Balsam lake, any tips?

Lol, small world. Sorry, if i took a bit at the launch. I need to invest in a trailer. I'm sure the wife would appreciate it too, not hauling the tinny on top of the truck.

Ya, the just seemed to be biting for me. Thanks again to everyone who gave me tips, it really did turn my short outings into a success.

Did you lose your head and lip it? hahaha i can honestly say ive done that during a long day on the water......pike are not bass.....would not recommend.

Na, it did a nice thrash when I was taking it out of the net for the picture. Sometimes I forget how powerful even the smaller ones are. Even the walleye, trying to measure them for the slot is like trying to get a 2 year old to listen to you.

I finally landed my first bass of the year, and it was a mere 4.12 lbs. I had a family member want to keep it for dinner, so we did. The day was hot as all get out, but it was fun as usual. Still had some bass doing window shopping, but the first one is out of the way now. I am focusing on swim jigs, chatterbaits and spoons, but the worm harness came though again, just like last year.

Finally got out this am. 3 eyes all eaters, and one itty bitty small mouth.
Looking forward to going out again tonight.

Is it always this windy holy cow!!

Nice first trip!
How deep were the eyes if you do not mind sharing?

All between 10-12 feet. Trolling with worm harnesses

Are you running the worm harness flat or behind a bottom bouncer?
I've been trying different depths in Stoney and having trouble finding any other than the odd loner it seems.

I'm at Balsam right now, camping. Went out this morning and managed 2 smallies. I didn't buy any worms but would like to try for walleye.
I don't have an electric trolling motor and the slowest I can go is about 2.5mph is that too fast for walleye?
I usually troll for salmon on L. Ontario. Any suggestions? Thank you.

Your speed is fine. I troll a bit, but prefer to just cast out and slow retrieve. It seems to work the best on Balsam. If you want to go a bit slower drag an anchor or use a wind sock. I use an anchor personally, and if there's a bit of wind, I end up going through a lane, and my hookups seems to be okay this year. They used to sell worms at the main gate. The store just outside the park sells them as well. I haven't been to either yet this year, but I fish Balsam every weekend.

Hi there

What is your set up for casting your worm harness
Thanks

6'6" to 7' spinning rod medium with Pfleuger spinning reel. 30lb braid and 10 lb floro leader. I buy the worm harness at Walmart for about $4. Add a split shot a inch or so above the highest bead to stop it from catching the line. Find a weed line and park there. Fan cast with half a worm and reel it in fairly slowly. This speed should be enough to hit the top of the weeds but not get hung up too much. If you are pulling out a bit of weeds when you are at the boat, you are reeling in at the proper speed. The medium rod and length allows you get the fish out of the weeds when they go deep, but sensitive enough to feel the tick when they are just out for a taste. You can troll with this set up as well, usually 1.5 to 2 mph, a bit faster later in the year when the fish are bulking up. This worked great at the start of walleye season as well Good luck.

Awsome i will try it out after the long weekend. Thanks again

You can also try back trolling if you have a big motor