Hello again from Jim and Julie’s Wabaskang Camp. We had another exciting week here at camp, giant northern, trophy musky, and bountiful crappie highlighted the week. Our walleye fishing continues to lag behind what we usually see on Wabaskang Lake, our guests are catching some big trophy walleyes but struggling to catch the 16” to 18” “eaters” they are looking for. Jigs and minnows worked well but also Lindy Rigs and crank baits. The trophy sized walleyes were mostly caught in 22’ of water on a jig and minnow combination. It seems some guests did catch some good numbered of smaller walleyes in the weeds but only in the early morning and late evening hours. Kim Schaeffer and her husband Tim stayed almost two weeks with us this season, she saved her best for last when she released a chunky 24″ and 25″ walleye, they like to Lindy Rig with large minnows. Mike Lammers had a phenomenal week here at camp for all species and the 27″ walleye he released was good for second place. Jeff Schmidt caught and released his personal best this week at Wabaskang, his trophy 28″ walleye wins him a hat for the week, he was so excited he is considering two trips to camp next season.
Our bass fishing was decent this week considering most guest we’re catching them accidentally while walleye or northern fishing. Some of the smaller bass were caught on twister tails or crank baits but the giants were usually caught in a large plastic bait or jig and minnow combination. Once again, my brother “Big Mike” used the skills and knowledge I gave him years ago to land and release many nice bass, his two best were 18 1/2″ and 19 1/2″, tops in camp for sure.
Northern fishing was top notch this week especially for the guests that had the large baits to throw at them. A Giant Bulldog or Sandcat drove the toothy critters crazy. Deep water humps saw plenty of action along with weeds next to deep water. Some guests also did well using a Lindy Rig and large minnow. Todd Gebhardt released a chunky 36 1/2″ beauty, Kim Schaefer once again put her husband Tim in his place when she caught and released a 34″, 37 1/2″, and a giant 38″ brute. The best northern fisherman in camp was a contest between a husband-and-wife Mike and Kristy Lammers. They had spots on the lake, usually over deep water humps where they could cast large rubber baits or Sandcats and see or catch fish almost every cast. Mike Lammers released a 36″, 3- 37″, a 38″, and 2- 39″ monsters. His wife Kristy had even better numbers, she released 2-37″, 37 1/2″, 38″, 39″, 41″, and a monster 43″ trophy, great week for the two of them for sure.
Crappie fishing really took off this week which made up for the slow walleye fishing. Keynote Lake saw some fast action along with Ruby Lake and even McCloud Bay. A Bettle Spin lure worked well along with tiny tube jigs or even a tiny jig tipped with Gulp. 8′ to 12′ of water was best and evenings were the time to go. Blake Block caught a giant 14 1/2″ crappie but our friend Rich Luhring crushed the competition this week when he caught massive 15 1/4″ crappie, that’s big enough for top spot of the season so far.
We did have a trophy Muskie released this week, Mike Lammers managed to entice and hook up with a 48″ beauty, a quick picture and back into the water it went.
Next week looks decent as far as weather goes and some rain but nothing major. Remember to have your boat live wells clean and dry along with your boat plugs pulled before you cross into Canada to help prevent the spread of invasive species. We don’t issue licenses here at camp so get yours before you leave home or stop at Clark’s Bait and Tackle in Dryden or Vermilion Bay or run up to Dutchies General Store just two miles up the road from my driveway and pick up your licenses and beverages and groceries you might need. The Whiskey Jack Restaurant is open Wednesday through Sunday and less than a quarter mile north of my driveway, Laura and Graham have a great menu and always make sure you heave the restaurant happy and stuffed. That’s all for now, this is Jim from Wabaskang.
