Weekly Fishin Report: July 9 - 16, 2011
One of the best weather weeks in recent memory produced some of the best walleye action WE HAVE EVER SEEN up here on Lake of the Woods.
Walleyes, especially big walleyes, were snapping like crazy. Our groups were not able to keep track of the 27 plus inch walleyes that were caught and released. We can verify at least 5-30 inch class walleyes caught last week as well. Fish that were 30", 31", 31" were caught and released. Another 30" was harvest for a mount. The whopper of the week measured 32"!!! The boys tried real hard to get this fish back in the water fast after one quick cell phone photo, but despite working with the fish for 15 mins, it was not able to regain it's bearings and was reluctantly harvested. The angler will proudly mount the trophy, but would have liked to turn the fish loose. A new leader in the largest release category is the 31" fish that Bill L caught and released. They put the fish back in the water while thining about possibly making it his trophy fish of a lifetime, but it revived quickly and swam away. The only thing they wish they had done different was snap a photo before they got it back in the water. OOPS!! Bill's word is good enough for me, so 31" is the new fish to beat for largest release.
Most walleyes caught in and around the rocks. Variety of presentation from minnows to leeches to worms were used. Didn't seem like there was a big difference. Everyone was catching fish!!
Muskies were active, if not a bit hesitatant to commit to baits midday. See JSONDAG's report in the July Trip Report section for a bit more details, but big fish were active with several 50" class fish seen AND caught. Spinner baits, gliders and WTD topwaters were the most consistent. Black/orange was the hot colour of the week.
Northerns were caught in good size/numbers by those casting for muskies. A 42" fish will share with the biggest release so far this year. There were even some crappies found this week. Multiple groups landed some great crappies, with some slabs being in the 14-15 inch range. What a bonus!
Smallies were in and around rubble and weed edges. Small white spinner bais were the hot ticket.
The heat is on up here. If you like it hot, this is the right kitchen to be cooking in. The fish have been in playful moods and there are plenty of them for everyone. The only better time to be on LOTW is whenever else YOU can be here.
Hot sun and stifling temps will make it dangerous out there on the water during extended periods of fishing. Load up on sunblock and fluids and be wary of the potential for heat related sickness. Caps and sunglasses will be standard issue for most.
See you up here.
