August Fishing Survey

[danfall]

Hey All,

I have to admit that August has always been my worst month of fishing. I've been skunked many times and during those trips I've watched other boats doing nothing much more than me. Other times I haven't been skunked fishing has been lean. I've watched the depthfinder showing oodles of fish at times and nothing seems to trigger a strike.

I'd like to find out from other FM'ers whether they experience a big downturn in August and your thoughts about why and any times when typical August troubles aren't apparent. ...and if you think I'm just wrong and don't know how to fish August, let me know. I can take it.

We were on Mille Lacs yesterday (july 31) and we caught one 4" perch and one 8" perch. There were a couple of very light bites, but I think those were tulibee or perch biting the leech tails..I didn't work to find out. I watched about 20 other boats while we were out there and didn't see one fish raised. I suppose going to the Mille Lacs section might help, but let's try to keep the focus on fishing in general and not Mille Lacs.

Thanks, I look forward to some chatter..

[Northlander]

No doubt fishing slows down around this time every year. Its not as easy as the other times of year. Water is warm and bugs have fish tummys fat.

This is what I do when I can.

Fish early and/or late

Fish deeper

slow down

Or speed up and troll bigger baits and cover water

BIG minnows will soon be key baits

Fish current when possible

This time of year is always a challange to me. I did however have my best night of the year last week. 6 walleyes. A 31"er, 25"er, 24.5"er, 23"er, 22"er and a 16. All these were caught in a windy bay trolling sticks behind boards.

Seems the fish are just now moving back onto reefs in good numbers up here. Patience is key and make sure to experiment. Too often we fish 1 way cuzz thats what worked a few weeks or days ago.

[Dave B]

Fish the rivers, August is HOT HOT HOT!

[Bassboy1645]

I try everything everywhere and if the fishing is mediocre to downright sucky, i take a break or cut back on fishing and worry about deer hunting. Hang satnds, scout, practice weapons, get old gear working. fall picks up again i dont usually fish much, but if its any good ill take some time off hunting to give it a try. Lte me know how u do!!!!!!!!!!!

[MikeYager - Suzuki]

I concentrate more on bass, pike, gills. They seem to be hitting good. Eye's on the river can be good.

[jig n' jerk]

I must say the august bite can be brutally tough. I tend to fish more for bass and pike. If I get the itch for mr. Wally I must agree the river is the place to be!! Last august went down to Hidden falls park on my 30 min. lunch break and caught two eye's and one sauger just bouncin' a jig and twister tail off the bottom.

[Muddog]

It's the best time of the year. Just do what Northlander said.

It help to have a 16' boat with a 25hp motor. I don't think you can troll with a 20' Bass Boat and a 150hp motor. You can get there fast but where are you going?

[pikerliker]

Best night of the YEAR Northlander!!? That would be my best walleye outing EVER! As far as numbers of big fish anyway. Nice job!

~piker

[Northlander]

Ya I would have to say it was in my top 10. We have had some really good days on Dogtooth and Northern Lights as well as early in the spring on the ST.Louis.

[united jigsticker]

August is a blast for Crappies. July thru October is good actually.

Typically, in August, if I see oodles of fish suspended on the Vex, it is large schools of Crappies eager for a falling jig.

I LOVE August. But that's me.

Not uncommon to boat 100-400 Crappies a day this time of year.

[Animal]

Usually July seems to be the slow month for me. This year, however, I've had good July fishing, but only in the evening. August is the month that I move to the big deep lakes like Rainy. The walleyes seem to get glued to the big reefs on the US side and the smalleys still can be had on the weed edges and big rocky points. LOW is another lake that produces well on cranks. I always take a week long trip to Canada at the end of August so fishing seems to me like it improves.

[Bobby Bass]

When I go out in August I go expecting nothing but usually end up with something. I fish either very small or very large. Small gulp crawfish on a jig head around docks with power worms to follow if I don't hook up. Big top water like a jitterbug ( 4" one) off reed points at dusk. And when you do find a fish stay and work that area or dock from top to bottom. And lets not forget being a kid again and going small and fishin for bluegill this time of year with an ulra lite or flyrod that can make for an interesting evening. Some of my bigest fish over the years have come just "playing around" besides I don't know about you but I have always had a hard time catching fish in my living room. Just drfting and having a baseball game on the radio is a great evening. Good excuse to get wet to. I have a few lakes with some real shallow areas. I get out and wade these now. Warm water and a surprise from time to time.