Kabetogama/Namakan Fishing Report 6/18/07
Fishing and catching were both good, about mid-week till today, optimistically, fishing should remain strong into this next week.
Reports of mayflies emerging from the lake bottom tell me the hatch isn\'t far off. Walleyes have been after the emerging mayflies in the soft bottom structures recently, providing anglers with success when fishing the sand and muck bottom areas of the lake.
Anglers report good success in shallow both mornings and evenings and at a give or take 30\' level mid-day.
Bait choices vary however leeches presently lead the pack. Night crawlers are coming on strong and minnows remain the ticket for saugers and perch.
Northern pike are scrambling throughout the lake, several 40\" plus northerns again reported, however the norm is 2-4 pounds.
Best bet for pike has been the well known weedy bays, where weeds are just emerging. Troll or flip baits over the week tops.
Crappies seem to have moved out to suspend in their summer hangouts wherever that is.
Saugers, nice 15" plus saugers continue to bite strong surprising anglers. Concentrate your effort for these bonus fish a little deeper and us minnows.
Remember sauger is not in the restrictive size range like the cousin walleye is. The walleye size restrictions are, once again: you must immediately release all walleyes between 17"-28" to the water.
Have a Great Day!
Ellen & Phil Hart
Gateway General
9378 Hwy 53
Kabetogama, MN 56669
(218) 875-2121
www.gatewaygeneral.com