I haven't been out on the lake since Sept 17, and had a tough time finding active fish that day.
Seems like we found little bait on our typical spots with even less active fish around, and only landed 3 fish. Trolled a bunch at different depths (30,50,90") and no action with the exception of one 25" fish, 90" down. Had several follows on a 90 foot shoal, but few were aggressively hitting as we witnessed this summer.
Question to the group given that this is my first year on the lake, and first fall season:
What depths and areas should we mostly focus on for lakers and salmon?
We'll be dropping the boat out of Port Douglas, and wind permitting, we're open to fishing either south or north of Skylar.
I welcome any tips on boat speed, preferred lures, and whether I should expect the lakers closer to shore or still stacked together around reef drop offs. Also, can one still catch lakers jigging this time of year? If yes, what depth?
Really appreciate the advise and wish we could participate in 2022 Frostbite Shootout, but we haven't caught a salmon all year, and need yet to hone our skills over the winter. Looking forward to the results!
Safe boating to all!!
Fishing WIllsboro Bay, tips for fall trout
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Fishing WIllsboro Bay, tips for fall trout
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- Reelax
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- Species: Salmon, steelhead, brown trout
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Re: Fishing WIllsboro Bay, tips for fall trout
Wish I could help ya but I try to avoid lakers
Like the plague. I haven’t targeted them in over 15 years.
Too close to the shootout to give tips on Salmon under current conditions.
Check back Nov 6th:)
Hope
You hammer em.
Like the plague. I haven’t targeted them in over 15 years.
Too close to the shootout to give tips on Salmon under current conditions.
Check back Nov 6th:)
Hope
You hammer em.
Matt B
- Detritus
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Re: Fishing WIllsboro Bay, tips for fall trout
I don't have any current tips to give you on the cold water fish right now, we haven't trolled since the LCI. But the Country Angler is coming home tomorrow, and will be out on the lake this weekend.
In general for Lakers, figure out where they are sitting on the bottom (preferably with bait above them). We tend to start looking about 70-80 fow if we have no idea. Fish as close to bottom as you can, using spoons and stick baits. Change up your speed and direction.
As for the shootout, there is only one winner. The rest of us are there for the Pot Luck food, putting faces to names, and hanging out with the best online sporting group you have ever seen.
You should do the shootout regardless of your current luck or ability. You may even end up as the one winner.
In general for Lakers, figure out where they are sitting on the bottom (preferably with bait above them). We tend to start looking about 70-80 fow if we have no idea. Fish as close to bottom as you can, using spoons and stick baits. Change up your speed and direction.
As for the shootout, there is only one winner. The rest of us are there for the Pot Luck food, putting faces to names, and hanging out with the best online sporting group you have ever seen.
You should do the shootout regardless of your current luck or ability. You may even end up as the one winner.
"Country Angler" - '93 Trophy 2002 - Cold water boat
"Strike Three" - '04 Triton SF21 - Warm water boat
"The Dumpster" - '90 Starcraft SF14 - Camping Boat
Jack
"Strike Three" - '04 Triton SF21 - Warm water boat
"The Dumpster" - '90 Starcraft SF14 - Camping Boat
Jack
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Re: Fishing WIllsboro Bay, tips for fall trout
Red B. PM sent.
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Re: Fishing WIllsboro Bay, tips for fall trout
PM sent.........
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Re: Fishing WIllsboro Bay, tips for fall trout
@detritus: appreciate the reply/tips.
Ok, you convinced me to participate in the derby!
Watched the Frostbite Shootout video from 2014, and couldn’t resist the food and comradery of the group.
Ok, you convinced me to participate in the derby!
Watched the Frostbite Shootout video from 2014, and couldn’t resist the food and comradery of the group.
- Detritus
- Posts: 538
- Joined: Mon Apr 15, 2019 8:50 pm
- Species: Anything we can catch
- Location: Vergennes
Re: Fishing WIllsboro Bay, tips for fall trout
Me and my boys learned everything we know from these guys. Well that, and hundreds of trips out on the water. Also our Late friends "Fishy1", Matt Glebus, and "Tamiron", Jim Martino of honeybee lures as well.
This time of the year is exciting for the new frostbite season beginning, but, makes me miss those guys all over again.
Life's too short to not spend it with friends and family on the water. You come to the shootout, I guarantee you'll leave with some new ones. I look forward to seeing you there.
This time of the year is exciting for the new frostbite season beginning, but, makes me miss those guys all over again.
Life's too short to not spend it with friends and family on the water. You come to the shootout, I guarantee you'll leave with some new ones. I look forward to seeing you there.
"Country Angler" - '93 Trophy 2002 - Cold water boat
"Strike Three" - '04 Triton SF21 - Warm water boat
"The Dumpster" - '90 Starcraft SF14 - Camping Boat
Jack
"Strike Three" - '04 Triton SF21 - Warm water boat
"The Dumpster" - '90 Starcraft SF14 - Camping Boat
Jack
- Detritus
- Posts: 538
- Joined: Mon Apr 15, 2019 8:50 pm
- Species: Anything we can catch
- Location: Vergennes
Re: Fishing WIllsboro Bay, tips for fall trout
Started organizing our trolling gear today, got the boat home, and fired up the engines on muffs after a 5 month hibernation in the barn. I think she's ready to go. We'll be out there Sunday.
"Country Angler" - '93 Trophy 2002 - Cold water boat
"Strike Three" - '04 Triton SF21 - Warm water boat
"The Dumpster" - '90 Starcraft SF14 - Camping Boat
Jack
"Strike Three" - '04 Triton SF21 - Warm water boat
"The Dumpster" - '90 Starcraft SF14 - Camping Boat
Jack
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- Joined: Wed Apr 20, 2022 5:36 pm
- Species: Champlain
Re: Fishing WIllsboro Bay, tips for fall trout
Loads of fish between split rock and Thompson point. The salmon are small with some larger lake trout down below . Fish down about 25-35’ trolling . Good luck
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