Kabetogama- Ash River- Namakan Fishing Report
As the transition to fall continues, more fall like activities are taking place.
Walleye fishing continues to be strong for those willing to tackle the cool mornings and a somewhat persistent windy weather pattern. As usual, fishing the wind blown weed lines will produce the most fish right now. A lindy or jig tipped with a minnow is dominating the bite.
Crappie are starting to show up in anglers live wells with regularity using the same technique but in deeper water. Look to areas around Lost bay, Old Dutch and Ash River outlet.
Small mouth have now started to show up on the reefs but not in great numbers just yet. It won’t be long and we will have some of the best bass fishing anywhere in the Midwest.
Pike are still active just about anywhere and some larger fish are being caught as they are on a feeding frenzy as water temps start to drop.
Speaking of water temps, they have dropped into the low 60’s with the recent cool weather.
Bear hunting is still going strong with a good success rate in this area.
Grouse and bow deer season opened this past weekend with limited success as there is still a lot of foliage on the trees making it hard to see the birds when they flush. Walking open areas and logging trails is your best bet until the woods clear out a little. As for deer, we only had a few registered this past weekend at Gateway General.
Waterfowl season begins on Saturday the 23rd. On my most recent scouting missions I observed plenty of birds around. Most notably is the teal and wood ducks are still here which a great sign. Usually the cooler mid September weather pushes them to the south before we get a crack. The beaver ponds I scouted were loaded.
Even though the unpredictable weather forecast is causing most outdoorsmen and women the fits lately, if you like fall weather now is the time to be out and about. Don’t forget your rain jacket and still bring the bug spray as we haven’t had a killing frost to get rid of those pesky mosquitoes!
As the trees continue to change color there isn’t a better time to visit the Kabetogama area and Voyageurs National Park!
As always, we all hope to see you soon…..
Jason and Robyn
Cooper’s Gateway General Store
