Newbie Taking First Trip to Kipawa in early June

[cheddarthief]

Hi all,
New to this forum but wanted to make contact with some seasoned vets from Lake Kipawa.  Being from Ohio, I've become very spoiled on the Lake Erie walleyes.  I realize that expecting 11-12 lb walleyes in Kipawa would be silly.  But, since I'll be coming to see the unspoiled beauty of the lake and fishing this June (5th thru 13th), I was wondering if anyone had some tips or patterns to help.  Right now, I've been trolling Lake Erie with cranks.  I'm presuming that pattern may not work on Kipawa.  Although, I read on a post or two about people having success that way as well.  Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
Cheddarthief

[Marco]

Welcome cheddarchief, make sure to check out the bug post as they are a LOT peskier on Kipawa that on Erie.  My group has always had success using chartreuse jigs with twister tails or the like and leeches.  Depending on the part of the lake you are on the forum can give you some spots to try (but no honey-holes!).  Pike fishing can be a hoot up there that time of year in the shallow/weedy bays in whatever area you are fishing.  We are up there the same week, can't wait!

[T-Bone]

But, since I'll be coming to see the unspoiled beauty of the lake and fishing this June (5th thru 13th), I was wondering if anyone had some tips or patterns to help. 

From one Buckeye to another, welcome to the board.

Where are you staying?

[Jay Thomas]

Hi cheddarthief,

FWIW, the fish biologist responsible for walleye management in the Abitib/Témiscaming area (he's retired now) advised me years ago not to fish Lake Kipawa before 15 Jun. Consequently, the earliest I fished Lake Kipawa was the last week of Jun. However,  Wayne reported last year that the opening week on Lake Kipawa was outstanding from a walleye fishing perspective with many 5 pound specimens caught. Depending on how spring unfolds, black flies could be bad during your allotted time on the lake.

As for trolling crank baits, a fishing buddy enjoyed very good success trolling crank baits for walleye on Lake Kipawa. He told me that their success trolling crank baits for suspended walleye was very similar to how they trolled crank baits for walleye in the Bay of Quinte (i.e. same crank baits). I would suggest you also be prepared to slip bobber for suspended walleye.

I've spent 17 weeks fishing Kipawa out of 3 Seasons Camp. Typically, I bottom bounced to find walleye and then jigged if I found sufficient concentrations. I also slip bobbered suspended walleye during the may fly hatch.  Last year, while not on Lake Kipawa, I enjoyed some success for walleye casting 5 inch swim baits along rock outcroppings or near rock shorelines. Hope you have a great week.

Jay

[SnodT2120]

Best of Luck to you on your first trip to the area. We fish at Ogascanan which is a little farther from Kipawa. Hope you have trip of a lifetime! We tend to use berkely gulp 4'' minnows of assorted colors or just regular twister tail grubs, both tipped with worms. Tend to fish on rocky points.

[puckster_guy]

 I see no reason Lake Erie trolling methods won't work. I see an untapped resource of fish walleye and maybe lakers suspended 40 to 50 feet down over deep 70 feet and much deeper. I'm a troller myself mostly cranks flatlining. Favorite lure is the ripplin' refin chrome and blue or shad (white with a black back).most colours work. O/W plain jig and worm, drift to locate fish. perch shallow and walleye anywhere from 20 ft and deeper. Near drop offs is best. Good Luck cheddar

[Balsams]

Given the winter we had, and the way spring is unfolding, shallow back bays will still hold walleye and pike. Trolling is the way to go. Try 6 to 12 ft water with a small shad rap or simalar. Early morning is goo til maybe 9, and afternoon say 5 til dark. Try trolling lakers during the day...find shells or islands adjacent to deep water and troll a spoon or fat rap. Bigger walleye will be out in the main lake same spots as lakers up on the shallower water.

[Ozzy30]

I haven't been up that early in the season but when we go early in July I use cranks and walleye divers all the time.  Usually in about 80 feet of water.  I catch lots and usually larger size.  In June the pattern should work also probably just shallower water. 

[NortonJoe]

@cheddarthief Welcome to the board.  Also from Ohio here, just outside of Akron.  I've only been up in June twice (frankly I hate the darn bugs so we usually go end of July or first of August) but have had luck with just about anything I've used. Trolling Hot n' Tots and crawler harnesses, Erie Dearies, spinners with crawlers; also jigging, etc. etc.  Honestly, its been the rare trip when the fishing has been slow.  I will tell you this...one thing you will catch is a love for the area!  One requirement is that you post a trip report when you get back...

89 days!!!