Recent pictures from 2006

Here's some recent photos from our latest trip to Taltson Bay Big Pike Lodge. We'll be adding even more when we go back in September!

John Mich's report for June 2006:

Spring sprung weeks early up in the far north, 4 weeks by some estimates, and we had to battle early weeds...warming waters....a cold front and north winds that dropped the water temp 10 degrees in 2 days...and of course more "skeeters" than I've ever seen in my life.

The first two days of the trip were as I've had and dreamed of. The weather was 65 degrees and the fish were in 3 feet of water. Burning pink, chartruese and firetiger bucktails in 1oz was the key to contacting active and aggressive fish. My partner and I totaled 28 pike 41inches and over those first two days, with my 47" being the big fish of the weekend and for the week as it turned out. Then the bottom dropped out of it.....rain...north winds and more rain dropped the water temps, muddied up the water and turned our positive fish into slumbering giants.

We still did manage trophies during this two day period but they were far and few between. We passed our time fishing for walleye in a 15 foot wide channel called Snuff Creek. We caught numerous walleye to 26 inches with a 28" as the groups biggest. It seemed all they needed was a beatle spin slow rolled and they ate it up. What do I mean by numerous? Well how about 30 in an hour from 18 to 26 inches between me and my bud....with the majority being 22's and 23's!!!

The weather freshened up and the fishing improved the remaining few days, though we didn't get the numbers of biggins as before, but my partner and I did come away with 52 pike 41 inches or greater for the week. And as the week progressed the fish were beginning to move to their more summer spots. Pre-emergent cabbage in 5 to 6 feet of water held fish that most times wouldn't get there till July. Needless to say the weed growth was WAY ahead of schedule. Was it my best trip out of 11 spring trips there? No...but it was at least #6 and still better pike fishing than anywhere on the planet. My best year was 85 pike 41inches and above...so spoiled I am. Hope you enjoy the photos...and when you're ready let me know. Going again in Sept this year!