Fishing Stats

2012 Seasonal Fishing Stats Review

• Despite a record breaking early spring, the summer of 2012 was remarkably consistent and stable on Lac Seul, resulting in an excellent walleye fishing season for both size and numbers.

• We continued to track the progress of a bulge in our walleye population. The number of 24 – 27 in. walleyes has increased dramatically over the past 5 years and the trend continued in 2012. The total number of walleyes over 27 in. increased again to 621, up from 517 in 2011.

• The smallmouth bass population continues to grow and expand in the south central basin. Our June catch rates were lower than 2011, due in large part to rapidly rising water levels. The lake level rose more than 3 ft. in June resulting in lower catch rates for our spring bass anglers.

• The early season pike action took a similar hit. With an April 16 ice out, the normal spring bite occurred a full month before we started fishing. The rest of the season, made up for it with consistent action through the summer and fall. We topped out with 4 fish over 44 in. for the year.

• Overall, it was an exceptionally productive fishing season at the Wheel, especially for numbers of 24 – 27 in. walleyes. That group of year classes continues to grow and we look forward to catching them again in 2013 and for years to come