Alwaki Aug 26-30

[Jow]

 Left the farm here at 5am aug 26 for Kipawa with 2 friends of mine that never fished Kip before. Quick stop at the IGA for some perishables and beer and where on the water heading in by 11am. Had a nice chat with Brian as we loaded up our gear to be taken to our cabin for our stay. Weather was hot 1st day, then a front came through the next day with rain half the day and thunder that eve that chased us off the lake. Sweater weather for the remaining days. The walleye where not in the numbers where we normally go at all. A few fish that would be hugging tight to bottom in 19-22 fow. We caught more smallies in our walleye spots which is a concern. Ive never seen so many bait balls before on the screen. The walleye we did keep for supper had puked up many bait fish in my live well. I wonder if one of the reasons the walleye bite is finicky, is there gourging on bait and are just not interested in striking a leach on a jig. Just my op. We often would see fish jumping, and would cast towards it and would catch smallie after smallie...they would be actively feeding on bait balls and made for some good fishing for them. A couple 4lb footballs where caught among the many smaller smallies. Didnt keep track on numbers, but walleye count was way lower than other years. Most walleye in the slot and one walleye over.
This was my very first time there in 15 years without Joel. He most definitely was there with us. I have set up a rod holder beside the helm of my boat and his favourite jigging rod was placed in it as a memorial.
Going back up in 2 week with a bunch of his buddies that where his Pallbearers to Dead Bear Bay for a week. 

[Jay Thomas]

Thanks for the trip report. Sorry to read about the lower numbers of walleye being caught.

Jay

[BigChief]

@Jow thanks for the report.
i have to say we have never seen so many bait balls in our life this years. At times covering the entire screen on the finder. But with that no fish feeding around them.
Dave, from TML, said the same thing. Bait balls like crazy with nothing feeding around them.

[puckster_guy]

I'm seeing that too.. Sometimes in and around 40 ft The screen is lit up with marks but nothing bites. Me thinks fish here are too well fed to hit much. Getting a lot of little guys tho...

[Jow]

https://www.youtube.com/@InformativeAngling
Just a link here for possibly a good way to maybe target these suspended walleye that may be actively feeding on all these bait balls we have been seeing....gonna give this a go next week and see if we can hook into some fish....now I'm gonna be asking santa for a live scope lol