The start of a weed bite and a world class pike
It was a normal week of weather and spring fishing on Lac Seul this week. We had some sun, some showers, and some weather changes. The only thing different about this week is that the water level is still about 1 foot lower than normal for this time of year. The weeds are topping out in the back bays and are well on their way on the main lake.
We did have the start of a good walleye weed bite midweek, but that pattern fell apart with the passing of a few weather fronts. If we see any stretch of sunny and flat conditions next week, then we will be checking the weeds again.
There are a few walleyes on main lake summer structure, but most of our fish this week were caught between 10 – 16 ft. in transition areas. Guides sheets averaged 35 walleyes over 18 in. per boat per day. The highest daily total was 120.
Light jigs (1/8 – ¼ oz.) with minnows were still the top producers, but we did have some good bites on plastics. The guides who had success were pulling ¼ to 3/8 oz. jigs with smaller to medium profile plastics between .7 and 1 mph. Gulp Crazy Legs jerk shads and 4 in. grubs were effective, and both selected for bigger walleyes. For the week we caught and released 40 walleyes over 27 in., including 8 – 28s, 2 – 29s, and 1 – 30.
The big pike were just beginning to find emerging weed beds this week. Guides also found some nice fish on main lake rock. The weeds typically become more consistent as they get closer to topping out around the first week of July. Big Doktor spoons and Williams Whitefish were top producers.
Ed and Debbie Rosenow have been fishing for pike with us forever, but this week, the grandkids stole the show. Natalie caught the first big one at 42.75 in. and then Eric landed a stunning 45 in. monster pike. For the week, we caught and released 16 pike over 37 in. including 2 -38s, 1 – 39 and 1 – 41 along with the Rosenow trophies.
The smallmouth bass fishing hit another gear this past week. Based on previous observations, I expect this coming week to be the peak of our bass season. Preferences changed depending on the conditions, but tubes, cranks, plastics, ned rigs, Mepps, and topwaters were all effective at times. For the week, we caught and released 44 over 19 in., including 4 – 20s.
The month of June always flies by for me. The advice that I consistently give the guide crew at this time of year is to keep an open mind. Deep or shallow, fast or slow, weeds or rock, the fish can and will move on a daily basis. In June, be ready for change.
