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joetrain
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05/10/2017 04:38AM   (Thread Older Than 3 Years)
I am heading into North Bay for the first week of June. The weather this spring here at home (Chicago) has been cold and windy and the water temps are still a bit cold. I am wondering what to expect as far as North Bay water temps in regards to fishing.

Admittedly I have not done my homework and have not been following the weather up north. Anybody have some insight on what to expect?
Thanks. ~JOE~
 
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mastertangler
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05/10/2017 04:54AM  
Never been to North Bay in June but have fished it several times and can usually do well. But if you have a hard time connecting on the bigger water you could day trip to West lake and where the creek enters is a small shallow bay. Jig in the emergent weed growth for walleye. You could also go to the small lake on Kings point off Basswood. There is 1 campsite and a quality smallie fishery along with northern and a few hefty largemouths. Views above the campsite are very nice if your inclined for a walk. Expect some company as a game trail goes right through the middle of camp.......lots of wildlife in the area.

Be flexible and if the big water isn't kind go to plan B.
 
QueticoMike
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05/10/2017 05:35AM  
As mentioned, if the water temps are cold, maybe you should consider a smaller body of water that warms quicker. Also the north side of lakes tend to warm up quicker this time of the year, something to keep in mind. If you are fishing for lake trout, then you might be there at the right time.
 
Capsized
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05/10/2017 05:42AM  
I fished North Bay early June last year. Weather was overcast with occasional light rain. The fishing was very good. We did pretty well on walleye and smallies but lakers were biting the best.
 
BC Neal
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05/10/2017 07:45AM  
I've fished North Bay several times in the first week of June. Look for warmer shallower bays.
Typically we find the smallies staging and/or on nests in typical shallow rocky areas.
We've had good success on walleyes anywhere for 6 feet to 20 feet on twister tails and shad raps.
We would fish walleye early and late and smallies mid-day.
Good luck...it's a great time to be on North Bay.
 
joetrain
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05/10/2017 08:50AM  
Thanks everyone. My typical North Bay time is mid to late June. Even at that time I have found lakers still shallow , pike just about anywhere and smallmouth in various stages of the spawn.

I have been there every year for the past 35 years so I'm not at all worried about finding fish I was just curious as to water temp with this cooler weather we have had.
~JOE~
 
05/10/2017 10:25PM  
Water temps as of today in the Sunday-North bay lakes was 47 degrees F. on the surface and with the wind probably got colder. Measured 44 degrees after a breeze came up.
It has been colder up there than much of the state until the last few days.
 
fcrugbyhooker
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05/11/2017 09:39AM  
This topic has me all fired up. I am taking my 13 year old soon into North Bay on June 6. We have done 7 or so BWCA trips together but never Quetico. I was on North Bay 1 time before the bait ban in August and loved it. Our main goal this time is to catch a lake trout, something neither of us has accomplished. (I lost the only one I've ever hooked on Shade that last trip) Since the weather is looking colder hopefully we can get on the board! (Shallower) Also looking forward to some walleye and top water smallie. I read an old post that said there are some nice gills in the creek to West and South too? Any confirmations about panfish? CANT COME SOON ENOUGH!
 
Capsized
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05/12/2017 06:31AM  
quote fcrugbyhooker: "This topic has me all fired up. I am taking my 13 year old soon into North Bay on June 6. We have done 7 or so BWCA trips together but never Quetico. I was on North Bay 1 time before the bait ban in August and loved it. Our main goal this time is to catch a lake trout, something neither of us has accomplished. (I lost the only one I've ever hooked on Shade that last trip) Since the weather is looking colder hopefully we can get on the board! (Shallower) Also looking forward to some walleye and top water smallie. I read an old post that said there are some nice gills in the creek to West and South too? Any confirmations about panfish? CANT COME SOON ENOUGH!"


I bet you guys will do well on lakers up there that time of year. I've had good luck on North bay that time of year trolling purple tail dancer rapalas, blue and silver reef runners, and jigging deep with 1 oz jig heads with 5 inch twister tails.

Have a great trip!
 
joetrain
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05/28/2017 06:07AM  
Bringing this back up to the top. My trip is next week and I am hoping to get a more up to date water temp. Thanks. ~JOE~
 
05/28/2017 08:00AM  
Only can give you a South Kawishiwi river temp which is 56 degrees F. as of today. Basswood will probably be a little cooler.
 
joetrain
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05/28/2017 10:55AM  
Thank you.
~JOE ~
 
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