Fishing and Hunting Report 10/7/2018
Fall hits the north land with unseasonably cold, wet weather.
We are well ahead of schedule as it seems like we can’t break free of this late feeling fall weather. Most loons have lost their color as they congregate in large groups preparing for their trip to the gulf. This generally happens later in October, but it is obvious we have seen many begin their trip already. Fall foliage colors have peaked and most trees are losing their leaves quickly which has improved grouse hunting now that visibility is better. Deer are more active as they prepare for the rut which usually peaks in early November. Bow hunters are seeing increased activity with this cooler weather. We have yet to see any sort of push of ducks from the north which has us in that typical early season lull. There are some good reports from our friends to the north that birds are on the way, but we need that water to freeze to push them across the border. The end of the week looks good with sunny skies forecast for the first time in almost two weeks. That won’t help the waterfowlers, but the rest will be happy to see some sun!
With the unusual cold weather we have been experiencing, water temps have dropped significantly and fish have pushed deeper in return. Walleye fishing has been great off reefs and points in 30’-32’ of water over hard bottom structure. Trolling cranks with lead core or bottom bouncers have been the most productive. A jig and minnow are another good combination to try if you can find active fish and sit on them. With the weather keeping the fair-weather anglers off the lake, you will have your favorite spot to yourself.
Small mouth bass fishing is fair at best with most anglers having to work to find them. Usually this time of year you can’t keep them off your line but with water temps dropping quickly they have moved off the reefs and onto the edges and even deeper. There was a week or so of fantastic bass fishing but unfortunately that seems to have come and gone. Work the deeper edges off the reefs and points in 20’ of water and deeper. Jigs tipped with a minnow or plastics is the way to go.
Northern pike and crappie reports are basically non-existent, but some nice pike are being caught while trolling for walleye.
For the time being it looks like we have missed out on some mild fall weather. Don’t fret though. Keep an eye on the weather and try to make it up to Voyageurs National Park and Lake Kabetogama. There is sure to be some warmer temps and sunny skies on the way and this is the place to be to enjoy the great outdoors as the seasons change.
Voyageurs National Park staff will be conducting hazard marker and regulatory buoy removal within the park during the month of October. Weather and other variables play a critical role in determining specific dates for this work. Be careful when navigating the area as these markers are being removed.
Jason & Robyn Cooper
Gateway General
