Dogtooth

[fishermn]

Heading to Dogtooth for three days at the end of June (walleyes), hoping someone on here could give me some hints about what works there, havent ever fished it before, and I would like to make the most of my short time available.

[Fish Head]

Sorry fishermn I've never been there so I can't help, but please let us know how you did after you get back. I've thought about going there myself.

I hope someone here can give you a pointer or 2 before you leave.

[Walleye Warrior]

We're heading up on the 18th. This will be about our tenth annual trip. If they aren't on the reefs yet, I'd pitch split shot rigs with the biggest leeches you can find along windswept points and shorelines. Two buddies of mine were there last weekend. In 2-1/2 days, they caught about 30 'eyes. One under 20" and the rest over including 29-1/2, 28, and a couple 27s. Moreso than any other lake I've fished, you got to pay attention to wind direction. It makes all the difference. Hope this helps a little.

[cedarnarrowsguy]

"Ditto" on the wind swept points and weedy shorelines. Goes to show theres a lot of bait fish on top of the lake getting pushed.

[fishermn]

Ok, a couple more questions...

1. I dont have a map of this lake yet, is there a good one available online or in stores? I was thinking of buying one before I go if I can locate one. Also, how is the lake for navigation,? It looks like its comprised of a lot of long narrow channels. Are they reasonable good for motoring or are there a LOT of navigation hazards?

2. Could you clarify what you mean by split shot rig?

Thanks much!

Hemlock: You are up in this area correct (Kenora)? Have you fished dogtooth much?

[WalleyeWarrior]

the only map that i've seen is the one that is handed out at the resort. it does have alot of the underwater hazards marked, but i wouldn't rely completely on that. like most of these canadian lakes, there are plenty of rocks to hit. you just need to keep an eye on your locator and take it easy on the throttle so that if it does come up you have time to slow down. finally, by a split shot rig, i mean a plain hook with splitshot about 18 inches up the line. i usually use a size 6 hook because it doesn't weigh down the leech so it can float. i would experiment with different color hooks and maybe add a bead or two. we've done well on red and blue hooks, but sometimes plain does the trick. finally, one other benefit to these rigs is that they are cheap. if you get hung up, and you will, just break it off and tie on another. you'll spend an awful alot of time going back if you need to get unsnagged. hope this helps. finaly, for any other dogtooth veterans out there, i'm wondering if you have any other tips. good fishing.

[fishermn]

Thanks much, thats pretty much what I figured you meant, just wanted to make sure. Appreciate the help!

You are from Hibbing eh?? I grew up in the pengilly - Nashwauk areas. Graduated from Nashwauk in 85...

[james_walleye]

We got back a week ago and did pretty well. Wind is key for the pigs too go. The first 5 days we had 9 between 27-29" and the last 2 days with sun and calm conditions the big girls didnt go for us. The best evenings for us were actually not real windy, but the places we fished were battered by wind all day long. We caught some fish extremely shallow when the conditions were right. For the most part though all the real big fish came on lindys/chubs, and man do they hammer those big chubs. For anyone interested i do most of my posting on the southcentral forum and a fellow there posted some pictures of that dogtooth trip for me on that forum.

[fishermn]

Hey, I'd be interested in talking to ya a bit more about your trip. Could you email me at dsmaki at yahoo?

Thanks!