Fishing for Walleye aka "Footballs"!
Footballs? This is a term that some of our guests have used to describe the Walleye on all three of our lakes. Although Silsby, High Hill and Cuddle Lakes have the reputation as world-class trophy pike factories, we don’t want to underestimate our walleye fishery. Most of our guests measure our walleye fishing on the amount of time it takes to get shore lunch (including the Walleye you have to release because they are too big) and on any of our lakes we can put you on the Walleye spots in 15 minutes from camp. Our Walleye fishing improves every season in quantity and size.
What a fun week! Dennis caught a 48" and a 43" northern, and I caught a trophy walleye, along with quite a few northern in the 36" to 39" range. We saw a moose, a bear, and several eagles. The last day of our stay we landed 150 plus northern, what a great job by our guide Lennart! Many thanks to Sam and his crew, they went out of their way to make sure we had a great trip! Can't wait till next time." Dennis & Sandy Fett 
Sandy Fett with Trophy Walleye from Silsby Lake.
Schools of Walleyes can be seen moving in and out of bays at Silsby Lake in as little as 6-7 feet of water. You will find many hard-hitting walleye taking your favorite pike lures. When you are targeting walleyes the best method is jigging with ¼ to 3/4 oz jig with a twister tail in white and yellow. We have frozen minnows on hand at all camps to encourage the bite. There are a lot of reefs and islands on Silsby and the outpost camp lakes to test your skill at jigging or troll off the bottom with our special single hook crank baits.
After an exhilarating morning of catching Walleye and Northern Pike consistently, it’s time for shore lunch and our guides are masters at this craft. We have pre-planned shore lunch spots on all of the lakes to make this process easy and comfortable. After a relaxing time of eating and telling fish stories of the one that didn’t get away, it’s time to head out on the lake again for the afternoon to create more memories to tell at dinner. |
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Our guides are all experienced Walleye fishermen and are still finding new holes on a daily basis. Their patterns are also being figured out as we have fished for them throughout May, June, July, August and September. Still a lot to learn about these "footballs" on Silsby and the outpost camp lakes, but I guess that's why they are so fun to fish.
Scroll down for more information about walleye fishing. |
When to fish for big Walleye?
Walleye fishing at Silsby and the outpost lakes is great during the spring, summer and fall. These lakes are different than many good Walleye lakes in that the depth does not exceed 60 ft. All three lakes produce good Walleye fishing in 3-30 ft. of water throughout the season. Below we give you a basic description of what to expect during both times. Whether you choose the spring or the summer we are sure our trophy pike will create exciting memories.
June Walleye Fishing
Ice-out varies from May 15th to June1st with the average being May 20th. Due to cold fronts that come in and out of the area, temperatures can range from 35 - 80 degrees, so bring layers of clothing. On all three lakes, Walleye are in 3-6 ft. of water and at the mouths of the many rivers and creeks. Bring 1/4 - 3/8 oz. jigs in white and yellow for all the walleyes you desire. On High Hill and Cuddle Lake there are multiple sets of rapids for the fishermen who like the adventure of fishing the pools that these flowing rivers produce.
July, August and September Walleye fishing
This time of year the weather is more stable. Fishing becomes more consistent with temperatures averaging 50 - 80 degrees. There are fewer cold fronts thus fish are less affected by the weather. This far North, the water stays cool so there are no mythical "dog days" in July and August. Walleye are 10-30 feet deep and in the weeds, around reefs or points and caught easily with jigs and twister tails along with crank baits. They will also attack your traditional pike baits.
Walleye Conservation for the Future
Recognizing the importance of maintaining our big Walleye, we instantly instituted a catch and release policy from day one of our operation so that we might share these beautiful TROPHY PIKE with you! Catch and release fishing is not just a marketing gimmick to us or something that was initiated recently out of necessity to save the fishery but rather it's a way of life for us. Our catch and release policy has allowed us to have 100% control of our fisheries.
Of course we do allow you to keep a few walleye for shore lunch under 22 inches, however all other fish must be handled properly and returned to the water unharmed. If you are guided, our guides will make sure the fish are handled and released properly. On outpost camp trips, please practice the following fish handling procedures:
To help the fish revive, place the pike gently into the water and assist by holding the pike upright with one hand and tapping the pike gently just behind the head with the edge of your other hand just enough so that you can see the rear part of the gills flex open slightly as you tap every two or three seconds. You can take brief breaks from this proven procedure but continue to hold the fish in an upright position until you feel the pike can swim off on its own.
Another technique, although probably not quite as effective, is to move the fish back and forth in the water. However, we feel that if you must move the fish we prefer that you move side to side vs. back and forth.
Never let the fish go until you see the gills flex open and you feel the muscles in the pike's tail begin to flex. Then and only then release the fish and watch to make sure it swims down and does not "belly up" in the water. If the pike does "belly up" go and retrieve it again and repeat the release techniques.
We understand that even when all of these measures are used that a small percentage of fish will still die. We ask that you do your best to help us be great stewards of these trophy fish.
Of course we do allow you to keep a few walleye for shore lunch under 22 inches, however all other fish must be handled properly and returned to the water unharmed. If you are guided, our guides will make sure the fish are handled and released properly. On outpost camp trips, please practice the following fish handling procedures:
- Use heavy enough tackle so that you don't fight the fish too long
- No fish grippers of any kind such as boga grips may be used
- No weighing of any fish
- Make sure all hooks are barbless (No treble hooks)
- All baits must be single barbless
- Whenever possible, releases should be made without taking the fish out of the water
- Have your boat partner get the camera ready while you are fighting the fish
- Use the cradles provided to land the fish
- Take the hook out while the fish is in the cradle
- With wet hands, lift the gill cover on one side slightly and gently slide your finger tips back towards the gill cover away from the gills themselves. Then slide your fingers in a curled position towards the snout. Now you can hold the fish easily, without the chance of getting cut from the gills.
- When you lift the fish out of the cradle immediately support the belly of the fish with your other hand
- Only keep the fish out of the water for a quick picture and get it back in the water within 30 seconds (remember: a fish can only stay out of water as long you can stay underwater)
- A Proper Release Is Crucial in the Mortality Rate
To help the fish revive, place the pike gently into the water and assist by holding the pike upright with one hand and tapping the pike gently just behind the head with the edge of your other hand just enough so that you can see the rear part of the gills flex open slightly as you tap every two or three seconds. You can take brief breaks from this proven procedure but continue to hold the fish in an upright position until you feel the pike can swim off on its own.
Another technique, although probably not quite as effective, is to move the fish back and forth in the water. However, we feel that if you must move the fish we prefer that you move side to side vs. back and forth.
Never let the fish go until you see the gills flex open and you feel the muscles in the pike's tail begin to flex. Then and only then release the fish and watch to make sure it swims down and does not "belly up" in the water. If the pike does "belly up" go and retrieve it again and repeat the release techniques.
We understand that even when all of these measures are used that a small percentage of fish will still die. We ask that you do your best to help us be great stewards of these trophy fish.
