I'm fortunate enough to be able to fish the Woods a few times each year around the Morson, ONT area of Sabaskong Bay. Just got back from a trip up there Oct 5 - 8. Water temps began aroung 53 and were 50 by the time we left (actually 49.6). As usual, we had all sorts of weather from snow to sun, calm to wind. With two boats, we also tried all sorts of baits and presentations. Our success was extremely poor. Previous fall trips (with only 1 boat)have been much more successful to say the least.

We trolled Jakes, Believers, Depthraiders, Bobbie's, Ernies, etc. from 6 to 25 feet. Up on the breakline, in the middle, and well off. We tried long shorelines, saddles and isolated humps and flats. We also casted quite a bit when the weather permitted and used reef hawgs, jointed and straight depthraiders, believers, twitched jakes, spinner baits, Lil Ernies, Phantoms, etc. You get the idea.

I'm at a loss for what we may have done wrong or missed out on. My only conclusion is that we were there a week or two too early. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated so this never occurs again! Thanks in advance...

I know your fustration I guide on LOTW through the summer and then weekends when school starts(teach) and the last couple of weekends has been tough. The main reason has been water temps which are still a little warm causing the fish to spread out, one weekend I caught four fish and lost one, in which one was caught on topwater (lost one also) and the next day caught three trolling(no size),then the next weekend caught one casting and nothing trolling and fished hard.The weather has been cooling off more, and hoping the water temps dipp well below 50 and make these fish more predictable.Also its a good moon phase this weekend so I hope that everything gels this weekend,because I'm in dire need of some hog action to finish off my season, last fall was great and have hi expectations this one.

D'arcy

Thanks for the reply D'arcy. We've hit it just early the last two years now. Its tought to plan the weather! Last year was blue bird skies and warm days. Nice if you want to sit outside and read a book, but not if you want to contact those hogs that I know exist!
This year we were optimistic because of the cooling weather, but we were on the front end of it and it didn't last long enough. Water temps should be getting well into the high 40's now.

Where on the Woods do you guide? Just curious. Let me know how you do. Maybe I can live vicariously through someone who catches some big ones this year since I may not have a chance to get back up there!

Thanks again.

Rich

Will be fishing next weekend (thur-sunday) from Flag Is (heading north), two boats-our hopes are fair to high. Last year this time, water was 55-60 and only caught about one/day casting to reefs. Went back on short notice on Nov 9-11 and caught 8 in a day and a half, all trolling jakes. Water was 42, and the lake froze up 8 days later.
Will post how we do.

I just returned from the Angle,got 5 fish from 32-45"s.The bite was slow but did get some muskies and plenty of big pike.All of the musky were caught trolling 10" Jakes along shore line breaks.ther morning bite was non existant,fish seemed to pick up in the afternoons.I will be back next year and hope to do better.Good Luck to all,Paul