Up at the NW Angle, fishing has been PHENOMENAL. With the nice weather, it’s the BEST I’ve seen in years. We had sunny weather all week and our water temperature is at 65 degrees. Still catching lots of northerns under that 29 inch size which make a great shore lunch! Perch are done spawning so we’re starting to catch more of those. Smallmouth bass are up on beds and fishing for them has been fantastic (in shallow, I recommend tube jigs). All groups are still getting their limit of walleyes with countless groups getting more than 50 fish per day. Some with over 100 per day. Several musky’s were caught and released while jig fishing for walleye – it’s going to be a GREAT musky season! Just a reminder that musky season opens June 20th. We have limited availability, call and we’ll do our best to find some dates that work for your group!
Lake of the Woods Fishing Report, NW Angle, Sunset Lodge
On the Minnesota side, Flag Island Flats have turned on since the May flies have hatched. 6-8 feet of water. The Four Blocks area also did well – 12-20 feet of water. 3/8 ounce jig, gold seemed to be the best but fluorescent work well also. For spinner rigs, we used a 1.5 ounce bottom bouncers with a snell spinner. Normally, we don’t catch crappies on the Minnesota side. The exception is this time of year. Kids were catching them right off the dock at Young’s Bay since they are spawning in the crick there!
On the Ontario side, deeper reefs that top out at 5-17 feet have turned on due to the May fly hatch. Bellies are full of crayfish.
We were in the right place at the right time to witness loons mating right near the boat! The male was dancing, rolling over backwards, flapping his wings, etc… really trying to impress the female. It was a treat to watch.
The Peterson/Van Dam Group were visiting for their annual father/son fishing trip. They had something pretty special to celebrate. Jordan Peterson (pictured here with his 24 1/4 inch walleye) had BOTH lungs replaced two years ago!
I predicted we’d be breaking the 30″ mark soon. Well, this past week, the Mike Tripp Group caught one that measured 31 inches!
Until next week, good fishing!
Dan Schmidt
Sunset Lodge Manager & Guide
The family and I are counting the days, Dan! We’ll be seeing you and the crew on July 4. Save some of those big walleye for us!
Dan,
Were right there with James….. I know we are counting the days… My daughter and son in law are also joining us for the week… After all the stories I have shared with them they are pumped to get up the Sunset Lodge to put the hammer down on the Angle !!
Ha – will be happy to join the crew up there after the 4th as well. Don’t sore-mouth all the fish before we get there Koonce ‘n James!
Joel