Fishing Report - Archives

Summer - Fall, 2009

End of Season Report 2009

Our fly fishing season has ended for 2009, but it didn't go quietly. November's weather was very cooperative and we got to fish right to the end of the musky season, November 30. October's weather was more like a normal November, but we had many good fishing days, if not good weather days in October. With all the moisture we got in October, the river flows were better than we had enjoyed most of the summer and early fall. The musky fishing was very good in October, with both numbers of fish and big fish highlighting the month. November cooled a bit, but the fishing got hotter, with numbers of fish caught and released and ended with a beautiful 45", 36# beauty. The boats are resting after a big season and we're already pining for next season to get under way. Happy Holidays and we'll look forward to seeing you next season...

Fishing report 10/30/09

Apologies for the tardiness in updating the fishing report. Guiding has been pretty furious. September gave us Summer-like weather and spotty fishing. The bass departed mid-September, even though the water temps were still warm. We have been occupied with muskies since then. Musky fishing has been terrific at times and totally frustrating at other times, but always a hoot. Fly choices have been extremely varied with some days lighter colored flies being productive and other days dark flies being the apparent preference. Size of flies has varied as well, with smaller-than-you-think flies outshining the big flies. As always, we believe the key is just to keep casting and focus on the task at hand. Too many fish have eluded capture by a temporary lapse in focus. Murphy's Law has risen to bite us too many times. Yet, lots of quality fish have been brought to net. Best overall colors for us have been black/orange, black/purple, pink/red and gray/white. November fishing should be terrific. There's no such thing as bad weather-just bad gear. So, dress properly and get in on the late musky bite...Larry

Fishing report 8/2/09

Well, as I arrived at the shop at 7 a.m. the outside temperature was a crisp 42 degrees. It continues to be chilly overnight and only mid-70's during the day, which creates some challenging conditions for the fishing. Our rivers are still very low and water temps vary greatly during the day. Bass and musky fishing has been good, but it seems we have to figure out a new approach every day. There hasn't been much consistency in the successful flies, but the fish are still there and need to eat. Crayfish and minnows for the bass, with an occasional popper day thrown in and bigger patterns for the muskies. Streamers, divers and big poppers have been good for the muskies. As the forage base grows during the season, so does the size of our flies. Trout fishing in the Namekagon has all but ended. The fish have pretty much cleared out in search of colder water.

Fishing report 7/4/09

Unseasonably cool weather has changed our expectations just a bit. All our rivers saw a big drop in water temps last week and are just now rebounding. The bass and musky fishing has been good, but not great. We have had a few "sterling" days, but no consistency. The bass are into a serious crayfish bite, but will eat a popper with gusto. We're finding muskies on an assortment of flies with mid-size streamers and deer hair flies being the best. As the water warms up, hard-bodied poppers fished noisily will be effective.

Trout fishing is extremely tough. Prior to last week's cool down, the water temps had been as high as 84 degrees north of Seeley. Arrgh!

Water levels are very low and pushing the boat has become the every day norm.

Fishing report 6/11/09

Sorry to be slacking on the fishing report. Fishing has been OK, but not spectacular, due primarily to the crazy weather we've been having. The water on the Namekagon had been dropping to record low flows until we got some rain early this week. It's still low, but fishable. Water temps have been 50's into the mid 60's. March browns, sulphurs and caddis are the staples, with the brown drakes just beginning. Nymphs and streamers seem to carry most days.

Bass and musky fishing has been good, but not spectacular, as well. The water has just not gotten warm enough for the bass to get really active, but we're starting to turn the corner on that issue. Muskies are muskies and we've been catching them pretty regularly since the opener, including some big fish. We're fighting low water pretty much everywhere, but the rivers are still floatable...