Hello from the other side of the pond:

    I've had a welcome respite from walleye whipping. Spent Sunday and Monday on the big "O" in pursuit of browns, steelhead and salmon. We are now off the shore and in the 50 to 100 feet mode.

    As of Monday, the surface temperature at 100 feet was 64 degrees Fahrenheit and the temperature at 62 feet was 46 degrees. Browns, the likely target in 50 to 70 feet of water prefer the 55 degree band which is around 25 to 40 feet below the surface. Our highest strike came at 25 feet; whereas most of the downrigger action has been at 30 to 45 down. A steady spoon diet of R&R half and three quarter sticks in the alewiife finishes, along with Michigan Stingers and Nk's sporting black/sliver, monkeypuke, blue dolphin and froggie patterns are collaborating to put browns in the box.

    All the "long ball" applications outfished the downriggers. Copper set at 200 has been remarkably steady. In three outings we managed 9 copper strikes with an amazing 7/9 in the boat...that's a 77.7% strike to catch ratio. Our copper is 45# rated with 30 feet of 30# XPS Bass Pro Shops monofilament attached to the copper with an Albright knot and tapered to six feet of 12# fluorocarbon. Two leadcore rods (7-9) colors fished in conjunction with in-line planers have also been in the zone. Add to this, two wire dypsys at 80 to 100 feet of wire on a number three setting and you have a basic 8 rod drill (3 riggers, 1 copper, 2 dypsys, 2 leadcores with the downrigger positions cheated) for a total of 11 lures in the water.Spread them long, wide, up, down and you will surely catch all the browns you need.

     When pursuing browns, I prefer or should I say "they" prefer a speed of 2.1 to 2.3 mph; and don't think you can solely rely on your GPS speed over bottom to attain that. My Cannon speed, temp, light and depth probe is by far the best sensor I have used at the weight. With proper installation and maintenance I consistently get solid readings all the way to 150 feet below the surface. That 2.1 to 2.3 mph is direction sensitive and requires diligence at the weight. Frequently the speed at the weight is in variance with the GPS speed over fixed bottom.

    Enough technical talk; let's enjoy some fish pictures (even the people). On Father's Day morning, Phil Roe (deer processor) and sons Corby and Danny from Hamilton, NY  celebrated the day with a family outing on Lake Ontario. Here we see them with 6 browns. They actually fought another 8 fish which decided to swim another day and released  a rainbow which was under 21 inches. 

Ontario is now providing the exciting options of brown trout, steelhead and salmon fishing all in one outing. If you prefer the chase for salmon then begin in 90 feet, look for bait, troll at 2.7 to 3.1 and mix it up with magnum spoons and attractor/fly combos. I am a firm believer in a fish's ability to detect scent whether it be positive or negative.  Mustad's ACTIVATE, a pheromone enhanced attractant will keep that fish focused and more likely to strike.

    As I close out June and work through mid-July walleyes will not be as big a portion of my effort as trout and salmon. If you are contemplating an Ontario outing for either July or Aug. it is imperative that you contact me ASAP. My schedule is quickly being filled.

I "COD" ago,

cap'n tony