After being hooked on salmon fishing last year we bought a couple of downriggers and some of the basic gear needed for a trip over to the Algoma area to give it a try. We arrived at Big Lake Campground Friday the 24th. We were informed that the wind had just switched directions and it started raining as we finished setting up the tent. Being our maiden voyage this year with our 1988 17 ft Alumacraft we decided to wait until daylight the following day to go out fishing.
The lake was a bit rough but after awhile we were able to get our sea legs and we ran out to the 80 to 90 foot depths. We started trolling with our Cannon downriggers set at 50 feet. We were using flies trailing behind coyote flashers. We changed depths and the amount of line out behind the ball until we hooked up with a salmon. This is the first salmon that Jackie caught and I think she may be hooked now also.
We were able to boat a couple of fish in the AM before heading out to take a break and meet up with some friends at the campground. About 4:00 it was time to hit the lake again and this time we had a little more confidence with all our gear and we were rewarded for our efforts with a couple more beauties. This photo is of my first salmon of the year. It also hit a fly trailing a flasher only this time we were out in the 135-150 foot range and fishing down about 80 feet.
Remember to carry a GPS with you if you decide to go out either in the AM or PM as the fog can get quite thick. Mark your location at the lighthouse when you leave the marina then run straight out and mark the location at a deeper depth. When returning go to the deeper location first then head in to the marina mark. By doing this you should avoid hitting any of the shallow water. Remember this lake is only 51 to 56 degrees now so like any new lake you fish take it easy until you become more familiar with it. One more tip if your visiting the Algoma area you must stop in at Bearcats. It is a great fish market specializing in smoked salmon and other fresh and smoked products. Also if your camping give Big Lake Campground a try. It is just a couple miles from the marina and is a campground that caters to fishermen.
Steve
Those are some nice looking “screamers” you have there leinieman
Looks like Jackie caught the biggest fish again. She always seems to have a special nack for that. Someday Steve we will figure out a way to get one up on her. lol. Thanks for the report Steve. Very nice fish!
Thanks, Bill
WOW, great fish.
I had a bad day, still trying to figure it out.