Big Whitefish lake... where to find the bass?

[waterfoul]

Anybody fish Big Whitefish with any regularity for bass? Thinking of doing a tournament there Sunday. I've fished it 2 times this summer with some luck, but nothing real big yet. Several keepers, but no big kicker fish. Any information would be appreciated.

Mike

[ezyeric]

Ill share this with you guys. Big Whitefish has a lot to offer when it comes to structure and cover.

I made a colored topo map of it here is link to that image: http://ezyeric.com/pictures/me/fishing/wf-1024.jpg
(you can use this image for anything i dont care)

I most like fishing the North West point and surrounding area, there are reeds on top of that point which midday will always have some lunkers. Also south of that the other points and sucken islands are good.

The cove in the southwest always looks so tempting but Ive never had much success in there, its pads on all sides but I think most big bass in this lake tend to go deep near quick drop-offs.

The entire east/north side of the lake is docks, houses and shallow for a long time, I avoid this area do to lack of change / countour. Only seen some cruisers in those areas early morning.

If anyone wants more details Ill cirle spots on the map and all. If you want this map in higher resolution I also have that.

[waterfoul]

He's lying... don't pay any attention to the above post.:evilsmile

Well it looks like I may have the right man in the boat with me on Sunday!!

[Oldgrandman]

Eric, we gotta talk....
Seriously, didn't know you were a member here. Get some pictures up and fill in the profile a little.
Where you hiding today? I been looking for ya.

[ALLEYES]

There aren't any bass in Big Whitefish. Better off not to fish it Mike. There are lots better lakes... like Croton. Big Whitefish SUCKS.

[waterfoul]

There aren't any bass in Big Whitefish. Better off not to fish it Mike. There are lots better lakes... like Croton. Big Whitefish SUCKS.

Ha ha... you very funny.

Hey, are you the father of an Eagle Scout now?? How'd the project go??

[ALLEYES]

Almost, Trying to get all concerned parties together for the final phase has been a little trying on him, but he finally today nailed down the date for everybody to get together. So at this point we are looking at early October for him to be completely done and have earned his Eagle. Good luck on Sunday. The bite last weekend was a little slow for us there.

[fishindude]

The cove in the southwest always looks so tempting but Ive never had much success in there, its pads on all sides but I think most big bass in this lake tend to go deep near quick drop-offs.

The entire east/north side of the lake is docks, houses and shallow for a long time, I avoid this area do to lack of change / countour. Only seen some cruisers in those areas early morning.



I'm going to have to agree with statement #1, and disagree with statement #2

#1 the SW cove with the lilly pads is best during the spawn, lots of big females tend to hide there. In the summer there isn't near enough oxygen to draw and hold fish to it.

As far as #2 my cottage is on the SE side and that stretch probably holds some of the bigger(not biggest) fish in the lake. I don't know of any other spot that consistantly produces fish in the 15-18" range than right off of the end of my dock

Other than that, stick to 10-12 fow and cover as much ground as you can, you'll find fish...eventually.

P.S. Speaking of eagle scouts, there is now a bald eagle living in the area, keep an eye out for it.

[ezyeric]

As far as #2 my cottage is on the SE side and that stretch probably holds some of the bigger(not biggest) fish in the lake. I don't know of any other spot that consistantly produces fish in the 15-18" range than right off of the end of my dock

The problem I have is in that open area where the depth barely ever changes and the bottom weeds are mostly consistant is just that, open consistancy. WF being as clear as it is on a sunny day I can see all around like an open field in those areas which makes my try to sight fish. And we all know cruisers are not ezy to catch. But the largest fish I have seen in the lake are cruisers in this area. Ive changed as a fisherman since Ive cruized that part of the lake (long cruize with the trolling motor). I try not to fish by sight anymore but spot fish (structure / cover). And since there is lack of that in that area (especially by map) I just waste a lot of time cruising around sight fishing.

[ALLEYES]

Gotta agree with the fishin dude about the southeast end.;) The docks and flat in that area can be hot.

[sfw1960]

;)
How 'bout those walleyes????
:lol:
That puppy sure is clear.
I imagine WHITE baits would work good for you Mike , ain't fished it in a few years... like about TEN.
:rolleyes:

R

[Oldgrandman]

Gotta agree with the fishin dude about the southeast end.;) The docks and flat in that area can be hot.

I didn't want to post it and PM-ed Waterfoul about this area. Guess nothing is sacred anymore :( .
And I thought I was the only one who knew about this spot :sad: .

[waterfoul]

I didn't want to post it and PM-ed Waterfoul about this area. Guess nothing is sacred anymore :( .
And I thought I was the only one who knew about this spot :sad: .

I guess the "hot spot handcuffs" don't apply unless it's a trout stream. But, I did ask... so I guess I should have expected to get some good information... afterall this is the site for good information!!! :fish:

If anyone else has a "hotspot" they'd like to share... feel free to PM or email me... unless you want every one to be on your spot when you get there some morning!!:xzicon_sm

[Whit1]

I have lots of fond memories fishing this lake as a young lad with my Dad.

It used to hold outsized 'gills as well as specks........up to 16" crappies through the ice. I've PMed Mike about my "secret spot"..........:lol:

We never did well in the SW cove during the summer and it really looks GREAT!!!

[ALLEYES]

I don't mind telling about the southeast end, because there is much better fishing to be had other places.;)

[fishindude]

the SE end isn't a secret by any means. I don't know how many guys i've watched put down the trolling motor and slowly work north until they hit the high dive, OR, start at the high dive and work to the boat landing. It isn't a secret, most people just don't fish it properly.

About the walleye, there isn't any. DNR stopped stocking 6-7 and they don't naturally reproduce.

P.S. I was there yesterday and only a few bass, no size. Best part of the day was the 12# pike. No pic, unless you want me to send it to your cell phone.

[Oldgrandman]

I know, just joking around.

[waterfoul]

Eric and I are going to fish it in the morning tomorrow... Right Eric??

[waterfoul]

Well, we found some fish... nothing to write home about but enough to convince us to fish again on Sunday. Thanks for all the tips.