08-10-2007, 04:14 PM
[cool][#0000ff]There are several things about Rabbit Gulch that have always made it attractive to fish. First, it is a long arm of the lake that slopes gradually, rather than being a steep drop...at least in the upper to middle parts. It is also mostly mud bottom, which is conducive to underwater weed growth. That provides shelter for perch fry and that draws in the predators...large perch and walleyes...and smallies.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the key factors in keeping the good fishing in RG is that the water level does not drop to the extent that all of the flats and weeds are left too shallow for the fish. Getting close to that right now. There do not seem to be any green weeds deeper than 12-15 feet. That depth was formerly 25 to 30 feet, which is about the lower limit of where weeds can grow with available sunlight. They will not start new growth in new water this late in the season.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]On the positive side, there are still spots along the outer edges of Rabbit Gulch that have rocks in the water...structure. Both perch and Wallies relate to rocky structure about as well as to weed beds...especially when there are no weeds.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I fished the Gulch up through the first part of October last year, and the water level NEVER dropped to even half of what it is now. And, the perch and walleye remained good targets at least through the end of September. But, once the water temps drop below about 60, the fish begin to slide deeper and they are harder to find and fool. The water warmed to 72 on Thursday, and with the typical temps of August and early September, we should have decent shallower water fishing for awhile yet.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]One of the key factors in keeping the good fishing in RG is that the water level does not drop to the extent that all of the flats and weeds are left too shallow for the fish. Getting close to that right now. There do not seem to be any green weeds deeper than 12-15 feet. That depth was formerly 25 to 30 feet, which is about the lower limit of where weeds can grow with available sunlight. They will not start new growth in new water this late in the season.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]On the positive side, there are still spots along the outer edges of Rabbit Gulch that have rocks in the water...structure. Both perch and Wallies relate to rocky structure about as well as to weed beds...especially when there are no weeds.[/#0000ff]
[#0000ff][/#0000ff]
[#0000ff]I fished the Gulch up through the first part of October last year, and the water level NEVER dropped to even half of what it is now. And, the perch and walleye remained good targets at least through the end of September. But, once the water temps drop below about 60, the fish begin to slide deeper and they are harder to find and fool. The water warmed to 72 on Thursday, and with the typical temps of August and early September, we should have decent shallower water fishing for awhile yet.[/#0000ff]
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