June 26, 2008 Update

Summer finally has arrived! The effects, though, of the late and cool spring are still being felt in all of nature. This has been especially true of the fishing with respect to the smallmouth and the walleye. The walleye have yet to hit their summer peak, which occurs about 3-4 weeks after the conclusion of their spawning period. A few walleyes are being caught, but in strange places with even stranger methods. Most walleyes have been caught recently in very shallow water on Texas rigged Senkos! Although some bass have already spawned, most are doing so at present. This is 3 to 4 weeks later than ordinary. Most bass are being found and caught in shallow areas adjacent to their spawning areas. While most fish have been caught on 4" Senkos (Watermelon and Purple colors), a great number of fish have been caught on various topwater lures. Topwater lure include such items as Tiny Torpedoes, Jitterbugs, Skitter Pops and buzzbaits. A few fish continue to be taken with bottom referenced techniques with jigs and Texas rigged lures such as Bitsy Bugs, 4" lizards, and Smalley Beavers. On a conservation note, with the marginal bass spawning conditions this year, it makes it especially important to do all we can to help the bass who do spawn. We can do this by not fishing for any bass on their spawning beds. so long for now.

June 14, 2008 Update

Not much has changed since the last post. The weather continues unseasonably cool and wet. This has raised havoc with the spawning seasons of the Northern Pike, walleye and especially the smallmouth bass. While the bass fishing is considered good or better most days, the walleye fishing continues in its post-spawn slump. Bass are being caught presently on topwater items such as Jitterbugs, buzzbaits, popper type baits and floating Rapalas. The 4" Senko in any color that includes watermelon has been the most consistent producer of late. While the bass are being found in the shallow water areas associated with spawning sites, very little beds are seen with male bass acting as sentinels. The obvious conclusion is that this strange spring has the bass more confused than everyone with the exceptions of the weatherman and Al Gore who seem even more at a loss. While wild flowers, lilacs and deciduous trees show the promise of a new season; we can't seem to get over the hump weather-wise. The long range forcasts suggests that this may be about to change. Let's hope these forecasts are not fueled by wishful thinking along with a good dose of Labatts Blue. Until then, may your jacket be warm and rain gear well sealed. So long for now.