Where are the fish biting?

Above: The Atkinson family had a great weekend of fishing on Isle Royale August 11 -12. Niel Atkinson said it is a little-known secret that in addition to great lake trout fishing, there are giant northerns to be found at the island. The largest caught over the weekend was 44 inches and was reeled in by Niel’s mom Kathleen Atkinson. Niel’s nephew, Harmon Hanson also caught a nice 36-inch northern. (L-R) Kathleen Atkinson, Niel Atkinson, Berendt “Bear” Atkinson, Harmon Hanson with one of the monster northerns. The big fish was released. Right: Niel Atkinson (right) and his nephew Harmon Hanson of Missoula, Montana, along with other family members, caught northerns and some very nice lake trout on their Isle Royale fishing weekend August 11 -12. The family enjoyed some delicious trout dinners.

From Jon at Buck’s Hardware Hank comes this week’s report:

Over at Homer Lake the walleyes were hitting in the 14- to 19-foot range off the boulders. Worms and leeches on jigs and rigs seemed to work pretty well. Stick to what you know, you know?

Off the weed edge the smallies were active on spinners. Some were “plugging” when they found calm water. Fly rods can be fun. Lichen muskies sound like an interesting afternoon, don’t they? Something I’ve never done. I’m gonna have to give that a shot one of these days. The walleyes on Lichen would be worth the trip if they’re hitting. Some of the fish told me to troll in 8 to 14 feet of water with Rapalas and live rigs with leeches and crawlers.

We’ll stay out west and mention Cascade Lake. Hit it in the evenings or mornings for your best shot. Minnows and leeches for live bait with jigs in 10 to 14 feet or so. The slip bobbers were coming out in the evening for a lot of folks.

 

How about some trout? Rainbows in Trout Lake in 20 feet or so with minnows and crawlers were hitting. Lakers too, down deep. Try jigging spoons and jigs. Leo Lake rainbows were hitting in 16 to 23 feet using crawlers and jigs. Walleyes were also hitting in the mornings and evening in 8 to 12 feet with minnows and crawlers.

Alex Smith from Savage, Minnesota had a great day of fishing with Captain Darren Peck of Tofte Charters. Alex reeled in this beautiful 12 pound, 33½ inch lake trout.