Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Whitefish Chain Fishing Reports


Recommended Posts

Heading up to the Whitefish Chain this weekend.  Any new info?  Did the water cool down some?  Last time I was there the water was 82-84 way too hot.  Any help would be appreciated.

 

Thanks!  Have a great weekend!

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

No Info from me to be given as I have not been up since the weekend after the 4th...hoping to get up this weekend and try some deep water trolling if the floating weeds aren't too bad out there.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

i just texted a buddy that lives up there and asked him what he was catching for the last few weeks and he said he went out a couple times and said there was sooo much boat traffic it made fishing near impossible.

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

FIL was out last night and the report was he caught 1 22" eye deep water trolling.  heading up tonight to give it a run.  will report back Monday

 

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Was up this past week and fishing was really slow.  Trolled deep from Big Island to Foleys and back with one Northern the results.  Really was not a whole lot suspended in the 50+ water. There is no way to fish middle Whitefish on the weekend.  Every pontoon in the world now ties up around the sand dune island and the boat traffic is unreal.  Looks like Minnatonka ,  not a good thing. Did get a few small walleyes on leeches early morning , nothing to brag about.  Keep a eye out ,   lots of crazies out there.  Think the Sheriff needs to hit the lake for a few days to settle the Windsor crowd down a little.  

  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

 I hear ya on the difficulties fishing any lobe of Whitefish on the weekends!  Just have to get up and be done before 10am or go back out after 6pm and the lake settles a little.  We trolled "lower" WF on Thursday evening and only caught 1 northern.  Didn't appear to have as thick of a gathering of fish...

We went back out on Saturday morning to try our luck on Whitefish for Whitefish and in 2 hours caught 1 3.5lb'er and missed a few bites.  Wow can they be fun to pull out of 50-70 ft of water.  We use jigging raps but wow do whitefish bit lightly but put up a good fight...and there are plenty of them on the big lakes!!!  Good fish on the smoker too!! 

  • Thumbs Up 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Times are tough.  Fishing really slow for everything but the hammer-handle pike. Tried everything I know for Walleyes yesterday and got zip.  Plus the floating weeds have returned.  May try Bass till water cools a bit. To all you pontoon drivers. It’s a big lake you don’t have to come forty yards from a boat trying to fish. Be considerate . 

 

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sounds like i haven't missed much then the last couple weekends!  It sure amazes me when you have a huge lake to navigate yet the pleasure boaters feel they need to cruise close to the fisherman.  Just be glad they were pontoons and not the stupid wake boats!!!

  • Yayyyy 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It's the Minnetonka of the north out there these days. Being nearly ejected off the bow seat while trolling is the new normal. I never thought I'd need a 96 inch trolling motor shaft to keep the prop below the surface. ?

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • Yayyyy 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hopefully if next year is better for the  pandemic the lake will get back to normal. Once the people can go on trips etc and back to work the crowds here should be less. 

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hello. We fished LWF last weekend and caught 2 - 22" walleyes, 4 - 24-28" northern, and 1 18" smalley. 2 adults and 3 kids fishing for about 4 hours. Kids caught all the fish :-). All but 1 of the fish were caught on rigging minnows or jig. I personally tried crawler most of the time, and caught a lot of perch. Feels like bait fish are abundant so minnows are best option from here IMO. The fish we caught were in 20 - 25 ft close to deep weed beds. Slow fishing. I marked very few fish; leads me to believe they aren't very active yet. But that will change. I hope to fish 3-4 days next week. Cooler weather may get fish more active. I'll start looking at some of my fall spots on the lake....points with deep weeds mostly. Good luck.

  • Thumbs Up 2
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 4 weeks later...

Any new reports?  I was fishing 2 weekends ago and everything was very slow.  I am planning on heading back first weekend in October.  Hopefully the fish will have turned on by then.  Been a very weird year.  Stay safe everyone!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I had some very aggressive bites on sucker minnows under a bobber over the weekend. It was only pike and bass, but they were devouring 5-6" minnows without toying around with it first. Seems like the Fall feedbag is getting underway. 

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I fished a couple of hours on Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday morning. No wind, blue sky, and warm. Marked a few big fish but overall didn't see many on the graph. Caught one very nice small mouth and a bunch of 6" perch riggin a lindy with a crawler or fathead. Nothing more. Going back up first week in October. 

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hit up the lake Friday afternoon running around we did not get anything but one 22" eye pulling a lindy with a worm.  We then pulled out of the lake and Saturday went to Winnie.  Stayed dry up there but the fishing success eluded our boats.  

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Headed up tomorrow for the next couple weeks and the fall closedown.  Hope to get some fishing in .  Last time we were up fished a couple days with not much success.  Couple of small walleyes but did get into some nice crappies.  They were suspended off a deep weedy point.  What a strange summer for us all.  Hope next year we can get back to normal. If I have any luck I'll post the results.  Go Twins.  

  • Thumbs Up 3
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Rayguy how's the fishing been that past week+?  I am headed up on Friday and hope to wet a line on Saturday possibly to take the kids out crappie fishing or if the day gets away from me then check out the walleyes...hope you are sore from reeling in all those monster fall fish!!?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Ozzie its been fair.  Have caught enough to eat .  Nothing big and they are pretty scattered.  Best depth has been 20 to 25 feet.  Mostly on deep water points and dropoffs.  Crappies are suspended over deep water.  Have been getting them on tube jigs or small cranks.  Tried trolling crankbaits yesterday morning and only picked up one 18" walleye.  River chubs have been best bait but have also had action on crawlers. Weather is great.  Good Luck.

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks rayguy!!   I was able to get out Saturday afternoon and hit our usual shoreline.  Nothing but a pike, a bite off, and a good fighter up to within 15' of the boat and it got off before being seen!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Pulled boat this afternoon in 30 mph winds. Cold coming so called it a season. Very slow for fall fishing. Did get three good Walleyes on Sunday . All on crawlers in 20 ft of water. Nothing since. A very windy fishing season. Don’t remember such strong winds so often. Till spring. Ray Guy

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Sad day when we know that our season has come to an end...winter is coming and the wait for spring begins!  Hope the winter treats you well Ray!  until next open water season?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Does anyone know where ciscos spawn on the chain?  I may skip deer hunting this year and try fishing the first weekend of November.  Am I crazy?

Edited by Wiley Coyote
Link to comment
Share on other sites

It is a good thought, and a thought i have had the last few years, but never have done it as it has just gotten too cold out for me to fish!!  I don't like to fish when my eyelets all freeze up constantly.  As with anytime on the chain your chances of getting nothing are better than killing it, but if ya find urself in the right place at the right time you may just have the time of your life!!  Good Luck!!!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Best bet would be to troll tiny flashy spinners until you mark schools of fish. Then use winter tactics when you find them.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

On 10/18/2020 at 2:16 PM, JBMasterAngler said:

Best bet would be to troll tiny flashy spinners until you mark schools of fish. Then use winter tactics when you find them.

Not looking to catch ciscos, looking to catch the things that eat ciscos, lol

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 months later...

made it up to Crosslake this weekend and got onto the ice.  I fished Horseshoe lake (mission area) on Saturday and found pickling sized pike but no crappies and the lake had about 12" of ice.  Sunday morning met a buddy and we went onto Whitefish where we found 12-14 inches of ice in the area we were fishing.  We caught a few northerns, a whitefish, and I missed (spit the hook) what i believe was  nice walleye.  Fished in 22' of water on a break.  was nice to get out and find some decent ice!  Good Luck

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

Got back up and gave the ol WFC another shot...was on the north west end of the system again and fished in the 22' range along a fast break.  Had a million annoying perch around but did land a nice 22" whitefish saturday morning before I left for Mille Lacs.  Had 16" of ice this weekend on WFC.  Hoping others were doing better than I!

  • Thumbs Up 1
  • Thanks 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 3 months later...

Anyone heading to the WFC for the opener this weekend?  I am planning on heading up on Friday morning and hope to find some Crappie on Friday before trying to some Walleye on Saturday.  Last time on the water the temps were only low to mid 40's.  Anyone have any updates on the water temps?  I will be fishing in a Red G3 boat with a Black Talon and Yamaha kicker.  Stop and say hi if you see me, I might be fishing solo this weekend.  I will publish something about my trip Sunday or Monday.  Good Luck Everyone!  Stay safe and Tight Lines!

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

i will be up in the area but not sure i will hit the chain.  the history with me and opener on the chain has not been productive so this year I am finding a smaller shallow lake in the area and going to hit it for walleyes.  I have not asked my father in law what the temps were but he has hit south cross and clamshell a few times and when fish are caught they have been on the smaller side.  Good Luck to you!

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'll be up there with a couple friends on the chain. Never have any confidence for walleyes on opener, so we'll go after whatever bites (with an emphasis on eyes). ?

 

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.




  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the South Shore...  The focus for many this week is the ongoing deer hunting season which is a big tradition in these parts, even for avid walleye anglers.  There were some that either already harvested their deer or are more into catching fall walleyes than hunting.     Those that are fishing are taking advantage of the unseasonably warm weather and excellent walleye and sauger bite that is happening across the lake.  Cold weather is in the forecast in the upcoming days and weeks so that is also getting many excited. The best depths on the south end of LOW are 22-28 feet of water.     Vertical jigging with frozen emerald shiners is catching most of the walleyes, saugers and jumbo perch.  Depending upon where on the lake you are fishing, some slots and big trophies are in the mix as well, but most reports are talking about good numbers of eaters.    Jumbo perch are coming in good numbers this fall which will serve ice anglers well.  Watch out for an occasional pike or even lake sturgeon mixed in with the walleyes.      There are good numbers of walleyes and saugers across the south shore which is setting up nicely for early ice.   On the Rainy River...  There continues to be good numbers of shiners in the river, and consequently, there are good walleyes in the river as well.     Walleyes along with saugers, pike and some sturgeon are coming in up and down the river.  Most walleyes are being caught in 10-25 feet of water in various stretches of the river.   Jigging with live or frozen emerald shiners is the key. Some anglers are also still slow trolling crankbaits upstream to cover more ground and find fish. Both methods are producing solid results. Sturgeon fishing remains strong.  The catch-and-release sturgeon fishing is open into the spring when it changes to the "keep season" on April 24th. Up at the NW Angle...  As temps are getting colder, most are in the woods hunting and not fall fishing, however, for those who bundle up, fishing continues to be excellent.     A nice mixed bag with walleyes, saugers, perch, pike and crappies being caught. Very good muskie fishing with the colder water temps and shorter days.  Some big fish and some good numbers are being caught amongst the islands.  Both casting and trolling is getting it done.  
    • gimruis
      I hunt in the rifle zone so I don't have a need to use a shotgun to hunt deer, but I would be looking at this if there was ever a need to.   There could be state legislation introduced next summer that eliminates the shotgun zone completely.  It has bipartisan support.  Wisconsin removed theirs years ago and MN is usually later to follow.  They've tried to pass it more than once and it came up just short both times.  Probably just a matter of time.
    • Wanderer
      Oh, h e l l no! 
    • leech~~
      Screw that, here's whatch need!  😆   Power-Shok Rifled Slug 10 Gauge 766 Grain Grain Weight: 766 Shotshell Length: 3-1/2in / 89mm Muzzle Velocity: 1280
    • Wanderer
      20 ga has become a real popular deer round in the last 5 or so years.  The rifled barrels are zinging those sabot slugs with rifle like accuracy out to 100 yards easily.  Some go so far as dialing in for a 200 yard shot but really, by 150 they’re falling off pretty low.   I have a single shot Ultraslug in 20 ga that shoots really well at 100 yards.  Most everyone I know that has bought a slug gun lately has gotten the Savage 220 in 20ga.  Problem can be finding the shells you want.
    • leech~~
      My son always bugs me about getting a nice light over-under 20ga for grouse hunting.  I say Heck no, I'm getting a 3 1/2" 10ga so I can put as much lead in the air that I can!!     So, I'm keeping my 12ga.  
    • 11-87
      That’s almost exactly what I was thinking.  Have slug barrels for both   One for turkey and one for deer.      I have a 20ga mosseberg as well. (Combo came with the scope but never used.   I always liked the 12 better
    • leech~~
      Wanderer is right on the money and covered it well.  I was wondering too if you had a slug barrel for one of your guns?  If so you could make that your slug gun with a scope, and the other your turkey gun with the Red dot.  As you can afford it. 
    • Wanderer
      Kinda depends on if you want magnification or quick target acquisition.   More magnification options and better accuracy with a scope.  You get what you pay for too so get comfortable with a budget for one.  Tasco and Bushnell work but I find they lose their zero easier, have low contrast and don’t gather light well in low light conditions.  That said, I’m still using one I haven’t replaced yet.  Vortex has been the hot brand for the past several years for bang for the buck.  Good products.  Nothing beats Swarovski though.  Huge dough for those.  Burris is another decent option.   There are some specific models for shotgun/slug hunting in the economy brands and bullet drop compensation (BDC) reticles.  Based on experience I’d recommend not falling for that marketing ploy.   Red dots are usually lower magnification and easier to get on target.  Reasonably accurate but don’t do well with definition, like searching the brush for your target.  I put a HAWKE red dot on a .22 for squirrels and it’s been good.  For turkey, that’s probably the route I’d go.     If your slug shots are normally not too far and too brushy, I’d think a red dot could work there too if you’re only buying 1 scope.  You’ll be better off dimming the reticle to the lowest setting you can easily use to not over shine the target and get a finer aim point.   If you don’t have a slug barrel, you might appreciate one of those.  I had a browning with a smoothbore slug barrel that shot Brenneke 2-3/4 inch well.  The 11-87 would well fitted with a cantelever rifled barrel. 
    • 11-87
      Looking for recommendations on scope or red dot    I basically hunt turkey and whitetail, live in southern MN. So it’s all deer/ shotgun    looking to add a scope/ red dot as my eyes don’t work like they used to to with the open sights.    my gun options are 11/87 12. Browning BPS 12    not looking for the most expensive or the cheapest    pros and cons of one over the other
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.