Week 14 in Review: The First Hints of Fall…Northern Lights and Big Pike

Week 14 in Review: The First Hints of Fall

We’ve ignored the signs for a week now; those yellow leaves on the birch trees must be a mistake. Once the high V’s of geese start to fly over, it’s a sure sign fall is marching its way south from the land of little sticks north of us. Summer has been great for the most part, enough rain to keep the fires at bay, warm enough weather to keep the pike fishing superb and as it draws to an end, another season full of memories and laughter on this 12-acre island.  The weather for the first week of fall has been stellar: cool overnights, mild days and some angry pike in the weeds and on the rocks of Scott and the flyout network.  The fourteenth week of anglers enjoyed some incredible fishing.

This week, an incredible 257 trophy-sized fish were caught: pike over 40”, lake trout larger than 35” and Grayling surpassing 15”. Making for one of the highest tallies of the season, these August weeks have a great pedigree for fishing, with all three species hungry and ready to chow down. Big pike were plentiful; 116 big girls hit the nets this week, showcasing their vicious boatside hits, engulfing flies, Cull Shads, spinners and almost everything thrown their way. Some first-time Scott Lakers led the big pike charge this week; Laurie Tipps landed the biggest northern at 47”, while her husband Steve was hot on her heels with a jumbo 46”er.  Jeff Knorr, on his first trip to Scott, also scored on a 46” northern, while Bob Oullette and Joe Sauger were lucky on a couple of 45.5” fish, respectively.  Long-time Scott angler Ian Gesmundo found his biggest pike ever, with guide Nuggs, a big 45”er. The pike this time of year can be everywhere and nowhere; our guides did an incredible job keeping our anglers on the bite, with fish in 3 or 4 different patterns around the lake. Rocks, weeds, shallows, windy points and shorelines all added to the success of the week.

The lake trout weren’t the focus again this week; great pike fishing kept our anglers targeting Esox instead of the deep-water-dwelling char that pull so hard. Greg Kippenhan was our top trouter, hauling in a 39.5” Salvelinus, Jeff Knorr was lucky on a 39 and a 38.5” trout. 38 specials were in order for Bob Oullette and Tim Kippenhan.  Our youngest angler of the week, Matt Brzek landed his first trophy laker a 35”er, while dad Brian nabbed a 36.5” fish. There were three generations fishing and making memories together in the Brzek boat this week, Grandpa Gene was directing traffic and watching the boys learn all about fishing at Scott Lake…they learned quick as both Brian and Matt earned some Trophy Triple Hats!

The northern lights danced above the island; we celebrated some staff birthdays this week, ate well, drank probably more than we should, and downright had a nice time. If this is fall in the north…bring it on!

Check out the link to our Orvis Endorsed page. We’d love to be considered for the Orvis Fly Fishing Lodge of the Year; your reviews can help us achieve that lofty goal! 

https://www.orvis.com/product/scott-lake-lodge/3GSF.html