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By Russ Warye Our Witch Bay regular customers were often saying the same thing ?? ??We didn??t believe fishing could get better than past years?but this has been terrific.? Despite unusual weather ?? from cooler than normal in the early and mid portions of the year to a late August and September marked by warm summer-like readings ?? fishing success set a new hallmark for walleye and muskie success?and smallmouth and trophy northern pike significantly added to the action. Additionally, June and July were often windy, which in combination with the below average temperatures made fishing interesting. But even though this year was different and Witch Bay anglers had to adapt to changes in fish location and cover?.especially when it came to weed cover, overall fishing was terrific! Water levels were close to normal for a season marked by unusually cool air masses that were created with a jet stream that refused to set up normal summer patterns of moving west to east along the U.S./Canada border. Water temps remained in the 50??s for most of June and finally climbed into the 60??s in early July. Submergent weed growth was slowed although in some locations cabbage and coontail grew well during mid-summer after water temperatures reached the 60??s. It was amazing to notice the difference in weedlines ?? comparing late June to mid-August. In some areas weeds thrived while other traditional locations witnessed a complete absence of submergent varieties. As noted previously, summer arrived in the third week of August and continued through September with above average temperatures pushing water readings into the 70??s for a couple of weeks, which sharply departs from an average year. Walleye year classes continue to dominate the fishery. The sheer numbers of fish staggers the imagination as at least eight classes comprise the vast majority. The incredible health of walleye, the gamefish that drives the Lake of the Woods eco-system, is seen with the superb condition of the fish. ??Condition? is a term used by fishery biologists to describe whether or not walleye bodies are robust or long and skinny. And Lake of the Woods fish are always solid and robust, which verifies a rich and diverse forage base. Muskie displayed a slow start but by late July Witch Bay muskie enthusiasts were finding them on rock or rock/weed combinations. August began a trend of success that slowly grew and continued well into September?even though September weather was a far cry from what muskie men and women want. Sunny warm days marked a five week period that was unprecedented throughout the region. At times weedline efforts were important, but clearly 2009 was the year of structure ?? submerged shoreline and island points, saddles and narrows, usually activated by the wind. The presence of wind and wind-induced current was a key to the outstanding success seem by many guests. The size of the average fish is amazing with many fish in the 40-to-46 inch range. Trophy northern pike continue to dominate the fishery as seen by the results of the Fishing Log. While the days of large numbers of smaller fish caught are gone, trophy fish continue to increase. Superb fish were the average ?? ranging in size from 30 to 44 inches with a body condition that was as good as it gets, including 40-inch fish weighing in the 20- pound bracket. Clearly, the protected slot and the dramatic change to angler catch-and-release accounts for the change in the fishery. Smallmouth size ranges were terrific as more anglers are releasing these game battlers that grow slowly in Lake of the Woods. The cooler water readings kept this species shallower longer into the summer. Normally, by mid-to-late July smallies are leaving the shoreline breaks for summer structures ?? off shore humps, reefs, saddles and submerged points. In August and September walleye anglers were seeing quality fish while jigging traditional walleye structures. And we must not fail to mention the quality yellow perch that again ?? at times ??dominated attention on the docks. The arrival of a catch of jumbo perch ?? 11 inches and larger ?? caused excitement. However, as seen in recent years, a perch catch was usually a byproduct of walleye efforts and finding them today didn??t guarantee catching them tomorrow. Schools of perch probably remain the most difficult species to locate on a day-to-day basis. SUPERB WALLEYE ACTION! Witch Bay Camp continued building on their unique reputation and tradition as a superb Lake of the Woods walleye destination. Everyone seemed to agree on one theme ?? this year was different than recent ones as weedline fish were not available in the numbers of past seasons. Early on in June walleye anglers moved to main lake structures ?? submerged points, humps and flats adjacent to structure elements ?? for action that continued throughout the season. Even in June when the typical bite is focused on the weedlines, more fish and larger fish were being caught on the rock structures. Productive depths in June, July and August were in the 14- to 24-foot range for those jigging and bottom bouncing. And it was a productive year for 1/8 oz. jigs tipped with live bait or Gulp Alive. At times Gulp minnows and leeches were terrific although minnows seemed to be more consistent than leeches. Others used Gulp worms with good success. Additionally, plastics in the Twister and grub styles were used effectively by some with colors that ranged from white and yellow to orange and brown. This year saw both numbers and quality including 19 to 22 inchers. Larger sizes were also well represented with trophies up to the 28-to 30-inch class. Jigging clearly dominated early while July and August found both standard presentations ?? jigging and bottom bouncing ?? productive for walleye anglers. Expert bottom bouncers often took larger fish while working large mid-basin structures. Casting crankbaits yielded nice fish in July and August for those working main lake basin rock structures on windy days?but this was a pattern usually dependent on the wind. When it worked it was terrific and crayfish-patterned crankbaits in the Reef Runner, Shad Rap and Tail Dancer types were terrific. Many commented about fish location on the mid-lake structures with a ??spot on a spot? often being the key to success. The presence of forage on the structure ?? as revealed by quality depthfinders ?? was another important clue. We saw the typical progression in forage choice ?? small invertebrates grubbed from the bottom, various larvae types, rusty crayfish, shiners, juvenile perch, etc. The mayfly hatches in July were not a factor in suppressing fishing success, but it was a noteworthy year for crayfish predation as walleye and yellow perch often regurgitated scads of crayfish and were seemingly focused on this forage. Rusty crayfish are an exotic to Lake of the Woods that continues to impact weed development in some regions, but are an important forage base for walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass. THE YEAR OF THE MUSKIE! 2009 will be remembered as the year of the muskellunge with the season from late July through September reigning supreme. The cooler water temperatures meant that early efforts were challenging?beginning with the opening day on the third Saturday of June. The combination of reduced weedlines and cool water kept things quiet with fish following traditional muskie lures but often not striking. The fish that were caught were usually encountered by fishermen working for bass and northern, even walleye. These fish hit smaller Mepps spinners, Shad Raps, bass-sized spinnerbaits, Rapalas, Husky Jerks, etc., which is often seen throughout Muskie Country when fish remain in a spring, post-spawn pattern, when small presentations are often the most successful. With stable water temps in the mid-to-high 60??s the fish began acting like summer muskie by the end of July. As noted, rock and rock-weed combinations began to produce on a consistent basis although activity levels varied sharply, often from day to day. But let??s remember they are the ultimate predator of the aquatic world and often exhibit an attitude of supremacy. A favorite expression of mine used in seminar presentations goes like this???When does a muskie eat?whenever she wants too.? Fish up to 53 inches were released with good numbers of 48 to 50 inchers, plus a couple 50-inch plus fish with superb girth (24-25 inch range) adding to the excitement. Evening hours continued to be tops although numbers of fish were taken morning and afternoon this year, especially when an ??edge? became available. An edge can be anything from an onset of cloud cover to a change in wind direction. This concept remains very important for experienced muskie hands. Breezy days were often important for getting action from a trophy while concentrating on windward structures. Cowgirls set a standard and continued to be the hot lure although other lure traditions were noteworthy. Additionally, other large bucktails were effective, including the Esox Edge and A-1 brands. However large double blades were not always the key to success as several large fish were taken on standard bucktails including 50-plus inchers. Mepps Marabous, Showgirls, Buchertails, and others took significant fish. Weighted Suicks in both the 7-and 9-inch sizes were significant to success and often made the perfect complement in the boat ?? bow angler throwing a double blade or bucktail while the second angler followed behind with a Suick - or weighted Reef Hawg. S.S. Shads continued to be effective while topwater anglers discovered that Jackpots steadily raised fish or received strikes. The standard tail spinner styles (Top Raider types) were not productive this season?perhaps something to do with cooler than normal surface temps. However, at times jackpots and other ??walk the dog? styles delivered. Crankbaits took fish ?? especially minnow styles in the Grandma, Crane and Jake styles. Additionally, new swim baits became a factor with some believing this is the new ??hot? lure on the horizon. A couple of final thoughts ?? muskie are social creatures, as evidenced by the number of anglers who commented on seeing two or three fish on a small structure or cover element. If a rock point held a quality fish that was caught on a Tuesday evening, another fish could be occupying the exact same location by Wednesday morning. And anglers who studied their maps, used their Polaroid glasses, and looked for ??something different? in structure and cover were often the most successful. I repeat this statement at seminars ?? Lake of the Woods muskie will often select a small location to ambush prey ?? an inside turn, a submerged point with wind blowing across it, a small weed edge or a drop-off that has one or more other elements available (large boulders, weed points, drowned wood etc.) The size of these spots can be incredibly small and it the combination of structure elements that are the key to success. Location?location?location ?? we hear it over and over and yet it remains the top clue to muskie success. Become a better muskie angler on the Woods by studying location?and it starts with studying maps. When one of the legendary activity windows opens, you must be on locations that attract and hold fish?.not places that look good to us?but locations that have active histories of holding fish. Finally, a quality figure 8 or circle at boat side seemed to account for a large percentage of strikes, especially when using blades. SMALLMOUTH BASS WERE ACTIVE Smallmouth enthusiasts had a great year as cooler water temperatures delayed the spawning season and kept fish shallow throughout much of July. Even in August and September evening anglers could find fish on boulder drop-offs and submerged points. Walleye anglers regularly encountered them while vertical jigging in depths of 14 to 30 feet during the later seasons. Key on humps, saddles, tapering submerged points and narrows, especially if rocks are part of the bottom materials. This pattern is becoming the norm for those visiting Witch Bay Camp in August and September. A wide variety of lures took these fantastic battlers although June and July smallie enthusiasts often used topwaters. Many believe the topwater strike to be the most exciting action one can enjoy with bronzebacks. Pop-R and Rapala Skitter Pop styles were terrific on quiet afternoons and evenings. Others walked the dog with Zara Spook styles and enjoyed the same great success. Working the traditional floating Rapala on a quiet evening was yet another presentation that was deadly?and exciting. Always remember with this style to set the hook when you feel the weight of the fish. Plastics continue to be very effective ?? curl-tailed worms, ring worms, tubes, grubs or Twisters, and Smallie Beaver styles. Choose natural colors ?? pumpkinseed, motor oil, black, blue, etc. Most plastics are rigged on 1/16 to ¼ oz. jig heads with the size of the jig determining the preferred depth to target. Jerkbaits in the Husky Jerk and Rogue traditions and crankbaits in the Shad Rap styles are naturals. Remember to have a few crayfish-colored Shad Raps, Wally Divers or others in the box. The Rebel Wee-R crankbaits are excellent crayfish imitators. Selecting crayfish color patterns was a real advantage. Catch-and-release remains the most significant key to retaining numbers of 16-inch and larger fish. Smallmouth growth rates are exceptionally slow, taking 12 years to grow a 16-inch fish. Bass in the 17-to 19-inch bracket are exceptionally rare trophies that released can provide enjoyment to another angler. NORTHERN PIKE TROPHIES Witch Bay anglers continue to make the great transition from numbers to quality. We began to see this change in the last five seasons as the protected slot started to allow more fish to gain trophy size ranges?say 36 inches and larger. Also, anglers continue to exercise catch-and-release ?? choosing to release trophy fish out of the slot ?? larger than 36 inches. The rapid growth of this species means that a 36-incher released is but a year or two away from the 40-inch bracket, which is becoming a standard to attain among pike hunters. 2009 was another year of big fish and pike anglers have adapted to more of a muskie hunting style to work for these fish. First, weeds were not the place to be for most of the summer and fall season. By July more quality fish were showing up on rock structures in the mid-lake basins?.and often one heard in camp about bite-offs occurring while walleye fishing. Sometimes it seemed that every walleye hump, reef, or point held a quality pike or two?.also enjoying the forage bounty of juvenile perch, shiners, small walleye, even ?? at times ?? rusty crayfish. The typical pike lures worked well ?? Mepps and Blue Fox spinners and Musky Killers, Rat-L-Traps (gold, silver, blue/silver), Bomber Long-A??s, spinnerbaits, spoons and some muskie lures ?? bucktails (Showgirls, Mepps spinners), S.S. Shads, Suicks, and small Reef Hawgs. Buzzbaits were not as productive as seen in recent years?but this could have been a result of reduced weed growth. Larger crankbaits ?? Tail Divers, Deep Tail Divers, Reef Runners, etc. ?? produced nice numbers of pike trophies. The usual colors worked, including selecting silver, nickel, copper and gold blades. While colored blades took their fair share of fish the bright metallic blades were often superior. Bright colors in bucktails or attached plastics (white or yellow grub) seemed to be an advantage. A WORD ABOUT PERCH..... Yellow perch continue to grow in popularity with Witch Bay anglers?.but often remain the most elusive. Anglers can find them one or two days in a row and then they disappear. June and July perch action was excellent?again varying from terrific to very slow. The size range continues to improve over what was seen in recent years with jumbos up to the 12 and 13-inch range fairly common. The forage of larvae, various invertebrates, mollusks, and juvenile fishes and minnows is substantial enough to provide larger fish of robust condition. Generally, anglers encounter them while vertical jigging for walleye with live bait or plastics. If using plastic, make sure to reach for the brown or orange color patterns and jigs in the 1/16 to 1/8 oz. range are recommended. AND FINALLY..... Expect excellent fishing at Witch Bay Camp! This legendary fishing camp offers the wide variety of Lake of the Woods gamefish that makes this lake a premier destination in North America. The fishing is getting better every year ?? a combination of catch-and-release angler ethics, progressive fish regulations and great water with a diverse forage base that grows trophy gamefish (and panfish?in the case of yellow perch). Combine all of that with the Witch Bay Difference ?? a pledge made to every guest by Gail and Steve Hockett and you too will fall under the magic spell of Lake of the Woods. The fish will be there?and let??s go fishing!
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