What a season.

[West Basin]

Yep, been a "different" season.

Chartercam camera captain's boats had "one of our best first half of the season, and one of our worst second half's."

It seems there was a greater divide between those who did well and those who did not. I heard a lot of "not so good" reports, but also a good number of "we did well or very well" reports. On the same day I'd hear of boats catching limits or near limits and other boats catching hardly any, or only 5 or 6 keepers, in the same general area. Yes, this is not uncommon, but this year it seemed to be the case more than usual.

Dropping water levels, warmer than usual water temperatures, low rainfall, and unusual water currents moving anoxic water around where it usual doesn't go where all factors, along with a lot of east and northeast wind. Also not much of an algae bloom. So a lot was different this season with the Lake.

Good news is the walleye hatch was "excellent".

Just a moment...

Bad news is the Lake water level is down near the long term average, now near 174 feet. Has dropped a foot since mid July.

Great Lakes Dashboard

Now we all reflect on this season, then enjoy the off season break, then look forward to the 2026 open water season once Late February arrives. And winter ice fishing if we get good ice.

I really am looking forward to the 2026 season. Once again, five years in a row now, I didn't get out much at all. Had an engine issue with the Lyman (a very long tale - I now probably know more about Chrysler 360 marine engine exhaust manifolds than just about anyone). Because of the work on the trailered Lyman, and some other issues, I only got the Trophy boat out three times, and only caught a few white perch, sheepshead, and a catfish. I certainly hope I am in the water and running by the latest mid-April in 2026.

[EyeSquaredR]

Clarification: Data presented is in meters - level of 174 meters is approximately 571 feet (above mean sea level).