Even though we seem to be having more clouds and rain than sun the fishing is really heating up.  The mayflies that seemed to plague us for weeks are almost non-existent which in turn has the walleye and sauger on the move and looking for different forage.  

The mid lake reefs are definitely producing in the 18'-25' range.  Using a 3'-4' lindy and moving slow (.8-1 mph) seems to be the ticket using leeches and crawlers.  The walleyes coming in are fat and in great shape!  Lots of different size ranges as well.  Had some good reports in 2-5 feet of water when the wind blows casting a split shot rig tipped with a leech and slowly dragging out.

Small mouth bass are more frequent now along rocky shorelines along with the pesky northern here and there.  The larger northern are on there way to some deeper, cooler and more oxygenated water.  Trolling cranks is the way to go and can produce some nice fish.

​If you find the perch they are the jumbo variety.  Stay on a school using pieces of worm and have fun!

Blueberries can be found almost everywhere right now and we have a great crop this year!  There is nothing better than fresh wild blueberry pancakes, muffins or sprinkled on your favorite ice cream!

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!     

An unstable weather pattern, long duration mayfly hatch, slowly warming water temps and a spectacular full moon.  For some it can be a difficult time to catch the elusive state fish but for those willing to adapt, the results can be rewarding.  Don't forget, there is world class small mouth fishing to be had as well!

Mobile mobile mobile.  The key right now is to keep moving until you find actively feeding fish.  If you get stuck fishing your favorite honey hole without success give a try one of the thousands of beautiful places to wet a line in this incredible fishery.  Grab your map, pick some spots and make wakes until you find em'.

The weather has been unstable to say the least.  The consistent easterly winds that have plagued us for what seems like an eternity have finally given up and now we have a more summer like pattern with more southerly and westerly winds.  Water temps are creeping into the high 60's with an occasional 70 here and there.  With the warmer temps, fish have started showing up on the mid lake reefs but not on a consistent basis.  Keep trying those areas and you will eventually find them in larger schools and easier targets.  If you are having trouble locating them on the reefs then move back to shoreline areas in the 26'-30' depth with a Lindy.  Leeches seem to be turning fish best right now but sometimes just switching baits is the key as I found just that on a rare recent fishing adventure.  On windy days try the 6'-10' wind blown weed edges.  It doesn't seem to matter what time of day.

The mayflies have been around for over a week now but not the explosion we are used to.  It has been a long hatch and just today noticed an increase in the pesky critters.  That being said, it doesn't seem to be affecting the bite just yet even though targeting soft bottom areas can give you an advantage.

Bigger northern pike are starting to head for deeper, cooler water but the smaller pike and small mouth bass are active on all shorelines feasting on crayfish.  Casting rocky shorelines with just about anything is turning fish.  Trolling bigger baits just above the thermocline can produce bigger pike as they like to cruise the more oxygen rich water above it. 

If you were fortunate enough to be on the lake recently on a clear night you could't help but notice the incredible full moon we just experienced.  It was spectacular to say the least!

​The national park visitor center tours are in full swing now and summer seems to be finally showing up!  

​Enjoy what Voyageurs National Park has to offer.  It is unforgettable.

 

     

  

So goes the weather and the fishing.  

Yesterday was a bust as rain and heavy winds kept the boats at dock.  The ones willing to brave the weather and fish the north deck did have some luck with sauger, walleye, and of course, northern pike.  The pattern has been shallow weed lines in bays on Kab and the deeper holes (30'-40') in the Namakan channel.  The elusive walleye have yet to turn on the feeding frenzy but with water temps coming up it will be any day now.  Sauger have been more common.  A lot of anxious boats on the water this morning so should have an update on the bite soon.

Northern pike are their usual aggressive self as well as small mouth bass.  Casting shorelines with just about anything is turning fish.

Those after perch are still finding them shallow and getting good numbers when a school is located.  The perch coming in are jumbos.

The first mayfly hatch should happen anytime now which will more than likely change the feeding pattern again.

When out on the lake, keep watch for all the newborns as the lake is alive with new eyes looking at the world for the first time.  Goslings and ducklings are a common sight now as well as deer fawn.  They don't know enough to get out the way so please admire with caution.

Summer has just begun and as always its never a bad day in Voyageurs National Park!

    ​A quick update on the fishing report. The massive bug hatch we had a little over a week ago has finally flown away : ) and the fishing is picking up! Decent reports of sauger action on Kab and walleye on Nam seems to be the norm right now with no particular depth to speak of. More fish are being caught off the dock and the resort shoreline is producing in front of the cabins keeping fisher guys and gals entertained if the weather isn't cooperating enough to get on the lake. Our technical wizard, (not to mention the new Park Point sign maker, dock electrical...etc) Dr Wester, got our dock cam back up and running and as you can see it is somewhat of a dreary day (starting to slowly clear up) but looks to be fantastic tomorrow. Let us hope the forecasters can get it right this time! Goldeneye ducks and the lone flicker have nested in our 4 tree boxes and it won't be long before the little ones are out in the great unknown.
Have a great Memorial weekend!
Park Point Resort

 Rough weather and a tough bite is a good way to sum up opening weekend on Kab as anything and everything can happen up here!  After an inch of snow covered the docks and cold weather kept some in their cabins, we have now switched to summer and skipped spring.  Most of last week was tough going for walleye but those who sought out the abundant and sometimes annoying northern pike along with the occasional perch, some fish were brought in for dinner.  With the warm beautiful weather water temperatures have reached the upper 50's to lower 60's and walleye and sauger have started to snap in small doses.  It should continue to improve.  People that are willing to explore are rewarded and those who sit in one spot are having a tough go.  Don't be shy about moving from your favorite spot and trying something new.

Generally speaking, most fish were being taken in 30' of water but after a warm week the walleyes are starting to move shallow in the low light/early morning/evening hours in the shallow bays 5'-10' and shoreline/island structure 10'-24'.  Deeper during the daylight hours.  Jig and minnow is the favorite technique this time of year with the water being a little cold for leeches and crawlers.  Northern pike are on their usual aggressive attack with most fish being the nuisance size and a few bigger ones mixed in.  The largest we had here was 40 inches but most were the 20 inch variety.   Smallies are just starting to heat up but with most targeting the state fish we don't see many reports although the ones after the strong fighter are finding good numbers casting shorelines with a gradual descent.

The pelicans, hummingbirds and orioles as well as many other bird species are back and the ducks, geese and eagles are nesting so please keep your distance when viewing as to not pressure the abundant wildlife doing their spring dance.  It is a great time to see the park!

Stay safe and have fun!

Park Point Resort

Walleye fishing continues to improve and so does the weather!  To catch decent numbers still requires fishermen to keep moving around until they find a hungry school but the the bite has definitely picked up.  Fish depths anywhere between 20'-34' and don't be afraid to try different baits.  Some days Lindys with crawlers or leeches produce the best but have had good action with jig and minnow as well.  Deeper reef edges and wind blown islands are producing.  Some anglers are having success trolling leadcore with crankbaits in deeper water as well.  As fall approaches, look for the jig bite to take over as fish become more aggressive.  Smallmouth fishing is really heating up right now with many fish being caught casting shorelines and weedlines.  The fall chill is in the air as the sun goes down and its a great time of year to be on the lake!

Travis Carlson Guide Service
Voyageurs National Park
218-235-0289
218-875-2069

Fisherman have experienced hot weather and a tough bite some days.  The good news is fish in the 27'-32' range are starting to show interest and producing nice catches.  Leeches or crawlers with a lindy rig are still the way to go at this time.  Although the reefs still produce a few fish, don't be afraid to move around.  Use your sonar to locate fish then give them some time.  If they are not in the biting mood keep moving and come back later as it could be just the timing.  Don't forget to try for some bass and northern as quality fish are being caught!

Travis Carlson Guide Service
Voyageurs National Park
218-235-0289
218-875-2069
  

Hot weather and mayflies continue however successful fishing can still be had.  Most fisherman are having the best luck fishing wind blown weed edges.  Use either lindy rigs or slip bobbers with a leech as both have produced well.  The perch are active as well in these same areas.  The reef bite has been sporadic but some success has been had in the 16'-22' range.

One thing for sure the warm weather is great for the kids swimming and tubing!  Don't forget to take the kids out there too and hit some shorelines with spinner baits and you're sure to pick up some bass or northern. 

Thanks again to Travis Carlson, fishing guide in Voyageurs National Park, for his report.
Travis Carson Guide Service
218-235-0289

Mayflies Mayflies Mayflies!  The hatch is in full swing which usually translates into tough fishing but people are still having some decent days on the water.  As the water warms and the mayflies hatch look to mid lake structure.  Depths of 16'-24' have been producing the most eyes as well as a good number of jumbo perch.  Rigs with slip sinker and leeches have been the best producer.  When the wind picks up good fishing can be had in shallow water as well.  Fish weed edges in depths from 5'-10'.  Again, rigs and leeches working well.  Pike have been a little slower but the small mouth bass have moved in shallow in recent days and lots of nice fish are being caught casting the shorelines.  Have a great 4th of July!

A big thanks to Travis Carlson, fishing guide in Voyageurs National Park, for his input.
Travis Carson Guide Service
218-235-0289

Not a big surprise that with the unstable weather fishing has been inconsistent.  Still LOTS of small pike to be had with them almost being a nuisance.  To have good walleye success you have to be on the move.  When you do find them they are aggressive and generally in decent numbers and good size.  Most having success are fishing windy shoreline points and shallow reefs close to shore and then hitting the shallow bays during low light periods as well as early morning and late afternoon well past dusk.  Don't be scared to pitch jigs and cranks in water less than 3 feet during these times.  Afternoons and sunny days go deeper, 16 feet and as deep as 35.  Jig and minnow are still the preferred presentation but have a few good reports on leeches under a slip bobber.  Not many targeting smallmouth bass or crappies but getting a few bass casting for pike.
Mallards brought their ducklings to the water yesterday and lilacs are just about done.  No mosquitoes yet but I am guessing they are getting ready for the attack!
Hope everyone is having a great start to the summer and look forward to seeing you out on the water!