Hey "Chazycuda,"
We haven't met but I thought I would chime in.
You mentioned the Inland Sea and I have been Fishing those grounds often over the past 5-6 weeks. Whether or not my info will be useful????????
I don't have a spot that I consider my "home grounds" as I live in Burlington and unfortunately, those Silver, the Elusive and Cunningly Ruthless Monsters that we Covet, seem to have a major dislike for the neighborhood! Therefore, I find myself exploring the Lake in hopes of some major breakthrough that would bring me Fame and Celebrity status on the L.C.U!!!!!!! Well, that hasn't quite come to fruition(Not YET!!!
)
Ok, I'll stop rambling now.....
I do have some ] line was vibrating from all of the commotion the school was producing!
I definitely have had some quality outings and not one trip(3-5 x a Week) have I not caught @ Least One Salmon! For the majority
of the last 6 weeks we were Catching them in 85-105 FOW @ 70'-77' down. A basic set-up with attractor's off the ball and line set 1' above and 21' behind. Also have had luck a bit up in the water column with Slide, Dipsy and Mini-Divers, Depth ranging 25-50ish feet, but most have been right @45'-47' down. For Leadcore, it's been 250'-300' with a 50'-90' Leader, and the usual suspects for Lures at the $Money$ end of the Line(eg. Sausage Gravy, C.I. Hot Hooker, YoZuri Pin, etc.)
I haven't had to travel far to find them either! Right off the
CowBanks
to Cedar Island has actually produced my best numbers but from what I hear, they are still sweeping 'em up all the way into Keelers Bay.
My last outing was a bit different. I only have the Tech to read Temp. @ the Surface, but there was a 5° increase within two days! So, that clearly moved them around.
Wednesday, 8/11/2021: Lots of Bait @75'+. Marking Fish @ 77'-85' in approx. 100' FOW. In some spots, where it climbed up to 80', I was marking Fish and Bait snug to the Floor. On Wed., I caught 7 Salmon, One of which was a tiny little fella, 2 were Healthy 1-2 Year-Olds and the other Four were in the 5-7lb. Range. You could tell that they have been eating very healthily!!!!
The Yellow Perch became a nuisance toward late morning. They were all over the place! I dont think we had rod that didn't have one of those Lil' Bastards on it when we reeled in to check them!
One Great note, there were Zero Lamprey sightings or wounds. No Fleas and/or the Pesky Birds.
My Best time of the day has actually been from 7:30-9:30/10:00 am.(Although I start at sunrise)As I mentioned, I have been throwing out the Usual Supects for Lures(a
I have been making a conscious effort to try different and unfamiliar items!) Depending on Who, if anyone,is with me, I usually run a 4-5 Rod spread w/7' cheaters on the downrigger line's. The Trolling Speed I have found most effective is @ 2.3-2.7mph.
Quick Note: I had my very best and productive day Salmon on fishing on Lake Champlain @ the Inland Sea on July 4th weekend. I lost count at 15 fish but I believe it was 23 Salmon. It was a Perfect morning and amazing conditions. Many of the Salmon were hefty. Out of the two I actually weighed, 7lbs. 3oz. & 6lb11oz.
Thankfully all of the Contenders were able to go back for a swim!.I will find them next year but 2lbs heavier!
My apologies for the lengthy reply. I apparently have too much time on my hands!
I will be heading out to the Inland Sea, possibly tonight and tomorrow A.M........ If you head that way, I will be Available on VHF.
My Boat's Name: Lagathar
Good luck to you wherever you end up launching!Hope to see a report of some Chunky Salmon coming soon!
Best to All
Ej(TruViking)