Early Ice Outs Are Superb Predictors for Great Fishing

With the unusually warm spring and early ice-outs seen throughout the North Country, including Witch Bay and Lake of the Woods, some may wonder what this does to fishing. From this point on we are making qualified guesses based on experience, past trends and a conversation or two with fishery biologist friends.

Early ice-outs followed by a warm spring usually means fast fishing. With walleye spawning beginning when water temps reach 42 to 44 degrees, we can expect that reproduction will be concluded by early May...at least if this weather pattern continues. Post spawn fish often seek newly developing submergent weedlines for rebuilding their bodies stressed by the spawn. The warmer water "jump starts" weed growth. These adult fish will be ready to start feeding earlier and late May and June fishing at Witch Bay Camp should be the start of an outstanding season.

An early spring tends to set up patterns of activity that carries through the entire season for all species - walleye, smallmouth, muskie and pike...and even the super LOTW yellow perch. But - and this is important - these patterns are stronger when bolstered by a warm temperatures in May, June and early July.

Weed growth will be improved with a warm spring and this important cover is significant for all species, because as submergent weeds grow forage species are attracted to the cover - shiners, juvenile yellow perch, minnows, dace, etc. The combination of pondweed (muskie/pike weed) and coontail and forage makes a great combination for fishing success. Also, expert muskie anglers in the United States believe that an early ice out and warm spring creates a banner year for this species in Lake of the Woods.

Water levels are low at present, but are not a significant impact to the fishery. Navigation will require more map/electronic study and awareness and asking at camp arrival how many feet low the lake is compared to depths shown on the map. But when it comes to fishing, low water can yield excellent fishing...but in somewhat different locations depending on lake levels and the weedlines. Watch the weather and with this pattern of gradual warming, we should experience a great year at Witch Bay Camp.

I am looking for dates this year to come to camp.I was thinking of early August or late August. Also how is musky fishing that time of year as well as camp availability? Really looking to try and get back there, had a great time with everone back on 06[maybe you remember Zachs 27 inch walleye that he caught}
Thanks Steve Johnson...

Steve, it's pretty much a rule of thumb that muskie fishing on LOTW doesn't really get started until water temps hit 70 degrees. Depending on seasonal conditions, that usually starts in early July and the muskie fishing just keeps getting better and better throughout the rest of the summer and right up until fall close-up.

As for availability, early August is probably a bit busier than later in the month. But an e-mail or a phone call to Gail will quickly answer your question.