7/30/09
Lake conditions: Water temps are fluctuating with the cooler than normal weather patterns. Last week it was still in the high 60's, this week we broke into the 70's. We should be mid to high 70's. Clarity is excellent in most areas except by the tribs where the rainfall runoff has stained things up. Wind will also stir things up so look to the leeward side.
Carp: Still finding carp schools in the bays. Very receptive to dries right now on calmer days.
Smallmouth: Well these guys are settled into their summer patterns finally, even though we still had some fish spawning as late as 2 weeks ago. Last week we were catching post spawners! This year is shaping up a lot like last year...crayfish patterns. Browns w/ orange have been the ticket as of late. 2/0 to 3/0 with weighted heads.
Largemouth: Wow! The early morning topwater bite has been phenomenal. Bob's Banger is our go to popper. Chartreuse is our favorite. But don't rule out other colors, it's more of the action than the color.
Musky: Musky are established in their summer patterns as well. Look for them in their traditional lairs. My Perch pattern tied with the Finn Coon has been killer! On darker days go with Black/Red!
6/23/09
Lake conditions: Water temps are finally starting to get where they should be. Still a little behind in some areas though. Clarity is excellent in most area except by tributaries where the rainfall runoff has stained things up.
Carp: Done spawning and starting their ravenous feeding. Hex Nymphs are the ticket! See bug report.
Smallmouth: Are starting to settle into summer patterns.. Top water is starting to really take off. If we could just get some consistent weather things would explode!!! My personal fly, Capt. Brian's TJ accounted for most of the fish this past week. Dark Green was the color.
Musky: This has been a great spring for Musky. We have been seeing many Musky each day. A lot of these are smaller fish which is a very good sign considering the VHS 4 years ago. This shows that Musky have been successfully spawning! This past week we put 7 in the boat. Black seemed to be the hot "color".
Bugs: Brown drakes in full swing. Hexes are not far off. Watch your step! Bring bug jackets should you venture into the shallows with reeds as the bugs will drive you off.
6/10/09
Lake conditions: Water temps are struggling...low of 56 in the channels to the low 60's in the lake. According to my records we are 10 degrees behind for this time of the year! Clarity however is very good and improving, the summer blue is appearing!
Carp: have begun their spawning activity. As soon as they are done they should be very catchable, i.e. about the time the Hexes come off!
Smallmouth: are done for the most part with spawning and they are starting to get on their pre-summer feeding binge. Numbers days are here as well as big fish. Streamers in white or perch patterns are great. On calmer days watch for surface activity and throw poppers.
Musky: Wow! I can't remember when we have seen so many fish! We are sighting double digits of musky daily. Come try your casting arm of one these beasts! BIG hairy flies to push water add flash if water is off colored.