East End of Basswood?

[Guest]

I'm heading to the Washington Island area next Friday and will be taking my wife up for her first trip to the area. I would imagine the Walleyes would be on the reefs close to deep water and leeches and crawlers should be the ticket.

Does anyone have any advice?

I would really appreciate it because I really want to get the Mrs on to some fish......(and would like to catch a few myself). I have never been there at this time of the year and would appreciate any help I can get.

The guys and I were there in early June. For me it was the first time in about 12 years and it was the first time for the rest of them. I managed to catch a 27" Walleye that is still living there, plus we had plenty of eating size fish for camp. It sure was great to get back to the area again! (I've been busy raising babies and have not had much time for fishing for a long time)

It is also nice to know the Forest Service is back to allowing camp fires again! There is alot more to fishing than the fishing! - The last trip we had a cow and calf moose swim by us while fishing one evening in Wind Bay!!!

Thanks in advance for any help,

Duckslayer

[Guest]

Duckslayer,

You should be able to find fish, but don't expect any monsters jumping in your boat. Northern, and Bass will be plentiful; but the walleyes are a whole 'nother story. You'll find some on the reefs, using as you stated leeches and crawlers; but walleyes are really picky this time of year. At least on Basswood lake they have been. I went up there 3 weeks ago, and only caught 1 limit (2 guys fishing). Not that great.

Good luck!

[email protected]

[Sartell Angler]

Duckslayer, I just got back from the Boundary Waters today, and although the weather was great for swimming and smallie fishing, we only caught ONE walleye, which was about a 17 incher. We nailed the bass on Shell Lake, but couldn't catch much else. Loon Lake produced a few 2 1/2 pound northerns, along with the biggest crappie of my life --14 1/2 inches! I would suggest only bringing leeches unless you have a quality crawler cooler, otherwise they'll get pretty ripe on you (ours did). I think the main problem with the walleye fishing, other than the heat, is the high water. Last Tuesday night, there was almost 5 inches of rain up there, which really affected the fishing. I hope I have been some help. Enjoy your trip, and report back with how you did.

BWCA 4 EVER!!!!!!!!!

[Guest]

Thanks guys. I sure hope it cools off a little by Friday. This weather stinks!!!
Does anyone else have any tips?

Duckslayer

[David Swenson]

There are two primary areas to locate walleyes this time of year on the East End of Basswood. First, look for deep water bottlenecks (i.e. between islands). The fish should be in about 20-30 feet of water. The second area to try is the deep weed edge. These fish will either be right on the edge or out from the weed bed. 10-15 ft is a typical depth this time of year.

In all my years on Basswood I found a jig and half a night crawler to work best (rig worm like a twister tail) this time of year. Use the smallest jig possible (I have used 1/8 oz. jigs in 30 ft of water when the wind would allow). Another presentation on a deep weed edge this time of year is using a #5 shad rap.

As for big pike, it is a very good time of year. Look on the deep weed edge in 10-12 ft of water. Medium to large crank baits and jerk baits are very good. Large suckers are also a good choice (use quick strike rigs to prevent the fish from swallowing).

Good luck fishing!

David Swenson
http://muskieguide.homestead.com/

[Guest]

Thanks Dave -

I can hardly wait.

Duckslayer

[Guest]

Just an update -

We had our 3 year old daughter on the trip (refused to go to grandma's house) so fishing was not a real easy task. We did manage to catch a couple of walleyes despite the major cold front that came through a day before we went.

Thanks for the tips guys!!!

Duckslayer