One week into the 2019 open water season and Kabetogama seems like its on fire!
Great reports coming from Gateway Store, https://www.kabfishingreport.com/, Kabetogama Lake Association and local anglers that I talked too. I was able to sneak up for 2 days but kids, soccer, and ambulance life had me going back Monday after opener! Here is what I know...Water was cool 45-48 degrees which had some big walleyes in spawning areas likely or just off the beds/rocks in shallow water. The bite was scattered as you or I would be just after a long shift...moving slow and triggering a bit in the shallow produce many big (slot) walleyes or numerous northern pike!
We moved deeper to find more "keeper" sized fish, and most of the people I talked with out there had success. Not your trophy fish, but lots of walleyes being caught in 25-31 feet. Some small but many 12-15" keepers. We also ran into some Jumbo Perch out in that deeper water, fat and full of spawn.
Weather was to good to be true on that opening weekend! 55-65, sunny, light wind...wow! Fun time for me with family and friends. The rest of the week, temps were warming and the bite was as well I was told. Still in those transition areas from spawning bays or shorelines to drop offs and gravel areas. A little scattered, but they are feeding, so jig/minnow, Lindy (live bait rigs) rigs, plastics, and even a few on crankbaits. Good Luck, hope to see you on the water!
Kab Kid
Wade Watson
