Spring walleye subtle changes...

I really wanted to be better at weekly reports...I did provide a number of weekly fishing reports to Gateway General store, I just didnt get them on my own site. But like I always say, even if you don't need or want a guide, email me at kabfishing@yahoo.com and I would be happy to talking fishing on Kabetogama or Namakan. So, I have been fishing a bit lately...mostly long weekends. Guiding demand has been high lately. Here is what I found in the 3 days of guiding over labor day. Water Temps are 67-69 degrees which is still warm, but will be dropping soon. Cooler nights, but 70 degree days, and winds for 4 days when i arrived that had been out of the west/southwest. With wind I always start shallow, and typically fishing shallow I start guests on a lindy rig either with a plain hook and leech, or a spinner and crawler (you can do different combinations, i realize). It wasn't 30 seconds on our first spot that we had a fish in 10 feet of water. With wind, remember the food source is being blown up along rock or weed edges and those fish will stack up (especially if the wind has been blowing for days). We proceeded to stay shallow and have success in almost every spot we tried. Only one slot fish (18-26") but lots of 13-16" keepers. The second day was almost exact opposite. 70-75 and not a ripple on the water. I hoped the fish would be in the same location but that wasn't the case. After trying several spots in 8-12 feet we moved our Lindy Rigs out to 21-25 feet and found a couple keepers...anytime I in that depth or deeper I try a jig and minnow presentation or I've started to try jigging rap, or "drop-shot" techniques as well...all had a fish, bite or something...but nothing really brought them in steady. Overall we had one here, one there in the morning to middle of the day, and ended with 6-7 nice keepers, but overall slow. I had another group in the afternoon/evening and they simply wanted any fish, so we casted and chased walleye both! Still little to no wind, but somehow we got on a nice school of 14-16 walleyes using spinners and crawlers along a weed edge in Namakan...we caught nice fish and a good number. A few in other places but for whatever reason, this spot they were actively feeding. Pike came in steady on #4 mepps and also on 1/4 oz. jig head and BfishN plastics...nothing big, but very aggressive for both bass and pike. Sunday was overcast, 5-10 mph wind and most of our fish came from 24-27 feet of water. We found some crappies, walleyes and one hungry pike that was attached to a walleye...Overall, the fish are scattered...I think persistence and trying different methods helped us boat more fish then the people around us...remember to try different things!

In our typical week long early June trip, staying on the west side (NLRO or Parkpoint), there is usually a day or two where the wind is creating so many big waves we don’t go out, or, have to wait until after 6pm, if at all. Last year we braved a day where the wind from N/NE created waves so big the trolling motor was coming out of the water as we tried to drag Lindy’s. Not a good situation. Thinking a safer/better approach to get some fishing time in would be to get behind an island on the leeward side. Not really sure if there is a fishing strategy or what type of structure we should be looking for that might produce some action on the leeward side? What do you think? Thanks.

Well...it is june 1st, but i'm not fishing today and seemed like a better end of the week as most resorts rent Saturday to Saturday. BIG week...lots happening in the seasonal patterns. Early in the week or last weekend, Kab fisherman faced a cold front that slow the spring hot bite. Many anglers found cooler waters and tough bite. Water temps 55-57 degrees. Luckily I was chasing HUGE smallmouth in Door County and wow, what a system. But my timing was good as I returned to Kab on Tuesday, the 28th and found that cold front gave way in a big way. Most anglers has success at a variety of depths. Keeper walleyes are being brought in in deeper drop offs or areas that sand bars drop into 24-31 feet. Magic depth for me was about 27-30. Lots of small fish (reel them in slow, due to swim bladders), smile and enjoy the next one. Scattered in this success, every 3-4 fish you got a better strike on your jig and reeled in a 14-16" keeper. I know others were finding big walleyes shallow in the sand in the mornings and evenings. Casting small jigs tipped with minnows or plastics really produced in areas near Cutover, Sugarbush, 3 Sisters. Wednesday -Friday: sun shined and warm days, warmed that water into the low to mid 60's, and I began seeing minnows near shallow docks. This is great, the walleyes and pike will move up and feed in early and late hours. Follow wind patterns and find bays and points you would find minnows in...this will lead you to finding those walleyes. I think lindy rigs or live bait rigs tipped with minnows and leeches will really start to be hot. Slip bobbers are a popular option in these conditions as well and work wonderful with kids. Don't skip those mid 20's to 30 foot range to find a few walleyes and those tasty perch and sauger. I think a jig and minnow will keep producing in those deeper depths. Crappie hunters...I think we are close to them moving into shallower areas to spawn. Remember they are vulnerable and bite well, enjoy in moderation is all I will say if you find a school of these legendary slab Kab Crappies! Good luck, hope to see you on the water! Kab Kid