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Please scroll the entire page for reports on walleye, northern and smallmouth.
 Walleye
Well another year in the books and Wabaskang Lake continued to live up to it's reputation as an excellent multi-species fishery. An incredible number of eating size fish of all species were caught again this season, and lot's of guests landed and many released trophy fish of all species too. An excellent combination of action combined with the ever present opportunity for trophy fish probably best describes the 2008 season.
Thanks to many of our guests who released trophy fish back to the water to not only provide future anglers the thrill of catching trophy fish from our waters, but also to sustain our fishery with excellent size fish for eating and even more trophy fish for the future.
Already looking forward to the 2009 season and hosting so many of our repeat guests and meeting new guests who are able to experience the beauty and serenity of our wilderness setting,and of course,our excellent fishing on Wabaskang Lake for the first time.
Weeks of August 30-Sept 20, 2008
My apologies for not getting this done sooner, but as many of you know I ended up shorthanded in camp the last month of the season and the fishing report was pushed to the side. Although the season is now over, I did just want to mention that the final three weeks of the season did produce some very good fishing (and bear hunting). Our weather (considering it was September after all) was actually very nice and quite stable. The walleye fishing was best in 25-37 fow using jigs and minnows. We did wrap up the last three weeks with quite a few fish caught over 20". Pike fishing (as it was all year) was very good for fish under 10 pounds, but the big northern in the last few weeks were tough to locate. They seemed to have moved into deep water with the bait and walleye and hadn't returned yet to the weedbeds.
Week of August 23-30, 2008
Fantastic! One word could pretty much sum up the walleye fishing last week. If not our best week of the season, certainly in the top three. The walleye (after a passing front that ended our bluebird/hot days) went on the feed like gangbusters. Still present along the weedbeds in decent numbers (however generally a little smaller fish), ALOT of the walleye have moved into deeper offshore structure and were vulnerable to jig/minnow combos fished vertically in 20-40 fow.
Week of August 16-23, 2008
The walleye bite was excellent again this week, with everyone in camping catching alot of walleye. Sizes ranged from good eating 14-16" inches to 27 1/2" inches. Great fishing, within 10 minutes of camp was pretty much the rule this week. Although one cabin strayed about 2 1/2 minutes from camp to catch 26 walleyes in an hour literally almost a stones throw from camp. The weed bite remained strong this week around 14 fow, but during the bright sun and heat of daytime some good walleye fishing was had deeper into the weedbeds. The reef bite is starting to get going more consistently now also with more and more walleye being taken every day in 15-25 fow off the rocks. Jigs, spinners and some crankbaits accounted for most of the fish again this week (although the "Andy" rig was reportedly hot).
Week of August 9-16, 2008
Ok, how do I best put this weeks report into words? I've seen better, but I've seen worse seems to be fitting. Overall, the mid-day bite remained slow this week, but for most folks in camp, mornings and evenings were productive. Fish still seem to be a little scattered now, but once you find them and they go on the feed, limiting out wasn't too much of a problem. Some of the vets in camp were saying fishing was slower than usual, others were "complaining" we can't catch walleye small enough to eat. Gee, what a problem! All things considered, everyone ate a bunch of fish last week and took home a lot too.
The most consistent bite continues to be around cabbage weeds in 12-16 fow. Some fish are being taken from the rock humps/piles etc. but that bite seems to be a little more hit or miss. The rocks, while not producing alot of fish, has been yielding some quality fish in the 23-27" range. Jig fishermen did well, but I would say spinners probably took more fish last week and also floating jigs.
Week of August 2-9, 2008
Before this weeks report begins I want to mention......
Peffley's Wilderness Camp was extremely proud this week to be able to host the Holbrook family from Roann, Indiana. Our special guest CJ Holbrook (13) was introduced to our camp through the Make-a-Wish Foundation after telling his Make-a-Wish representative that his wish was to go on a fishing trip to Canada. Between his parents, myself and the wonderful people at the Make-a-Wish foundation we soon had the logistics of his trip in order.
CJ, who is an AVID fisherman, has been undergoing treatments for Hodgkins disease and thankfully is in remission. CJ attended camp with his parents Adam and Michelle, his younger brother Benjamin (8) and his twin sisters Sarah and Tarah (7). What an awesome experience it was for every one of us in camp this week! We (myself and Raphael) took CJ, Adam and Benjamin fishing on Monday night and came in with a limit of walleye. You should have seen CJ's eyes every time he hooked up with one! Priceless. By mid-week he had caught a personal best 17 1/4" walleye, and I asked CJ if he thought he would be up to a Lost Lake adventure. I could hardly keep up with him as he blazed down the trail leading to Lost Lake! I told CJ I was pretty confident he would break his personal best 17 1/4" walleye on this trip. It took all of two casts and CJ had an 18" walleye, and it was only a short time later that he bested that again with a 20 1/2" walleye. I spent the rest of the afternoon trying to catch up to CJ and top his fish of 20 1/2" but could only manage a 19" walleye as my best for the day. CJ wouldn't let me hear the end of it!
CJ's trip wrapped up on Thursday night as he caught a beautiful 17 1/2" smallmouth while fishing from the camp docks with a crawler under a slip bobber. I think that smallmouth logged more miles around camp that afternoon/evening being shown off than I log in a season!! What a way to wrap up his trip. All of us at Peffley's Camp wish to say thank you to the Holbrook family and the Make-a-Wish Foundation for allowing us the opportunity to be a part of making CJ's wish come true.
Now for the rest of the report.... The mid-day walleye bite remained a little tough a few days this week. However, the morning and evening bites compensated very nicely with some excellent catches coming into camp. The Hotel was hot last week as well as several of the major weed beds in Mean Lake. Best fishing was in 12-15 fow, just on the edge of the cabbage weeds, with jigs and spinners. Minnows were best, contrary to the belief of the worm fishermen, but the worms caught fish too.
Week of July 26-August 2, 2008
Walleye fishing definitely is picking up again as the mayfly hatch is over. New groups and vets both did well this week fishing many of the hotspots on the north end of Wabaskang this week. Best bite is still relating to weed edges, but some fish are being taken off of the rocks too in 15-20 fow. Jigs/minnows and Little Joe spinners were both productive last week in addition to slip bobbers fished off main lake humps. Biggest fish for the week was a 27 1/2" walleye, with lot's of great eating 14-17" fish being caught. Perch fishing was as consistent as it has been all year, as the Lorman family from Northern Indiana cleaned up on a limit of 200 perch almost all over 9" and many in the 11-13" range.
Weeks of July 12-19 & 19-26, 2008
Sorry in advance for not posting last week. Our slowest week in camp (guest wise) and spending a little extra time with my daughters during their visit this year kept my mind off the fishing report. Walleye fishing during the period was "average" which means as usual everyone caught fish, ate plenty and took home limits. Had to work a little harder to do so, but plenty to go around. Perch fishing picked up again too with more "jumbos" caught this week. Friends from northern Indiana were in the week of July 19, and told me they were (along with their 3 young sons) taking home 98 fish (perch, walleye and northern) in addition to eating a "pile of fish" during their stay, so nobody is starving to death! Minnows still are outproducing worms by far, and jigs still seem to be better than spinner rigs. 12-14 fow around the weed edges continue to hold walleye and deeper rock piles in 15-20 fow are producing too. Mayfly hatch is wrapping up and it will only get better.
Week of July 5-July 12, 2008
I should have known. A day after writing last weeks report about the minor hatch, I went down to the docks to find quite a few mayflys which continued pretty much throughout the week. The good news however, is that the fishing still remained "decent", and for those who have fished Wabby you know "decent" is better than a lot of places. Had more newbies in camp than vets for the first time this year, and as we have come to expect, they put together some really good trips. I think everyone in camp told me they ate fish everyday they cared to and were taking home plenty too, so all in all not a bad week. One new group in camp this week caught 50 walleyes in two evenings just fishing the narrows in front of camp. Doesn't sound too bad to me!
We are starting to see some transition now with the walleye to rock piles also. Although the weed bite remained very good in 12 fow this week, we also had groups fishing rock piles around 20 fow and catching good numbers of fish and some quality fish in the 20-24" range too. Spinners and jigs continue to be best, and I would have to say minnows are still outproducing crawlers, but of course the worms will always take some fish.
Week of June 28-July 5, 2008
I know that typically this is the time of year the walleye fishing is "supposed" to slow down. Apparently this isn't a typical year, as our walleye fishing remained excellent again this week. The mayfly hatch has been going on for a couple of weeks now, BUT it looks like it is going to be a very minor hatch this year and it certainly hasn't done anything so far to slow down the walleye fishing. In fact the walleye fishing the last three weeks has been as good or better than at any point this season.
Emerging cabbage weed continues to be the key for both walleye and northern right now. Best fishing has been consistently around 12 fow. Backtrolling or drifting weed edges continue to produce alot of fish right now with jigs and spinners both producing fish.
Week of June 21-June 28, 2008
Excellent week again! Walleye fishing remained very consistent again this week, with everyone in camp (new groups and veterans alike) limiting out on great eating size walleye. In addition, we had many guests report releasing quality fish in the 24-30" range, including Jay Havenaar's 30" walleye released from the bay west of Doe Island. Best fishing remains relatively shallow (10-12 fow) with jigs and spinners both taking a lot of fish. Live bait was good, but the guys in camp fishing just plastics did well also.
Week of June 14-June 21, 2008
Great week overall in camp. Some stable weather (finally) and some warming water really helped to spur our walleye fishing even more.
For seven days, this was certainly our most consistent week of walleye fishing. New groups and the vets alike all did very well. Minnows (still cooler than normal water) continue to outproduce crawlers by far, fished in 4-10 fow. Although some fish are being caught in 10-16 fow also. Jigs and minnows are still the best bet, followed by lindy rigged spinners or floating jigs.
Mean Lake and Gawley's Bay continue to produce most of the fish as the big lake has been slower to warm. We did get some reports this week of things starting to heat up on the big lake too. Good sign!
Week of June 7-June 14, 2008
Walleye fishing (despite some very wet, cool weather) continues to be very good. Didn't make a lot of progress this week in warming the lake much as surface water temps in most areas continue to hover in the 56-58 degree range. Despite the unseasonably cool water temps, the walleye continue to get more aggresive almost every day. Good catches by every group in camp this week. Some days better than others as usual, but overall very good consistent fishing. Only one new group in camp this week from Madison, Wi (first timers to Canada) and what a week they have had!
Still seeing alot of fish over 18" with the biggest fish so far this week just under 26". Jigs continue to be the number one bait, but spinners are taking some fish also. Best fishing remains shallow, mostly in 10 fow or less, with a slow presentation.
Week of May 31-June 7, 2008
Walleye fishing continues to get better and better every week now. We saw alot of walleye come into camp this week. Some groups did better than others, but overall quite a few fish. Walleye for the first time since the opener seemed to bite consistently this week on plastics without live bait, but live bait fishermen did very well too with minnows being the best choice. Best fishing remained in 4-12 fow with jigs producing most fish, but slip bobbers, spinner rigs and bottom bouncers all contributing. Still seeing good numbers of fish in the 19-25" range.
Week of May 24-31, 2008
Numbers of fish for week two were still a little behind what we would normally expect this time of the season. Colder water temps still have the walleye somewhat scattered but getting more aggressive every day. To the best of my knowledge every group in camp still easily limited out on walleye and ate alot of fish throughout the week. Jigs and minnows produced most of the fish in 4-10 fow, although jig/crawler combos caught some fish too. Despite snow on Memorial Day, by weeks end the water temps had reached the upper 50's which should really heat the fishery up.
There were, just like opening week, some really nice quality walleye caught and released in the 25-27" range. Thank you to our guests who choose to release these quality breeders.
Week of May 17-24, 2008
The season opened right on time although the last of the ice on the big lake by the north end of the lake (near camp) didn't go out until mid-day Friday, May 16. Obviously, with the late ice out the water is COLD, ranging early in the week from about 40 degrees to about 45 in most places now.
As a result the numbers were down for opening week from what we are accustomed to here in camp, HOWEVER, the size was excellent with many guests reporting struggling to catch many fish under 18". As is almost always the case, everyone in camp ate walleye about every day, and took home their limits if they chose to do so.
Best fishing was done by fishing SLOW (cold water) with jigging and casting working better than trolling for the most part. Jigs and minnows were by far the number one bait during the week, although crankbaits did produce some walleye. Most of the best fishing for the week was still north of camp. Did see, as I mentioned, a good number of 20-26" fish caught and released this week.
On a side note, had some really excellent Lake Trout and Whitefish action this week as a result of the cold water!
 Northern Pike
Week of August 23-30, 2008
Same story with the northern this week. Plenty of aggressive smaller fish between 20-30", with a few taken in the mid 30 inch range. The bigger fish remained elusive this week, as I suspect they have moved out to deeper water following the bait and walleye.
Week of August 16-23, 2008
The northern fishing picked right up where it left off last week except the bigger fish became a little more elusive as the weed edges didn't seem to hold as many fish. Although on Friday one cabin did report catching a 32, 35 and 36" northern. Casting big cranks was the best. Not much pressure honestly on the northern pike this week as the walleye bite kept everyone busy!
Week of August 9-16, 2008
The northern fishing was again very good this week. Many quality fish in excess of 33" were caught and released this week including Jeff Doughman's 46" monster. Still plenty of action on eater fish below the slot too. Same pattern as last week took most of the fish despite increasing hot temperatures this week with abundant sunshine and light winds.
Week of August 2-9, 2008
The northern fishing remained excellent again this week with just outstanding numbers of northern in the 20-30" range and good numbers of fish in the 30-40" range also. The big northern fishing continues to heat up along the deeper edges of the weed beds with a mix of lures all taking big fish. Several fish in the 35-40" range were taken last week while walleye fishing with jigs or spinners and one group reported tremendous success throwing #5 Mepps spinners. Crankbaits and spoons also accounted for some big fish last week.
Weeks of July 12-19 & 19-26, 2008
The bigger northern are really beginning to feed heavily now as we had decent numbers of fish caught over 33" last week including Joe Hagengrubers 39" northern, Leslie Hagengrubers 40" northern and Doug Lorman's 40" northern. Cranks and spoons fished around the deeper edges of cabbage worked best.
Weeks of July 12-19 & 19-26, 2008
Really good two week period for northern including quality fish. Several fish over 40" during the period as Jeff Norman's group hit the pike pretty hard during the first week and Joe Weiler caught a beautiful, fat 44" northern during the week of the 19th. In-line spinners and crankbaits did most of the damage fished off the deeper edges of the many cabbage weed beds close to camp.
Week of July 5-July 12, 2008
I neglected to mention in the walleye report that the weather was really crummy again this week. Lot's of wind, rain and some more thunder and lightning on occasion to boot. Considering the weather, and the "dent" it put into some time on the water, overall things were not too bad. Certainly plenty of eater pike action again this week around the cabbage weeds on jigs/spinners and spoons/cranks. Fred and Jack (by self admission-- "two old retired farts") did pretty well on northern releasing fish 33, 34, 35, 36 and 37" in addition to a bunch of smaller ones. Otherwise, nothing real big this week, but I guarantee they are still out there.
Week of June 28-July 5, 2008
One of our best weeks so far for big northern with decent numbers of fish between 30-38" and three over 40" this week. Much like the walleye fishing, emerging cabbage weeds were the best bet BUT as it always is there can be "lunker" northern hanging about anywhere on the lake. Big spoons were good this week, which is a little surprising as cranks will GENERALLY outfish the spoons, but it just goes to show you how things change day to day/ week to week.
Week of June 21-June 28, 2008
Another very good week with a lot of action for pike. A number of fish reported over 35" again this week, with jigs and spinners taking most of the fish. A couple of groups did well casting crankbaits over the tops of newly emerging cabbage weeds too.
Week of June 14-June 21, 2008
Lot's of pike action as usual again this week. Big fish for the week was a beautiful 45" (20 1/2 lb) northern caught and released by Jim Schild with a number of other fish over 30". Lot's of good eater pike this week too. With some increased sunshine and warming water, the weedbeds should start to take off which will really help the pike fishing in weeks to come.
Week of June 7-June 14, 2008
Incredible action this week again for northern. The pike are really starting to feed heavily now on our ever present baitfish and around slowly emergent weedbeds. Mostly eater pike again this week incidental to walleye fishing, but some good fish over 34" noted this week also. The pike fishing and BIG pike fishing should only get better in the coming weeks.
Week of May 31-June 7, 2008
Lots of pike action again this week. Not a great week for "trophies" but plenty of eaters and a number of fish in the 30-35" range this week. Crankbaits and spoons took most fish again this week in shallow water.
Week of May 24-31, 2008
Definitely a good week for numbers of pike with some quality fish mixed in too over 35". Most fish caught on jig/minnow combos fishing for walleye in 4-10 fow. Other guests did well throwing spoons and crankbaits to the shallow water for pike.
Week of May 17-24, 2008
Pike pretty much picked up where they left off last season with ALOT of action with smaller fish (under 30"). Did have several fish caught and released in the 37" range. Pike like the walleye are either wrapping up their spawn or very near post-spawn, so the fishing for these monsters will only get better as the water warms.
 Smallmouth Bass
Week of August 16-23, 2008
Mostly "accidental" smallmouth catches this week, but as usual, an accidental 18-20" smally is a good "accident" to have. Just ask Keith Augustine who caught an 18 1/2" smallmouth while throwing a BIG Sand Cat jerkbait for northern. Go figure?? Anyway, the smally fishing remains a nice compliment to the tremendous walleye and northern fishing here on Wabaskang and our adjoining waters.
Week of August 9-16, 2008
Smallmouth fishing was much better (consistent) again this week as just about everyone in camp caught fish in the 3-5 pound range. The center cut, the narrows, the Hotel and the rockbed in Miller's Bay were all good last week. Mostly crankbaits and topwaters as we had some beautifully calm mornings and evenings this week to take advantage of an exciting topwater bite.
Week of August 2-9, 2008
The smallmouth fishing ran a little hot and cold last week. We actually had a pretty dedicated effort made by a few groups in camp and everyone had a few nights/or early mornings of excellent action with the smallies. We also had some slow nights/mornings too. As usual the quality of fish remained outstanding with almost all fish ranging from 16-20". Tubes, spinnerbaits and top waters provided guests with ALOT of fun tangling with these incredibly powerful and acrobatic fish.
Week of July 26-August 2, 2008
The week started pretty good for Sue Bibbee with a 20" smallmouth on her second cast of the trip. Her and husband David went on to catch a couple dozen more over the week and most everyone else in camp caught some smallies too even if by accident. They are definitely getting more aggressive and should provide guests some fun and excitement for several weeks to come. Crankbaits and plastics were best fished shallow in 6 fow or less around submergent rocks and reeds.
Weeks of July 12-19 & 19-26, 2008
The smallmouth are really turning on again now with several 17 and 18" fish being caught from below the docks, and numbers of good fish 17-20" being caught around camp in some of their normal mid-summer haunts. Live nightcrawlers are working well when they do get fussy, but otherwise crankbaits, spinners and plastics casted close to shorelines holding reeds/weeds and submergent rocks are the ticket.
Week of July 5-July 12, 2008
I think the smallmouth spawn is still well behind schedule this year as a few of the females we caught this week were pretty "beat up" and overall they have not been as aggressive as usual. We did see a few now starting to move in under the camp docks. Not heavily fished this week, but the groups that tried for them all took some fish and mostly fish over 17".
Week of June 28-July 5, 2008
The smallies made themselves a little scarce last week, still not moving into their normal haunts around camp in great numbers yet as they typically do by July 1. The late ice out still has everything just a little behind schedule and we just aren't getting much warm/dry weather to catch us up. The smallies that were caught last week were all dandy's with few fish under 17".
Week of June 21-June 28, 2008
Not a lot of fishing pressure again this week, but a couple of groups did spend a few hours fishing smallies and reported good action with fish ranging from 15-19". Crankbaits casted to the shallow weeds/rocks and tube jigs/plastics seemed to work the best. Will be interested to see when the big smallies move under the camp docks this year, with the later ice out this season and still below normal water temps.
Week of June 14-June 21, 2008
Again, not a lot of pressure on the smallies this week, BUT the fish that were caught and released by guests were impressive fish with most over 17". Like the pike, this fishery will pick up significantly in the weeks to come for those who target them.
Week of June 7-June 14, 2008
Not alot of pressure this week on the smallies from guests in camp, BUT the few that did invest some time in fishing the smallies were rewarded with some absolute "hog" fish! Still prespawn, but "lingering" in their bedding areas, guests took advantage of some aggressive fish and had some fun practicing strictly C&R on some big smallmouth. Crankbaits produced most fish, but tube jigs were also productive.
Week of May 31-June 7, 2008
The smallmouth must have gone into survival mode after the pounding they took last week as they scattered and were not nearly as aggressive. We did have some groups in camp reporting catching about 20-30 smallies for the week, while mixing in their walleye and pike fishing.
Week of May 24-31, 2008
Excellent week for smallmouth fishing as just about everyone in camp reported catching some smallmouth (many without trying for them). As I have said before, the smallmouth fishery on Wabaskang has really taken off in the last 6-8 years with more and more fish caught, more spots holding fish, and good quality fish at that (many over 16"). Bob Stromberg's group of four from South Carolina, caught and released 94 smallmouth during their weekly stay this year. Wow, not a bad week!
The typical smally hotbeds for this time of year are again holding fish, and they didn't seem to be too picky as to what you threw at them as jigs, tubes, worms, cranks etc. were all taking fish.
Week of May 17-24, 2008
Only one group in camp really targeted smallmouth this week, but they had a blast really hammering the BIG smallmouth (almost all over 16"), primarily in our hotspots in Gawley's Bay. Will try to get a few pictures posted soon!
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