I had the opportunity to spend a few days fishing with my father-in-law and brother-in-law around the Labor Day holiday. For some folks, time with the in-laws is equal to a trip to the dentist, but I personally had a great time chasing pre-fall walleye and small mouth with Tim and Tim Jr.! Tim Jr. came to visit all the way from North Carolina so we were hoping to find something to give us a heavy tug on the line for starters. In the process, I happened to catch my largest Small Mouth to date, a 19.5 inch bronze beauty with a big ‘ol belly. This fish came of a rocky point in about 4 feet of water.
Both of these guys are fairly new to walleye fishing so we were going to be happy with just about any ‘eyes we could produce. Two techniques put walleyes in the boat for us: pulling spinners with fat head minnows or crawlers, and pulling crank baits.
Conditions were fairly tough with clear skies and no wind at all. It was great for getting a tan but no so great for nabbin’ eyes. The walleye were also scattered – one here, one there. Some were as deep as 20 plus feet, some suspended as shallow as 5 feet below the surface. You had to be willing to move and to change up techniques to catch any fish.
The crankbaits that produced for us were Wally Divers in the yellow perch and the fire tiger patterns. GPS speed for most fish was in the 1.5 – 1.75 MPH range. A good GPS and sonar was definately needed on this trip. I use the Lowrance LMS 330C and find it to be incredibly helpful in chasing these suspended fish and the bottom huggers. My thanks to my father-in-law and brother-in-law for a great time on the water and sittin’ around the campfire! Good luck to all of you getting ready for the fall bite!
Nice smallie Wade
Great report and pic’s Wade.
Sounds like you had great weather and great company…don’t really matter how fishing was…but looks like you did well!
Are you sure that’s not Tamara’s fish? Oh! My mistake! Sorry, she doesn’t catch them that small.
Nice looking fish! Is the picture going up on the wall?
Thanks guys! That smallie was a lot of fun. Shot out of the water like a rocket on the hook set.
The fish is still swimming of course. And the picture, it’s on the computer screen for now. Makes for a nice screen saver. I’ll probably get an 5×7 made up. I’m holding out for that 7-pounder.
Great fish Wade! I sure wish I could afford the time and gas to make it up there more than once a year. Someday….someday…. Did you get on Clitherall or any other lakes or just stay on WBattle this time?
goody
Goody,
That smallie was off of Clitherall. I also hit some smaller area lakes and West Battle. As for the GAS! Man, it’s terrible. If you ever want to split a trip just let me know. It’s much better to have two or three guys to share the cost on these long trips. I’ve been fishing the area since I was a kid but these gas prices are making it harder and harder to keep it going. Maybe I’ll see you on Spirit Lake this fall?