Walleye and Muskie Fishing Remains the Headliner
Walleye fishing remains excellent with bottom bouncers and jig efforts taking fish. Bottom bouncing clearly has the edge when it comes to yielding a trophy because of the water covered with this presentation. Depths are typical August ones - 20 to 30 feet and mid-basin structures are the favored targets. The action has remained steady even though water temps have cooled off to the mid-70's. Plastics including Power baits and Gulp are working as well as nightcrawlers and leeches.
The observation about this year is that while numbers may be slightly down the average size is clearly up and these fish are in superb condition, displaying solid girths...even on the smaller 14 and 15 inchers.
Muskie fishing has dramatically improved in the last two weeks after slow action in June and throughout much of July. Water temps peaked near 80 but as previously noted have slid back to the 70's and on cooler mornings the rising fog indicates that warmth is being shed. This year is different than recent ones as traditional baits, such as the Suick, have not shown fish...yet! It has been the year of the bucktail with number 10 sizes taking quality including a couple of "tankers." Cowgirls, Esox Edge and A-1's have been productive. Crankbaits have been the secondary presentation - Cranes, Grandmas and S.S. Shads taking several fish. Topwaters are showing a few fish walk the dog styles probably doing better than Top Raider styles. There is a clear edge to evening fishing or on cloudy days.
Water clarity has been excellent on most areas of the north basin.
Give Gail a call and visit us at Witch Bay...the camp with the incredible service.
Russ Warye
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