The Lake of the Woods Phenomenon (7/16/09)

Yesterday I had the opportunity to go fishing with Tom Briggs and the boys from the Shooting Star Casino. We faced some pretty terrible conditions with 35 mph winds and rain, but we still managed to catch fish, well I may have to exclude myself, but everyone else did get into some nice fish. We caught 4 in the slot that had to be returned to Lake of the Woods…the biggest was 24 inches. We all had a great time, despite the weather conditions…Lake of the Woods never disappoints.

Here is a little lesson that I’ve had to learn throughout my short time here at the Wigwam Resort on Lake of the Woods. The wind and rain will turn up the water, which in turn, turns it muddy, which in turn, slows down the bite…I don’t like it when that happens, but it happens and we all have to deal with it. This summer we have been very lucky…if I can accurately recall, I believe this has only happened twice this summer. I hope that twice is all we get…I miss setting the hook 50 times a day!

Today our fishing report will come from me and our guides (Tom Briggs and Billy Kloos). Zipple Bay is producing some Monster Walleyes right now…over the weekend I know for a fact that there were at least 6 fish caught there that were over 29 inches. Yesterday Tom and I went to Zipple again in 29 and 23 feet of water, even in the wind and rain, and we were still catching fish. We were having the best success with Lime Green/Chartreuse Jigs with Frozen Shiners as Bait. Because of the wind and rain this great fishing might not continue for the next few days until the water clears up…whenever we get these high winds the fish usually slow with their bite. After the water clears in the next few days we should continue the great bite we’ve been having this summer. Also, when the wind dissipates keep Morris Point in front of the washout and the west side of Pine Island the fish are still biting like crazy on the hammered gold spinners and crawlers. Tom and Billy have been heading out into the big water in about 32 to 36 feet of water in the mud and anchoring and jigging. Their approximate location is about 5 miles north of Long Point towards Garden Island and approximately 7 miles north of Morris Point. They have been having success using Pink/Gold, Chartreuse/Orange and Chartreuse/Pink Jigs with frozen shiners as bait. This past weekend Tom went to this area and caught 9 Walleyes over 26”…WOW!!!! Don’t miss out on this great fishing that we’re having on Lake of the Woods…come visit us today at the Wigwam Resort on Lake of the Woods!

Today my “shout out” will go out to a couple different 1st time guests. First to the boys for the Shooting Star Casino (Jerome, Doug, John and Teddy). I know that we had some bad weather yesterday, but I hope all of you had a great time. I can’t wait to start working together with you guys in the future…I see a bright “Shooting Star” in both of our futures. Secondly to the Calkins group from the Twin Cities area. This group caught so much fish I think they left us with gills on their backs from eating so much fish. Billy Kloos (your guide) wanted me to thank you guys personally for being such great guests on his boat…he’s looking forward to your return. I hope all you guys, from both groups, had a great time with us and all your expectations were exceeded while you stayed with us at the Wigwam Resort on Lake of the Woods. I hope to see you all back very shortly and thank you again for the opportunity to have you all as our guests!