Walleye
(sander vitreus)
The most sought after of the sport fish, the walleye spawns in
April and May with water temperatures at approx 46 degrees. They
remain in the shallow bays, relating to shore. As the season wears
on, these fish move offshore, using sunken islands. Some fish
continue to remain shallow, often using weeds for cover right
up until late fall. As the water cools in September and October,
the fish can be found in large numbers in current and necked-down
areas, when the largest specimens are often taken.
Tackle: Spinning gear with 6-8
pound test, light jigs and live bait. Many good fish are also
caught casting crankbaits for smallmouth bass. Average weight
2- 4 pounds with fish in excess of 10 pounds a possibility.
Muskellunge
(Esox Masquinongy)
"The Boss" on the waters where we fish, Muskies spawn
in May in very shallow water, often overlapping with Pike habitat
once the water reaches 49 degrees. The fish remain adjacent to
these areas for much of the season, often moving only a hundred
yards. Deep, healthy cabbage weeds are good bets, and Muskies
also key on clean, rocky points, isolated reefs and saddles. They
tend to roam more into late fall, and this is when trolling becomes
the tactic of choice.
Tackle: Heavy casting gear, 25 pound test and
quality leaders. Bucktails and topwaters in summer, deep diving
crankbaits in the fall. Average weight 18- 22 pounds, 40 + pounds
a very real possibility.
Northern Pike
(Esox Lucius)
Cousin to the Muskie, this fish spawns as soon as the ice goes
off the lake, resting in the same shallow, weedy bays. Into summer,
with a few exceptions, only smaller fish remain shallow. Larger
females usually move out to deeper, cooler water where they pursue
baitfish over open water. However, 20 pound fish are taken every
year while targeting Muskies, and in fall you often can't tell
if it's Muskie or Pike till you see the fish.
Tackle: Same as Muskie gear. Average size 6-10
pounds with 20 + pounds caught every year.
Smallmouth Bass
(Micropterus Dolomieu)
Smallmouth bass spawn on shallow, rocky shores in May and June,
when the water reaches 60 degrees, with the males remaining on
these spots defending the nests built. While easy to target these
fish at this time, good management and conservation dictates that
we release all bass at this time and not exploit their natural
instincts. As we move into summer, you can see some fantastic
bass fishing. Shallow humps, small reefs and extended points produce
fish, and these fish really fight! As well, you can expect the
odd Walleye, Northern and maybe a Muskie!
Tackle: Spinning and casting gear both used,
depending on the bait being used. Baits are varied: jigs, rubber
artificials, crankbaits and topwaters ( ultimate! )
Average weight 2-3 pounds, 5 pound fish taken last year.
Lake Trout
(Salvelinus Namaycush)
The Lake Trout is a fish requiring deep, clean, cool water in
order to survive and perpetuate. Clearwater and Whitefish Bay
offers this to our clients. The fish spawns in late fall ( closed
to angling ) and can often be found in 20- 25 feet in spring.
As the summer progresses, Lake Trout move into deeper water of
50 - 100 feet or more. We access these fish by trolling with electric
downriggers and relying closely on electronics and boat control.
This type of fishing offers the angler the best overall chance
at catching very large fish.
Tackle: Large capacity spinning and casting gear
mated with downrigging equipment and very large spoons. Also,
large tube jigs. Early in season, can be targeted longline trolling
and casting on lakes OTHER than Lake of the Woods. Average weight
5-12 pounds. 30 pound fish taken last year
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