Lot So Questions

[Hodgey1]

Starting some planning for next year and wonder when does the ice come off kipawa typically and when do the walleye start bitting in the Spring?

[BH]

I think ice out means bugs in.  We always go the end of July and the bugs are gone and the fish are in transition so you can catch them shallow and deep.  You'll love it.  Scenery is incredible and the people are great (for the most part)  and like Orin mentioned, listen to the outfitter for what is working at the time you visit.  I rarely use all the gear that I take, but it is fun to strategize about location and techniques.

[Hodgey1]

I went the end of July this year, bugs, fishing and weather where great. So bugs start as soon as ice comes off?

[Greg]

From what I remember, ice out (as I have read on this forum) is usually completely out.. mid to late April... and most outfitters don't open up until early to mid-May (Victoria day weekend even) - and this is when the black fly's begin their peak season...  I've been up there in early June years ago... bugs (black flies and mosquitoes were vicious) at certain times of the day.  Walleye still bit though.

[RoK]

If you are considering early spring, consider when walleye season opens. I believe its the 3rd Friday in May. We usually go late May and do very well.

if you do go, prepare for black flies, get bug hats, lots of spray etc.

[T-Bone]

Hodgey...as I've stated before...the bugs in June are brutal. Don't listen to what others say..."they're not that bad"..."I don't even notice them...", etc. They're lying. On your trip by Sunday, you start to lose it, by Monday you're seeing and feeling crawling things that may or may not be there, by Tuesday you want to leave. That's no way to spend a week in paradise. Fishing is OK, but no better than when we were up there this year.

Maybe opening weekend (mid-May) you can escape both the black flies and skeeters...but after that you're rolling the dice until late-May, and by first week in June it's a full-on Category 5 Bugfest.

[Canuckbass]

May long weekend we still have to call up and check for ice, the past couple years about mid Mayice is out but water is still so low. May long weekend is safe to play usually and walleye open.

[Hodgey1]

The reason for asking about ice off and such is now that I have purchased a boat, I would like to go twice a year. The question is when? after Tbones reply, i'm thinking the end of July for one trip and another early September?

[limacharley]

The reason for asking about ice off and such is now that I have purchased a boat, I would like to go twice a year. The question is when? after Tbones reply, i'm thinking the end of July for one trip and another early September?

I'm there almost every weekend. Take it from me....TBone's advise is wise.

[Hodgey1]

I'm there almost every weekend. Take it from me....TBone's advise is wise.

T Bone has been a great resource for me and helped make my last trip to Kipawa the success it was. I think for 2018, I will do a week the end of July and then a second trip in early September.

[Hodgey1]

I started this thread last year, clueless about Kipawa and what equipment I needed to be successful. I've now had two trips to Kipawa and I would categorize each as a great success. I was steered by the forum to use poles with fast action and med-light weight. I equipped each pole I bought with recommended reels, line and jigs. To say the least, all good information.

I am now planning to get downriggers mounted before spring "we'll see" so I want to be prepared so I want to see what the members thoughts are on trolling gear as far as poles, reels and line weight. Middle of the road quality would be preferred as the purchase of a boat has hit the purse hard.  Thanks!

[limacharley]

I've got these and they work great Kipawa type of lake. I've also used this unit in Lake Huron for salmon and browns.
I've got the Tournament series. I don't need no fancy chrome.

http://www.walkerdownriggers.com/electric_downriggers.html

My rods are simple yet inexpensive. Penn 209 Level Wind with Chinook Classic Tournament Twist.

https://www.amazon.ca/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Penn+209+Level+Wind+with+Chinook+Classic+Tournament+Twist.&rh=i%3Aaps%2Ck%3APenn+209+Level+Wind+with+Chinook+Classic+Tournament+Twist.

[Hodgey1]

Penn 209 Level Wind with Chinook Classic Tournament Twist

I have two salt water trolling rod/reels hanging on my walls that were my grandpas. The reel looks identical to the 209.

[smitty55]

Penn 209 Level Wind with Chinook Classic Tournament Twist

I have two salt water trolling rod/reels hanging on my walls that were my grandpas. The reel looks identical to the 209.

There you go Chris. Put some leadcore on those reels, get some gang trolls and you'll be all set up for Greys. Your grandpa will be smiling too.

Cheers

[Hodgey1]

Smitty, I wish my pap was still here, I'd take him fishing at Kipawa.