As promised, finally got a couple spare minutes to put together a quick report from the confines of the big OT. First of all, how bout Mother Nature…thank you! Just puttin’ on the shades for the first time in 2 weeks put a smile on my face…and this healthy looking 26″ walleye put a smile on Cory Dalbec’s face…not only because of her size, but also because it put $90 in Cory’s pocket for winning the ‘Vacationland Resort Big Fish Contest’ held each year on opening day. Way to go Cory! Cory also realeased a 26″ fish on Sunday…..what a weekend!
Alomost everyone staying with us at Vacationland this past weekend was exclusively using spot tail shiners. Some tried leeches, but as usual, the ‘go-to’ bait was the shiner. Jigging or rigging really didn’t seem to matter, both techniques put fish in the boat. The only difference, the jiggers in shallow water (8-10 ft) caught the numbers, and the guys pulling lindy rigs in deeper water caught the bigger fish. Case in point, Jeff Retterath landed this nice eye Saturday afternoon on a lindy with a green floater in 24 fow.
And….being a firm believer that where there’s one big fish there is another, literally seconds after getting Jeff’s fish in the boat, this 28″ OT beauty slammed Jeremy Johnson’s lindy and presented him with his personal best walleye….. ‘Note to self: next year get in the Big Fish Contest’ – oh well Jeremy….great fish none-the-less!
Overall, a fantastic opener. Everyone, yes everyone staying at Vacationland this past weekend caught fish. And most of the guys that stopped in on Saturday to buy bait, were back again on Sunday to get more, and there reports were similar, lots of ‘eater’ fish with an occasional ‘over’ thrown in the mix. Sunday’s bite was consistent with Saturday’s, and the evening bite on Sunday for a trio from Mankato was excellent, as they brought 10 nice eyes to the cleaning shack for an upcoming fish fry – hope they remember to invite the host! Another busy weekend ahead as a large group of seasoned OT anglers arrive on Thursday for what looks to be another great season on Otter Tail…..I’ve still got openings for Memorial Day Weekend if anyone want’s to come up and let one of these OT eyes bend your rod – AND, the Spring discounts on cabin rental’s are still in effect thru June 5th. Until next week….
Nice Trev!
I guess you just answered my question from in the MN forum.
Great report Trevor!
There’s alot of nicer fish in that report that Ottertail never seems to get press for. I’m guessing you’re keeping your guests aware of general areas in the lake that are producing? Without tipping your hand too much, are you focusing on any type of cover in particular? Rocks, sand, weeds, etc. for the shallow water jig folks?
Joel
Young cabbage and jigs did well this weekend. I think they have moved off the gravel flats already and into the weeds, but they’ve proven me wrong before….
They must be biting if Cory and Fritzy caught fish.