Clothing |
| Warm clothing for the mornings and evenings, and lighter clothing for the afternoons. Temperatures range from the low 50's to the high 90's during the summer and it is not unusual to experience this change all in one day. Most fisherman dress in layers to avoid any discomfort. |
| Rain Gear |
| Rain gear is a must. Bring pants, jacket and hat. We don't usually get a lot of rain, but when it comes, it pours. (The silver lining - Walleye bite best during a good drizzle.) |
| Bug Repellant |
| Bugs are not a problem while fishing, but they get a little annoying during shorelunch or pit stops in the trees. |
| Camera |
| The scenery is spectacular and you just might chance on some of our wildlife; bears, wolves, eagles, lots of waterfowl species, otters, muskrats, mink and lots of beaver, to name but a few. |
| Spinning Rods and Tackle |
| Most experienced fishermen tend to bring several rod and reel combinations with them and a large selection of tackle. For the novice and intermediate fisherman, you need not worry if your equipment is limited. A good light or medium action rod will suit your needs just fine. Fishing line in the 6 lb, 8 lb, 10 lb or 12 lb test category is sufficient. (Spiderwire has become quite popular, but I can't say that it has proved any more effective at catching fish than regular monofilament line.) |
| As for tackle, most fisherman have a favorite lure or two, but the following list has proven quite reliable in these waters. |
| Walleye | Jigs and twister tails are all you will need. Light colors in the spring and darker colors as the summer progresses. |
| Northern Pike | An assortment of number 2 sized lures will work just fine. Red Devils, Five of Diamonds (red and yellow), Little Cleos (blue/silver), silver or green Red Eyes, Cyclops, and a few spinners and weedless lures and you will have all you need. The truth is, Northerns will take just about anything when they are hungry. |
| Lake Trout | The toughest catch on these waters, Lake Trout go deep (40 to 80 feet) not long after ice-out. You'll need a heavy rod and 25 lb test line if jigging, or a trout rod if you prefer to troll. Number 4 lures work best; Lady Bugs, black & red Five of Diamonds, Red Eyes and green/yellow Ruby Eyes are most commonly used. |
| Brook Trout | We have some of the largest Brook Trout in the world down the Island Lake River (two World Records set in 1997). An excellent fighting fish, but tough to catch. You'll fish for them in extremely fast water so bring an assortment of smaller, weighted lures. Mepps tend to work the best, but Five of Diamonds and twister tails can be successful as well. |
| Fly Rods and Tackle |
| Six or 8 weight rods are sufficient with floating line or intermediate sinking tip (250-350 grams). Leaders should be 6 to 9 feet and 8 to 15 lbs. Since there are many Northerns in the lake, even if you are not targeting them, 8 to 10 inches of 15 lb wire tippet can be quite helpful. |
| Walleye | Size 4 to 6 Clousers and small streamers in mixed colors. |
| Northern Pike | Size 4 to 1/0 streamers, Clousers, deer hair frogs, poppers and Dahlburg Divers. Effective colors are red and white, yellow and white, blue back, chartreuse and bunny hair in mixed colors. |
| Brook Trout | Sizes 6 to 12. Bead head Hare's Ears Nymphs in dark colors and olive green. Mickey Finn and Wooly Buggers in mixed colors, weighted and unweighted. Adams, Hendersons, Coachmans and Humpies. |
| This is not an exhaustive list, but provides a good assortment of what you'll need. Please call if you would like to discuss anything in more detail. |
