Another great week here at Jim and Julie’s Wabaskang Camp. The sixth week of our season saw more hot dry weather with very little rain. There is some rain in the forecast so hopefully we will get some much-needed precipitation before long. Still no open fires allowed and extreme caution is urged at all times. The water level on Wabaskang is low but still manageable.
Walleye fishing was very good again this week with many trophies being caught and released and plenty of the 16”-18” fish for the frying pan. A great bait this week was leeches for many of our guests, a slip bobber or drop shot rig caught plenty of nice fish in the rocky reefs and deep weed edges. Crank baits and tube baits also caught their fair share of nice walleyes. Todd Clark managed to catch a chunky 25” walleye which is pretty special considering he was fishing with Phil Turnquist who always has a calamity of some sort going on. Mark Schellhorn released a beautiful 27 1/2” walleye caught while doing some late-night trolling. The biggest walleye of the week was caught and released by Reid Lammers, his 29 1/2” beauty was just one of many walleyes he caught and released this week.
Northern fishing was second to none this week as well. The big toothy critters are roaming the deep weed lines and are also suspended in deep water and are eager to grab any bug bait trolled past them. Bulldogs, Sandcats, and a Grandma lure were three of the top baits. My son-in-law Brandon Heuer caught and released a 35 ½’ northern he caught with his first cast if the week while standing on the dock, his net girl Annie our daughter was slow to react but did manage to get the fish netted and released after a quick picture. I believe you two just need more time on the water right Brandon? Cade Sandager flew all the way from Florida to be our guest and he released a chunky 33” northern, our daughter Annie Heuer caught and released a beautiful 34 1/2” northern while trolling big baits, she let her husband Brandon hold the fish for the picture so he would feel special. Good friend Charlie Zender is a crazy lunatic when it comes to northern fishing, he will cast all day and love seeing all that northern slime covering the floor if his boat. His biggest this week was a chunky 37” brute. The biggest northern of the week was caught by Dave Pickle, he landed a 37 1/2” northern to claim bragging rights in camp.
We had plenty log giant smallmouth bass released this week. A simple bobber and worm caught plenty of the feisty fish. Other good baits include crank baits, tube baits, and a jig and minnow. Brothers Zayden and Bodie Inselman had the bass fishing figured out this week, they caught plenty of giants either off the dock or from their dad or grandfather’s boat. Zayden released an 18 1/2″ a 19 1/4″ and a 19 1/2″ but was out fudged this year by his younger brother Bodie, Bodie released a 19 1/4″ and a giant 20″ smallmouth to take top honors in camp this week. We also had a rare event happen to the boys this week, Zayden caught and released an 18″ largemouth bass and little brother Bodie released a massive 20 1/2″ largemouth, both fish were caught back-to-back down in Keynote Lake.
Our guests did try for trout this week and a depth of about 45′ to 50′ was best. Nolan Ginther was so proud of his little 16″ trout until his buddy Greg crushed his dreams of a free hat by catching a gorgeous 27 1/2″ trout.
We had a 34″ Musky released by Dave Pickle, very few Muskie’s caught here each season so hats off to you Dave.
Another week is well in its way here and so far, a limited number of Mayflies have been reported.
Remember to get your licenses on line or at a tackle shop before you arrive at camp and print us a copy if you have a chance. Also be very careful that your boat and trailer are clean and free of any algae or aquatic species that could be accidentally introduced into Ontario waters. Double check and make sure your boat plug is out and your live well/ bait wells are clean and dry. Dutchies General Store just up the road can fix you up with a fishing license and your grocery/beverage needs along with souvenirs and leeches if you need some, we do not keep leeches on hand here at camp. The Whiskey Jack Restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday at noon each day and they have great food and beverages along with great hospitality, we enjoy everything on the menu and especially love their pizza and wings.
That is all to report for week number six, this is Jim from Wabaskang.
