August 27, 2018 – The Water is Low!

Hi Everyone,

Well, like the title says the water is low. Probably the lowest I have ever seen it in my life here. The Narrows are still navigable, and I haven’t heard about the Rock Gardens but I don’t think I would try it. Rain has been scarce this summer to say the least, I would say we have got less than 6 inches all summer. We are in a fire ban now and almost every morning you can see thick smoke over the lake. The fires aren’t near us but the smoke is really blowing in.

Caution needs to be taken near reefs that you can usually drive right over. They are near the surface enough that hitting them is a concern, as I learned in my new boat.

Luckily I only hit the scag, prop is fine and not leaking any oil. Not bad for 35 MPH.

Despite the low water the fish are biting really well. The usual for this time of year, they are concentrated on the reefs with depths as deep as 26 feet producing walleye. I like to drift the reefs whenever possible as the moving presentation seems to stir up the active fish. Also, if I drift a reef a couple times and don’t get any fish I usually move on to the next one. It seems if they aren’t hitting on one reef it’s not worth wasting your time, move on. I have been fishing with the usual jig and minnow but have heard bottom bouncers with crawlers are working as well.

For those of you who haven’t heard yet, Hali and I split up and are not getting married this fall. For personal reasons Hali decided this wasn’t the life for her and will be no longer with us. This won’t change much around camp, except that I spend a little more of my time doing paperwork and a little less out in the yard. We all wish her the best of luck!

Lastly, here is a nice sunset pic from my annual Rush Lake trip with friends!

Ryan