The Low Pressure Has Left the Building

One of the biggest thrills about being in this business for 29 years is to meet so many great people and learn about their lives.  This year we have seen a significant increase in the numbers of young people coming up to fish at Big Hook.  AND THESE KIDS DO FISH!!   We enjoy hearing their daily fishing stories. The children that have fished here this year have been great and very mannerly.   I think the "Special Bonding" that is reinforced when fishing together with their families and friends really shows.  Catching the big one is only part of the trip.  Thank you for sharing your passion of fishing to the next generation. -Evie Hartle 

Weather

Finally, finally and finally a massive low pressure system hovering to the north of the Opasquia Provincial Park moved eastward this morning (8/9/2013).  This chilling low pressure crept its way in last Sunday night and camped out over NW Ontario all week.  The system brought plenty of clouds, rain, wind and chilly temperatures.  The majority of the week, average daily highs peaked around 50-55 degrees, highly unusual for the first week of August.  Water temperatures dove into the mid to low 60's depending which body of water you were on.

Most of NW Ontario was in great need of rain.  The majority of our lakes in the park are flirting with all time lowest levels; this last bout of rain should have provided our water levels a decent boost. Fortunately, the system has moved on and sunnier skies are forecasted for the week ahead.

Fishing

Despite the weather, fisherman have been getting out on the water and catching some nice fish.  The weather did disperse the large schools and caused the number to drop on some lakes, however numerous trophies have been boated and released this week.  So a long story short, last week numbers were down but the sizable fish were still feeding. 

Most walleye were holding in around 16' of water on most lakes.  SW and Lemonade were the anomalies where guests are still boating fish in 6-10'.   Jigs and Rattle Traps seemed to be the consensus effective lures for fisherman.  Flouro-orange will always be one of my favorite colors on dark days.  Bigger fish seemed to be isolated from the schools, holding in around 20-25' on gradual drop offs.  

When focusing on bigger walleye 25"+, the trick is bringing your patience, as these fish are generally roaming areas alone or in small schools.  When I locate a wind blown point holding lots of fish in the 16-20" range I'll slowly maneuver the boat into 5-10' of deeper water for the bigger females.   

Pike are beginning their fall feed right on schedule.  Numerous large fish have been boated and released with whitefish still hanging out of their mouths.  The fact fish are still feeding with full bellies tells me that they are looking to put on some wait before winter arrives.  Larger baits are now becoming more and more effective for boating that toothy trophy.  My favorite lures this time of year are Bull Dawgs, Bomber Mag Long A's and Depth Raiders outside of the weed beds.  Fishing in the slop you still need to stick with the old faithful Johnson Silver Minnows, Bucktails and assorted topwater baits. 

According to several camps, early mornings and late afternoons seem to be the hot hours of the day for fish in the weeds; both are low light conditions.  Days with high sun and calm I will often try 8-12' rock reefs, casting big deep diving baits. 

Good luck on the water everyone, 

-Nathan

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