So far the fishing has been pretty steady. I haven't been getting the big numbers that some talk about, but the fishing has been pretty good for the start of the year. The water hasn't been clear which has been the biggest issue. The fish are having a tough time seeing the bait IMO, so you have to get near them to get them to bite, at least when you're out a little deeper. That's why traps and such are doing better. You can cover more water, more quickly.
The bite on the Mile Roads was steady on the opener and pretty good yesterday. Selfridge was pretty slow yesterday, but there were just too many boats. It's being heavily pressured right now. And most of the boaters are idiots, running right up on you. I caught a nice 3 pounder and within seconds, 5 different boats ran right up on me. So we jetted and fished South to get away from the pack.
As the water clears it's only gonna get better IMO. I'm guessing it'll be a good day and lots of fish for the DK with this warming trend. I'll be out again tomorrow morning (kinda late), but we'll see how it goes. I'll post a report about the water clarity tomorrow.
As for lake levels, they are up a lot more than I expected. They don't seem down from what I remember last year. The launches seem the same and I was able to get right up to shore in a spot where I couldn't last fall. So the lake is wide open. Don't know about Muskamoot. I may venture out there tomorrow if we have the gas. I hate getting in and out of there without a hydro jack plate. :/
The biggest issue has been the dang wind. If it would shift for a few days, I'd imagine the lake would clear up and the fishing would open up a bit. But it's still been steady and fun. Lots like this:
Thanks for the report. I'm looking forward to being down there next weekend for the madwags event!
I was at Self the same day. Hope it wasn't me moving in on you. Highly unlikely. We fished it in the am and pm and it was slow for us. Remember seeing a silver blue stratos with a Etec on it??? :)
Nope, I don't remember a Stratos. I'm in a red BassCat. No biggie either way, it doesn't really bother me. I expect it on busy days out there. I did have a boat run right up on me though and got right on the path I was fishing which I felt was an idiot move...more rude actually, but I'm pretty hard to offend, so we just moved on. Peoples is peoples. :) It happened to me the other day too. Me and Gary were fishing, I landed a decent one and this other boat quickly moved in our path (like a fly to a bug light) and another boat ran over and camped out on our line about 20 or 30 foot from us. That's just the way it goes on busy fishing days out there. I don't get too bent out of shape about it. There's plenty of great water to fish out there and moving is always a good option. I wanted to get out this morning, but didn't get a call back from the guy who was wanting to go out with me, so I ended up working instead. :( Hey Jeff, we should get out together sometime. I'm one of those guys who doesn't really like fishing alone. I'd rather have conversation.
I like the idea, but unfortunately may not get the chance. I usually head up with someone, in order to share the gas and lodging costs. I have gone alone before but try not too. If that ever happens it's a deal. Now if I were to driveup without the boat it would be less expensive but I'd want to try and get out at least a second day. It's about a 3 hour 15 minute run up there without a boat.
Oh, and I'd never do any of the stuff you mentioned about other boaters. I admit I might lean their way but not get any where near that close or in their drift path.