Despite the warmer weather, and calmer days, Fall Lake fishing has still been producing plenty of fish for our Packsack guests. With water levels unseasonably high, the walleye bite has been hot at the power dam. Packsack guests that are willing to express patience and change up the regular routine, have had no problem finding their limits of big eyed golden walleye in 15-20 ft. of water. Leaches and crawlers Are still the bait of choice.
Smallmouth Bass seem to be biting deeper during the day, and nailing top water in the mornings, and at sunset. Several smallies in the 20inch range, have been caught and released on Basswood Lake this past week, and plenty 15-20-inch fish have been reported on Fall Lake this week as well. If you’re going after smallmouth, I would recommend having a supply of leaches, and using a slip bobber approach, or throwing some top water.
Northern pike are still aggressively patrolling the weed beds, going after just about everything in the water. Packsack guests throwing spoons and spinners have caught several fish in the mid 30-inch range. A few Packsack customers using large sucker minnows have had success catching two fish above 40 inches.
If you’re into fishing bluegills, and crappie now is the time to be in the Ely area! Back Bay of Basswood Lake has produced daily limits of pan fish for many Packsack anglers. All you need is a hook, sinker, bobber, and piece of a worm, nonstop action all day long for bluegill. Crappie are biting on minnows and small artificial baits along the weed lines.
This week’s photo is of Steve Herbst and his 28-inch walleye, Caught on Pipestone Bay of Basswood Lake.