At the Jacksons Lodges and Outpost camps, Northern Pike and Walleye are the two most targeted species. Being that all our lakes are fly in only, fishing for both Pike and Walleye is a huge success. Each guest has a good chance of hooking into a master. Our fish are not picky so chances are your tackle at home is suitable for our fish. For more information on suggested gear to bring visit our packing list.
Walleye
Walleye prefer much smaller, slower moving baits. Jigging vertically is a widely used technique on the Winnipeg River system. Our walleyes are caught on medium or medium-light spinning rods equipped 1/4 or 3/8 ounce jigs tipped with frozen minnows, Gulp, or (leaches until mid July). Crankbaits such as 6" Reef Runners, 3 inch Rapala Shad Raps, and Rapala Tail Dancers are excellent walleye lures for our late season. Fish with these in shallow waters to hook into a record catch. Bottom bouncers with Spinner rigs is another excellent option.
Northern Pike
The key to landing one over twenty pounds is the use of proper equipment. During May and early June, many large Pike are caught using spoons such as the Williams Whitefish. Suspending crank baits work well as Pike are lethargic and doo not move too quickly early on in the season. Once water temperatures in the bays begin to reach 70 degrees mid to late June, bigger Pike will prefer much larger lures such as 10" Suicks, Believers, Musky Bucktails, MIG Spinnerbaits, Magnum Bulldawgs, and large top water lures. To throw these lures, our guides recommend the use of a 7 to 8 foot medium-heavy Musky Series baitcaster equipped with 50-80 pound Power Pro. Power Pro is one of the best lines available and has an extremely thin diameter. To ensure a positive experience, we offer Power Pro as well as a variety of lures mentioned above in our tackle shop. It is essential to use a leader for Pike. Many Musky shops offer state of the art fluorocarbon and monofilament leaders of 100-180 pound test. Heavy steel and titanium wire leaders at least 12 inches long will also stand up to a Pike's sharp teeth.
Smallmouth Bass
Throughout our fishing season Smallmouth Bass are an active fun fish to catch. Only caught in a handful of our fly in lakes, a medium Spinning or Baitcasting combo, equipped with 10-20 pound test will be the most versatile Bass fishing rig. Lures to use include Tube jigs (gitzits), Flukes, X-raps, Tail Dancers, Skitter Pops, Jitterbugs, size 3 Mepps, Shad Raps, and small Spinnerbaits.
