Kabetogama/Namakan Fishing Report 8/16/10
Another “WOW” factor week, warm summer weather with light winds, great for enjoyment with the exception of die hard anglers.
Walleyes hanging tight in their 30’+ locations, frustrating anglers with their elusive behavior. Big pike taking on artificial baits and mid-depth crankbaits. Smallmouth responding to crank-baits and scented plastics on shorelines.
Best success for walleye anglers will be reefs and rock-piles, hit the reef edges and fast drop-offs. Slip sinker rigs or jig and minnow are now the best offering. Areas kickin’ out fish last week, Center Reef, Martin Islands, Cuculus on down into Namakan.
Northern pike report same as last week, over weed tops or outside the weed edges. Mud Bay, Daily Bay, Nebraska Bay should keep you busy.
Smallmouth on most shorelines, especially on rip-rap shores or up against rock faces. Spinner-baits working, along with X-Raps.
It’s a good time of year to troll crank-baits, depths from 15’-30’ should be covered, Kabetogama/Namakan Fishing Report 8/23/10
Wind and warmth describes this past week. Strong winds kept anglers at bay in the beginning of the week, and then summer returned to what’s been normal, 75 – 85 degrees daytime with mild winds.
Walleyes are somewhat scattered, with some shallow bite; however, the successful anglers are targeting 30’ with deeper water adjacent. It’s true there are fish being caught in 35-45’ depths, but the depth and warm water leads to a very high mortality for a lot of fish you can’t keep.
Live bait, primarily minnows is the stand out bait choice, rainbows are by far a good choice for this time of year, active and colorful. Temper your minnows when introducing them to lake water.
Jig and minnow, or slip sinker rig with live bait used along reef edges or structured shorelines will produce. Presently the East half of Kabetogama into Namakan has been the most consistent waters.
Namakan or East Kabetogama has water temperatures 3-5 degrees cooler than West Kabetogama which must be a significant factor.
Northern pike, including many trophy size, being caught with some regularity, again fish over weed tops or deep week edges.
Smallmouth after crayfish and perch minnows, find them on the shorelines and shallow weed edges.
This week looks again like great summer weather prior to the inevitable coming of fall. Walleyes and its counterparts will now or soon be foraging feverishly for food to aid them through the winter.
Anglers should look for a 30’ deep or thereabouts food shelf adjacent to deeper water. Structures like Martin Islands, Cuculus, Green and Chase Island are some examples. Namakan basin offers many places which ideally fill the description.
Nice time of year for a pre-fall boat ride and a fishing adventure.
expect hits from walleye, pike and saugers.
For Kabetogama, this has been a great year for Perch, lots of jumbos being caught by walleye anglers.
Cool weather forecast for this week, change up your tactics till you find success.
