The sky today was grey, it rained on and off all day, the temperature was only 62 degrees, although the winds were light at 5-8 mph out of the west.
We needed groceries and Kathleen wanted to go to the Farmer's Market, so rather than go fishing today, we all piled into my dad's roomy Ford Crown Victoria and drove into Bemidji.
No fishing on Leech Lake today.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
September 4, 2008 on Leech Lake
Today Joe and I went fishing on two separate occasions. The first time we were on the lake from 1:30 p.m to 5:00 p.m. The temperature was a cool 66 degrees, the wind was light at 5-8 mph out of the east and the water temperature was 69 degrees -- the first time the water had dropped below 70 degrees since mid-June.
Since the wind was coming from the east, that meant it would blow the boat from the shoreline toward the middle of the lake. With that in mind, Joe and I positioned the boat in only 6 feet of water in front of the Birches with the knowledge that the wind would push the boat into deeper water, right over the weeds, and hopefully, right into the schooling perch, crappie and bluegill.
Joe and each caught a few perch, crappie and bluegill, but nothing significant. We did, however, keep the one jumbo perch that we managed to boat. Since the panfishing action wasn't all that hot, we decided to switch tactics and troll in 10-12 feet of water along the weed line for walleye. We used our customary Rapala Minnow Raps and got down to business.
We boated a couple of nice sized northern pike, which are fun to catch, but not a fish we elect to keep. I know many people who say they love the taste northern pike, but in my opinion, perch and walleye are a far superior tasting fish.
Later that evening, Joe and I again went trolling for walleye. We were on the water from 8:00 p.m. to 10:20 p.m., and made several passes from south of Second Duck Point to past the Malay's cabin in 9-12 feet of water. Again, we were using Minnow Raps -- Joe used one in a purpledescent color, while I used my favorite color, hot steal.
The winds had shifted throughout the day, and were now blowing at 8-12 mph out of the SE. The slight increase in wind created a perfect "walleye chop" on the lake, and it proved effective. Joe caught three nice walleyes -- 18", 21" and 21 1/2". I was came up empty, but that was fine with me. Joe, unfortunately, will be flying back to California in just a few days, and I was happy he had a chance to boat some beautiful Leech Lake walleye before departing.
Since the wind was coming from the east, that meant it would blow the boat from the shoreline toward the middle of the lake. With that in mind, Joe and I positioned the boat in only 6 feet of water in front of the Birches with the knowledge that the wind would push the boat into deeper water, right over the weeds, and hopefully, right into the schooling perch, crappie and bluegill.
Joe and each caught a few perch, crappie and bluegill, but nothing significant. We did, however, keep the one jumbo perch that we managed to boat. Since the panfishing action wasn't all that hot, we decided to switch tactics and troll in 10-12 feet of water along the weed line for walleye. We used our customary Rapala Minnow Raps and got down to business.
We boated a couple of nice sized northern pike, which are fun to catch, but not a fish we elect to keep. I know many people who say they love the taste northern pike, but in my opinion, perch and walleye are a far superior tasting fish.
Later that evening, Joe and I again went trolling for walleye. We were on the water from 8:00 p.m. to 10:20 p.m., and made several passes from south of Second Duck Point to past the Malay's cabin in 9-12 feet of water. Again, we were using Minnow Raps -- Joe used one in a purpledescent color, while I used my favorite color, hot steal.
The winds had shifted throughout the day, and were now blowing at 8-12 mph out of the SE. The slight increase in wind created a perfect "walleye chop" on the lake, and it proved effective. Joe caught three nice walleyes -- 18", 21" and 21 1/2". I was came up empty, but that was fine with me. Joe, unfortunately, will be flying back to California in just a few days, and I was happy he had a chance to boat some beautiful Leech Lake walleye before departing.
September 3, 2008 on Leech Lake
Today was 70 degrees, mostly sunny, with just enough wind to push the boat along at 0.5 mph. A perfect day for a Leech Lake panfishing expedition.
Along with Joe and my mother, we hit the water at 2:30 p.m. The water temperature matched the air temp at 70 degrees. The air and water are starting to cool. Autumn is just around the corner.
We all used similar rigs -- 1/16- or 1/8-oz. Northland Neon-tone Gum-Ball jigs tipped with 3" Gulp minnows in smelt color. We caught dozens of perch, crappie and bluegills, but kept only 4 jumbo perch. Together with the perch I caught a couple of days ago, these four are inching us closer to having enough fresh fish for a fish fry.
My mother was a trooper and stayed out on the water for 3 hours, but at 5:30 p.m. we headed to shore. Primarily because my father was beginning to worry that we had been out on the lake long enough! We'll try again tomorrow.
Three generations of Jursa's -- Ron, Joe and me (Steve) on the lake-front deck of our Leech Lake house.
Along with Joe and my mother, we hit the water at 2:30 p.m. The water temperature matched the air temp at 70 degrees. The air and water are starting to cool. Autumn is just around the corner.
We all used similar rigs -- 1/16- or 1/8-oz. Northland Neon-tone Gum-Ball jigs tipped with 3" Gulp minnows in smelt color. We caught dozens of perch, crappie and bluegills, but kept only 4 jumbo perch. Together with the perch I caught a couple of days ago, these four are inching us closer to having enough fresh fish for a fish fry.
My mother was a trooper and stayed out on the water for 3 hours, but at 5:30 p.m. we headed to shore. Primarily because my father was beginning to worry that we had been out on the lake long enough! We'll try again tomorrow.
Three generations of Jursa's -- Ron, Joe and me (Steve) on the lake-front deck of our Leech Lake house.
September 2, 2008
The temperature today is only 65 degrees, a full 23 degrees cooler than yesterday. The winds are out of the west at 12-20 mph, blowing big waves and white caps directly toward our east-facing properties.
I decided to stay on shore. No fishing today.
I decided to stay on shore. No fishing today.
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