The Hunt For A Monster Walleye-Little Bay De Noc!!

[Jim Hudson]

Awww yes, the walleye. A fish that is pursued by the majority of us anglers, and a fish that draws us to far places in search of that one fish!! That one walleye, the one that breaks the 30 inch mark, or the one that pushes our scales over the 10 pound mark. Many have already caught this one fish, and many have already caught this one fish more then once. But even so, these big hefty walleyes keep calling our names, as there is always one bigger to catch out there!!!

This year, fellow FM user Lota Lota or Scott, and I headed to the famous big walleye water of Little Bay De Noc in search of this fish. Our plan was to fish from the 24th until the 27th, and we hoped to put some hooks into a true trophy.

The 24th found us fishing the evening bite, where we decided to fish all night and into the morning bite. A huge snow storm that evening found the area, where then as the sun was started to rise, high pressure and big winds pounded the area. Not good for walleye fishing, and our catch showed. No walleyes on the ice. But we stayed busy catching those hard fighting burbot the Great Lakes are known for.

The evening of the 25th found us in a new spot, and thats when it happened. First, it was Scott who put the first fish onto the ice. Not the true monster walleye, but by no means was this fish little. Even at 25 inches this fish had some good weight to it. A very golden colored walleye, that was also tagged.

After Scott's fish was released, the evening wore on, and as the sun hit the horizon, the highlight of the trip found the Salmo Chubby Darter I was fishing. After a short fight, and some close calls at the hole, we brought these fish through the hole!!!

The fish I was looking for, for sure!!! A giant of a walleye that we all dream of hooking and laying our hands on. A few quick photos and back down the hole this big ol girl went as well.

The rest of our trip was slow for the fishing part, only one other walleye was iced. But even so, we had a great time fishing and just having a blast on this new water to us.

Little Bay De Noc, a must try for the hardcore angler!!

[Northlander]

Well how big was the big girl? Over 11#'s? Beautiful fish. When ya going again?

[hanson]

Another one of my dream destinations!!

A former co-worker of mine is originally from Escanaba, MI. All I ever heard about was the big walleyes to be had in Little & Big Bays de Noc. He has some friends that still live there and fish there when there is ice and do very well on those 10lb + fish.

Jim, I bet its safe to say that one fish made the trip. If it was the only fish I caught, I know it would have made the trip worthwhile!

That tagged walleye is pretty sweet as well. Nothing like a little jewelry!

[Boedigheimer]

Mr. Hudson, Nice fish, I went to Bay de noc a couple years ago and had similiar success, not many fish, but real beautys. How big were your pout? I would make a run for some big watertigers. We got our walleyes suspended 25ft. down over 50ft. Say, would Lota Lota(scott), happen to have gone to Bemidji State University, 90-93'ish? My major was aquatic biology and I swear he was a classmate, anyway, nice walleye.