Summertime has
arrived in
splendid
fashion;
although we do
remain on the
cool side, which
suits most
outdoor
enthusiasts.
Lake
winds have been
down or very
tolerable,
allowing anglers
to travel by
water to enjoy
the park, or get
to their
favorite
memorable
fishing spots.
Anglers
haven’t been
disappointed, as
the lakes still
offer a good
bite for a range
of species.
Especially noted
this week was
a sharp increase
in pike action.
Northern
pike are taking
all angler
offerings, much
to the liking or
dismay of
anglers. Pike
have started
getting
aggressive in
shallow waters
either amongst
the weeds or
reef edges.
Walleyes
for the most
part are
stationed on the
reefs or near
submerged
structures as
the mayfly hatch
is coming to an
end.
Saugers
and stray
walleyes are
being caught
frequently in
depths under
18’; however,
the strongest
walleye action
is around
the 24-30’
range.
Bait
selection is an
angler’s choice;
use the bait you
are the most
proficient with.
Reports of
consistent
catches are
being heard
about leeches,
crawlers and
minnows. Note
the best sauger
action is
minnows.
Smallmouth bass
are primarily
hanging near
rock and gravel
structures
looking for
crayfish and
baitfish. A
footnote to this
is don’t
forget casting
shorelines with
surface or
semi-surface
lures; you’ll be
surprised what
you catch in
addition to
smallmouth.
Walleye
hunters look for
lake bottom
structures that
have
depressions,
humps or an
outcropping of
rock structures
with rapid
changing depths
for best
results.
Largemouth bass
found on many of
the park
interior lakes
are loving
surface baits,
and action has
been fast—great
fun for kids.
