Can't Fish Yet but I Can Still Report

[MarkB]

I finally got out in my boat today, thanks to Randy and TJ, and, boy, did it feel good! The purpose of my boat ride was pre-season looking for a spot for my wife and myself on the opener. Today, I checked out basically two types locations: the mouths of small bays that we've fished in the past, and sharp breaking shoreline contours that break off into really deep water(>30'). I found fish directly adjacent to two different bays that I checked. In both cases they were bunched in close proximity to the mouth of the bay and the optimum depth in both cases was 21'-24'. I actually checked 4 different bays and so I thought 50% success was totally acceptable.

My shoreline success wasn't as productive, but, I did find one area that had lots of fish strung out over 1/2 mile at a fairly consistent depth of 30'-34'. The bottom composition was mud in both cases.

I spent my entire time in Big Bay and I checked no water shallower than 20'. I would assume that there are bunches of walleyes inside the shallow water bays that I checked. The coldest water that I found was 48 degrees and the warmest was 52 degrees.

I plan on heading over to the shallow water bays north of Pine Island and on the east end of Frasier Bay on my next outing. I've found those areas to be better a little bit later but, with the early ice out, they might be going strong by the opener.

Two things: If I could only fish one type of area for the opener, it would be the mouth of a shallow water bay. AND, if catching a BIG walleye was my only goal, I would find a rock pile in one of those shallow bays, anchor up along the edge in 10' of water(if available), and drop a slip bobber into those rocks

Good Fishing,

MarkB

[redlabguy]

Great to see your report, Mark. Except that it sure makes me want to get on the water, too. We can't get up there until May 19 due to a graduation and other family business. I guess I get to spend Mothers Day with Mom this year!

Good luck on the opener but I know you won't need it. I'm sure you'll do well. I'm anxious to see you on the water.

Regards, RLG

P.S. You're right about Randy and TJ. They've sure helped me more times than I can count.

[jkrash]

I'm hoping the dock bite is hot next weekend, most openers it's the place to be. Awesome full moon tonight.

[mwentw1]

Thanks for the update. Looks like lots of options other than bumper boats in Pike Bay.

[redlabguy]

Absolutely! I only did bumper boats in Pike one time and that for an hour. I bet there are good spots in my neck of the woods by opener....Fraser Bay. I also bet MarkB is right (never bet against him) and hit the mouths of shallow bays going into deeper water.

RLG