August 6, 2008 Update

Greetings from Hawk Lake Lodge. It is hard to believe that we already find ourselves in August with but a few weeks remaining in the 2008 season. The weather still remains unusual and unsettled as it has for almost the entire year. Fishing patterns have not followed their usual progression during the season. Even now, it is difficult at best to deduce a pattern that can be applied to other lakes or different parts of the same lake for that matter. Every time out, you have to force yourself to be open -minded and flexible. Experimentation is the order of the day. Fish are still being caught, trophy fish as well. Three days ago Wolf Lake yielded up 22" and 23" bass on the same day and in the same area to Lou and Linda from Pecatonica, IL.. A week earlier a 20.5" specimen was taken by Blake Ponist from Brownsburg, IN. in the general vicinity. Two of these fish were taken on unweighted Senkos and one on a Mepps spinner. Grubs threaded onto 1/8 oz. jigs are catching quite a few fish. Texas rigged soft plastics such as finesse worms and Smallie Beavers work well for some anglers. The timeless Beetle Spin seems to be very effective as well. The best thing is is that topwater lures are doing well most nights and mornings - mostly Tiny Torpedoes and Skitter Pops. Fun fishing - a lot of different things seem to be working. You just have to keep at it until you find the key for that particular lake and day. Walleyes are still spotty, although a number were caught by Bob Nelson's group from North Dakota up to 32" in length. Phil from Toledo, OH caught a 42" Northern on Mud Lake. A couple of gentlmen from Michigan even caught a couple of trout on Wolf Lake (weird) in no more than 20 feet of water. As you can see, it has been a strange season with respect to the weather and the fishing. So long until next time.