Bush Country Camp - June 7 - 13, 2014

[jackalofnar]

We left the Bancroft area and made good time to the Blue Roof restaurant in Sundridge for breakfast and then onto North Bay for gas and a few small food items.  The Independent grocery has smoked rainbow trout for sale there that we always get.  Excellent on crackers with cream cheese   We made record time to Kipawa Bait and then into the bush.  No problems with the drive and we were at the landing by 2:30 pm. 



We started the evening fishing walleye at The Wall.  Frank hooked into some nice fish.  Mine were smaller (only because I was tired from driving all day… ).  We both like to troll worm harnesses or spin-n-glows.  After locating a few fish, we tried jigging briefly, but then went back to trolling.  The fish seemed to like the movement.





The following day, the weather was overcast, so we spent some time on The Hump trolling for lake trout.  Frank hooked on to a 8 lbs laker and I got to perfect my video skills with the new GoPro purchased for my birthday.  See FishTilDark’s report for the Go Pro Summary.



Here is the video link again

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvhXtO2PmOE

After tiring of trolling, we decided to poke around the south island from The Hump.  We have had success here during the day getting the lone large walleye.  Frank was setting up, but I already had my trolling rod ready and the line was in.  Suddenly I had a “snag on a rock” hit.  Figuring I had a Pike, I was surprized to find a lake Trout!  Lots of fun catching these on a smaller rod and reel.



That night we hit a few different locations and caught some nice eaters.  The wind was up a bit, so we pit stopped at a location (viewable from Seagull Rock ) where we have caught big fish.  Frank landed a 26” Walleye.  We snapped a few pictures and he went back into the water.  What a way to end the night before heading back for a fry.



The next day we headed into Ecarte to do our usual day there.  This time, I was fishing for Lake Trout and landed a nice 29” Pike.



Frank also landed a pike that evening on the main lake.  It was a bit bigger than mine.  We also caught a nice walleye (20”) and a small lake trout that we had for dinner that night.



The next day, Frank woke up early to go out and “experiment”.  He likes to try new things in the mornings.  I like to sleep in since it is a holiday for me and I am up at 5:30 normally.  Usually this experimentation results in Frank coming home around 8:30 for a nice breakfast and me being really glad I slept in.  Not today though.  The experiment worked!  I may have to change my philosophy…



Over the next few days, we spent our time fishing and eating so we could fish some more.  We continued to land nice walleye in the 19” â€" 22” range.

I landed another nice Lake Trout.  In general the Lake Trout was really hard this year and took a lot of patience.  There was no thermocline at all and the surface temperature was low.  Basically, they could be anywhere as shown by my catch earlier in 16 ft of water.  Regardless, I was happy to have this one and a full freezer now at home.  Lakers are a favourite for our family BBQ’s.  The color on this fish was amazing.



As always, a perfect trip and we will be back again next year.  Norm was accommodating as always and it was good to see Pete the dock hand back at the camp.  345 days and counting.

Kirk

[john c]

Thanks for posting the trip report.  Sounds like a good time was had by all on Sass.  Nice looking lakers.

john c

[600 miles north]

     Great report Kirk. I love seeing all the pics that help tell the story so much better. I am still contemplating the GoPro, I have been interested in them for about a year. Just haven't gotten myself to pull the trigger yet.

     Those lakers sure are fun to catch!... and are tasty!

     Brad

[jackalofnar]

Thanks Brad.  Hope you have a super trip.  The Go Pro was a bonus for the trip.  You could look at solar chargers, but they are a bit expensive and weather dependent.

To add to the report, we had a lot of fun trying out new spots this year where we had never seen people fish.  Trying to break old habits I guess where we always go back to "Name that Place" where everyone else goes.  Maybe some day there will be a "Hick's Honeyhole" or "Schuller Shores"...    it really paid off this year and we felt like we know the lake just that much better.

Cheers,

Kirk

[fishtildark]

Kirk, nice report and enjoyed talking with you there. I agree totally on the idea of fishing "different" places.. There is so much structure in that lake that fish can be anywhere. we have had fun trying different spots but also still have some favorites that few people fish. Right on about the pike gripping . I try not to keep them so I hate grabbing them behind the gills. Fish til dark.

[Dog]

Kirk,

thanks for sharing your trip by posting the report! I added it to the master index so it's easier to find longterm.

looks like a real nice trip with some great catches and great scenery. Congrats again!

Nate

[SgtCrabby]

Great report and fantastic photos.  Thanks for sharing.

[Oarin]

Thanks Kirk.Now I'm really getting itchy for my trip.

[rambler]

As usual, a great report!

[johnny walleye]

THANKS FOR THE REPORT, LOVE THE LAKE FISHED IT A FEW YEARS BACK STAYED WITH MULLENS AT THE OTHER END OF THE LAKE

[jackalofnar]

Thanks for all the comments everyone.  Already planning for next year!