By early to mid July, the waters here in the Northwoods begin to experience stable "summer" conditions, reaching temperatures in the high 60's to low 70's degrees. This is a peak period for angling in the lake country. The aquatic ecosystem is in full production resulting in a lot of feed available for all gamefish. Smallmouth bass, walleyes, northern pike, and lake trout are all taking advantage of this seemingly endless and prolific buffet. Fishing the "hidden" open water reefs is the preferred angling strategy during this time of season which provides some unbelievable action. The smallmouth and walleyes are schooled off these reefs, gorging themselves on mayflies, minnows, and crawfish. Surface angling for smallmouth bass over these reefs and rock piles is superb.
My parties fish primarily with jigs and also rigging live bait. Fishing soft plastics- either Carolina rigging, drop shotting, or "finesse" fishing is also extremely popular. Trolling the lindy- style live bait rig (with or without a spinner); the previous set-up with a simple, homemade barrel slip sinker rig; or using a deep diving crankbait are all proven techniques for catching big walleyes. Slip- bobbering weedlines will fill the campfire skillet in a hurry!
Lake trout will still be found in the depths - just off the deep sides of these hidden fish magnets (reefs). We always reserve some time during a trip to bring one of these colorful denizens of the deep to the net. It's a common practice in my camps to "Catch and Release" bass and walleyes, some even trophy size during much of the day, and then drift off into deeper water and jig up delicate 'lakers' for the evening meal. Laced with onions and seasoned with salt and pepper then wrapped in foil; the pink filets are placed over black ash coals. Baked to perfection and then served with garlic bread and baked beans - you'll quickly taste why it's a common practice. A Basecamp Trip is the best option to reserve with Jasper Creek during this time period! The itinerary- we depart from my base the first morning using Jasper Creek's reliable tow boat service. Once we arrive at a select wilderness entry point nearest the chosen fishing waters, we'll start with a portage or two and a leisurely paddle on a pristine lake with bearings on a comfortable campsite with a beautiful view. My camps are always set up to take particular advantage of the wind, weather conditions, lake structure and the time of year. I prefer to basecamp on larger lakes during this period which allows us many miles of shorelines to cast and numerous nearby 'hidden' reefs teaming with hungry fish. All of my camps have a small lake or two just a short paddle and a portage or two away. These are 'back - up lakes' just in case the weather turns inclement or the winds pick up on the larger bodies of water. We'll pack a lunch and take day trips into these secluded lakes. Some of these hidden gems see very few fishermen in a year's time and provide exceptional angling opportunities!
As a parting note, these are excellent trips to reserve during July and August when the Quetico-Superior country experiences its mid-summer weather conditions. It's a great trip option for a group of buddies to partake in or a family group. One main Basecamp is set up with miles of fishing, canoeing, and exploring. During the warmth of mid day, we typically take a break and swim, stretch out under the pines, and a few have been known to nap. Again, this is a GREAT TRIP for the summer months here in the Northwoods!
These comfortable camps are completely outfitted with reliable, quality equipment and the food packs are stuffed with all the ingredients needed to prepare mouth watering meals over the campfire!
