After the great walleye fishing we experienced during the 2018 fishing season, it’s hard not to be excited. All indicators are positive for another great open water season this summer.
One really encouraging signal was the number of “keeper size” fish we saw at the DNR walleye egg harvest this spring. There were lots of fish in the 13 to 17 inch range in the trap and while there were lots of larger fish too, it appeared that ratio of small fish to large ones has increased.
Encouraging us to exercise caution, DNR large Lake Specialist Gerry Albert reminds that it isn’t practical to form an opinion based on a one time sighting at the traps. Still, we’ve been there numerous times over the years and anecdotally, the fish we saw there this spring left us itching to get out on the lake.
More encouragement about walleye fishing on Winnie came in the form a report from Albert; “It appears that survival of the very strong 2018 year class has been good. Read >> "Cautiously Thrilled, 2018 Winnie Walleye Assesment".
At present growth rates, fish from this year class could begin reaching catchable size as early as 2021, but more likely 2022.
The current growth rate in Winnie is really great, but can’t assume that the current rate will apply to this larger year class. Whenever you see high population densities, it’s likely that competition for food and space will slow the growth rates somewhat. We’ll know more when we begin testing this summer.”
A key factor in angler success on Winnie has been water clarity. Last spring’s late ice-out, combined with a long period of warm, sunny weather gave algae blooms in the lake a head start over the Zebra Mussels, which didn’t mature until mid-summer.
The decrease in water clarity gave anglers a huge advantage and the fishing in 2018 was as good as, or even better than it was in the “good old days”. Our guests had little trouble catching fish and comments from some indicated that that were enjoying “best ever” success.
We learned a lot from those experiences, but two things stood out.
The first lesson was seeing firsthand how strong the walleye population in Winnie actually is. It’s hard to be anything but positive when we see virtually everyone in camp catching fish and coming back to the docks smiling.
The second lesson was learning more about the relationships between Zebra Mussels, clearing water and angler success. Many of us who struggled to catch fish when the water was super clear had no problem at all when the lake’s algae blooms provided cover. We probably could have been catching fish all along, if we had figured out which adjustments to our fishing presentations we needed to make.
Albert; “For the moment, it appears that the population of Zebra Mussels in Lake Winnibigoshish has plateaued. We know that they will always be with us, but it’s not exploding the way it was a few years back. It is possible that the impact of their presence will be felt a little less dramatically as their population stabilizes.
We know that anglers figure out how to find and catch walleyes in other clear water lakes. Over time, adaptation will be the secret to consistent success on Winnie too.”
Northern Pike will continue to provide good action and good eating for our guests this summer too. Pike populations remain high; in fact recent statistics show 13-15 fish per test net now. That’s roughly double the 6 fish per test net during the late 1990s and early 2000s.
The protected slot that requires releasing all pike from 22-26 inches took effect in 2018 and by all accounts, began doing its job. There were numerous reports from folks who released a lot of fish in that protected range.
We spoke to Gerry Albert about pike fishing too; “There are still a couple of strong year classes of pike that are moving into the lower range of the protected slot. That means there will still be a lot of fish in that protected range this summer. But growth rates for pike a very good in Winnie and some of the fish that were in protected range last summer will be moving out of the slot this year. Over the next couple of years, more and more fish will reach the 26 inch threshold for harvest.”
Some of the guides have been encouraging customers to harvest pike, especially the smaller ones. Local guide Jeff Sundin says; “Most folks who say that they don’t like pike really mean that they don’t like cleaning them. That’s why I tell my customers that they might as well save some while they’re fishing with me, that way they can let me do the cleaning.
You’d be surprised how many people begin utilizing these fish after they see how easy it really is to clean and prepare them.”
Last year, we introduced a video that focuses on catching, filleting and cooking some of these excellent eating size pike. If you haven’t already watched the video, we strongly suggest viewing it now. Prepare to be amazed, these fish make fantastic table fare and there will be plenty of them to harvest in 2019. View Video >> Outdoor Bound TV Lake Winnie Pike Fishing
Perch populations have declined over the past couple of years, but the reward for that is that there are more fish entering the “keeper” size range. Fish over 9 inches are becoming more abundant and now make up 15% of the total perch population. Albert; “That huge bubble of perch that we remember from a few years ago is maturing. There are less small fish and more desirable ones in the lake. Anglers should anticipate catching fewer fish over all, but when they find them, there will be a better chance at catching keepers.”
Historically, panfish populations in Cutfoot, Little Cutfoot and Winnie have been cyclical. In 2018 we saw evidence of a new up and coming crop of sunfish. There were fish everywhere and they were aggressive, especially during the mid-summer period. They were however, pretty small and it depends on each anglers individual threshold whether they will be of interest this summer or not.
That’s not to say that you won’t find quality panfish this summer; you will. But be prepared to encounter a lot of these smaller fish along the way and think of it as good news. These fish will be reaching desirable size in the very near future and we’ll be keeping an eye on them.
Bass and Musky fishing will be on the agenda this summer too, but let’s get the walleye season started before we focus any more on the warmer water species.
We’re only a week away from opening weekend and we’re chomping at the bit to get the season rolling. We'll see you when you get here!