| | Providing you can locate the correct deep water structure and know how to present lures at the proper speed and depth, the "dog days" of summer can provide the best fishing of the year. But no matter how knowledgeable a person is about the ways of a fish, there is always more to learn.
What is structure and how important is it to fishing? Do all species of fish relate to structure?
Fish move daily on a seasonal basis, and in doing so they must follow routes or underwater structure. These fish may also be influenced by environmental conditions.
Now how do you learn about these conditions and what is the best way to present your bait to those walleyes or bass? Well, I think the best way to learn is to go back to school. And, I know of no better way to learn than from hands on training. Training that will take place on the water, daily and a debriefing session in the evening over some of the best home cooked meals you will taste in the Canadian wilderness. Where is this school and how do you get there. Call Gail at (807) 468-5262 winter (807) 543-4024 summer, or visit the web sit at http://www.witchbay.com
 Witch Bay Camp offers what I believe to be one of the finest programs in Canadian fishing. Simply stated, I believe that they will put you on the best fishing spots and that is absolutely free to you.
Back in 1996, Witch Bay Camp enlisted the services of Phil Rolfe, noted professional walleye educator and outdoor writer to work with them to develop a program that would benefit their guests in catching fish. Phil, who coordinates the program, is in his fourth summer at Witch Bay. Phil is a long time veteran of the Woods. He has been fishing these waters for over forty years.
Here's what you can expect at Witch Bay. Upon arrival at Witch Bay, Phil will sit down with you and go over what is happening on the water. He shares with you the presentations that are working and the spots that have been producing for him and other guests.
Each day, Phil will put two people in his boat and will lead all those who want to join him on a walleye hunt. He will take you to the very best spots he has, and fish right along with you. You are encouraged to mark these spots on your GPS. Phil will share with you what he is finding to be the hot ticket for the day.
Phil is on the water from May until October, and is keyed in on the hottest walleye action. No guide fees at Witch Bay, no secret spots that you can't get back to, all the help you need to give you the best fishing vacation.
Many of their guests who have worked with Phil the previous year are now comfortably navigating the waters and scoring great walleye fishing on their own. They check in with Phil when they arrive or maybe even follow him for some walleye runs; then do their own thing.
Phil fishes the area that is recognized by the Ministry of Natural Resources as the top walleye grounds on the Canadian side of the Woods. And that's not all. Marv Kiley, the Minnesota Musky legend serves as the Witch Bay musky pro. Marv will be at camp for most of summer. He has been at Witch Bay Camp for three years now and has hundreds of great musky spots. Nobody knows the musky game better than Marv. Marv has put guests on more muskies than one could imagine. Many guests are seeing muskies like never before. Marv has tremendous big fish instincts. He knows where they rest, he knows where they eat, and he knows the baits they are chasing.
Marv, like Phil, will be putting guests in his boat on a daily basis. He will be taking them to the best spots he has and also sharing his vast knowledge with them.
 Additionally Witch Bay Camp will have guest appearances by Russ Warye, noted author, speaker, guide, and senior research editor for Fishing Hot Spots Maps. Russ will be focusing on smallies for the most part and working with the guests on learning the fine points to this exciting species. Additionally, Russ will spend some time working his jigs on the big walleyes around Witch Bay.
Russ will also be putting two guests in his boat each day and taking them to his favorite haunts.
Mike Thorsen and Rich Belanger, of St Croix Rods, will be back again during the week of June 4 through June 10th to offer fly rod clinics. Once again, St. Croix will be bringing demo rods, so don't worry about equipment. Mike and Rich are very warm and engaging people and scored a big hit with Witch Bay guests last year.
Mark Brumbaugh, former PWT world champion, top money winner, and all around great guy will be back again this year for his fourth consecutive year. Mark has become very popular with Witch Bayers for his great knowledge and good-natured personality. Mark like our other pros will be putting guests in his boat and taking them to some of his favorite walleye spots. Mark has kind of caught the musky bug and can be seen beating the shorelines after dinner looking for the big one.
Dick Wilkening, long time Witch Bay guest and expert walleye and smallmouth fisherman has agreed to put in a few weeks as well. Dick and Marv placed very credibly in the Kenora Bass Invitational. Dick will be sharing his knowledge of smallies and walleyes with the guests. He is a top-notch jigger who can really get into some dandy fish. His forte is taking advantage of the shallow water walleye bite using light jigs. Last year they upgraded the boats to be the fishing equal of any boat that comes into camp. That's right these boats can do it all. Go forwards following a breakline with precision, or back troll hovering over a bunch of hungry walleyes.
These boats are 17.5' Lund Outfitters that come with live wells, bilge pumps, dry storage, swivel seats, and full carpeting. The motors are 50 horse power four stroke Mercury or Honda with power trim and electric start. Safe, comfortable, and fast.
The difference is that they equipped each boat with two Lowrance depth finders, 50 lb. thrust Motor Guide bow mounts, and built in battery chargers to keep the 24 volt system at peak. I know of no other camp that offers a camp boat equipped like those at Witch Bay. These boats have all but eliminated the old standard 16' with a 20 hp. The guests rave about the quiet, smooth operation and actually claim that they think that they catch more fish because of the boat control premium, So, if you want to learn how to catch walleyes, northern, bass or muskie give Witch Bay Camp a try. For more information write or call Witch Bay Camp, P.O. Box 238, Kenora Ontario, Canada, P9N 3x3 Summer: 807-543-4024, Winter 807-468-5262. Or e-mail ghockett@voyageur.ca
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