Kabetogama/Namakan Fishing Report 2/5/07
WOW - we certainly have ice makin' weather, the sub-zero temperatures add a couple inches of ice daily, no let-up in sight til mid week.
Anglers as well as spearing enthusiasts are enjoying the ice conditions, lots of areas to fish that in precious years would have been off limits due to slush or heavy snow.
Walleye bite has been up to par, depths at 36-42' has been the best producer, minnow or minnow head on a glow jig or tear drop jig of sorts, about 2' off the bottom has been best presentation.
Soft bottom structure seems to be holding the bait fish which has been the attractant for the walleyes.
Northern pike responding to live bait for spearing and tip-ups. Spearing at 6-12' or tip-ups at 15-20' have been pretty consistent for pike fishermen. The water clarity has lessened and the waters are difficult to spear in depths over 10'.
Crappie anglers have an occasional good day, minnow on a small jig at 35-40' finds them suspended off the bottom.
A good starting point for anglers on the Kabetogama/Namakan basin has been the area in front of the Kabetogama/Ash River Channel.
On the West end of Kabetogama you can get on the lake at several of the public ramps and set-up for angling or spearing as the season winds down.
Have a Great Day!
Ellen & Phil Hart
Gateway General
9378 Hwy 53
Kabetogama, MN 56669
(218) 875-2121
www.gatewaygeneral.com
www.kabfishingreport.com