Kabetogama/Namakan Fishing Report June 11, 2007
Weather fronts moved in and out throughout the week chasing anglers off the lake, as well as forcing them to change shorelines for angling.
Windward, shallow shorelines and bays kept anglers happy with a shallow bite. Many consistent reports of nice walleyes, both harvest size and non-harvest size were caught. Some saugers, bass and lots of smaller northern pike were taken with the live bait offerings and artificial lures.
Jig fisherman experienced pretty good success fishing structures at 40-45', mostly in the east end of Kabetogama on into Namakan.
Anglers using lindy rigs with leeches and crawlers near the weekend were having limited success at the 26-32' depth range; however, Sunday the reports were more positive.
It appears the strong shoreline bite is giving way to a typical summer pattern. Expect walleyes to become reef creatures; best bet is the windward side of a gradual drop-off from a reef top. Probable depth success is 24-30' mid-day and 16-20' in the evenings.
Pike will be amongst the weeds or just outside the weed edges. Casting jerk baits or trolling with artificials should work well.
Reports of smallmouth spawning are in. Look for them on rocky shorelines and points. Smallies will be aggressive towards crayfish, match that with live bait or artificial lures that resemble crayfish.
A reminder to all: It is illegal to capture and fish with crayfish in Voyageurs National Park waters.
Kabetogama, Namakan and adjoining lakes have a harvest slot of under 17". All walleyes 17" to 28" must be released immediately.
Campers be aware of the laws pertaining to experimental waters and having cleaned fish at your site. Unless cleaned fillets are basically in the skillet, they must be kept live or whole by being gutted and gilled only.
Last, many campers have encountered bears. Be sure to keep your campsite and boat food-free except for using bear lockers, or you may have a destructive visitor.
Have a Great Day!
Ellen & Phil Hart
Gateway General
9378 Hwy 53
Kabetogama, MN 56669
(218) 875-2121
www.gatewaygeneral.com
www.kabfishingreport.com
