Fishing Report August 29, 2009

LAKE CONDITIONS: Surface water temps last Wednesday and Thursday were on the steady upward swing 72-74 degrees. Water Clearity: 2-4 feet and improving. Water Color: light brown/green.

Fished last Wednesday with Kevin H and Jim S both from the Twin Cities area. Both experienced hooks. Started out the day around 8am throwing topwater baits, poppers and prop baits...couple fish showed interest but no takers, continued to fish on top occasionaly throughout the day with same results. Didnt catch our first fish until around 10:30 am dispite near perfect lake conditions... light winds, water surface temps rising and visibility/clearity improving.

The bite got better and better as the day progressed. The key was switching to soft plactics fished slow and even deadsticking at times. Largest fish of the day was a 4 pound 12 ounce 20 inch smallmouth bass. By the end of the day Keven and Jim caught and released around 20-25 fish. Average size was about 18 inches. All fish gave these anglers a good battle.

Next day Thursday fished with my wife on a 'scouting' trip. Best lake conditions in about 4 weeks, h20 temps 74-75 degrees, clearity improved from the day before.....we could actually see fish cruising the reefs! Again soft plastice did the trick...caught some nice 3 and 4 pounders with one close to the 5 pound mark. If conditions continue to improve look for the top water bite to get going and the fish becoming more agressive with more bait options.
Thursday night ushered in thunderstorms, lightning, thunder and cool air temps. Friday/Saturday strong winds from the north with cold air temps. Lake temps will probally cool off somewhat but I predict fishing will pick right up after stable weather conditions return to Mille Lacs next week.

Remember...if you don't chase em, you won't catch em