Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Kabetogama/Namakan Fishing Report



Summer-like weather has returned which in turn is warming the waters. Kab temps after sundown are now in the low 60’s, and reaches mid-to-high sixties during sunlight hours.
The water level dropped a couple of inches over the last week, which is the first time this season that the water is finally dropping.
Shallow water fish—walleye, sauger, northern, and bass—are still biting in the early evening and evening hours. Folks angling from shore or their docks are doing well bobber fishing with minnows.
The primary walleye bite is gradually moving deeper. A good depth is 30’ for jig and minnow and 22 – 28’ for a slip-sinker rig.
Both minnows and leeches working equally well; and crawlers expected to come on strong next week.
A strong sauger population is helping anglers fill their limit. Remember on Kab and Namakan you can have 6 fish in your walleye-sauger limit, but not more than 4 can be walleye. A filleted sauger is counted as a walleye.
Northern pike in the 2 – 4# category biting very aggressively; larger pike are still lingering in deeper water.
Smallmouth moving out of the shallow water which finds them now near rocky shorelines, rock piles, and creek outlets after crayfish.
Artificial lures, top water and shallow runners should be good for lots of smallie action.
When searching out walleyes and smallies, look for some shallow water areas holding baitfish; usually the windward shores and sides of reefs where deep water in excess of 30’ is nearby.
Good areas for walleyes should include center reef, windward shores of Harris, Ram, and Sheep Islands.
On the Eastern portion of Kab take a good look at Chase, Green, and Wolf Islands.
Northern pike will be present in Mud, Daily, and Nebraska Bays and inside Blind Ash Bay.

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