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!

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!!!

The Pelicans are gone and a few trees are starting to show fall color.  Loons are losing their bright black and white color and beginning to gather in bigger bunches in preparation for the journey south to the Gulf of Mexico.  Loon chicks, otter pups and fawn deer are getting more curious and starting to venture, sometimes a little too far away for moms liking.  If you listen carefully you can hear mother otter calling to their pups much more frequently.  Bald eagles are a more frequent sight and as I write this two eagles flew not 100 ft from the docks.....and another.  Cool evenings and clear skies are making for some awesome horizon to horizon star gazing and northern light displays.  Days have been perfect in the mid 70's and much lower dew points.  

Still some summer left here in the north but almost for certain all indicators that fall is just around the corner.

Water temps have remained fairly constant but slowly starting to drop.  The mid lake reef bite that was consistent through August has started to waiver and the bite is picking up on the west end (sucker creek, gold portage and hacksaw pass) and the east end towards Namakan including Lost Bay.  Minnows seem to be taking over the walleye bite but lindys and jigs with leeches and half crawlers are still producing fish.  Don't overlook the deep weed lines as I have heard many reports of walleye being caught frequently in these areas.     

A few crappie are being caught but not in their traditional fall areas but that will start to heat up.  

A somewhat overlooked fantastic small mouth bite is still in full swing with many trophy class fish being caught.  I would have to say Kabetogama has some of the best, if not the best, small mouth fishing I have seen anywhere in Minnesota and southern Ontario.  The guests that focus on bass fishing say it is world class.   Why cross the border when you have it here?

The lake has definitely quieted down with young adults back in school and most thinking summer is over but as far as I'm concerned it could be one of the best times of the year to explore the park and all the adventures it has to offer.  We are gearing up for a great Labor Day weekend so stay safe and we'll see you soon! 

August is generally thought of as hot, humid and can sometimes be a tough time to find fish but the first two weeks of this month have been nothing less than great for those willing to do a little scouting.  Walleyes are being found with frequency on almost all the mid lake reefs in 24'-32' and along deeper weed lines.  Slow presentation with a leech or crawler on the reefs and trolling spinners on weed lines has produced best.  The minnow bite has been almost non-existent but should pick up as fall closes in.  Obviously sunny days are better fished morning and evening but the bite is still consistent during the day in deeper water.  There have been reports of limits coming in with best areas on the mid lake reefs and on east around Pine and Headlight islands, the shorelines east and west of Slatinsky bay and then northwest near sucker creek and Camelback.  With the passing of the most recent cold front we found fish even deeper out in 35'-40' of water but somewhat reluctant to open their mouths.  The more stable weather pattern we have in store should turn the bite around quickly.

Pike and bass fishing is still typically good trolling over deeper water adjacent to shallow bays and casting weed beds with Lost Bay being most consistent.  Keeping your distance and throwing long casts are more productive as the fish are a little smarter these days!

The meteor shower we were all hoping to see didn't exactly work in our favor as we had cloudy nights which hindered viewing.

Deer are walking shorelines trying to escape the most recent bug hatch (pesky non biting midges, NOT mayflies thankfully!) so there is a good chance of seeing a nice buck in velvet.  In a couple weeks they will be anxious to start rubbing it off and shining up those antlers to get ready for fall and the battle for does that follow.

Recreational boating with skiers and tubers have been a common sight with the warm weather and everyone trying to get in those last few weeks on the lake before the kids head back to school and fall sports!  

It's crazy to think where the summer went but there is still plenty of time left to spend on the lake and enjoy the amazing Voyageurs National Park! 

Summer is FINALLY here!

The weather has taken a turn for the better with temps in the 80's most afternoons and beautiful cool evenings to spend around the campfire.  Most nights, if you are willing to stay up late enough, you can see  stars from horizon to horizon and we have been graced with some northern lights in recent days.  We have a spectacular meteor shower coming which will give everyone a show to remember.

 August 11, 12 - Perseids Meteor Shower. The Perseids is one of the best meteor showers to observe, producing up to 60 meteors per hour at its peak.  It peaks this year on the night of August 11 and the morning of August 12. The moon sets shortly after midnight, leaving dark skies for what should be an excellent early morning show. Best viewing will be from a dark location after midnight. Meteors can appear anywhere in the sky.  The dock lights will be off and obviously we can't forecast what the weather will be like that far out but lets hope for clear skies!

As far as the fishing goes, it has definitely picked up over the last week.  What most fisher people call the summer doldrums has actually been quite the opposite recently.  I was fortunate enough to get out and give it a try and found fish all over the place in varying depths.  One evening we caught a nice bunch of sauger and walleye with jig and minnow in 10 feet of water and the next morning caught some beautiful eyes on the mid lake reefs in 19-24 feet.  Even though it is hard to pattern the bite, the fish are definitely there to be had.  Moving around is still key to find actively feeding fish.  We did have some fish come in from some die hard trollers using down riggers focusing on suspended fish.  A couple notable observations was the wide range of size which is great for future years and that the fish are FAT.  They are not going hungry by any means!

Smallies and the smaller northern are still there along weed beds and rocky shorelines and if you are lucky enough to know where the springs are you can hit the jackpot catching larger fish.  Northern pike love that cooler water this time of year.  The die hard casters are pretty tight lipped about their secret spots so as far as location goes you will have to do some exploring!

With that being said, the park is at its best right now.  Some monster buck deer have been seen around the Three Sisters island group.  I saw what I believe was at least a 10 pointer in full velvet walking the shoreline a couple days ago.  With the bright green foliage as a background it was quite a sight.  As always, there is an abundance of wildlife out there to observe!

The blueberries have seen their season come and go with a few random patches still available for those willing to brave the pesky horse flies.  The somewhat overlooked raspberries seem to have a good year as well as we found more than the normal crop. 

As always, get out and enjoy what mother nature has to offer and have a great week!