Fishing Report 4-22-2020

Hey gang, it is still cold out there but some fish are biting.

Early spring conditions continue on the local lakes. Early warming, protected bays with dark sand or rock bottoms, or areas with current continue to give up some fish, especially in the late afternoons during the warmer parts of the day. Windy conditions have limited the days and areas people are fishing some.

Crappies and Bluegills can get active in the usual early spots. Look for them in shallow, protected areas with a north bank. Dark bottom areas with green weeds are especially good right now, but sandy areas near reeds will also produce. Small minnows, tail hooked, and suspended under a bobber is the best way to catch crappies, but if the bite is tough, don't overlook waxworms on an icefishing jig or a small red #10 hook as an option for both species.

Bay 5, Stumpy and Icehouse Bays, The Crane's Nest and the Channel on Okauchee are always areas that turn on early, as are Garvin (North end) Kessus, Golden, Pine (Both Ends) Moose, Fowler, Lac Labelle and the boat channels on Nagawicka.

Walleyes continue to bite on the Rock River in Jefferson. The walleye spawning runs are done for the most part, but fish are still being taken from shellbeds, rockpiles and in the channel swings. Jig and minnow, or jig and plastics (including ringworms) have been the best baits this year. While the walleyes have done their ritual, whitebass fishing has not been happening the way we'd expect. If we get some warm stable weather, things should turn on quickly.

There are a fair number of people out making use of the new catch and release season for bass. Although I haven't heard anything consistent about smallmouth, anglers putting in the time are getting slow but steady largemouth action working shallow areas with green weeds (especially flats outside of spawning areas) or around wood laydowns. Jig and chunk, or flipping a beaver or creature can put some fish in the boat. If you're finding fish, a texas rigged lizard can really get them going early in the season. If you're chasing a big one right now, use the biggest shiners you can find under a slip bobber around the ends of major points.

Musky Mikes Tuesday Night Big Bass League: Covid Protocol

COVID-19 UPDATE:

We ARE still having the Tuesday Night Bass Tournament starting May 5th, 2020, however there will be a few changes to keep our social distancing during this time. We are still having it held at the Hide Away, but they are closed. We will start 6pm and end at 9pm last boat must be docked. As far as Boat number assignments we will not be having you draw them, it will be done at random hat draw and it will be assigned to you prior to live well check. During live well checks you will be asked to exit your boat if we need to get on to see the live well. At 9pm if you do not have a fish please DO NOT RETURN. With that being said you will not be able to get off the boat until your boat number is called for weigh in’s, only 1 person off the boat at a time, you will return to your boat until winnings are called. We will announce the winners and at that time you will come get your winnings. Musky Mikes wants to be able to continue the Tournament during this time, so please lets work together and make this happen.

Thank you
Musky Mikes