Best time for weather

[Bob Thompson]

Hello to all again. Really enjoyed stay at Pike Hole last year in September but slightly dismayed at the weather. Growing up in the Chicago area Dad always said June or September for best fishing. Agreed on completely but last three trips there from home here in Utah, twice in July and last year in Sept. weather did not cooperate very much. Always figured Sept. to be pretty calm as far as fronts and wind but didn't hold true last year. July almost two disasters because of rain. Most of you guys like June. I know fishing can be the best of the year in June but how have you found the weather? Coming so far, Texan excepted, I try and get as much time on the water as possible. Maybe's weathers changing somewhat and I know its always a crap shoot but I want to get reservations in pretty soon. Whatcha all think? Bob

[The Texan]

I can tell you end of May is tough Bob, has been the last few years anyway. I'm anxious to see if this doesn't change our group's luck this year moving back two weeks.

Regardless, a tough day fishing is better than a good day at work And with my group, just sitting back, having a cold one and watching them is worth the trip...just ask Jones, Beef or the Col. and I'm sure they would confer

Texan

[ffishman]

My crew has been going the 2nd and 3rd week of June, for the last 30 years. For the most part, the weather at that time is good. A few years ago, it was probably the worst, cold windy rainy. Last year, it went the other way, heat. I keep my minnows in my live well, and they were dying from the hot lake water. Oh,well, win some lose some. But like I said, for the most time, we have good weather.

[Col Ron guide]

I have much to say on this topic, but I will try to keep it brief. Once again, I refer to a log/diary, which I keep regarding weather, but more so on the fishing. This is objective, and this is according to the ways that I fish, which changes as the season progresses. I am also making my comments directed to walleye fishing.

The peak time to be on the lake, as far as consistant fishing is from June 1st to July 15th. By June, the fish are "where they should be", i.e., they are not spread out all over. The larger fish can be found normally, in generally the same spots. Yes, I really like the first two or three weeks in July also. You just change locations slightly.

The weather normally stabilizes around the 1st of June. There are all kinds of exceptions to this which battle the norm. Having said that, there is nothing like going out and catching your limit of nice size walleye in early July and spending the afternoon floating with a cooler off the beach of Cedar Island with about 30 other people enjoying a beverage. Can't do that until later in June.

As I said, this is very objective, and this is according to the way I fish, and I am just talking about day time fishing. Just my two cents worth. The rest of you, have at it.

Colonel Ron

[Otter]

I haven't fished Cass as frequently as usual the last couple of years, but I can share my prior experience. I would avoid the first month of the season - weather is often cold/nasty and I suspect a lot of fish are still in other lakes on the chain. I would also avoid the last month of the season - weather is often cold/nasty and a lot of fish are holding in extremely deep water.

[beef]

Ah--What's wrong with a 20-30 MPH wind (Of Course out of the North) with light snow falling and a wind chill of 15 degrees, not to mention the temp around 31-36 degrees... OH did I mention it was in late May.... I thought I could handle most elements with ease... But I learned something this year... The MEN from Texas are TOUGH!!!! I can't remember what 2 guys I had in my boat for that May trip last year but they only had on a wind breaker and jeans ... I was wearing three layers Needless to say I was shocked to see them make it three hours in those elements!!!

Can't wait for this Spring

Beef

[The Texan]

Beef, that would have been Trent but since he had set sail with Captain Morgan the entire time he was there, no doubt he could feel anything or hit his arse with doppler radar

Texan

[genegodawa]

Well Bob, I think you answered your own question. The die-hards of us that regularly chat on here are all from the end of May to mid-June period, and those end of May guys are changing to mid-June this year. We love to talk to other "out of season" guys, but they just don't seem to get into it like we do - maybe it's the weather?

We've had about 7 consecutive good years of weather in mid-June now....some colder, some wetter, and some buggier than others but for overall fishing it has been great. Of course, that jinxes us for this year. The only thing that stops us are those big Cass rollers and we still find a way to spend time somewhere on the water where it is less windy - just that the ride in is kinda fun. We fish in showers and have even stuck it out in a downpour or 2 and that was scary because of the lightning (we call it disco-fishing). Heck, there have been many years where I never even left the resort during the week and as far as spending time on the water goes, mid-June gives you quite a bit of daylight--and we use it. On by 9 and off by 10:30 after about an hour and a half of night fishing at the end of the day before spending a couple hours in the fish cleaning house.

And another good thing about June instead of July is fewer pleasure boats/jetskis than when the families with young hooligans descend on Cass. (We like being the only hooligans on the water, although this year the Gowdy/Texan group will be pushing us out of first place I think)!

You just can't beat fun at the ol' fishin' hole in June.

[Col Ron guide]

I also agree with Otter on his accessment. Otter and I have been in some real nasty weather over the last couple of years. As a matter of fact, I can't think of any time we have been fishing together when it was nice out. These times generally are later in the fishing season.

Fishing is more enjoyable when you are comfortable. On the windy days, if you are going to catch more fish, you should be in the locations with the wind beating the waves against your boat. As time goes on, I tend to take a trip to Reeds when the weather gets nasty. So back to the original questions about the weather, June and July are probably ideal, low humidity, warmer temperatures, with occassional rain showers. There is great fishing in June and July when the sun is beating down with a very light breeze or when it is dead calm. You just have to know how and where.

Best of luck to all of you,

Col Ron

[Ballbuster]

The weather was rough last year Col Ron when we were there. Trying to make it back this year but in June this time and without the ex brother.

[Col Ron guide]

I remember last year, the funny thing was after the spring rain, man did it dry out. I think the Texan offered you a bed, if I were you, I would take him up on that. Nothing like his Bread Pudding to get you fired up in the AM. I think it would help you forget about last year.

Ron

[Ballbuster]

Quote:

---

I remember last year, the funny thing was after the spring rain, man did it dry out. I think the Texan offered you a bed, if I were you, I would take him up on that. Nothing like his Bread Pudding to get you fired up in the AM. I think it would help you forget about last year.

Ron

---

Col Ron,

I may try and make it back up with CFD Medic this June and if not CFD may take up the Texan's offer. I don't think I can get over last years dissapointment until I get back up there to Cass and get back on the water.

[Brian Jones]

June = mayflies and a tough bite durring the morning...some times if it is a cold late spring it can be incredible fishing though. If I had to pick the hands down best weather mixed with the best fishing you are looking at the last two weeks of August and the first two weeks of September. The Texan and Gowdy should remember how great their first trip up here together was and it was in August!

[Otter]

Col Ron and I agree early each season to trade trips. By the time we get our schedules in sync we typically have to cram the trips in just before he goes back to Illinois. A few years ago we had a pleasant day on Pike Bay in August. Every other trip has been in mid-September and the weather has always been beyond nasty. Last year the two of us went out with a buddy who was going to be fishing the Cass tournament the next weekend. I don't remember the exact temp, but it was extremely cold and the wind was 30, gusting to 40+. None of us are pansies but we lasted less than half an hour before we went back to Col Ron's for hot toddies.

[CFD MEDIC]

Looks like a trip in June hopefully for myself and Buster.Would be nice if we can make it around the same time as the Texan and his crew.If not the Chi-Town boys are coming back in 2006 minus the the piece of **** brother Walter Queen...........I have an inner tube and Buster will push me around Cass.