great time!
Gateway

Ice Conditions Update 12/1/2017

Poor ice conditions remain throughout most of the area excluding Tom Cod Bay where Sandy Point has their spear shacks up and running.  Give Sandy Point a call for the most current spearing report and to make plans for a unique experience and a chance at getting that trophy pike! 

​The Park Service was checking ice thickness around the Ash River Visitor Center area and there was barely 3 inches not far from shore.  With warm temps forecast until the middle of next week there will be minimal, if any, ice being made.  The end of next week looks promising as much colder weather is on the way.  Be patient as we just turned the calendar to December and on schedule for normal ice conditions.  See the map as to where there is still open water.  There are also scattered open areas of water beyond what the map shows but this is the largest and most stubborn.

While some of the smaller lakes in the area have enough ice to walk on, Kabetogama is struggling to make ice.  Just when we thought an early winter season was in store, mother nature slaps us in the face with high winds and fluctuating temps.  Needless to say, we are a ways out from the main lake having serviceable ice.

On the bright side, small bays famous for its world class spear fishing are seeing some action as ice is thick enough to walk on.  Gordon at Sandy Point Lodge is planning to have his spear houses out and ready to go after the Thanksgiving holiday.  Sandy Point is the only spear fishing outfitter on the lake and if you haven’t spent time in a spear house, it’s an experience you won’t forget.  Don’t forget to stop into Gateway General for all your spear fishing needs!  We have spears, decoys and anything else you will need for your unforgettable day in the spear house!  

​Duck hunting ends on the 21st in the north zone and was poor at best as the season came to an end.  Most hunters were limited to large bodies of water after the cold snap we had 2 weeks ago.

Deer hunting also has come to an end with hunters experiencing average success.  Weather was the deciding factor early on making hunting tough in the northland but improved as the season progressed.

​We are in a transition period and hoping for light winds and cold temps to get the hard water season in gear.

Happy Thanksgiving from everyone at Gateway General!!!
 
and as always, we all hope to see you soon…..
Jason and Robyn
Cooper’s Gateway General Store
​

With boats heading to storage, anglers are missing out on good fishing while most are turning their attention to the woods.
 
With grouse, deer and duck hunting taking most anglers focus from the lake, for those on the water the fishing has been good to excellent.

Walleyes are being taken with consistency off island points and bay entrances in 22’-35’ of water using a jig and minnow combination.  Ash river is also producing but with some success.

Smallmouth bass are still red hot off edges of reefs.  Many trophy fish can be had right now with 50 day catches not uncommon.  A jig tipped with a minnow or plastic is working well. Please practice catch/photo/release to ensure a healthy population in the future.

Grouse hunting has improved with most foliage off the trees.  With all the 4 wheeler traffic, your best bet is to put some miles in and get off the trails.

Bow deer hunting has been limited but they are in pre-rut and just beginning to chase does.  The next couple of weeks should be good with peak rut near or just after opening day.  Lots of deer have been seen so expecting a better than average season.

Duck hunting has slowed with most local birds heading south and/or educated and hard to decoy.  With the upcoming cooler weather hopefully some new birds will move in but unfortunately this is not your traditional clipper weather system freezing water to the north.

​Don’t forget we have our annual Hunters Supper on November 4th from 3-8 pm at the Kabetogama Town Hall.  Baked sale goods available.  $10 gun raffle and 50/50 drawing.  This event is supporting the Kabetogama Firefighter and Volunteer EMS.  Proceeds go towards the Helicopter Landing Pad.
 
As always, we all hope to see you soon…..
Jason and Robyn
Cooper’s Gateway General Store
 
 
     

Fishing inconsistent as summer slips away to fall
Changes this past week give indications summer is giving way to fall like conditions. Hummingbirds and Pelicans have slowly made their way out of the area and morning temps are crisp and cool. Fall like fishing presentations are also taking hold.
Walleyes are scattered with shoreline structure and mid lake reefs being most productive in the 24’-28’ depths. The most notable change is that anglers are starting to catch fish with a lindy or jig tipped with a minnow which is out producing crawlers and leeches. There have also been reports of good catch rates using lead core with flicker shads and Rapalas and trolling fast, say 2-2 ½ mph in the same depth range. With fish being scattered, this is a good way cover lots of water. Nice perch are always a bonus catch.
As usual smallmouth bass and northern are still active casting shorelines with just about anything.
The Kabetogama visitor center is still doing cruises to Kettle Falls through September. Make sure to call ahead for dates, times and to reserve your spot!
This past weekend’s fishing contest finale, community garage sale and Grand Opening at Gateway General were a big success. It was nice to see everyone come out and participate. Check gateway Generals website for contest and drawing winners!
Fall can be the one of the nicest times of the year to enjoy the Kabetogama and Voyageurs National Park. Hope to see you soon!
As always, we’ll see you there!
Jason and Robyn

Aside from a one day washout this past week, the weather and fishing continues to be fantastic!  Anglers are finding all varieties of fish in various depths.  I know that sounds vague, but fishing has been good just about everywhere.  The key, as always, is locating active fish and staying with them.

Walleyes have been active using a wide variety of methods.  Trolling crankbaits along weedlines has been productive as of late as well as casting a jig tipped with a minnow on wind blown shorelines.  Wind has been lacking recently so when it does blow this method can be extremely effective.  Lindys with a long snell and spinner tipped with a leech or crawler is turning fish in 16-22ft.  Leeches are becoming scarce these days so grab them while you can.  Fishing early morning and just before dusk is best.  During the day, try deeper water off shoreline points and reefs.

Northern Pike are active along most weedlines trolling and casting larger crankbaits or spoons and small mouth bass are attacking just about anything along rocky shorelines.  A jig with plastics has also been productive for bass on the shallow reefs.

Just two weeks away and we will have our annual fishing contest finale on August 25th so get out there and try to beat the current leaders!  We will also have the community garage sale on the 25th and 26th.

This Tuesday will be your last attempt to win the bingo jackpot which stands at $175!  Get there early!

As most seem to think summer is winding down, it really doesn’t feel like it as the park and lake are quite active with anglers as well as recreational boaters. 

There is still plenty of summer left here in Gods country!
 
Until next time…..
Jason and Robyn
Park Point Resort and Gateway General Store 

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!         

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!