Sioux Narrows Area Conditions

[Jeff.J]

I am going to be fishing the Cliff Island area next week the 27th. I was wondering if any can tell me about the water levels on that part of Lake of the Woods. Also are there any (Shorelunch) campfire bans there.

[Hemlock]

The water level of Lake of the Woods is about 18" down from average. It's been dry and the lake hasn't had much coming into it. Which brings an anwer to your second question. There is a fire ban on right now. No fires. I beleive the Coleman camp stoves are still ok and the recommended way.

Fishing has been great. We were out last night and were catching them in 6' of water. Odd, I thought considering the time of year and the hot temps we've been having. The day before, we were catching them in 25' of water.

[Jeff.J]

Thanks for the info. Six feet seems a little strange but I will try some shorelines. Probably fish the Long Bay shorelines for bass anyway.

I'll let you know how we do.

[Jacob]

Jeff, I hope you are having a jollie ol time right now. I'm heading up next Thursday for a week of fun myself. I hope to hear how it is up there when you get back. It kind of scares me a little when the water is down and you want to go exploring.

Anyone else heading up this way next week?

[Jeff.J]

The walleye were biting like they usually do. Took my neighbor and our wifes out on friday morning and caught about 50 walleye, but nothing over 3 lbs. Fished a 23 foot reef and a point in Deadbroke. Caught a 10 lb northern and had 3 other follows from some healthy northern, also in the Deadbroke Channel. Bass were shallow in Long Bay, but we needed leaches to get them to bite. Caught a few on tube jigs.

Aside from fishing, I enjoy navigating the area. The lake level was down, I think Hemlock was very close by saying 18 inches down. You could see most of the rocks that are usually submerged.

It was great to excape the heat of the Twin Cities.