Late May update

     Just signing in to give all the fisherman coming up a quick update of what has been going on so far this open water season.    For the walleye opener, the fish were biting quite well.   We were out two days and caught 30-35 walleye each day and a number of pike.   The walleye were running a bit smaller, in the 13-16 inch range for the most part, with only one around 24 inches.  Wherever we would mark fish, we could get them to bite, mostly in deeper water.   All of our fisherman in camp that week were doing quite well catching plenty of fish though.  
    The lake trout have been steady in the 40-50 foot range for the few who are pursuing them, and smallmouth bass have moved shallow and are making many beds preparing for the big spawn. 
    The past 3-4 days however, the fishing has slowed a bit due to the cold front that has set in.   Today's high is only supposed to be 47.   I was out last night on Crystal for about 2 hours, we did land about 10 bass, but they had definitely slowed up and moved off the beds until it warms again. 
   Looking ahead,  tomorrow through next week is supposed to be quite nice and sunny for the most part, which will definitely get all the fish more active again, especially after this 3-4 day lag we have encountered.   By looking at the daytime highs, I think the walleye and bass bite will take off going into the first week of June.
    For everyone coming up this summer, we do have the new automated license system at the camp so you can purchase one here, expect a few delays wherever you buy it though, as the new system has many new glitches in it and has been quite frustrating for many issuers getting support.  Also, you can buy it online if you purchase it enough time in advance.
    We are again selling bait at the office this summer, and have added to the tackle inventory in the store.  So if there is something you are missing when you get here, we may have it here!

Good Fishing!

Walleye Opener 2012

   The fishing this past weekend was relatively good, especially considering it is still only May.   I was out two different days and both days we landed 30 or more walleye.   For the most part, wherever we marked fish on the locator, they would bite.   Many of the walleye were in the 12-15 inch range, but we did manage to get one approx. 23 inches.   The bigger fish seemed to be a little deeper, but I believe in the next couple weeks, they will move shallow and begin a post-spawn feeding frenzy!
     Lake trout have been steady, some fisherman are getting them in 40 feet of water near the bottom, while others have caught a few nice fish in less than 20 feet of water, and one of our guests even caught some in 50 foot of water basically trolling near the top!  
    The big smallies have moved shallow in all the area lakes and are currently establishing their bedding areas.   They are not chasing yet, but will readily take a lure near or in their bed.   It looks like the spawn should occur about mid June this year.  
    Pike are biting like pike should.   Numerous pike from 30-40 inches have been caught and released by our fisherman this past week.  I would guess the bigger pike will be shallow throughout a good part of June, then will be deep the rest of the summer.  
    Surface temps are currently running around 58 degrees on most area lakes, with some of the bays topping out at 62.  
   The open water season has officially begun!!!  
Travel safely and good fishing!
Jody

OPENING WEEKEND JUST DAYS AWAY!

   Well, the big weekend is almost here.   Looks like it should be a pretty good walleye opener, as the weather is looking to be pretty nice and it will be warming the water temps throughout the week into the weekend.    Water temps on most of our lakes are in the mid 50's right now after the sun beats on the water into the afternoon.   Early morning surface temps may be a bit less.  
     The lake trout have been hitting good and steady this past week in shallower water.   Trolling has proven to be quite effective.
    The smallies are just starting to move shallow, by the weekend I believe they will be getting pretty active up shallow.  Today we were out for a few hours and had some good action from the bass, a lot of pike and the whitefish are quite active up shallow in some lakes as well.    
     The only bad news we have for opening weekend is that the black flies and gnats along with some mosquitoes are starting to come out pretty thick at certain times of the day due to all the rain we have been having the past week and a half.   Water levels are pretty much up to normal in most of the lakes.  
    We are looking forward to all our return guests coming in and any new groups that will be vacationing with us here at Crystal Beach this upcoming summer.    Hopefully this weather stays nice for the next 3 months!!!  
   Until we see you, good fishing!!!
Crystal Beach