Fishing Patterns

[LatLong]

Well the wait is almost over...we are heading up on Thursday and will be there till Sunday. Just wondering if anyone has a pattern that has been working. Certain depths, types of structure that are working. We are going to be targeting walleyes and pike. There are some guys in the group that are amped up to try for some crappies too. In fact one guy wants to go through the Lost Bay Portage. Is this the right time of year for that? Last year we set up on the e/ne side of structure in the 25'-40' range. Graphed a lot of fish but not a lot bites. Last year our trip was in February.

We are staying at T-bird and we like to fish areas around there and to the east.

Also how is travel on the lake? Looked like there are/were some slush problems.

[tearin' lips]

LatLong,

I am not sure of the conditions on the lake, but I did hear that it is slushy after that last snowfall. I usually abide by the rule that if the Park service has staked the trail to Kettle I will fish the east end. I haven't fished since Christmas, so I will leave it to the other guys on the site to comment on the ice conditions.

As far as the fishing goes. You should be able to find fish on any of the structure east of Dryweed. Cranberry Island and Olson Bay also have some breaks that I have done decent on in the winter that you can find fish on. Over Christmas we worked a 32' flat off the edge of a reef by Jackfish Island and did well. Gold rattling flyers and a chub head worked well for us.

[ryan_schmidt]

Hey LAtLong,

The bite has been pretty good on Rainy. Particulary for big fish. We've got a streak going right now of six guided days in a row with portables with at least one walleye over 26in with the biggest being a 30in. We're also catching some trophy sized pike on tip ups. We've been fishing from the east end of Dryweed Island to the Fox Islands alot. Theres some slush out there, but its really not to bad at all, and its alot better than it was right after the big storm. The least amount of ice I've seen west of the Brule is 9in. I've been on east Rainy also, and I've been down as far as Blueberry Island. Again some slush, but not to bad especially the further you get from shore. The least amount of ice I've seen on the east end has been 8in. The Park has not staked the trail to the east end yet, but Im guessing they will soon. Theres been a few reefs that have been consistantly good. One reef has already given up 4 walleyes over 27in since Christmas Day. The depths we're catching the eyes in is 22 to 36fow.

[ryan_schmidt]

Latlong,

I forgot to mention that there is a pressure coming out from the little island just southeast of Steamboat Island, and it runs north to the Canadian side. We've been crossing the pressure ridge on the south side of Steamboat Island. Theres some flat areas and its not a problem crossing itg at all. Just take your time and pick the flat areas. We've had good luck with shiners and chubs, however I have seen more big eyes caught off shiners. I hope this helps. Have a great trip, and good luck!

[LatLong]

Thanks for the info guys. If you happen to be in that neck of the woods feel free to stop in and say hi. I'll have a blue XC 600 and a green otter lodge. Good luck to you!