Kab area fishing and outdoors report. July 1, 2019
Finally summer is here and just in time for the 4th of July holiday!
Water temps have gone up considerably. 65 degrees just over a week ago and now in the mid 70’s. An increase in recreational boating is apparent and it looks to be a fabulous week ahead of us with just a few chances for rain. Perfect daytime temps for a swim or boat ride and cool evenings to spend around the campfire but before you get the smores going you might want to try a little fishing too!
It’s seems like a broken record when it comes to walleye fishing. They are still quite scattered throughout the lake with more showing up on the reefs as we get deeper into summer like patterns. Mid lake structure and island points are producing fish but a little deeper now as the water warms and especially on calm, sunny days. Shallow windblown weed lines on windy, cloudy days. That magical hour before dusk is best. Pitching jigs, lindys and spinners are working well. Last week we found the same. You will want to have a variety of bait to offer as we would catch fish on minnows in one area and on leeches or crawlers in another. Understanding how to read your sonar is crucial as you scout areas looking for active fish. Move on if you are marking fish but not interested in what you have to offer. Some areas have seen a decent mayfly hatch but not everywhere and it seems to be short lived. Soft bottom areas where mayflies are hatching can be quite productive if you can find them. See below for area quide reports.
Northern pike will begin to move deeper as the water warms but there is still a decent bite casting weed beds and rocky shorelines and shallow reefs. Same goes for small mouth bass.
It’s a good time of year to spend your time in the boat fishing early and late and taking a boat ride during the in between hours. There is so much going on right you can’t go wrong with any decision you make. Whether it’s visiting the Ellsworth rock gardens, any of the National Park Visitor centers or taking a cruise up to Kettle Falls. Hike into one of the inland lakes or just spend some time on a beach somewhere. It’s all good! One noteworthy item is that Shoepack lakes are closed until the July 15 for a musky research project, but the hiking trails are all open.
There are sure to be some fantastic fireworks around the lake on the 4th. Watching a good light show while relaxing in the boat can’t be beat. There is usually a good display along the West and South shore. Bring the bug spray just in case the mosquitos make an appearance!
Before heading out on the lake or setting up camp make sure to stop into Gateway. We have a unique line of jewelry custom hand made by Sand Bay Jewelry. Each piece has a little bit of Kabetogama sand you can cherish forever. A great gift for yourself or a loved one. We are adding new flavors of ice cream almost daily and have new hats, beach shoes and apparel you are sure to love. Daily food specials as well.
Have a wonderful AND safe 4th of July holiday and as always, we’ll see you soon!
Gateway
GUIDE REPORTS
TRAVIS CARLSON
It’s been a very productive week walleye fishing on Kabetogama. Not much has changed the last couple weeks as far as what works. Most days I’ve had my best fishing in 22-27′ using live bait rigs and leeches. Mid lake structure and island points have been equally as good. On windy days fishing weed lines in 5-10′ is also productive. The two most important things are fish the wind and use your sonar to locate fish. See you on the water, Travis Carlson.
TRENT SNYDER
It seems like it’s a repeat of last weeks report. But the bite is still going well. With the hot sunny days and very limited wind we are doing quite well. Not much has changed in recent days. Reefs seem to hold most of the walleye but don’t be afraid to fish rock piles or islands, the only change I can see is, sometimes the fish are deep and other days they are a bit shallower. Deep as in 27-32 or 17-23, that is all weather related. A little overcast and wind should keep them in the shallower areas. Jigs tipped with minnow or leech and Lindy works great too. Trent
DOMINIC RUIS
Have been doing extremely well fishing wind blown shorelines in 10’-15’ with spinners and crawlers. If fishing shallow don’t stay in one pace long….keep moving and you will find fish.
