Full on Summer
It was hot. It thunder stormed. It was flat calm. It was summer. Blazing hot, flat calm afternoons were extremely difficult for walleye production. Those same conditions were okay for pike numbers, but we saw surface temperatures above 80 in many locations and that is not a plus for big pike in the weeds.
We had some good walleye bites, but the surprise for me was how many spells were really difficult for walleyes across the region. There were a couple of days with overnight or early morning thunderstorms, and the next day was rough. We saw some main lake sand spots begin to produce, but they were also not consistent. If I had to pick one depth zone that was most productive for walleyes on the main lake, then I would have to say 20 – 30 ft. We did catch some fish shallower, but the size dropped off dramatically.
For the week, we caught and released 45 walleyes over 27 in., including 10 – 28s, 1 – 29, and 1 – 30. Volume was all over the place, but the average would have been 30 walleyes over 18 in. per boat per day. Gulp vs. minnows was a 30 / 70 split. Most guides used Gulp to find a group of fish and then minnows to get the most out of the pod.
Pike fishing was just okay. We had a few groups casting for Gators, but the results were fairly modest. For the week, we caught and released 9 over 37 in., including 4 – 38s. I think the high surface temps hurt us.
Even though it rained, the fire ban is still on. We called in 2 different lightning strike smoldering fires this past week. Once again, the local fire response team was excellent.
