LOTW (Shoal Lake)
Tim
Posted 6/30/2004 9:45 AM (#110839)
Subject: LOTW (Shoal Lake)


Our 3rd trip is fast approaching (7-10 thru 7-24) and this year we are going to expand the journey "a little" further. We stay on Oak Island and have been up the French Portage the past two years (2002 record high water and 2003 record low) to Astron Bay. Last year we ventured to Portage Bay (30 mph winds out of the south, fun trip home) and had a great day (big pike). We are going to pick a "good" weather day, leave early and head to Shoal. I know that we will pass probably half of the 14,500 islands, 1,000's of fish and the legandary Big Narrows (probably hit that on the way back). Has anyone been there? Any suggestions? The reason we go for two weeks is to be able to take some trips of this nature. Even though we are still ten days away, the sleepless nights have started. When I get a few winks in, I visualize the swirl behind the jackpot and then the hit. I can hear (till the day I die) my nephew Curtis "It's a Muskie"! The sounds of the Loons and Eagles, the spectacular sunsets, the northern lights. Everyone that has been there I am sure has some of the same memories. But anyway, some thoughts on the area would be appreciated.
Bukes
Posted 6/30/2004 10:25 AM (#110842 - in reply to #110839)
Subject: RE: LOTW (Shoal Lake)





Been fishing out of Ash Rapids in Aug/Sept for the past four years. As far as Shoal lake goes, I have heard the musky population isn't that good but you can find some large pike and walleyes. It is unmapped and very dangerous. Bob Mesiwhatever told me that you would have an awfully hard time getting help from the natives is something happened out there. Also, no live bait is allowed past the ash rapids. You will pass some great musky areas in the Big Narrows and Ptarmigan bay on your way there.
matt kircher
Posted 6/30/2004 1:28 PM (#110864 - in reply to #110839)
Subject: RE: LOTW (Shoal Lake)


Been fishing the ash rapids areas for the last ten years and truely believe that this areas has the biggest fish in the system. Deep clear watere with an endless supply of baitfish available. Shoal lake itself I have never seen a musky on. Primarily a bass, walleye, and pike fishery. But the Shoal Lake narrows area leading into shoal lake has some true pigs. I have raised many forty pounders and caught five over fifty from these waters between myself and my father. Fish the rock reefs in the narrows, ogema bay, ash bay,first labryinth, and the lower end of ptarmigan bay. Bring your jackpots and eagle tails along. the evening bite is usually hot. The numbers in this area do not compare to the angle but the size makes up for it.
Tim
Posted 7/29/2004 10:00 AM (#113490 - in reply to #110839)
Subject: RE: LOTW (Shoal Lake)


Had a great time the past two weeks. Shoal was a fantastic trip, didn't see any muskie but caught several pike and a few smallies. To see the fish coming from the depths in that clear water was amazing. We didn't go a 1/5 of the way onto Shoal but from the sign that reads Walleye season closed, we never saw one boat. We will make the journey again next year. I was lucky enough to boat 3 ski's this year a 30, 36 and a real nice 45er.