Willard 6-16-25

[wiperhunter2]

Got up to Willard again yesterday with reelfast and Ira. Went to a good spot and had our eye limits, minus one, in case we caught a big one, in two hours, we bled them all out and put them on ice, then we moved a little and started catching wipers and perch. Only two jumbo perch but around 10 wipers, up to 18", lost a nice eye at the net but the rest of the eyes were under 18". It was getting hot by 11 am so we kept our last eye and started getting ready to leave. We ran into Obi and talked for a few minutes before heading to the ramp around noon. The holding tank for the fish remains was overflowing, when we got there but the cleaning station was still working, so it all worked out. Obi said he had a meeting with the Park manager this week, so hopefully we will get a report from him about the cleaning stations. Worm harness worked best early and cranks turned on later in the morning. Talked to Dubob about a new way to cook wipers, I might have to give it a try.
Another great morning at Willard

[oldguy]

Got up to Willard again yesterday with reelfast and Ira. Went to a good spot and had our eye limits, minus one, in case we caught a big one, in two hours, we bled them all out and put them on ice, then we moved a little and started catching wipers and perch. Only two jumbo perch but around 10 wipers, up to 18", lost a nice eye at the net but the rest of the eyes were under 18". It was getting hot by 11 am so we kept our last eye and started getting ready to leave. We ran into Obi and talked for a few minutes before heading to the ramp around noon. The holding tank for the fish remains was overflowing, when we got there but the cleaning station was still working, so it all worked out. Obi said he had a meeting with the Park manager this week, so hopefully we will get a report from him about the cleaning stations. Worm harness worked best early and cranks turned on later in the morning. Talked to Dubob about a new way to cook wipers, I might have to give it a try.
Another great morning at Willard

Good job you guys always do well. How fast were you pulling the worm harnesses?

[wiperhunter2]

Got up to Willard again yesterday with reelfast and Ira. Went to a good spot and had our eye limits, minus one, in case we caught a big one, in two hours, we bled them all out and put them on ice, then we moved a little and started catching wipers and perch. Only two jumbo perch but around 10 wipers, up to 18", lost a nice eye at the net but the rest of the eyes were under 18". It was getting hot by 11 am so we kept our last eye and started getting ready to leave. We ran into Obi and talked for a few minutes before heading to the ramp around noon. The holding tank for the fish remains was overflowing, when we got there but the cleaning station was still working, so it all worked out. Obi said he had a meeting with the Park manager this week, so hopefully we will get a report from him about the cleaning stations. Worm harness worked best early and cranks turned on later in the morning. Talked to Dubob about a new way to cook wipers, I might have to give it a try.
Another great morning at Willard

Good job you guys always do well. How fast were you pulling the worm harnesses?

Thanks Bill, we were trolling with lead core line at 2 mph with worm harnesses, same speed with the cranks.

[MrShane]

Got up to Willard again yesterday with reelfast and Ira. Went to a good spot and had our eye limits, minus one, in case we caught a big one, in two hours, we bled them all out and put them on ice, then we moved a little and started catching wipers and perch. Only two jumbo perch but around 10 wipers, up to 18", lost a nice eye at the net but the rest of the eyes were under 18". It was getting hot by 11 am so we kept our last eye and started getting ready to leave. We ran into Obi and talked for a few minutes before heading to the ramp around noon. The holding tank for the fish remains was overflowing, when we got there but the cleaning station was still working, so it all worked out. Obi said he had a meeting with the Park manager this week, so hopefully we will get a report from him about the cleaning stations. Worm harness worked best early and cranks turned on later in the morning. Talked to Dubob about a new way to cook wipers, I might have to give it a try.
Another great morning at Willard

Cripes those are good lookin’ Perch!
Curt, I answered your KCT question the other day.
Did you get that response?

[lovetofish]

With all the Walleye reports recently Willard has been producing some great limits this year. I hope it keeps up for all the people who have been fishing for them. Thanks for the report.

[Mildog]

Ditto today! Everybody getting their fish! A few jumbo perch , a few wipers!
Rinse and repeat!!

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Wiper Hunter. If you haven’t tried “Blackened Wiper” it’s a winner . Lots of recipes online . Basically cover both sides of fillet with “spices” I often do Cajun spice, lemon pepper, paprika, garlic powder onion powder, etc. put a little butter in pan heat cast iron or other very hot cook flipping once till browned and cooked through!! It’s ok if butter browns, it adds flavor!! Can use a little bit of vegetable oil , I like the browned butter!!
Yummmm!!

[pizzaman_288]

It was nice to meet everyone yesterday and actually put faces to names hope to run into you guys more often

[wiperhunter2]

Got up to Willard again yesterday with reelfast and Ira. Went to a good spot and had our eye limits, minus one, in case we caught a big one, in two hours, we bled them all out and put them on ice, then we moved a little and started catching wipers and perch. Only two jumbo perch but around 10 wipers, up to 18", lost a nice eye at the net but the rest of the eyes were under 18". It was getting hot by 11 am so we kept our last eye and started getting ready to leave. We ran into Obi and talked for a few minutes before heading to the ramp around noon. The holding tank for the fish remains was overflowing, when we got there but the cleaning station was still working, so it all worked out. Obi said he had a meeting with the Park manager this week, so hopefully we will get a report from him about the cleaning stations. Worm harness worked best early and cranks turned on later in the morning. Talked to Dubob about a new way to cook wipers, I might have to give it a try.
Another great morning at Willard

Cripes those are good lookin’ Perch!
Curt, I answered your KCT question the other day.
Did you get that response?

Yes, I saw that Shane, thanks for the kind offer but He loaded me up with blades back before he sold the company, so I'm set. The reason I ask was because one of the guys I fish with, 2 knots, ran into him up In Montana last year, so I wanted to make sure it was the same guy.

[wiperhunter2]

---

Wiper Hunter. If you haven’t tried “Blackened Wiper” it’s a winner . Lots of recipes online . Basically cover both sides of fillet with “spices” I often do  Cajun spice, lemon pepper,  paprika, garlic powder onion powder, etc. put a little butter in pan heat cast iron or other very hot cook flipping once till browned and cooked through!! It’s ok if butter browns, it adds flavor!! Can use a little bit of vegetable oil , I like the browned butter!!
Yummmm!!

When I ate them back in the day, they taste great, deep fried but I quit eating fried anything, just use an air frier now and they just don't taste as good. What Dubob was telling me about was cooking them in some sort of crock pot

[wiperhunter2]

It was nice to meet everyone yesterday and actually put faces to names hope to run into you guys more often

It was nice to finally meet you too, looked like you guys had a great day too.

[obifishkenobi]

Got up to Willard again yesterday with reelfast and Ira. Went to a good spot and had our eye limits, minus one, in case we caught a big one, in two hours, we bled them all out and put them on ice, then we moved a little and started catching wipers and perch. Only two jumbo perch but around 10 wipers, up to 18", lost a nice eye at the net but the rest of the eyes were under 18". It was getting hot by 11 am so we kept our last eye and started getting ready to leave. We ran into Obi and talked for a few minutes before heading to the ramp around noon. The holding tank for the fish remains was overflowing, when we got there but the cleaning station was still working, so it all worked out. Obi said he had a meeting with the Park manager this week, so hopefully we will get a report from him about the cleaning stations. Worm harness worked best early and cranks turned on later in the morning. Talked to Dubob about a new way to cook wipers, I might have to give it a try.
Another great morning at Willard

I talked with Ben the park manager today about the fish cleaning station at the south marina, he explained that they recently pumped out the septic vaults, but what is going on now is, there is a series of three vaults, separated by screens that decrease in size so that all of the solids are collected before the water exits the third vault. The first screen in the seri4es is getting clogged by the increased usage of the station this year from very heavy use, forcing the water to percolate up through the top of the first vault in the series. He also mentioned that the table itself gets jammed up when people put fish down it without turning it on first, and we also talked about the issue with catfish spines. I suggested to him that one of the reasons that people put fish down it before the grinder is turned on is because when you push the button the grinder and that water come on at the same time but the grinder times out and shuts off before the water stops running and people don't realize it has turned off because the water is running and they don't hear that it has stopped. I suggested that the grinder and water run times should be synchronized, but the issue is that the water needs to continue to run after the grinder turns off to flush the line. Maybe they should post a sign with instruction on how to properly operate the station, but the sign wont help with people who do not follow instructions.

[MrShane]

Got up to Willard again yesterday with reelfast and Ira. Went to a good spot and had our eye limits, minus one, in case we caught a big one, in two hours, we bled them all out and put them on ice, then we moved a little and started catching wipers and perch. Only two jumbo perch but around 10 wipers, up to 18", lost a nice eye at the net but the rest of the eyes were under 18". It was getting hot by 11 am so we kept our last eye and started getting ready to leave. We ran into Obi and talked for a few minutes before heading to the ramp around noon. The holding tank for the fish remains was overflowing, when we got there but the cleaning station was still working, so it all worked out. Obi said he had a meeting with the Park manager this week, so hopefully we will get a report from him about the cleaning stations. Worm harness worked best early and cranks turned on later in the morning. Talked to Dubob about a new way to cook wipers, I might have to give it a try.
Another great morning at Willard

Cripes those are good lookin’ Perch!
Curt, I answered your KCT question the other day.
Did you get that response?

Yes, I saw that Shane, thanks for the kind offer but He loaded me up with blades back before he sold the company, so I'm set. The reason I ask was because one of the guys I fish with, 2 knots, ran into him up In Montana last year, so I wanted to make sure it was the same guy.

You are correct again.
Art and Karen retired from their jobs down here and moved back up to Helena a few years ago.
That was when Chris and Jenny bought KCT.
They both grew up there, were down here for work for 30 or so years, and their retirement dream was to get back to their home state.
I sure do miss them but am happy for them at the same time.

[Mildog]

Wiper hunter I’ll post an air fryer recipe that is great for any white fish including wiper, when I have a minute it’s simple easy and produces crispy fish that taste great. You can vary the seasonings to your liking. We do our fish tacos with air fried instead of deep fried to be healthier. We really like it that way and many happy guests agree!

[wiperhunter2]

Wiper hunter I’ll post an air fryer recipe that is great for any white fish including wiper, when I have a minute it’s simple easy and produces crispy fish that taste great. You can vary seasonings to your liking. We do our fish tacos with air fried intead if deep fried to be healthier. But really like it this way and may happy guests agree!

Sounds good Pat, thanks.

[PACKFAN]

Got up to Willard again yesterday with reelfast and Ira. Went to a good spot and had our eye limits, minus one, in case we caught a big one, in two hours, we bled them all out and put them on ice, then we moved a little and started catching wipers and perch. Only two jumbo perch but around 10 wipers, up to 18", lost a nice eye at the net but the rest of the eyes were under 18". It was getting hot by 11 am so we kept our last eye and started getting ready to leave. We ran into Obi and talked for a few minutes before heading to the ramp around noon. The holding tank for the fish remains was overflowing, when we got there but the cleaning station was still working, so it all worked out. Obi said he had a meeting with the Park manager this week, so hopefully we will get a report from him about the cleaning stations. Worm harness worked best early and cranks turned on later in the morning. Talked to Dubob about a new way to cook wipers, I might have to give it a try.
Another great morning at Willard

I hadnt been on the lake since the week after Mothers Day my friend and I went up this past Monday and spent 3 1/2 days fishing a few hrs in the morning and evening trolling for the eyes, had some of the family come up and join us on several of our trips, total number of eyes we boated was 82, nothing large all were in the 15 to 22 in. range. very enjoyable and everyone caught fish several nice cats up to to 5 lbs. and maybe a dozen perch that all ran around 12 1/2 inches.

[wiperhunter2]

I hadnt been on the lake since the week after Mothers Day my friend and I went up this past Monday and spent 3 1/2 days fishing a few hrs in the morning and evening trolling for the eyes, had some of the family come up and join us on several of our trips, total number of eyes we boated was 82, nothing large all were in the 15 to 22 in. range. very enjoyable and everyone caught fish several nice cats up to to 5 lbs. and maybe a dozen perch that all ran around 12 1/2 inches.

Wow, you guys did really good Pete and any eyes over 20, I'd consider large, especially this year. We have seen a few over 25" this year but very few. Seems like the majority are 14 to 16". Were you using your down riggers to get deep, like you have in recent years?

[PACKFAN]

I hadnt been on the lake since the week after Mothers Day my friend and I went up this past Monday and spent 3 1/2 days fishing a few hrs in the morning and evening trolling for the eyes, had some of the family come up and join us on several of our trips, total number of eyes we boated was 82, nothing large all were in the 15 to 22 in. range. very enjoyable and everyone caught fish several nice cats up to to 5 lbs. and maybe a dozen perch that all ran around 12 1/2 inches.

Wow, you guys did really good Pete and any eyes over 20, I'd consider large, especially this year. We have seen a few over 25" this year but very few. Seems like the majority are 14 to 16". Were you using your down riggers to get deep, like you have in recent years?

Out of those we maybe had a dozen or so that went over 20 inches, I ran two down riggers with cranks and two planer boards with snap weights pulling flicker shad at 2.5 to 2.7 MPH. My sons girlfriend picked up the largest wiper at 25 inches and 7 lbs. all wipers were returned as I dont care to eat them.

[obifishkenobi]

I hadnt been on the lake since the week after Mothers Day my friend and I went up this past Monday and spent 3 1/2 days fishing a few hrs in the morning and evening trolling for the eyes, had some of the family come up and join us on several of our trips, total number of eyes we boated was 82, nothing large all were in the 15 to 22 in. range. very enjoyable and everyone caught fish several nice cats up to to 5 lbs. and maybe a dozen perch that all ran around 12 1/2 inches.

Wow, you guys did really good Pete and any eyes over 20, I'd consider large, especially this year. We have seen a few over 25" this year but very few. Seems like the majority are 14 to 16". Were you using your down riggers to get deep, like you have in recent years?

Out of those we maybe had a dozen or so that went over 20 inches, I ran two down riggers with cranks and two planer boards with snap weights pulling flicker shad at 2.5 to 2.7 MPH. My son’s girlfriend picked up the largest wiper at 25 inches and 7 lbs. all wipers were returned as I dont re care to eat them.

Great Report!!! I love this time of year. I leap thinking I should pick up the speed to catch more Wipers.

[wiperhunter2]

I hadnt been on the lake since the week after Mothers Day my friend and I went up this past Monday and spent 3 1/2 days fishing a few hrs in the morning and evening trolling for the eyes, had some of the family come up and join us on several of our trips, total number of eyes we boated was 82, nothing large all were in the 15 to 22 in. range. very enjoyable and everyone caught fish several nice cats up to to 5 lbs. and maybe a dozen perch that all ran around 12 1/2 inches.

Wow, you guys did really good Pete and any eyes over 20, I'd consider large, especially this year. We have seen a few over 25" this year but very few. Seems like the majority are 14 to 16". Were you using your down riggers to get deep, like you have in recent years?

Out of those we maybe had a dozen or so that went over 20 inches, I ran two down riggers with cranks and two planer boards with snap weights pulling flicker shad at 2.5 to 2.7 MPH. My sons girlfriend picked up the largest wiper at 25 inches and 7 lbs. all wipers were returned as I dont care to eat them.

Wow, a 25" wiper is a great one for Willard, not many that sized caught there. How far were you going down, with the riggers?