Northwest Bay --- For the first time!

[JDP]

I am going to the Northwest Bay for the first time the week of October 9-16. I have the Navionics chip with Rainy Lake. Is this a good reference for hazards, etc?

Also would very much appreciate advice for the type of locations and presentations for walleyes,smallmouth and crappies.

Thanks In Advance For Your Help!

JDP.

[bitz]

if it is the premium chip, it shows all the rocks awash (an x or an *) can't remember that would be found on a Canadian paper map. just be sure to verify your relative position to a fixed land mark. don't trust it to navigate by the guide alone as they do have some minor errors induced and will show you going thru islands etc.

as to fishing the northwest end, have never done that, but if it isn't working well there, run east towards the north arm and ash/paddy bays also.

bitz

[dcfwc]

Hey Bitz, what's happening!

Just so happens I went to NW bay the last week in Sept. I have been going at that time for the past 5 years. Got some tips for ya. What do you want to catch! Walleyes were biting in shelter bay. Spinner rig around the shoreline in 15 to 20 feet until you find a group of fish. My best luck was in front of the big rock point near the south west corner, but they could be anywhere. A lot of fish over the slot. Two hook harness worked well at times for big fish with gulp wacky crawler (brown color), but live minnow seemed to work best. White blade w/ small chunk of plastic(pink) up high on the shank, then minnow. Bring flukes(soft plastics)! White. Fish humps and wind blown points in ash bay and around woodchuck and if the smallies are biting you'll see what a treasure this lake is. If you like crappies bring some ultra light spinning tackle w/ 4 lb mono 1/8 oz(or 1/16 oz if wind allows) jig and natural tubes 2". West of the narrows there is a big bay of 30+ foot of water, go there and look for pods of fish. Those would be crappies. Should be other boats fishing 'em. Try to stay vertical over 'em and you should catch some. Don't catch and release though, as the air bladder will cause them to drown. If one comes off on the way up, he might just float to the top. Keep an eye on him and you might get an up close and personal look at a Bald Eagle swooping in on him. The best tip I can give you is to really count on your sonar. Use it for everything. If your good with you're electronics, you'll do fine. Glad to help. Big walleyes on the humps too!

Godspeed,

dcfwc