Last week was another phenomenally quick one, aided by beautiful weather and an extremely cooperative Leech Lake. It’s hard to believe we’re already a couple of days into week 5. The resort season, and summer in general, seems to pass by in the blink of an eye. Next thing we know it’s going to be the fourth of July.
As the season has progressed, water temps have continued to rise and with rising water temps come seasonal lake changes. A small number of anglers are still using spot-tail shiners as their go-to bait for Walleye. Spot-tail shiner availability is coming to an end very soon forcing the majority of anglers to move onto lindy and spinner rigs with Leeches and Nightcrawlers.
Pictured below from L to R: Mike Rogers from Fort Dodge, IA – Justin Rogers from Ankeny, IA – Jon Arnett from Omaha, NE and finally an apple-eating picture of Jameson, Mike, Justin, June, Madden, and baby Jersie.
Walleye fishing is still the center of attention for most this time of year. While they are still being caught, angler’s techniques have had to be adjusted to do so. Leech Lake has become very clear with the addition of zebra mussels quite a few years ago and with clear water, Walleye tend to be much more skittish and finicky. You really have to fool them into biting. Anglers have resorted to using much more sophisticated sonar live scopes to track the movement of fish and toss slip bobber rigs passed them and slowly retrieve or relocate behind fish and drift over them. Fishing during low-light periods and at night, or on days when the wind is blowing will always be best. With how observant Walleye are, it makes me wonder how the ever-popular long-line trolling with be into the foreseeable future. I’m certainly going to still give it a try myself.
Panfishing has slowed down, which is common for this time of year. Weedy bays such as Uram, Miller, and Sucker will have plenty of action for you and the kids. Finding keepers over 9 inches will be more difficult than earlier in the year, but it’s still loads of fun!
Muskie reports remain very slim. I have heard of anglers trying for them with no success reported. Pike on the other hand have been cooperating, chasing and grabbing lures all over the place on the lake.
Featured Image up top is of Dave Hoeft from Omaha, NE – funny story, this 28-inch Northern Pike was caught, tossed in the livewell, and brought back to the resort just to make a last-second escape when Dave opened the livewell on the pontoon. Northern Pike rocket headed to the moon!
Thanks for reading
Come see us at Big Rock Resort
(800)827-7106
Ray@bigrockresort.com
Ray
