Spent the past 5 days fishing Sag, primarily the Canadian side but also a few spots right on the border. This is my 4th year fishing Sag and we had by far the best fishing we’ve had to date. The lake trout fishing in particular was outstanding— we caught a bunch every day and found one reef in particular that was an absolute factory, kicking out repeated fish in the 23-27 inch range. We couldn’t find any bigger than that but the consistency of size was unreal. Although we go up primarily for trout, we had a grand slam in our boat every single day and could have had limits had we been keeping. We stopped after one great walleye fish fry and brought some trout home to share with the family. Despite the great numbers we didn’t come into any real size with pike, bass, or walleye on this trip.

Lakers— best presentations were big sucker minnows trolled on bottom bouncers and crocodile spoons on leadcore. Also caught them trolling tail dancers in a variety of sizes and colors, and by jigging and casting large white paddle tails. Key depth was 30-40 feet, either sitting on a reef or on the wind blown drop-off of that same reef down into 80 feet of water. Surface temps ranged from 66-70 depending on the day and the area.

Pike and bass — whopper ploppers and frogs along shore near timber. Also caught one decent pike while trolling deep for lakers so they are all over. And of course smb love to eat leeches when you’re targeting walleye.

Walleye — jig and crawler drifting near moving water. Leeches under slip bobs. Lipless crankbaits and flicker shad. All took fish in 5-15fow.

Thanks for the report. We stayed at the first campsite in First Bay. We were targeting Zephyr or 3rd bay, but 3rd bay was taken by a group from Kentucky who was staying several days, and Zephyr was taken by a couple on their honeymoon. they were going to go west, but the fire closure made them take Zephyr and they weren't leaving.

I've been going to Zephyr for 50 plus years, and we had some relatives that wanted an introduction. I offered the couple $100 if they would pack up, but they declined. Was that rude? I kind of regret not just giving it to them anyway. My wife and I spent our honeymoon camped in Zephyr.

Regardless, we did try to catch some lakers on Sag on Tuesday (6/20). I wasn't planning to target lakers, so I didn't have the preferred gear. All my rods were medium light action, with 8 lb mono. We tried trolling tail dancers that dive to 30 ft, but I thought the lakers might be deeper than that, so we were trolling more like 50. I'm not certain, as it was just guess work. We were trolling in a stretch perhaps 500 yards east of spam, to 300 yards west of spam, but didnt have any luck on 3 passes.

We DID catch a Canoe on Sag!! We got up Sunday morning. I was watching my nephew fish, and suddenly I noticed we were short one aluminum canoe. For someone who has been going to the BWCA for 52 years, I'm rather embarrassed to admit that we didn't tie up the canoe. I should know better. I do know better. Either way we paddled around the north side of 1st bay (illegally, as we didn't have a RBC, etc), but had no luck finding it. We were considering going back to camp to get some some supplies before an extended search, and decided to take a quick look on Sag, just to see if she might be out there. I had a very sick feeling in my stomach. If that canoe blew the length of sag, or up into Cache Bay, we would have been in for a long hunt. Fortunately, as soon as we cleared the islands that separate the main lake from 1st bay, we could see our lost friend on the Canadian shoreline, not far from the first Cache Bay gap. We got really lucky. Had she hit that gap, I could see where it's possible she could have gone over the falls. I'm glad we didn't get a ticket. It was just really really stupid on our part.

Man, that must have been a giant relief! Glad it worked out for you!

thegildedgopher: "Man, that must have been a giant relief! Glad it worked out for you!"

It was a HUGE relief. I was imagining having to paddle all over Cache Bay, and the full length of Sag. It was a sickening thought.

Sounds like you had a great trip, gopher!