Hello all,

I'm heading to Snowbank lake over Memorial Day weekend (late May). I know it's too early to tell what shape the walleye will be in at that time, but let's assume it's cooler than usual and they are still in their post-spawn locations...so they will be in shallower water. I've been studying the map, but I don't know what is considered "shallow" for Snowbank Lake (a relatively deep lake). Are we talking 3' in Pickeral Bay...or 10' to 15' along the shores and around structure? Any Snowbank Lake tips are appreciated. Thanks all!

-Ben

I'm also going in on Snowbank that weekend. Let's see what we find out here!

I will be entering snowbank on the 17th of may but targeting the lakers. Any info would be much appreciated.

I was entering Snowbank at the same time last year, mid May, but last year's winter was pretty short if I remember. Lakers were in shallow, I was just trolling tail dancers for walleyes and lakers would hit them. Pink worked pretty good for me last year both for eyes and lakers. In fact I was not targeting lakers, and by no means I'm experienced trout fisherman, those were first lakes of my life!

Thanks for the replys! Yeah, I have a feeling it will definately be a late spring this year. Does anyone know where the primary inflows are on Snowbank. I see the rivers/creeks on maps, but I can't tell if it's an inflow or outflow...and how substantial they are?

Thanks again!

Snowbank is a nice lake,but I would also try to set up somehow because that lake is known for its big waves in May at times. Just may be a though in your logistics?

My Great Grandpa used to be a guide on Snowbank and has a hand drawn map detailing the lake. The map also includes water depths wich he took himself. Although the map is old the numbers are still pretty accurate. Aside from water depth he also drew in patterns and labeled them with what fish are where and how to catch them. In terms of depth I have had success around 20ft but usually don't go until July or August. Pickerel is more for pike than walleye.

quote herb0021: "Thanks for the replys! Yeah, I have a feeling it will definately be a late spring this year. Does anyone know where the primary inflows are on Snowbank. I see the rivers/creeks on maps, but I can't tell if it's an inflow or outflow...and how substantial they are?


Thanks again!"

Each lake on your map should list an elevation (above sea level) somewhere within the lake, usually in italics. Look to see which body of water is higher and which is lower and you will know which way the water is flowing in the connecting rivers and creeks.

quote herb0021: "I see the rivers/creeks on maps, but I can't tell if it's an inflow or outflow...and how substantial they are?"

When a contour line crosses a river or stream, the contour line forms a "v". The "v" always points upstream.

Thanks all for you suggestions!

Snowbank fan: "My Great Grandpa used to be a guide on Snowbank and has a hand drawn map detailing the lake. The map also includes water depths wich he took himself. Although the map is old the numbers are still pretty accurate. Aside from water depth he also drew in patterns and labeled them with what fish are where and how to catch them. In terms of depth I have had success around 20ft but usually don't go until July or August. Pickerel is more for pike than walleye."

I don't suppose you are still on this forum and willing to share any insights from your great grandpa's map would you? Thanks!

Pay attention to the spots you repeatedly see boats. The end of the lake with road access used to be where the memorial weekend walleyes were. Better protection from the wind also. Reefs in the vicinity of the Flash Lake portage come to mind. The great Snowbank guide Joe Banis used to bobber fish minnows at night off a reef NW end of Big Island. He also paid attention to road end of the lake after spawning and they put the feed bag on for minnows in back bays. Good camp spot near Flash portage. Fish Lake Trout trolling prominent point just north of Flash Lake portage called Chism Point. Let us know how you do. Hello to great grandpa guide from earlier post.

Thanks a mil, Zika! Those are awesome pointers. That brings up one more question on Snowbank for everyone. So, I know half of the lake is in half out of the BW. If I have an OM permit do I have to camp on the BW side? In normal BW situations you aren't supposed to go in/out/in. Does that apply to Snowbank? Seems kind of stupid to have to fish only on the BW side of the line.

Not sure. I have camped near Flash when overnight permits were all gone for the day. Went where ever I wanted to. Not sure what I did?

Very cold lake water temperatures on Snowbank opener for tough fishing.

What water temps did you have? I was on Burntside on Saturday. Surface water around 44-45 deg. Got one smaller laker. Since I had kids with and not much time I didn't want to risk my prop in shallower water. Got mine in 30'. Marked a number of nice ones off the bottom in 40-60 fow.