Krawler, I’ve got to say thanks, you always provide a wealth of info that is so helpful for those of us who don’t have the time to go figure it out on our own. At least having something to start with makes it feel more hopeful out on that big water.I will be going out for our first trip the last weekend in May. My 8 yr old son has been asking every day how many days until we go, lol.I launch out of Jackson’s park and often just fish within a few miles of the ramp along that mainland. Is it worth fishing this area earlier in the season or would we have better chances heading up to the islands?Unfortunately I don’t have a temperature sensing unit yet.
FYI Tiny hasn’t even started to think about clearing the sand out at Jackson’s yet so you may want to rethink that plan. I imagine they didn’t want to have to make a decision re provincial direction so hey just drug their feet. Hopefully today’s announcement gives them a little kick in the ass.
Tiny beaches area is an ideal place to start end of May. Salmon that hang around the Notty all spring will slowly move there way up coast towards the islands. If you look at the satellite imagery on the Bay you can see plumes of green water coming from the notty pushing up the east side of Nottawasaga Bay, the fish will move with this warm water. However with the recent lack of rain you wont see those plumes as much anymore. Nevertheless Salmon are on the move. Early season you wont need a temp sensor, water is cold everywhere except on the surface. I would fish a stealth approach in the shallows 40-70 fow long long leads or leadcore/planer board set up in 3-6 color segments. Or just long leads on the rigger minimum 100 ft back. Good idea to flatline small body baits too as rainbows will be high in the column looking for small shiners or bugs on the surface. If this doesn't work in the early am then head out to 80-120 and work a summer program, the salmon are still climatized to cold water and they will be seeking smelt post spawn as the bait transitions to deeper water. Early season is always tough, watch your graph and be ready to drop your riggers to a hungry laker which are usually on the bottom. The islands are always the last area to heat up because of the currents moving the water around so much, but as always find the bait and you may find some actively feeding fish. Last resort or first resort for me is a Blue zone run, in some years we would find huge patches of debris (trees, leaves, picnic tables, pollen etc) floating out there all stuff coming from the Notty, flatline these areas and you will hit bows. On the way out watch for temp changes on the surface, current, scum lines, and often you will see bows surfacing as you crusie along, if you see any of these stop and troll, small body baits, slow speed. Good luck if you make it out, lets us know how you do. kris