Monday morning greeted me with a forecast predicting 9 to 20 mph winds a breeze for a seasoned angler. However reality had other plans. Upon launching from Mica Bay I was met with sustained 20 mph winds and gusts reaching 30 mph. Despite the challenging conditions I pressed on aiming to reach the boater park directly across the bay.
As I walked the dock toward the campsite I noticed a lot of yellow perch in the water indicating that this is the primary forage for the local pike. This gave me a better idea of where to focus our trolling efforts and what baits might be most effective.
Upon arrival the Mica Bay Boater Park was a serene haven no campers in sight. The park offers 16 tent camping units two mooring docks a swimming beach three picnic units a group picnic shelter vault toilets drinking water and playground equipment. Access is via boat or a short hike with a self pay fee system in place. Dogs are welcome but must be leashed or controlled.
After securing a spot and paying the 20 dollar camping fee and 3 dollars per armful of firewood my buddy and I set out to fish. We trolled along weed edges and ledges utilizing planer boards to cover more water. Despite our efforts we only managed to land one decent sized smallmouth bass. The winds made it challenging to maintain a consistent trolling speed and our 42 pound trolling motor struggled against the gusts. We switched to using the main motor trolling at approximately 2 mph with a mix of crankbaits spinners and jerkbaits.
Pike fishing can be unpredictable. When they are on they are really on otherwise silence prevails. The lack of pike was disappointing but it is all part of the experience.
Tips for Catching Pike
-
Optimal Times: Early mornings and late evenings are prime feeding times for pike.
-
Location: Focus on areas with submerged structures like weed beds drop offs and points.
-
Bait Selection: Use large minnows spoons or crankbaits that mimic the pikes natural prey.
-
Presentation: Slow steady retrieves often entice pike.
-
Equipment: Ensure your gear is robust enough to handle pikes sharp teeth and powerful runs.
Despite the challenging conditions the day at Mica Bay was a reminder of the unpredictability and thrill of fishing. The serene environment and the challenge of the winds made for a memorable outing.
