May 15, 2009
Greetings from Wabaskang Camp! The ice has been off the lake for a week now and we were able to get quite a bit done around camp. I also noticed that the trees were starting to bud out. However it looks like it is going to be a rough opening weekend for myself, Julie and all our guests. Its been raining all day here and forecasts of strong winds, snow and low temps are forcing us to shut down the water system today and we will probably have it off through the weekend. I believe the Outhouse will be getting some use. Highway 105 north of us has closed down today due to heavy snow and blizzard conditions. Hopefully things will warm up in a few days and will get back to normal.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone this year and would like to remind everyone to bring their passports. Also we would like to let you know that the Sunset Restaurant just north of Jim & Julies road will also be open on Saturdays starting May 23rd. If you find you are a little early you could stop in and have breakfast or lunch there before checking in.
We will try and give an update on the weather and conditions some time this weekend.
May 17th, 2009
Well the snow started on Friday the 15th after much rain and when we all woke up on Saturday it looked more like December and believe me it felt like it also. The wind blew for most of the day and only a few braved the cold windy day to catch some fish. The sun did make an appearance which helped melt the snow but the wind didnt die out until early evening. Just about everyone made it out fishing at some point of the day and there were finally some fish for the frying pan. The weather was calling for another cold night so we didnt turn on the water. It was 24 degrees when we woke up Sunday morning but the weatherman is calling for warmer conditions today and the sun is shinning. Once everything thaws out we will try to turn on the water again and hope that the temps continue upward so that we dont have to turn it off again. The lake is calm and everyone was up early to take advantage of the beautiful day in hopes of catching that BIG ONE.
May 16th 22nd
This week proved to be a challenge for the fisherman and camp owners alike. We were able to keep the water on for the rest of the week but the temperatures were below freezing every night. The snow was gone by Monday but the wind and rain were off and on for the week. There were many fish caught but with the water temperature at the mid 40s the fish were not as active as most opening weeks. The bite was a soft bite with a very slow presentation and the smallest bait and jig head you could get by with. Tube jigs proved to be a deadly technique for some of our guests with Blake Johnson catching a 43 Northern and Tyler Harlan catching a 28 inch Lake Trout, and many Bass in the 18-19 inch range and all the fish were released. Steve Taylor had the big Walleye of the week, a nice 28 inch beauty which he also released. Chuck Nass caught and released the biggest Bass of the year so far a beautiful 19 inch Smallmouth.
May 23rd 29th
Cool weather continues to make fishing conditions tough. All of our guests are catching lots of fish despite their ice cold fingers and bone chilling wet clothing. Water temperatures range from 46 55 degrees with few pockets of warmer water which seems to be holding the major concentrations of Walleye and Perch. Lots of huge Smallmouth Bass being caught and released with the largest being caught by Chris Tucker a 20 inch beauty. The big Walleye of the week also went to Chris Tucker, a 29 inch lunker which he released. Lots of big Northern were caught on minnows and silver spoons last week, the two biggest being a 40 incher caught by Ken Scheidt and 42 incher caught by Peter Olson. We still havent mowed the lawn and many of the trees havent begun to leaf out yet. Hopefully next week will bring warmer weather and sunny skies.
May 30th 5th
Week three saw a continuation of the cool and wet weather. Highs in the 50s and lows in the 30s kept the water temperatures well below normal for this time of the year. The Walleyes still biting well in the shallow water around 6 ft on minnows and night crawlers. Our guests are still catching a few Lake Trout in the shallows as well along with lots of good size Smallmouth Bass. Reid McCord seemed to have the right touch for Smallmouth Bass with the biggest being a 19 inch beauty. Niel Miller caught the biggest Walleye of his life a huge 29 inch monster which he quickly released. Jim Loger caught a nice 27 inch Lake Trout which he released back into the lake. Bob Gaerke a rookie in camp had the big Northern of the week a nice 39 incher. All in all the fishing compared well with the same week last year as far as numbers and size go.
June 6th 12th
The week started off sunny with temperatures in the 60s but soon the clouds and rain moved back in with cooler temperatures and northwest winds. Fishing was outstanding for most of our guests with lots of huge fish being caught and released each day. The Walleye’s were still shallow and a slip bobber and minnow seamed to be the best technique to use to catch the big Walleyes with Ron Phippen catching and releasing a 27 incher and Dave Schaller catching and releasing a 28 inch beauty. Smallmouth Bass fishing was outstanding as well with top honors going to Dale Wilson a 19 inch beauty. The real story of the week was the big Northern caught and released. Kevin Reints released a 41 incher, Mike Lammers released four Northern’s over 40 inches the biggest being a 43 inch monster. We also had three Lake Trout caught and released this week with the biggest being a 36 incher caught by Chris Jutting. The end of the week brought warmer weather and next week promises to be even better.
June 13th 19th
Summer has arrived. Hot weather and high humidity is sending the fish deeper and finding cool water and new weed growth is the key. Smallmouth are on their beds now and the Lake Trout have moved deep. The Walleye fishing was excellent with Ward Jankus starting out catching a nice 25 incher. Tom Hardin, Brian Frantl and Dave Woolard each caught a nice 25 incher and Monty Green caught 2 27 inchers on the 18th. Ward Jankus also caught a nice Northern at 39 inches and Les Jones had the big Northern of the week a 43 incher. Les also had the big Smallmouth Bass of the week an 18 inch beauty. There were lots of wild life sightings this week and one of our guests had the rare chance to see a Wolf feasting on a deer carcass. We are looking forward to week six with lots of big time Northern fishermen in camp.
June 20th 26th
Well we had another hot sunny week. The fishing proved to be excellent for big Northern, Walleye and Smallmouth Bass. We even had a few nice Lake Trout caught this week. All the fish seamed to be hanging out around the weeds and shallow rocky points. Plastic baits, tube jigs and spinner rigs all worked well for Walleye and Northern. Top water baits drew big Bass off their beds for some excellent action. Some of the fish caught and released this week were a 29 inch Walleye caught by Ryan Nihoris, Bryce Wentlandt caught a beauty of a Smallmouth at 19 inches, and Leo Fortenberry caught and released a monster 40 inch Northern. Also caught this week was a lunker Lake Trout at 34 inches by Ryan Little. The water level hasnt gone down much in the past few weeks even without much precipitation and remains fairly high. Next week may bring some rain and cooler temps.
June 27th July 3rd
Saturday brought showers and strong winds. Sunday brought more rain and even stronger winds. Monday brought more rain and less wind. Tuesday brought light rain and light winds. Fishing was every bit as good as it was last week in spite of the weather. The two biggest Smallmouth Bass were caught by Ken Schroeder and John Dukovich both beautiful 19 inch trophys. Lots of big Walleye again this week, Mike Bowers and Drew Bowers each had a 29 inch Walleye and Tim Wuethrich took top honors with a 29 inch beauty. All three fish were released. No Lake Trout were brought into camp this week but lots of big Northern were caught. Christy Butcher had a 40 inch along with Logan Wuethrich. Max Wuethrich had a 41 inch Northern, Chad Miller caught a 42 inch Northern and the biggest Northern of the week went to Kristy Lammers a 43 inch monster. All these big Northern were released. The Walleyes seem to be retreating to deeper water and we are beginning to see a May Fly hatch in certain parts of the lake. The weeds are finally beginning to thicken in their normal areas which promise to draw in big Pike and Walleye both mornings and evenings. Looking forward to next weeks predicted warmer temperatures and dryer weather.
July 4th July 10th
Finally a week of dryer and summer like weather. There were two types of Walleye bite this week. The bigger Walleyes were caught trolling deep diving crankbaits at 20-60 feet of water and the eater size Walleyes were caught on weed lines and rocky points using twister tails, crankbaits and jig and minnow. Smallmouth Bass were plentiful along the rocky shore lines using spinner baits, crankbaits and tube jigs. Most of the big Northern were caught throwing musky plugs along the deep weed lines. Mark Lewandoski caught a 29 inch Lake Trout. Fred Edwards had the big Smallmouth Bass for the week a 18 inch beauty. Some of the big Northern were caught by Brian Lewandoski a 34 incher, Evan Neihouser a 38 incher and Mike Lammers a 39 incher. The big Walleys were caught by Scott Compton a 27 incher and Mike Lammers a 29 incher.
July 11th July 17th
Cool wet windy weather returned to camp again this week, which definitely affected the fishing. Five straight days of wet windy weather caused the overall size of the fish to be down from the week before. Many of our guests didnt even leave the dock for a few days this week. Mayfly hatch continues to be sporadic with the bigger hatches happening on the north end of the lake. Walleyes could be caught using light jigs tipped with a minnow or crawler along the weed lines. Northerns seem to be in a transition phase moving from shallow to deep during the week. Bass fishing was decent but the number of large fish was down. The big Walleye of the week was caught by Matt Howard a nice 23 incher. Craig Mericle caught the big Northern of the week a 37 inch beauty and Jim Carey had a monster Smallmouth that measured 19 inches.
July 18th July 24th
Another wet cool week with more rain than sun but good fishing kept everyones spirits high. The quantity of fish being caught was down but the quality of fish was up which meant many trophy fish being caught and released this week. Mayfly hatch was still going on which meant sporadic Walleye fishing most of the week. Lake levels remain high as of today. Blueberries seem to be a few weeks behind their normal harvesting dates but should be plentiful in a week or two. This week was mostly Missouri verse Iowa as far as fishing competition goes with both groups doing extremely well. Smallmouth Bass fishing was as good as ever with the biggest being caught by Jason Comer a 19 inch Beauty, released. Jasons son Chance had the biggest Walleye of the week a 28 inch Beauty going home for the wall. Lots of big Northern again this week, the top three were Reid Lammers with a 40 incher, Brian Boevers a 41 incher and Mike Lammers a 43 incher. Looking forward to next week they are forecasting rain right now but maybe things will change and the weather will warm up and dry out.
July 25th August 31st
Week 11 of the season brought more of the same type of weather. Rain and cool temperatures kept most of our guest fishing close to camp most of the week. Above average water levels continue to keep the fish scattered with hot spots one day turning to cold spots the next. Mayfly hatch continues to dwindle down with only scattered hatches being reported. Walleyes were slow but steady for the eater size fish with the largest being caught by Ron Peterson a nice 26 incher. Susan Willer had the big Smallmouth Bass for the week with a 19 inch beauty. Northern fishing this week was the best we have seen this far for big fish. The Peterson brothers had quite a competition going on this week. Chad Peterson had a 40 and 42 Northern only to get beat by his brother Todds 45 Monster. Sue Minks also caught a beautiful 44 incher which was her personal best. Hopefully next week we will see some warmer temperatures and dryer weather, keep your fingers crossed.
August 1st August 7th
Lots of wind on Saturday, many of our guests didnt bother launching their boats until Sunday. Still plenty of rain all week long with a total of about an inch this week. Walleye fishing has been tough for many of our guests, fish seam to be in a transition phase, shallow one day and deep the next. Night crawlers seem to be working as well as minnows and crank baits are catching the occasional big fish. Andrew Fober and Jason Hartling each had a nice 24 inch Walleye. Bass fishing was decent, Randy Hughes caught a 16 inch Smallmouth, Cheri Beason had a 17 inch Smallmouth, and Dave Stark had a 17 inch Smallmouth. Fishing for big pike has slowed from last week but that didnt stop Julie Halla from catching a beautiful 36 incher. The big Northern of the week goes to Jason Hartling, a nice 38 incher which he released. Hopefully things will dry out next week. We have been trying to paint all the cabins this summer and we are only half done.
August 8th August 14th
Another week of rain and cool temperatures. We saw thunderstorms off and on through the week which brought heavy rain and lots of lightning manly during the overnight periods. Walleye fishing was good in the shallows but the overall size of the fish was down this week. A few of the bigger fish were caught by Walter Halla, an 18 inch Walleye and Ryan Scammahorn, a 21 inch Walleye. Millie Louvar also had a beautiful 21 inch Walleye. Northern fishing picked up this week with lots of big fish being caught on spinner baits and stick baits. Mark Kline had a nice 35 inch Northern, Steve Morse had a 36 incher and Tony Opperman had a 42 inch beauty for the big fish of the week. Bass fishing was good for our guests that fished for Bass with the biggest being caught by Millie Louvar, 17 inch bronze back. Forecast for next week is more rain and cool weather.
August 15th August 21st
This week saw five days of rain and two days of sun and clouds. The lake is as high as we have seen it all year and we really need some hot dry days to dry things out. This week saw the best Northern fishing of the season so far. We had 16 Northern 40 inches or better caught and released this week. Jerald Heuer had a 41 incher only to get beat by his son Matt who had a huge 42 incher for the big fish of the week. Mike Kuethe also release a beautiful 41 inch Northern. The Walleye have moved out to deeper water with big fish being caught in 22 to 32 feet of water. Mike Luhring released a 27 inch Walleye, and his father Leon released a 27 inch Walleye. Smallmouth Bass fishing was spotty but Travis Holm managed to catch a nice 17 incher to win top honors for the week. Next weeks forecast looks cool but dry, we will keep our fingers crossed. Fishing should continue to be great for the rest of the season.
August 22nd August 28th
Finally a week of beautiful weather and only a quarter inch of rain all week long. Northern fishing continued to be fantastic with lots of big fish being caught on stick baits and large spoons. Brett Langfritz caught and released a nice 40 incher, his personal best. Mike Lammers had a 40 incher, a small fish in his standards. And the big Northern of the week was caught by Ruth Rowe, a beautiful 43 incher caught on a rattle trap, which she promptly released. The Walleye fishing was some of the best we have seen all year. Most of the big fish were caught in deep water in the mornings and late evenings. Susan Langfritz had a nice 24 incher. Brian Boevers and Larry Luhring tied for top honors this week with 2 beautiful 26 inchers. Bass fishing was spotty this week, with most fish being taken on rock piles in the early morning. Susan Langfritz took top honors on Smallmouth Bass fishing this week with a spunky 17 incher. The weather looks beautiful for the upcoming week; we hope the fishing stays hot!
August 29th September 4th
We are finally seeing dry warm weather in the last few days of August. We didnt have any rain all week and the sun was out most of the time. Most of our guests had packed for cooler weather and this was a nice surprise. Walleye fishing seemed to be spotty at times with fish being caught in depths of 15 feet for the smaller Walleye and 35 feet for the larger Walleye. Biggest Walleye of the week was caught by Diane Snyder a nice 23 incher. Northern fishing was decent all week with spinner baits and crank baits taking most of the big fish. One lucky lady Cythia Fleming managed to catch a beautiful 39 incher, which turned out to be the biggest Northern of the week. Many of our guests caught some nice Smallmouth Bass. Matt Olsofski and Dave Muhs each had a 15 inch Bass and Randy Cook took top honors with a nice 16 incher. More unseasonably warm weather is forecast for the next ten days, which will keep the fishing patterns unpredictable and challenging.
September 5th September 11th
It was a beautiful week and our warm summer like weather continues. Fishing continued to be top notch with lots of big Walleye and Northern being caught this week. Many of our guests caught their bigger Walleyes in deep water usually 35 feet or more on jigs and lindy rigs. The bigger the minnow the bigger the fish. Don Gutknecht caught and released a 27 inch Walleye, Larry Dufel out did him with a 27 inch Walleye he released but both guys were beat by Harm Harms, who caught a beautiful 30 inch monster Walleye he is taking home to put on the wall. Northern fishermen in camp seemed to find fish on the weed lines hitting spoons and big stick baits. Most of the Northern were caught from noon to early evening on the windy sides of the lake. Bob Biersner caught and released a 39 inch beauty and Randy Drumtra managed to get a 41 incher into the boat for a quick picture before he released it. Bass fishing was sporadic again this week but Harm Harms managed to pull out and18 inch beauty off the end of our dock. Next week weather sounds warm and dry again. Hopefully the fishing will continue to be hot.
September 12th September 18th
We had another beautiful week of unseasonably warm weather. We only had rain one morning and Harlan Kruse was our only guest that managed to get caught in it (he should have listened to Doyle). Walleye fishing was as good as it gets this week with dozens of fish being caught over 20 inches each day. Walleye definitely have moved deeper with the bigger fish being caught at around 35 feet. Bob Opperman caught and released a beautiful 28 incher and Jim Moran managed to catch a trophy 28 inch Walleye, his personal best. Northern fishing was good for those that were targeting Northern. Big spoons and stick baits seemed to be the best lures to use. Vern Hanus and Ivan Flock each managed to catch and release beautiful 41 inch trophies. Smallmouth Bass fishing was good for some of our guests, Roger Mobley was proud of his 16 inch Bass until Tom Gloviak caught and released a 19 inch Bass. The trees are beginning to turn but the forecast is for continued mild temperatures and dry weather. Next week the Moose hunters are here and we begin closing down camp.
September 19th September 26th
Our last week of the season has come and gone with some of the best weather we have had all year. Moose hunters were a little disappointed because of the weather, it made calling the moose next to impossible so the guys went home with lots of fish but no Moose to show for their effort. The fishermen in camp had some of the best Walleye fishing they have ever experienced. Lots of big Walleyes and the occasional big Northern as a bonus. Top honors for the big Walleye of the week go to Leroy Hennen with a 27 inch beauty which he released. The two biggest Northern of the week were caught by Jay Mai a nice 38 incher and Ryan Pierce with a 39 incher which were both released. We are busy now closing down camp and putting things away until next year. We had two hard frosts the last two mornings and next weeks weather sounds like highs in the mid 20s which is a big change from what we are used to. We are looking busy for next season so if you are interested in a cabin for the 2010 season email us with any questions or comments. Hope to see you all again next season. Thank you all very much!
