Summer seems to have arrived in full-force and it’s looking to stick around. Things have been absolutely beautiful lately and it’s what locals and vacationers come to expect from July. With the sun, heat and humidity that comes with summer we have had our share of thunderstorms and rain showers, we seem to be on a 2 inch per week pace as of late and it’s not the gentle overnight rain we would prefer, it’s the cats and dogs dumped on your head variety, the type that makes mini grand canyons in the driveway. Our resort is conveniently located on the western side of the lake with plenty of forest cover to stifle any winds that decide to blow through, some resorts/homes on the other side of the lake are not nearly as lucky.
Pictured below from L to R: Paul Kreutzfeldt from Stillwater, MN – Kathy Tomola from Stillwater, MN – Tom and Angela Towns from Poplar Grove, IL and Greg Forbing from Venice, FL
Surface water temps have plopped themselves right smack dab in the middle of the 70’s and will likely stay that way for the foreseeable future and while I don’t like the term “dog days of summer” we’re definitely headed into the more difficult times in the fishing department and especially with Walleye but don’t let reports discourage you from trying, fish are still being caught, you just need to get timing and presentation on your side.
Fish early and fish late, especially if Walleye is what your after, put the low light periods of the day on your side and use them, I’m not talking be up at 5am, but try to be out and fishing by 7 or 7:30 am and make sure your out and have bait in the water from 7-10pm. Look for fish off the edges with live bait rigs, take crawlers and leeches and tie them on to bottom bouncers with spinner harnesses, drag them around the edge of main lake rock structure or weed lines around in depths around 14-20 feet. Submarine Island, Mokey and Annex reef are ideal starting points if you want to fish rocks, head over to the Snake Pits or around Goose Island if weeds are more your cup of tea.
Muskie fishing action is rising as fast as the mercury in our thermometer which is typical for this time of year, July is historically the best month of the year to fish for Muskie, they may not be at their heaviest, but they are the most active by far – chasing, jumping and just acting goofy. Take small fast-moving baits and rip them across the rocks all around Pelican Island, North Bar and Gull, you will definitely see some action.
Featured image up top is of Kathy Tomola with a fine 27 inch specimen.
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Ray
