Monday, August 22, 2011

Big Baits Do Catch Big Fish


For us at Big Hook camps fall is quickly approaching.   Considering we are just 200 miles south of Hudson Bay, fall arrives early for us.  Typically, around the end of August Mother Nature starts sending signals that fall is on the way whether we like it or not.  The trees begin to change color and nights cool down into the 40’s with ample visions of Northern Lights dancing in the north sky.  Soon we will hear the honk of the Canadian geese migrating southbound. 

One of my favorite aspects of the approaching fall is the aggression in pike.  As the temperatures cool, the gators of the deep awaken with a sense of urgency that winter will soon arrive.  Pike often turn into feeding machines this time of year.  Their primary objective is to put on weight before the freeze occurs.  No bait is too small for trophy caliber fish.  I'll begin to raid my tackle box for Bulldawgs, Depth Raiders, Reef Hawgs, Bomber Magnums, Williams Whitefish, Musky Killers, Top Raiders or any bait of size to throw.

When targeting late season pike I'll begin my efforts on my favorite weed beds.  Within 20 minutes I'll know whether pike are feeding in the weeds or focusing on chasing schools of walleye around reefs.  Last week pike were shunning the weeds up until a couple of days ago.  With a couple of cool nights under our belts the pike have rose from the depths back into the foliage.  

Weather Patterns 
As mentioned earlier in the blog, the weather is showing signs of fall.  Days are ranging from the 60's-70's while the nights having been dipping as low as 45 degrees.  The westerly winds have dominated for the past three days pushing fish into the east shoreline.  A couple days of rain are forecasted for Tuesday and Wednesday.  Water temperatures are beginning to cool as a result of the cold evenings.  

Central 
Walleye are hanging in 17-20 on many of the reefs in the north end of the lake.  Several hotspots were in fact just a golf club swing from camp.  Many 16-20" fish were caught jigging and trolling along Frisco Bay.  Today (August 22nd)  a 27" walleye was boated and released on the East Portage.  
Cocos
Late last week, Thurs and Fri, the big pike turned on.  Most big fish were found in the SW section of the Sagawitchewan River.  The rapids continued to churn out ample amounts of walleye.  Many fish 35"-41.5" were boated and released, the majority hanging in deep weed beds.  
Favorable
Lemonade is on the slow down, which is typical for this body of water late in August.  Favorable has been notching some big pike in Pike Alley and Sandy Bay.  The north arm was also a hot spot for big pike in the weeds.  
South
South had the numbers last week and five walleye over 25" were boated and released.  An impressive night bite occurred with the full moon in effect.  Worm harnesses over 20+ of water were the most effective bait for the week.  Trolling Reef Runners Lil Rippers also produced. 
SW 
Southwest surprisingly produced the biggest walleye of the week last week at 28.5".  The deeper water in the north arm is where the larger fish were located.  Several points to the east of camp held hundreds of walleye 16-18".  
West
The Horse Shoe held a number of nice fish, while the NE side of the fish bowl was also productive.  The north end of the lake kept producing walleye 25-27" on the eastern shore.  Look for structure rising to 15'.  Yesterday, a 45" monster was released.  

Good luck on the water everyone. 
-Nathan
Big Hook Wilderness Camps
www.bighookcamps.com 

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