Mid-July status

The River is in great shape this year; the surface temp this month is at 74º. Water levels and weed growth are very good.

Mike got a reprieve from the rigors of the camp and caught and released 2 smallmouths on consecutive casts, 5 lb. & 4 lb., using smaller-sized pumpkin colored (green) tubes, Texas-rigged. "Smallmouths are plentiful, and really under-fished", according to Mike. He also noted that he's catching some nice pike using this method – just be prepared to get bit off once in a while!

Notable catches in the last 30 days:

7-12-06 John Binder caught and released a 40 lb. Musky (Not inches, pounds! Imagine a 50+" fish with a 25" girth) with guide "Musky Bob"!

7-10-06 Ken Mayland caught and released a 48 inch musky while trolling for walleyes.

7-7-06 Tom and Karen Connors caught and released 28 walleyes and over 100 bass during their stay. One walleye weighed in at over 8 lb.

Mid June, Jay Whittaker caught and released a 50 inch musky on a 4 inch Yo-zuri crankbait!

Mid June, Jim Jordan caught and released a 31 inch 11lb. walleye.

Mid June, Wally Topa caught 8 walleyes over 7 pounds during his stay.

Walleyes are still relating to relatively shallow water (25' or less) in the main river channel.

Karen Gainey has been guiding at the lodge throughout July. So far, her clients have caught some nice pike including 40 and 38 inchers. Her drop shot technique has been deadly for both bass and walleye.

The month of August is well booked with only limited openings. If you are thinking of squeezing in a trip, the next two weeks can accomodate a group of 4 to 6.

Mike noted that there are several nesting pairs of Bald eagles on the river this year! If you are lucky enough to capture a sighting in a digital picture, send it to tonypetras@aol.com so we can share it on this site.