Fishing Stats

 

 

2023 Stat Summary

There are a thousand variables that affect the fishing season. We try to keep track and analyze the trends.  Despite the weather fluctuations throughout the season, our year end stats remained consistently strong for all 3 key species:

• Total walleyes and walleyes over 24 in. were very close to last season. The number of master angler walleyes was up with 4 over 32 in.
• The 2022 pike stats were off the charts because of super high water in the spring that kept the big ones shallow until June 1. In 2023 we did not have that pattern, but we continued to pursue big pike throughout the season.  We ended the year with 68 over 40 in., which is the same result as last season.  The bottom line is that we have a great big pike fishery, and the guides know how to read the groups and the conditions.
• Our smallmouth bass season is a very narrow window and for many years, the groups that care to chase them did not line up with the weather. This year was a smash.  We caught and released 135 smallmouth over 19 in., including 23 over 20 in.

The seasons, lake level, and weather are more variable than ever, but the great equalizer is the guide staff.  We talk, share, and adjust.  We know we are spoiled guiding on a world class fishery, but it is still fishing.  The guides take time to find out what guests want, and we do our best to put on that show regardless of the weather or the season.