Fishing Report 5-9-11

Got a bunch of reports in by email last night, seems like opening weekend was pretty good for most folks. If this weather stabilizes, the fishing is sure to pick up.

Panfish will quickly move to shallow areas, especially on warm, sunny afternoons. The bite can be really good, especially in the mid afternoon. Look for shallow, dark bottom bays with scattered weeds, woods or reeds. The fish may be very tight to shore. In areas with current, look for schools of fish in deeper holes and outside turns, even if these areas are very small. Remember the largest panfish will always be in the bottom of the school, so if you're catching fish, but they are small, try getting your bait a little deeper. Bluegills will hit on a variety of live bait, including redworms, dillys, waxworms, spikes, or butterworms. For active bluegills, plastics will outperform live bait, and will usually help keep some of the smaller fish off your line. For crappies, tail hooked minnows, skirted grubs, road runners, or waxworms on an ice-fishing jig will really produce. (Try: Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Ashippun, Silver, Golden, School Section or Nagawicka)

Largemouth are in active pre-spawn feeding mode. Look for them in shallow areas with rock, sand or muck. Protected bays with wood laydowns or weeds will really concentrate fish. As the temperature warms up this week, look for the males to start making some nests around docks and other shoreline cover. Larger female fish will be actively feeding on rockbars and around scattered weeds. You can use a variety of presentations to chase these fish. Jig and chunks will catch less fish, but are a great way to catch a bigger fish. Slower presentations like wacky worms, texas rigged lizards or tubes are all great for probing areas, but spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, and crawfish imitating shallow diving crankbaits will all catch fish right now. Using live bait? Leeches, nightcrawlers or large shiners are your best option. (Try Okauchee, Moose, Kessus, Golden, Silver, Fowler, Pine, and Nagawicka)

Smallmouth bass are running rocky areas, foraging. Look for them in the usual early season spots, but don't be afraid to look for them as deep as 25feet, where they will be feeding on schools of yellow perch. Spinnerbaits are a great way to cover water, tubes are a great way to look for fish around the dropoffs and on the shallow rockbars. Lindy rigging with large shiners can really produce some amazing fish this time of year. (Try Lac Labelle, Pine, Nagawicka, and Oconomowoc)

Walleye are still being caught in smaller numbers by anglers fishing the Rock River in Jefferson, as well as the Wolf, Wisconsin and Fox Rivers around the state. Locally reports were mixed, lots of people were catching fish, but the action was about average. Expect that to change this week as fish really start the feeding cycle. Look for walleyes in shallow water, around rocks or sand, especially early in the morning, and later in the evening. In the daylight hours, schools of fish will be cruising the sand flats in 8-15 feet of water. Live bait rigging, (Lindy rigs with small suckers!) jig and minnow or jig and leech combos, or trolling with shad or minnow imitators are your best approaches. (Try Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Nagawicka or Pine)

Northern pike were a little slower over the weekend than I would have expected, I think anglers were targeting bass and walleyes rather than pike. Pike are all over shallow water, especially near marshy areas, and will aggressively bite spinners, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits or live bait suspended around shallow weeds.(Try: Moose, Kessus, Okauchee, Fowler, School Section, Lake Emily and Nagawicka)

Musky fishing was steady for the opener. Most fish are in 5-12 feet of water, and are biting on swimbaits, gliders, jerkbaits and bucktails. A handful of decent fish were taken on suckers as well. Remember to do your figure eights on every cast right now, as lots of anglers were reporting lazy follows this past weekend. Personally, I like to use smaller baits in a black and blue, or black and orange combination at this point in the year. (Try Okauchee, Garvin, Lac Labelle and Pewaukee for Musky)

Catfish were starting to bite more aggressively on the Rock River. Look for them around wood on the bottom, or in the channel turns. Stink bait, cutbait or nightcrawlers were all producing.

Trout fishing was fast and furious on the stocked lakes and ponds around area.

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The next two weeks will represent some great fishing.....get out and get to it.

Cheers,
CT

Weather and Water Conditions for the Opener

Weather forecast:

Saturday: Light rain showers likely. Highs in the upper 50s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of showers 60 percent.

 
Water Conditions:

Most local lakes have water temperatures in the low 50s. Open water areas on many lakes are reported to be in the high 40's. While not unprecedented for opening day, that is much cooler than normal. Weed growth is far behind average this year.


Predictions
The shallow dark bottom bays will be where most of the action is on Saturday. Live bait will be key. Targeting Musky, Pike and Walleye will be more productive than chasing bass. Sunday's weather looks a little better, and if the sun comes out, the later afternoon bite could really pick up.

Good Luck,
CT

Crazy Video: Carp Hunting

Peoria Carp Hunters: Carp Spearing To the Extreme!

Opening Weekend Resources

Here is my annual pre-opening weekend post. Look for an final update Friday with weather and water conditions from around the area.

This spring has been especially wet and cool. With water temps hovering in the 50's on most area lakes, the operative words will be slow and methodical. Live bait rigging will be a great option for gamefish during the opener. Slow rolling spinnerbaits or bucktails or burning lipless crankbaits will be great options for exploring weedy areas and drop offs.

Need bait, equipment, or a fishing license? Do yourself a favor and buy from one of the locals.

Musky Mikes (Okauchee)

Dick Smith's (Delafield)

Smokey's  (Pewaukee)
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Taking a Kid Fishing this weekend? The DNR Suggests these spots:

Ashippun Lake Park
Location: In Oconomowoc, WI. Take Capitol Drive west to State Highway 16, go west on 16 to County Highway P, then take P north to County Highway K, go west on K to McMahon Road. Watch for "public access" sign.
Notes: Run by Waukesha County Parks. Park has picnic area, restrooms and shorefishing.

Denoon Lake
Location: Located on Crowbar Drive, south of Kelsey Drive. Go west from Highway Y.
Notes: Public park with ballfields, restrooms, picnic area and boat launch. Not much shorefishing, due to marshy area near shore.

Lac La Belle
Location: At the Fowler Lake Dam, on Highway 67, one-quarter mile north of State Highway 16 in the Oconomowoc, WI. Located just northeast of the beach and park on Lac La Belle. The beach and park are on Highway 16, just west of Highway 67.
Notes: Disabled accessible public fishing pier.

Little Muskego Lake
Location: Access from Idle Isle Park in Muskego, WI on the northeast side of Little Muskego Lake. Take Martin Drive to Hardtke Drive to the park.
Note: Idle Isle Park has a beach, picnic area, restrooms, accessible public fishing pier and boat launch.

Lower Phantom Lake
Location: In Phantom Glen Park in Mukwonago, WI. Take County Highway ES (Main Street) to Andrews Street, then go west into the park.
Notes: Public park with picnic area, restrooms, disabled accessible public fishing pier and boat ramp.

McKeaun Springs
Location: Trout pond located on the west side of Highway 67, between Piper Road and Road X. About 3 miles north of Eagle, WI.
Notes: No facilities, but there is a picnic area with restrooms just a short distance to the south. DNR manages as a children's trout fishing pond. Although it is officially category 3 (3 bag and 9 inch length), there is a voluntary regulation for adults to catch and release, and kids are allowed to keep one trout of any size. Designed to encourage adults to take kids out and teach them to trout fish.

Nagawicka Lake
Location: In Nagawaukee County Park. Take County Highway C, three-quarters of a mile north of Interstate 94 in Delafield, WI.
Notes: Public beach, picnic area, restrooms and concessions, camping, shorefishing and boat launch.

Nemahbin Lakes, Upper and Lower
Location: Southeast of Oconomowoc, WI, off of County Highway DR.
Notes: County owned access on frontage road between the two lakes, Highway DR. shorefishing on Upper Nemahbin from the road right-of-way. DNR owned carry-in site on Lower Nemahbin off Sugar Island Road.

Pewaukee Lake
Location: Village park in downtown Pewaukee, WI.
Notes: Public park with beach and public fishing pier. Can also access Pewaukee River just below the dam. On Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Pewaukee. Boat launch and shorefishing from county park and boat ramp at the west end, on Highway E.

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Local Shorefishing Locations


· Okauchee Lake: Shore fishing is available at the public boat landing. Take HWY 16 to the Sawyer Road exit. Turn left at the T-intersection, and drive through the town of Okauchee. At the clock tower, veer left and then go about a ¼ mile to Road T, which is a right hand turn. Free parking for cars is available.

· Moose Lake: Shore and pier fishing is available at the Moose Lake Public Launch area. This launch has been improved over the last few years and a nice park like area is available to shore fisherman. The Launch area is just off Highway C, across from Cedar Bay road.

· Lac La Belle: Public Fishing Pier Located in Memorial Park in downtown Oconomowoc.

· Nashotah Park: Just off of the corner of HWY C and HWY R in Nashotah there is a park and ride. Across HWY R, there is a low fence that marks access to the Forest Lake area of Nashotah Park. Anglers have to hike down the hill, but the entire shoreline of the small lake is available for shore-fishing.

· Fowler Lake: There is space for shore fishing by the Labelle/Fowler Dam, at the boat landing and in the Riverside Park. The lake is just off HWY 16 in Downtown Oconomowoc. The boat landing is behind city hall.

· Nagawicka Lake: Two areas allow public shore fishing access. There is some space at the public launch in the County Park off of HWY 83 near Delafield. A second option allows you to access St John's Bay and a section of the Bark River. Take HWY C to where the Military Academy is. There is a small park just south of downtown Delafield on the east side of the road.

· Pewaukee Lake: Located in Nagawaukee County Park on the west side of the lake. From I-94, north on State Highway 83 for 1/8 mile, east on County Highway DR 1 1/2 miles, north on County Highway E to park entrance. Park fee is charged. There is also a public fishing pier along the city strip near the beach on the east end.

·Ottawa Lake: Located in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. From State Highway 67, west on County Highway ZZ for 1/3 mile to park entrance. State Park sticker required for entry.

· Paradise Springs: Located in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. From downtown Eagle, west 1 mile on State Highway 59 to County Highway N, north on N for about 1/2 mile to site. State Park sticker required for entry. Artificial lures only.

·Lower Phantom Lake: Located in Phantom Glen Park. From County Highway ES, west on Andrews Street to park entrance.

Other Useful Links

Local Fishing Reports from Lake-Link.com

Becky Smith's handy list of shorefishing locations, boat ramps and boat rentals is online at at www.Dicksmithslivebait.com

The DNR maintains a database of printable lake maps online.

There's also a easy to use reference to find boat launches at the DNR Website.

The DNR's 2011 Spring Fishing Forecast is here.

The DNR's online license purchases avoid the wait opening morning.

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River Fishing:

Whitebass are currently running in Jefferson on the Rock River. Around the state, whites are also in big runs on the Fox, Wolf and Wisconsin Rivers.

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Trout:
 Check out this post on local trout stocking numbers.

The complete report is available from the DNR Website


Panfish:

Crappies and Bluegills remain in shallow water, and the bite has been steady in the afternoons. Primarily the schools are relating to weed clumps in shallow water. Newer, green weeds, reeds or small wood laydowns are attracting the most fish right now. For crappies try small fuzzy jigs tipped with waxworms, small fatheads or rosie reds. Bluegills have been biting on plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes, as well as redworms, leafworms or pieces of nightcrawler.

Best Lakes For Panfish: Ashippun, Silver, Kessus Buelah, Golden, the Geneessee lakes, Lake Five, Okauchee (Bay Five, the Channel, Icehouse and Stumpy Bay), Garvin and the Nehmabins.


Bass:

Largemouth are in a prespawn pattern. Small schools of them are chasing baitfish in the shallow water.  For the best action look for LM to be along the first drop offs or at the edges of shallow bays. Later in the day they may move to the backs of spawning coves. Lindy or split shot rigs with nightcrawlers or suspending large shiners under slip bobbers are your best live bait options. Texas rigged plastic lizards, wacky worms and jigs with a chunk trailer will be good options if fished very slowly. Slow rolling spinnerbaits or ripping rattletraps around weedy cover could produce some reaction strikes.

Best lakes for largemouth: Okauchee, Silver, Nagawicka, Golden, Pine, Moose, Kessus, Pretty and School Section.

Smallmouth remain in deeper water for the most part, although a few have been seen making foraging runs into rocky areas during the middle part of the day. Look for them to be suspended in the water column in deep water near points and other rocky structure. Suspending Jerkbaits, swimbaits, slow rolled spinnerbaits or twister tail grubs are good options for chasing suspended smallmouths. If you can find some fish on the rocks, lindy rigging with leeches or nightcrawlers should do the trick.

Best lakes for smallmouth:Nagawicka, Lower Nehmabin, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac La Belle.


Walleye: Many walleyes have been seen roaming shallow flats chasing baitfish. This indicates typical post-spawn behavior patterns, which matches the water temperatures on local lakes. Bottom bouncers with spinner harnesses, lindy rigs and jigs will all catch these fish. I'd consider using a mix of live bait in the form of nightcrawlers, leeches and small suckers. Look for walleyes to relate the edges of shallow water. I'd run live bait rigs to find fish, then fish an active area hard with crankbaits like a shad rap or floating rapalas.

Best lakes for walleye: Lac La Belle, Pewaukee, Pine and Oconomowoc. A few fish are still being caught on the Rock and Crawfish Rivers.

Northern: Pike are past their post spawn blues and are starting to feed aggressively. Small pike are all over shallow water and you can expect the big pike to be relating to the first break. This is prime time to chase pike with live bait. Use big bobbers and suspend large shiners and suckers around weed edges or near areas with visible panfish. Casting with lipless crankbaits or spinner baits, especially around shallow weeds on the flat areas can be dynamite.

Best lakes for pike: Forest, Emily, Moose, Golden, Nagawicka, Fowler, Lower Gennessee, Okauchee.


Musky: Lots of fish have been seen recovering from the spawn, but the fish that seem to be chasing active baitfish are relating to green weed growth in mid-depth water. You never lose out by floating a sucker on a quick strike rig while casting. I'd stick to jerkbaits, gliders or small bucktails for the opener this year, and concentrate your efforts on any scattered weed clumps you can find. I'd plan on being methodical and be ready to make lots of casts to an area to get neutral fish to bite.

Best lakes for musky:Pewaukee, Lac La Belle, Fowler, Okauchee, Garvin and Oconomowoc.

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Good Luck out there!
CT

Early season predictions from the DNR

Southeastern Wisconsin Fish Supervisor Randy Schumacher reports that more cold and rainy days are forecast before the opener, "and that's good because northern pike which will be done spawning will be active and spawning, largemouth bass will be very active still, congregating over dark organic bottoms on north side of lakes to warm themselves up for spawning. Generally they'll be in shallow waters. The best time to fish for largemouth is probably in the middle of the day. If you're going for largemouth bass, there's no point in going early in the morning unless you need to get a spot at the boat landing. Otherwise, large female bass are still feeding to help mature their eggs. As far as our recent surveys go, we caught a 51.5 inch musky in Pewaukee Lake, so we're really happy to see strong populations there. There's a good walleye population in Pewaukee as well. It's showing once again it’s a lake for everybody -- good largemouth bass, good crappie, bluegills. We're also netting on big Elkhart in Sheboygan County and found a good walleye population there as well, which was good news because we hadn't surveyed for years there and we worried the population may have gone down.”

Link to the whole report is online here.

Local Trout Stocking

The numbers for this year's trout stocking are out.

On the local lakes:

FOWLER LAKE
        BROWN TROUT 954  
        RAINBOW TROUT 1,491

LANNON COUNTY PARK POND
         RAINBOW TROUT        3,500

LOWER GENESEE LAKE
         BROOK TROUT 1,685
         BROWN TROUT 1,273
         RAINBOW TROUT 1,491

LOWER NASHOTAH LAKE
          BROWN TROUT 1,273
          RAINBOW TROUT 1,491

OTTAWA LAKE
          BROWN TROUT 636
          RAINBOW TROUT 994


The full report is available here: from the DNR.

Fishing Report 4-27-11

Rain, rain and more rain has been on the menu lately. The days, especially the afternoons have stayed cool and cloudy, and as a result, the water is not warming up quickly.

Fish are biting though. It's hard to get an accurate picture, as not that many guys are putting in the time on the water, but fishing is has been at least average for this time of year.

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

Walleyes and Whitebass continue to bite on the Rock River in Jefferson. The 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. The fish should be getting ready to make the transition out to the lake soon, so this is likely your last chance to head down there for some action.

Reminder: Gamefish season is still closed this weekend, it opens at 12am, May 7th.

You can sign up for my fishing reports and have them delivered via email, as well as follow this blog. The links are in the column to the right.

Good Luck
Chris

Big Head Carp caught in St Croix at Prescott

The state's western border is under attack: From Paul Smith at JSOnline:

A commercial fisherman netting for buffalo and common carp caught the 27-pound bighead just north of the St. Croix's confluence with the Mississippi River and contacted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Full story is here.

Spring?!? Fishing Report 4-20-11

We'll the weather isn't cooperating, and fishing has slowed down some.

On the rivers, white bass are in the late stages of their spring run. On the Rock River look for them at the mouths of feeder creeks or up the Crawfish and Bark Rivers. If you're on the main rivers, you may find some schools holding over shelves in slack water, but most of the fish are up the creeks and rivers.

The walleye bite has slowed down substantially, typical for extended periods of cooler weather and the post spawn period. The stretch of river between Watertown and the area above the Jefferson dam appears to be the most consistent, and then the best fishing has been around dusk. Large minnow imitators and jerkbaits are catching the most fish.

Local lakes had crappie moving into the shallows before the cold snap. There are still schools of fish hanging in the dark bottom shallow areas, but with the cooler temps, getting them to bite can be challenging. Fishing slow with waxworms on an icefishing jig can be a good way to chase finicky crappies. Once we get some warmer afternoons, tail hooked minnows suspended above the fish will be the best approach.

Stay Tuned,
CT

Fishing Report 4-13-11

Well, we've been doing it piece by piece for a bit, but it is time to get back to full on fishing reports now. Remember, I won't be posting these at the Musky Mikes Blog anymore, you'll have to come here to get them, but when I post the report, I'll put a link up at the shop's blog.

River fishing continues. On the Rock River, the walleye bite has slowed down, but lots of people are still getting keepers. The water is warming up, and the better bite seems to be in the late afternoon in shallow water near rocks or shell beds. Controlled drifting wih jig and plastic combinations, or anchoring just up stream from the hard bottom structure and running three ways with live bait seem to be the most consistent approaches.

The walleye bite is slowing down, but the whitebass bite continues to be very good. Jig and twister, jig and minnow, small inline spinners, small reflective minnow baits or small lipless crankbaits are all solid options for chasing whitebass. Look for shelves or areas with incoming water off the main channel. Fish may be back in the creeks pretty far by now, just work an area until you start getting bit, and adjust in or out as necessary. The  mouths of the Bark and Crawfish River, the area just south of downtown Ft Atkinson, and the Jefferson Dam have all been producing fish. White, white and pink or gold have been the best colors this season, although a blue and white combo is a long time favorite of mine.

Closer to home, the area lakes are all open. Water temps are still in the low 40's, and many anglers are reporting that the water is cloudy. Crappie are being caught in 2-4 and 6-8 feet of water in dark bottom areas. Look for them in shallow bays with a northern bank, boat channels or marshy areas. Areas with green weeds, wood laydowns or reeds will concentrate fish. Early on I like to use waxworms or spikes on a small red hook, tailed hooked fathead minnows and as the water warms, I'll start to use plastics, all suspended under a bobber. The bit will be light, so make sure your weight makes your bobber stand straight and gets and keeps your bait down. One trick with crappies is to keep your bait just above them, they like to feed "up."  Lower Nehmabin, Pine, Nagawicka, Fowler, Lac Labelle, Golden, Garvin and Stumpy, Ice House and Bay Five on Okauchee are all traditional hotspots for early spring crappies.

I'm always happy to help and provide some tips, shoot me an email or a call if you have questions.

Be safe and have fun out there.
Cheers,
CT

Local lakes are open-Panfish Fishing to Begin

A quick check around the area says that all local lakes are open.

Crappie and bluegills will start to make their way to shallow, dark bottom areas on our local lakes. Most reports have water conditions as "dirty" on most lakes, especially Okauchee. But fish will still migrate towards shallow bays, boat channels, and marshy areas with dark or sandy bottoms. Sunny afternoons with a south or southwest wind will provide the best action until the water warms up.

Remember: North facing areas will be marginally warmer, and fish tend to congregate in these areas early on. Current, in the form of a creek channel, or river area will help as well.

For now, look for green weeds in shallow protected bays with a northern bank. Concentrate your efforts on the patches of weeds, using live bait suspended under a bobber. Keep you bait just above the weeds, and any visible fish that you see. I like to use waxworms or spikes on a small red hook, small/crappie sized fatheads-hooked in the tail, underneath a pencil bobber with just a split shot or two to keep the bait down. Once the water gets a little warmer, and crests 52-55 degrees, I'll start using plastics heavily, but for now, I'd stay with the live bait for a couple of weeks.

CT

White Bass-Rock River

Managed to play a little hooky and get out to the river for a few hours on Friday.

The walleye bite was slow, but the white bass were biting like crazy.

Jig and twister, jig and minnow and small spinners, casting above small underwater shelves off the main channel.

People at the mouth of the Bark River were getting fish, as were people targeting slack water and eddies south of Ft Atkinson. Most of the people we saw fishing from shore were getting a few at least.

Cheers
CT

Rock River Update/fishing report 4-8-11

Well here we go:

Area Lakes:
There's still skim ice on several local lakes, expect the rain and warm temperatures this weekend to do away with the last remnants. Crappie fishing should get started very quickly, focus on dark bottom bays, boat channels, and shallow areas with green weeds, especially along the northern banks. Ashippun, School Section and Golden always turn on early, as well as sections of Okauchee (The Channel, Stumpy Bay and Icehouse Bay), the North end of Pine Lake and Nag (boat channels). Don't over look Lac Labelle or Fowler for crappies.

Musky are starting to appear in large numbers below the Oconomowoc River Dam. Take your polarized lenses over and check them out. The folks over at Musky Mike's assure me that the video is forthcoming.

Around the state:
Walleye runs are in full gear in the Dells, on the Wolf and at Depere. White bass are starting to appear.

Closer to home, the conditions on the Rock River are really hot. Becky from Dick Smith's says it has been one of the best years in awhile (that might have something to do with the fact that this is the first year in several where the flooding wasn't close to what one might describe as biblical).

Current is steady. with the water temperature rising.

Good luck, have fun and be safe.

Cheers,
CT

Muskies below the dam...

The fish are starting to appear below the Oconomowoc River dam. Head over there and check it out. Musky Mikes will do some video again this year, and I'll make sure to post it asap.

Rock River Update 4-5-11

 

Things should really start picking up as the weather stabilizes this week. If you're fishing there, expect to start to see some whitebass moving into the river soon.

I'll be back later this week with a full report, including conditions on the local lakes.

Rock River Condition Update 4-1-11, Primetime for Fishing for Walleyes

It is on.

Start looking for fish in current breaks, over small rocky areas, or in the inside turns along the main channel where eddies form. Current breaks that are formed by downed timber can be unbelievable.

Jig and plastic or jig and minnows will produce. The Water remains high, but the current is steady, and just about right for good drifting.

This weekend, with this batch of rain coming through today, will make for perfect fishing conditions. Look for  feeding activity to happen in spurts throughout the day this weekend.

Blackhawk Island has been the most productive, but the anglers up river have been doing very well, especially those willing to work for fish.

Next on the menu: White Bass on the rivers, and crappies on local lakes.

Good Luck,
CT

Now its time...Hit the Rock River for Walleye Fishing

Things will happen quickly now. Expect the bite to pick up as the weather stays stable.

Water temp is getting close to the magic number, and while the water remains relatively high, the current speed is dropping making for good drifting/vertical jigging conditions.

 

Conditions Stabilizing on the Rock River

Things are looking better.

Temperature creeping back up.

 

The water is still high, but the fast current is starting to drop off to a good speed for drifting.

Rock River Fishing Today 3-28-11

Got out for a few hours today to give it a go. Nice sunny day....amazing how much sun your skin can get after a winter here.

Launched at Kmart, fished the downriver hole. Went with anchors and three ways, then did a drift jigging. It was a tough day. The water is cold, high and fast as advertised. Marked plenty of fish on the sidefinder, and had bunch of short bites, but other than some sheephead action, it was a slow day.

Not much happening in the handful of other boats we saw either.

Water was 34.2 degrees at launch around 10:30, just pushing 34.9 when we pulled out at 4:00.

Need some warmer days, and we need the nightime temps to quit dropping so low.

Stay Tuned.

Leaving in 5...For the Rock River

Conditions could be better, but I'm leaving in five minutes for the River.
Full report when I return.

Conditions are steady, water is cold.... almost time to fish the Rock River again.

But here's the key. There certainly are fish in the river, but with the water temp hovering so low after this cold snap, getting those fish to bite will be a challenge.

Drifting with jig/minnows? You'll need to slow down and hover over the break lines in the deeper holes, structure, current eddies or the shallower outside turns. Drifting at the current speed will probably be to fast for these fish.

Anchoring is always a better option when the water is high, fast and cold/ Try to position yourself at the upriver end of a deeper hole. You want to be right over the top of the grade into the deep part of the hole. Fish vertical with your three way rigs, use enough weight to keep your presentation just next to the boat, then reel up the slack so that your rod tip is just barely loaded. From there, its just a matter of line watching. You have a bite when you see your line stop moving in the current.

When  I anchor on the Rock in these conditions, I use a very short leader to my weight. no more than 15 inches, but usually closer to six or eight. The leader to the hook is also short. I usually use a small red treble baited with a fathead or tuffy minnow. If the water is really dirty, like right now for example, I'll add a bead or two for color on the leader line just above the hook.

I'll run as many as three rods per person, and I'll check each one every five minutes by taking it out of the rod holder and lifting the weight off the bottom. When you pull the weight up, if there's a fish there, you will feel the resistance while the weight is loose. Immediately set the hook.

Until the water gets back up to 40 degree mark, the bite will likely be slow and light.. This method is fantastic for catching light biting walleyes in current.

Good Luck,
CT

Conditions are leveling off

 

 

Water's cold, high and and fast. Time to anchor and fish three ways.

 

Ouch...AKA Condition Report For The Rock 3-24-2011

One reason I never gamble on fishing is that I live in Wisconsin. Mother nature has a way of setting things straight.

Water temperature: Plummeting

Current Increasing

Level Continues to Climb

Check out Get Bit Baits

There's some neat looking tubes and grubs at Get Bit Baits.

I'll be getting some of this color tube for smallmouth fishing this year:

(Green Pumpkin Purple & Gold Finesse Tube Bait)

Get Bit Baits is a sponsor of the Wisconsin Badger Fishing Team. Drop by their site and say hello.

Cheers,
CT

Rock River Water Temp going back down....

This might slow things down a little.....

But the flow is increasing quickly:

Water level predictions remain steady:

Stay tuned.

Rock River-Mouth to Jefferson

Hey gang,

I don't want to say this, as I'm not much of gambling man, and especially as the weather turned south today, but based on the rising water, the moon phase and the water temperature, I would expect this weekend and early next week to be close to peak on the walleye run.

It always comes on so fast in Jefferson. When he was still around, Musky Mike and I would have the same conversation every year. As time has passed, I also seem to have a similar conversation with Becky Smith in most years. I know its a traditionally short run, and the spawning areas in the river are limited, but it really does move into prime time very quickly there.

Reports for the mouth suggest heavy fishing pressure, but with lots of anglers grabbing legal sized fish. That's a sure fire indication that the male fish are starting to move into the river in groups. If the reports I am seeing are accurate, the females will move in quickly and head for the spawning areas in the next 10-15 days.

It's time to hit the water.

Rock River is on the Rise

The rain and snow melt is increasing the depth and flow of the river. Here's the USGS prediction graph from this morning:

That makes this a decent flood for this year. It's sure to be above the wall at the dam.

Water discharge, velocity and temperature in Ft Atkinson are available here :From the USGS

For your reference: 5 Celsius is approximately 41 Farenheit. 6 Celsisus =42.8. In my experience, the Rock River run really gets started when the water hits 44. White bass will move in when the water hits 50-55.

Rock River Information

Greetings,

This time of year, I always get some requests for information on fishing the Rock River. It's only natural given that as the ice gives out, the Rock River is one of the closest fishing options. The fact that the walleye and whitebass are set to make their spring runs is just icing on the cake.

First off: Here's a blurb from the DNR's 2011 Fishing Report:

Rock River — Enjoy the simplicity and excitement of white bass fishing on the  Rock River in northern Jefferson and Dodge counties in late April through early May. Boat launches in Fort Atkinson and Jefferson offer good access to the Rock and Crawfish rivers as this species moves upstream from Lake Koshkonong each spring. While angling for these plentiful fish, keep an eye out for tagged fish, part of an ongoing fish study aimed to evaluate the Jefferson dam fish passage effectiveness.

The fish passage serves to improve movement,reproduction and recruitment of fish species, such as sauger and walleye, by providing uninterrupted river access from the Indianford dam at Lake Koshkonong to the lower Watertown dam. Tags used in the study resemble two-inch, fluorescent pink pieces of spaghetti and are located near the base of the fish’s dorsal fin (the fin along the top of the back). Each tag contains a unique number that identifies the fish. Anglers should report tagged 

fish, along with catch date and location, tag number, length, whether the fish was kept or released, and angler’s name and address to  Laura.StremickThompson@wisconsin. gov or (920) 387-7876. 

Anglers are asked to not remove tags from fish they release.

In 2009, underwater cameras were installed within the fish passage to monitor fish movement. To date, white bass, walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, bullhead species, bigmouth buffalo, white sucker, common carp and freshwater drum have been documented using the fish passage.

The public can access live streaming video from the cameras via www.biotactic.com, click on BRAVO, then select Node 6.

Next Some Fishing Report Links:

Lake-Link: Jefferson Dam Thread

Lake-Link: Watertown Dam Thread

Lake-Link: Blackhawk Island Area Thread

Water Resources Links:

 

USGS Data For Ft Atkinson

River status at Jefferson

River status at Ft Atkinson 

Rock-Kosh Lake District

Public Boat Launches:

Riverview Drive (At Jefferson Dam)

K-Mart

Water Street  

Note, the launch at HWY 26 is blocked off. If you want to access the mouth area, there is a paid launch at a bar on Blackhawk Island.

Links to JSOnline Articles about Fishing the Rock River in Springtime:

St Patricks Day in 2009

Early April 2008

Link to the fish passage camera:

At the Jefferson Dam

Fishing Report 3-18-11

Greetings,

Spring is upon us, and river fishing is starting to pick up.

Fishing in the Dells appears to be hitting its stride. Walleye are coming out of both deep and shallow water, and anglers are reporting several periods of fish activity per day. If the bite is tough, try drifting with a split shot or lindy rig in place of a jig. Sometimes the subtle presentation is better.

Looking for a fish for the wall? The run has also started at Depere. It is still early by all accounts, so there's more fish rather than the big fish that will move in, but none the less, anglers are reporting consistent success. Jerkbaits, jig and minnow, and lindy rigs are all producing.

Closer to home, things are just getting started on the Rock River between Jefferson and the mouth. Anglers are starting to pick up a few fish at Blackhawk, as well as at the mouth of the Bark River. The Starpole hole has been producing some smaller fish, as well as the S turn. The water is below average levels for this time of year, but flows are steady. Watch your prop if moving through the Jefferson Rapids, or below the dam. I recommend anchoring with three way rigs, especially in areas with slack water adjacent to the holes.

Spring 2011 Fishing Report

The DNR's 2011 Fishing Forecast is online.


I think the observation for Oconomowoc Lake is very interesting, and it certainly squares with what I have been seeing on the water there over the past few seasons.


Here's the text from Waukesha County:

WAUKESHA COUNTY


Nagawicka Lake — Nagawicka Lake was surveyed in 2010 and revealed a diverse gamefish population consisting of northern pike up to 39 inches, smallmouth bass up to 20 inches and many good-sized walleye
that averaged 19 inches. Largemouth bass are abundant with an average size of 14 inches with the largest fish caught being over 21 inches. The dominant forage base in Nagawicka is white suckers, which show strong annual migrations up the Bark River. The 2010 survey also showed a panfish population of bluegill and black crappie with impressive size structure.

Lower Genessee Lake — Lower Genessee Lake is a quiet little lake nestled a few miles from the interstate. It is tailored for small boats or canoes. Hang on to your fishing pole though, there are some really nice-sized pike lurking in these waters. Lower Genessee also has big bluegill with a few fish measured near the 10-inch mark during a 2010 survey. Lower Genesee is annually stocked with trout prior to openingday. Many of the trout stocked survive another year in this high-quality groundwater seepage lake.

Lower Phantom Lake — Lower Phantom Lake is a shallow lake connected to the Mukwonago River that sports a rich diversity of fish species. Longear sunfish and lake chubsuckers are just a few of the many rare species found in the Phantom lakes and the Mukwonago River. They are among the most diverse waterbodies in the state and have 58 documented fish species. Phantom lakes also have excellent largemouth bass fishing with a few fish over 18 inches. Northern pike populations are on the rise asare many area lakes thanks to a premium large fingerling product from DNR’s hatchery system.

Big Muskego Lake — This is a great place to take a kid fishing. The restrictive length and bag limits on all panfish and gamefish species do not allow much for harvest, but surely provide fast angling action. This
year brings a northern pike 40-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of one that are sure to provide some memorable angling opportunities for future generations. This lake tailors to the nature enthusiast providing abundant wildlife viewing and excellent water quality. Three deep fishing holes are found near waterfowl nesting islands along the lake’s east side.


Oconmowoc Lake — This is one of Waukesha County’s highest quality fisheries hosting superior angling opportunities for musky, walleye and smallmouth bass. A 2009 fall walleye stocking evaluation revealed excellent natural reproduction of this fine table fare. Walleye on Oconomowoc Lake have a special 18-inch minimum length limit and daily bag limit of three. In the spring, large musky may be seen near the public boat launch on the Oconomowoc River.

Pine Lake — Pine Lake provides the county’s best chance to land a trophy walleye. A 2009 fall survey showed excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass potential for anglers. In addition to the many gamefish,
Pine Lake also provides some awesome black crappie fishing.

Lac LaBelle — Lac LaBelle has the highest walleye abundance of all Waukesha County lakes because of its restrictive size and bag limit. There are only a few musky lurking in LaBelle, but the ones that do, are
big — averaging 42 inches as revealed by a 2009 survey. This unique waterbody is host to some large flathead catfish, which is a closed fishery year round. Giant buffalo fish are found in the spring near the outlet
of the lake near the physical carp barrier. Bowfishing for buffalo and carp on Lac LaBelle is a very popular practice due to cloudy water, creating a less spooky fish.

Pewaukee Lake — Pewaukee Lake is still Waukesha County’s premier musky water thanks to a successful stocking program. Pewaukee is scheduled for a comprehensive fisheries survey starting in 2011. The DNR will examine length, age, growth and abundance of all fish species including musky. The Milwaukee chapter of Musky Inc. is raising spring yearling musky to supplement the existing stocking program.

The whole report is online here: at the DNR website.

WI DNR Spring Hearings:

Big changes brewing in the Spring DNR hearings. New rules for:

• Quick Strike Rigs
• Minimum Musky Size
• Changes to size/local bag limits on Walleye/Sauger

You can read up on the spring hearings at the DNR website here.

By the way, I'll be voting yes on these three provisions.

Let's hit the water....

...The rivers are opening up, and with this week's warm, sunny weather things will start happening quickly.

Early season trips are available at a discounted rate.

Email me for more information

CT

Fishing Report 3-11-11

Greetings,

Spring is upon us...at least in theory. As the local lakes are still iced in, but the rivers start to open up, fishing gets a little different.

Panfish are still being caught in shallow bays, and you can expect that pattern to stay solid as long as the ice does. I haven't been out, but 'd assume from the reports I'm hearing that the ice is okay for now, especially over shallow water, but as daytime temps warm up, and the days get longer, conditions will get worse, traditionally in very quick fashion. It's always a good idea to spud your way out and in.

Myself, I'm starting to turn my attention to the river fishing opportunities. Close to home, the Rock River is opening up, although the water is still very cold, and some of the launches between Jefferson and the mouth are iced in as of yet. I'd expect the warmer temps and the rain that's on the way to break that up quick. Stay tuned, I might be out as early as Wednesday of next week.

If you're ready for a drive, you have two open water options. First is the trophy fishery at De Pere. The piers are going in this weekend at the park apparently, and people who have headed out already report solid numbers of fish being caught.

Of course the other option is in the Dells. Anglers there are getting some nice keepers, plus a ton of slot fish already, and its only set to get better. The pattern appears to be shallow eddies for the keeper fish, as anglers fishing deep seem to be consistently reporting catching smaller males. Fishing pressure in the Dells is sure to increase over the next two weeks. If you're having trouble catching them on jig/minnow or jig and plastic combos try a split shot or lindy rig, which seems to be the ticket for pressured fish in the Dells. (Musky) Mike Kitchen showed me that years ago when he and I would go there together every spring, and I was amazed how well it would work.

Things are sure to pick up as soon as spring moves in and decides to stay awhile.

Cheers
CT

Gamefish Season Closes Tonight

Hey gang, just a few hours out from the close of gamefish season on most inland waters.

Here's something you can do to pass the time till the Rock River opens up for early walleye fishing.

Wolf River Cameras

The one a Freemont usually shows the most fish, but as the season moves along, you'll start to see a variety of species on them.

Check in later this week for a fishing report. Much will depend on whether we get rain or snow as the next big weather system moves through.

Cheers,
CT

Fishing Report 2-21-11

Hey gang,

Our stretch of nice weather is over, but fret not... just 28 days until the start of spring.

First off, just some advice. Be careful on the ice. The warm weather, rain and high winds have made some of the open water areas a little sketchy, especially for vehicle traffic. While our area lakes are not Winnebago where three cars went through, it never hurts to be on the safe side.

As for the fishing, the first point to mention is that stretches of the river are opening up, and anglers are already hitting them, most notably in the Dells. Obviously its very early, but a few walleyes are already being caught.


Closer to home, we're moving to late winter conditions.

Pike have started moving into the marshy areas to get ready for the spawn. This is the time to chase your winter trophy. Focus on shallow flats, especially marshy areas (like the Crane's Nest on Okauchee, the North end of Golden Lake, the West side of Lower Nehmabin or the area just outside of the Kettle on Nag). While large shiners will still catch fish, now is the time to set up with dead bait. Running three tip-ups per guy, I like to do two with a live shiner and one with deadbait until I find out what's working. Typically bigger fish will come during a 2 hour stretch during the day, while the more aggressive, smaller "action" fish will bite throughout the day.

Panfish action has been slower, but steady. There's still a handful of guys getting some keepers out of shallow weeds,  but the guys looking for and finding suspended fish in deep water are having better success. 12-16 feet over 20+ seems to be the magic combination this year, but deep water adjacent to structure is always your best option.

Good Luck, and be safe.

Cheers,
CT

Open Water in the Dells

Lake Link's "Botch"  from the River's Edge Resort is letting anglers know that the Wisconsin River at the Dells Dam is open, and anglers are starting to catch a few walleyes.

If you're ready to stash the ice fishing gear, and get the boat out, you have an opportunity to do so in the dells.Website Here-

Make sure to check out the river cam. Its early so Jig and Minnows are a solid bet, but as fishing pressure increases, start looking to lindy and split shot rigs.

Cheers
CT

Fishing Report 2-7-11

Hey gang,

Fishing slowed down a little the past week to ten days, people are still having solid success, but the pressure from the fisherees made the bite a little tougher for many anglers.

Pike continue to bite in 6-10 feet, especially in areas with weed/sand transitions. Better pike are starting to stage in 10-15 feet adjacent to spawning areas. Live bait has been outperforming deadbait, especially when presented with a florocarbon leaders. After our next cold snap this week, look for pike to start to make a move to the marshy areas to prepare for the spawn. Smaller fish will go first, but the larger fish won't be far behind.

Crappie continue to bite early and late. The key the last week was to find current areas that were holding them. People I talked to said the bite would get hot for about 30 minutes and then drop off. Some nice bags were being taken in 12-15 feet of water adjacent to current areas. Look for suspended fish, and remember to fish just above them.

Bluegills continue to bite shallow, but the better fish are suspending in deeper water. You'll need to be mobile and use electronics to get at the suspended fish, but if you find a batch, hold on, the action can be great.

Walleye are biting in 8-12 and 18-22 feet over sand and gravel areas, the best bite has been just before sun-up.

Good Luck,
CT

Fishing Report 1-11-11

It seems like the big fish bite is picking up. I don't know if that's actually true, the weather has meant more people on the ice, or some combination of both. But either way, IT IS ON.

Panfish are still being taken in shallow water, but the better sized fish are starting to come from out deeper. Anglers who have ventured out and searched for deeper water schools are catching nice bags of fish. You'll need to do a little searching, and electronics will certainly help with catching the fish. Wigglers seem to be the hot bait, but fish are being taken on waxies, mousies and plastics. Okauchee, Forest, Garvin, Kessus, Fowler, Middle and Lower Genessee, Golden, Silver and School Section have all been very, very good for Panfish.

Walleye fishing has picked up dramatically. Jigging is taking a few fish, but tip-ups with a floro or mono leader, spinner and red treble baited with a golden shiner is producing. Shallow rocks in 6-10 feet are producing during low light hours, deep water structure in 18-25 feet is producing during the day time. Labelle is giving some steady action, Fox, Pine, Pewaukee and Oconomowoc are giving up the keepers.

Northern pike fishing has been pretty solid and steady. Lots of guys are picking up fish, with more than a handful of 30+ inchers reported, but snakes in the 15-25 inch category have been biting aggresively. Deadbait, shiners and suckers have all been good the last few days. Watch for fish to start to make a move in the next 2 weeks, but for now, shallow weedy areas near where people are getting panfish is a great place to setup a spread of tip ups. Icehouse, Stumpy Bay and the Crane's Nest areas on Okauchee have been active, as has Nagawicka, Fowler, Lac Labelle, Garvin, Kessus and Golden.

1-6-11

Ice fishing continues to be steady and consistent, for ice fishing anyway.

Bluegills are being caught in shallow weeds in 6-8 and 12-15 feet of water, although anglers are finding them suspended in deeper water on a few lakes. Live bait on a tear drop, ratfinkee or similar has been producing. Pinks, Greens and purples are the hot colors, but don't overlook my favorite, blue.

Crappies have been biting in spurts early and late. The mid afternoon bite, which was red hot for a couple of weeks has dropped off. Fish will suspend over deeper water structure, in the tops of mid depth weeds 5-10 feet or in areas with current flow. Tail hooked minnows on a very small red or green hook, waxies and wigglers have all been productive. Watch for light biters.

Pike continue to relate to weed beds in 8-15 feet. The best areas are adjacent to where panfish are being caught, especially for the larger fish. Kessus, Okauchee, Moose and Fowler have been very productive, especially in weedy transition areas adjacent to deep water. Large bait catches bigger fish, but consider using heavy florocarbon leaders (in place of steel) for spooky fish, especially as more anglers start hitting the lakes for jamborees.

Walleye have been hit or miss by most accounts. The lakes with good populations have had some action, but with most anglers targeting panfish, reports have been inconsistent. The anglers who are catching fish are doing so out of sandy areas in 10-15 feet, and close to dark.

Good Luck and be safe,
CT

Holiday Ice Fishing Update

Ice Fishing is now in full swing on area lakes. Ice depths vary greatly, and some of the mainlake areas over deeper water still have thin ice, especially on the larger lakes. Always exercise caution. Anglers are reporting between 4-10 inches in the bays and protected areas.


Panfish are biting on a variety of plastics, live bait and jig combos. Look for green weeds between 4 and 12 feet of water. Bluegills will likely be nearby, and can be taken on jigging rods throughout the day, but expect action to go through cycles as the fish turn on and off.

Crappies are relating to current areas, or areas with scattered bottom cover adjacent to current. A teardrop jig with a tail hooked small fathead is always a solid bet for crappies, but don't over look a very small red hook tipped with a wiggler, waxworm or spike, and remember, crappies feed up, so keep your presentation just above them when possible.

Pike are biting in full swing. Tipups with live bait or smelt are the biggest producers, and most of the fish are coming at/ or near the mouths of bays and backwaters. Lots of smaller pike are being caught, but a few are starting to come in over 35 inches. Large live bait, either medium suckers, large shiners or smelt are producing the bigger fish. If you just want some action, smaller pike in the 20-25 inch range are actively biting on medium shiners, especially over the roadbed or gravel drop off areas.

Good Luck, and be safe. I'll see you in 2011.


CT

Wintertime

Things slow down around here for wintertime, but I'll be posting periodic fishing reports when ice conditions stabilize.

If you're looking for a date for next season, now is a great time to lock in.

See you in a bit,

Cheers
CT

Fall Fishing is in Full Swing (Fishing Report 11-8-10)

The warm days and cool nights are making for some great action. If you can get out of the treestand, and let the ducks alone for a bit that is.

Musky fishing on area lakes has been very good. Fish are being taken on bucktails, gliders and jerkbaits as well as large suckers on quickstrike rigs. Bigger fish have been a little slow, but lots of high 30's to mid 40 inch fish are being caught right now. Pewaukee, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Okauchee and North Lake have all been giving up some nice fish.

Fall walleye fishing has been hit or miss, but anglers are getting into some nicer fish. Drfiting with jigs and live fatheads has been producing along sections of the Rock River, especially in the afternoons. Lindy rigs or jig and minnow combos are also producing in the Dells. Local lakes are getting less action from anglers, but drifting weed flats with shiners or small suckers on split shot rigs has been producing some better fish. Kessus, Lac Labelle and Oconomowoc have been active.

Crappie fishing has leveled off, but if you are willing to put in the time, you can catch some nice bags of fish. They are starting to stage near current areas and coves (areas where they spend the winter) but are still in a little deeper water adjacent to winter holes. Anglers chasing them are reporting lots of bluegills mixed in, which is classic pre-winter staging for our area lakes. Focus on lakes with streams, or creeks for the best action.

Good Luck,
CT

Fishing Report 10-13-10

Well gang, its fall. And while many people are populating their treestands or chasing ducks, some of the better fishing of the year is starting to happen.

The late season warmer weather has kept water temperatures between the high 50's to low 60's on most lakes. On Saturday, mainlake areas on Okauchee were reading as high as 66 in the late afternoon.

Musky and pike are using the outside weed edges. Spinners, bucktails, jerkbaits, gliders and crankbaits are catching fish. The sucker bite has been on and off with the weather, but sucker fishing on Okauchee and Pewaukee has been more consistent than on Oconomowoc, Fowler or Lac Labelle. For now, focus your attention on the deepest weeds you can find, especially smaller points and humps adjacent to deep water. 12-18 feet seems to be magic right now, (ie the deep weed edges) but a few fish are coming out of 6-8 feet of water, especially around rock/weed transition areas. Remember to do your figure eights...and on every cast.

Bass fishing was on fire during this spell of warmer weather. Crankbaits and live bait produced the most consistently, but anglers targeting largemouth in shallow water found a very good bite in 4-10 feet of water around rocks and sand. A few larger fish were caught by anglers flipping heavy cover on the smaller lakes with standing reeds. (Watch out for duck hunters!)

Smallmouth are using rock bars and points in 4-8 feet of water, or are in weeds in 8-12 feet. Live bait, especially smaller suckers, dragged slowly on a slip sinker or split shot rig can be very very productive. Labelle, Pine, Nag, Oconomowoc and North Lake have all been hot for smallies.

Panfish have moved into a fall pattern. They are stacking up around main-lake points in 10-18 feet of water, or hanging tight to weed clumps in 8-12 feet of water. Vertical fishing is the best for the deeper fish, especially drifting through areas. Slip bobbers are a better option for the weed fish.

River fishing has been slow with the high water, but conditions are stabilizing. Expect the whitebass and walleye fishing to pick up later this week.

CT

Fishing Report 10-6-10

Sorry for the delay, there's just been alot going on, including my trip with the Wisconsin Badger Fishing Team to fish Lake St Clair in the Big Ten Championship. My partner and I had the fourth place weight overall, bringing in the only limit of the tournament, and the Wisconsin team finished fourth overall.

As for local conditions, things are really starting to pick up. Water temps are in the high fifties to low 60's on most lakes, and the fish are getting very active.

Start looking for musky in 12-18 feet of water. Points with weeds at the end of them at this depth can really concentrate fish. Casting bucktails, gliders, sliders or jerkbaits can be really effective, but don't forget to keep a the sucker on a quick strike rig.

Some advice: The weeds to grew deeper this year than is typical for our area. Likewise, a fair number of fish are being caught in deeper water than is typical for this time of year. Trolling has been producing, especially in areas with baitfish in 18-25 feet of water. Good use of your electronics is essential right now. Look for the bite to move shallower and into the available green weeds, but don't over look rock bars adjacent to mid depth weeds, especially on warmer sunny afternoons, as fish will move up to warm up and digest food.

As for bass fishing, Largemouth and Smallmouth can still be caught tight to shallow cover or weedlines, especially in areas with rocky, sand or gravel bottoms. Now is the time to chase down a trophy sized fish with live bait. Slip-sinker or split shot rigs with walleye suckers or large shiners drifted or trolled very slowly around the deep edges of structure can surprise you. If you find fish, you'll very likely be over a good school of them. fish that area hard, and pay attention to your electronics. Subtle bottom changes will concentrate fish.

Walleye fishing has been slow, but is starting to pick up in the Dells and along the Jefferson Dam to Blackhawk Island stretch of the Rock River. Water has been falling throughout the river systems from the highs we saw a few weeks ago, so make sure to watch your prop, and look for fish in the current, in the shallow water near deeper holes. On warmer days, the fish will likely be actively feeding, rather than holding in the deep water. Jig and Minnow, Lindy rigs or jig and twister are good producers.

No word on fall whitebass as of yet, but expect to hear something in my next report.

CT

Off to fish....

with the University of Wisconsin Fishing Team in the Big Ten Shootout.

A report and pictures when I return.

CT

Fishing Update 9-27-10

Well gang, I'm afraid I don't have much to report this week. Last week's high winds kept many anglers off the water and the rest were headed for tree stands.

Look for an update mid-week.

Cheers

CT

Fishing Update 9-17-10

Hey gang,

So far, so good. The fall is starting to set in, and as guys start hitting their treestands, remember some of the best fishing of the year is between now and the end of the season.

The cooler nights the last ten days or so have really changed the conditions on local lakes. Water temps have dropped significantly, and are in the low to mid 60's on most lakes. The algae blooms are clearing up, and the baitfish schools are starting to thin out as fish put on the feedbag.

Bass fishing will remain steady for a couple weeks, then it will be time to put away the plastics and start fishing live bait for a trophy. Smallmouth go on a tear on our area lakes in the fall, and we're just on the front side of this. Expect the fish to make a couple foraging runs a day, but if you're having trouble connecting with active fish, look for the in the deep water, adjacent to the shallow structure. Plastics, cranks and jigs will work, but as the days get shorter, live bait becomes a better option.

Walleye fishing is starting to pick up on the area rivers, although fishing the area lakes has been slower than average for this time of year. I'd expect that to change real soon, but for now the Fox, Rock, and Wolf Rivers, especially in the mouth's of the those rivers has been consistent. Anglers are reporting some amazing action in Green Bay if you're looking for the weekend trip. On the area lakes, the fish will be anywhere there's baitfish around weeds or rock/weed transition areas in 8-12 or 15-22 feet of water. If you tag one, fish through the area very methodically.

Pike fishing has been steady, but with less guys heading out, appears to be a bit slower. Pike will remain active in 10-22 feet of water along weed edges, points or sand/gravel transition areas. Spinners are always a solid option for pike, but as the water cools I usually switch back to crankbaits, especially lipless crankbaits in a gold or silver pattern or wide wobbling deep divers in natural or red/white patterns. Jerkbaits can really shine right now, especially suspenders worked around weed clumps where there are visible baitfish.

Musky fishing has been consistent, and is set to get really good. Now is the time to start working for this years trophy. Gliders, bucktails and jerkbaits are all solid options for casting, and remember to keep a sucker out on a quick strike rig for lazy followers. Right now, look for the them to be using weeds in 12-15 feet of water or rocks in 6-12 feet of water. As the water cools, they'll move to follow the ciscos in, and that's when things start getting really interesting.


Good Luck,
CT

Fishing Report 9-10-10

Hey gang,

The water is in the upper 60's to low 70's on most lakes in our area. Weeds are still green and the algae blooms are starting to clear. The baitfish population appears to have grown substantially with the flooding this season, (just like in 2008) and there are large schools of baitfish moving around.

Largemouth bass are patrolling and ambushing along clumps of weeds on the shallow weed flats and along mid depth structure. A few are still hanging along the deeper weed edges along mainlake and secondary points. Smallmouth are relating to weed clumps near or adjacent to rocky and sandy areas with a drop off.  The deeper fish will bite best when they make a move into the nearby shallow water. Expect to start to see the fish get active a couple of times a day for short periods of time. When the water and air temperatures begin to cool down some more, the fish will start will use rocky areas especially in the early afternoons.

Your best lure options right now are wacky worms, large jigworms, skirted grubs, jig/chunk, texas rigged plastics or lipless crankbaits. Smaller, wide wobbling crankbaits can also produce. I know that's alot of options, but narrow it down. Wacky worms and skirted grubs are great around the rocks. Jigworms, texas rigs and ji/trailers are great around the scattered weeds. Lipless crankbaits are great in both areas. Browns, greens, orange or balcks are usally the best colors for plastics (pretty much as they are all year) but white or silver crankbaits can be very good this time of year.

Walleye: Live bait is the key unless fishing at night when minnow shaped crankbaits really can shine. Look for walleyes to be in the sandgrass or in breaks in the weeds in 10-15 feet. Some fish will be deeper or shallower on our local lakes, but the best all around approach is a slip-sinker or lindy rig with a big minnow or small sucker. Nightcrawlers will still produce as well, especially when trolled very slowly on spinner harnesses tight to the first weedline breaks. Lac Labelle and Pine usually get really going in the fall when the water gets down to around 60 degrees.

Northern: Most northern caught this time of year are caught while targeting other species, especially bass and musky. But they can still be caught and in good numbers. With the water still pretty warm (in relative terms) I'd consider slow trolling the best option, followed closely by slow rolling an inline spinnerbait. Deep diving crankbaits in bluegill, perch or white/shad color patterns can work wonders right now when trolled along the deep weedlines. I typically break out my trays of Hot N Tots and wiggle warts for trolling, while I'll use Norman D-22, Bagleys or a lipless crankbait when casting. Drifting with medium suckers on a slip sinker rig, like you might consider for walleye fishing right now, can also produce.

Musky: Now through the end of the season is the time, pure and simple. If you want to have your best shot at a musky or even a trophy musky get into your boat and plan on spending some time there. The next six to eight weeks will be prime-time. For now, focus your attention in 6-12 and 12-18 feet of water. Casting bucktails, gliders, swimbaits or especially jerkbaits can work, but consider starting to keep a sucker or two set out on a quick-strike rig. Many fish that follow in lazily on a casting approach will turn on for the sucker hanging nearby, especially as the water temperatures cool.

Good Luck,
CT

Labor Day Weekend Fishing Preview

Well gang, it looks to be a nice, if a bit cooler, weekend to wrap up summer.

The cooler weather means its time to break out the live bait. Lindy, split shot and slip sinker rigs really shine under this type of conditions. Larger sized shiners, nightcrawlers and small suckers are your best options for gamefish.  Unless you're going for panfish, leave the fatheads at home this weekend.

On area lakes, bass fishing has been hot and cold depending on the conditions. Windy days are dramatically better than still days. Fish are using the weedlines in 10-15 feet of water, points and off shore structure in 6-10 feet of water, as well as the piers and the slop. Shallow fish can be taken on jigworms, skirted grubs, tubes or jig/chunk combos. Deeper fish are being taken on crankbaits, live bait rigs and by flipping the weededges with a heavy jig. The morning and evening is producing a topwater bite, especially over shallow flats with scattered weeds. Okauchee, School Section, Ashippun, Golden, Nagawicka, Pine, Silver, Moose and Kessus have been the most consistent, but the bite has been pretty much the same from all of the area lakes.

Walleye fishing has been fair overall, but much better in the low light hours. Small jigs with live bait, or lindy rigs have been the best producers. A few fish are still being caught on spinner harness/bottom bouncer combos while trolling. Evening hours is the time to be fishing minnow baits around weeds. Pine, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Lac Labelle and Lake Koshkonong have all been giving up walleyes.

Northern Pike continue to bite in the shallows. Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, shallow diving square billed or lipless crankbaits are the best ways of catching these fish. Larger fish are still using the weedlines and are moving onto some deeper rocks and can be targeted with inline spinners, or using live bait like larger chubs, shiners or small suckers on a slip sinker rig. Vertically jigging structure in 22-28 feet with a jig/repear tail combo has caught a handful of nice fish, but the pattern has been inconsistent overall. Try Okauchee, Golden, Nagawicka Pine, Fowler,, Kessus, Pretty and Moose Lake for pike.

Musky fishing has been slow, but is sure to pick up with the cooler weather this weekend. Look for fish on or adjacent to mainlake structure that has easy access to deep water. Topwaters have still been catching a few fish, especiallyin the morning. Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Lac Labelle, and Fowler are all producing to one degree or another right now.

Panfish are still using deeper water, suspending 12-16 feet down over deeper water, and drfiters have been picking up some nice keepers. Some anglers are reporting some decent gills in weedy areas as shallow as eight feet, but most people out have reported the most consistent action along the weedlines in 12-18 feet of water. Tightlining with panfish leeches, leaf worms, or plastic/wax worm combos all have been productive.

Good Luck and Cheers,
CT

Ryan's 8th Birthday

Here's a few pictures from Ryan's birthday trip with his Dad, Doug, to Silver Lake. In 6 hours we landed 50 largemouths, about 30-35 panfish and a couple rockbass.

That's my hand behind that bluegill, just for size comparisons.

Happy Birthday Ryan.

Fishing Report 8-28-10

Well gang, the transition to a fall fishing pattern is just around the corner, and fishing is set to get really good. You've probably noticed the days getting shorter, and even on days with a bluebird sky, the fishing is picking up. My clients and I landed 50 Bass and more than 30 bluegills in a trip this morning.

Fishing usually gets pretty good this time of year. The chief obstacle is often the weather. As Fall approaches, unstable weather can set in quick. As for right now, things have been fairly stable, and during stretches of stable weather, the fish will start to make predictable feeding movements a few times a day.

LM and SM Bass have begun moving into staging positions. Lots of fish are being taken off the edges of deep weeds and off the ends of longer points. Some fish have also been coming from the mid depth flats and shallow rocks. Start with topwater baits in the morning, then move to wacky worms, tubes and jigworms as the bite dies down. If you're fishing deeper, stick with live bait on a split shot and/or slip-sinker rigs or texas rigged plastics. If the bite is extra tough, try a shallow diving shad (white) colored crank around the rock/ weed transition areas.

Walleye have been active in 18-25 feet of water. Look for sandgrass with baitfish holding nearby and you'll be in them pretty quick on Lac Labelle, Pine or Oconomowoc. If you want to make the trip, the bite on the Koshkonong is just starting to really pick-up. Pulling bouncers with spinner harnesses, back trolling lindy rigs, working crankbaits over deep weeds or slip bobbering with live bait has been productive.

Northern Pike fishing continues to provide good action to anglers putting in the time. As fall sets in, the deeper fish will move to the weedlines. This is a great time to target them with spoons, small bucktails, or crankbaits. It may be a little early yet, but don't be afraid to start trying these techniques over the next 20 days or so. In the meantime you can still target smaller pike in the shallows with spinner or buzzbaits and larger fish with suckers, chubs or shiners along the deep edges of weedy points.

Panfish are still being caught deep, but look for them to move into mid-depth water over the next few weeks. For now, tightline vertically with splitshot or slip bobber them off deep weeds and sand with live baitin 15-22 feet of water. Transition areas from heavy to light weeds along a drop off is a key area.

Musky fishing is picking up after the late summer lull. Reports indicate that topwaters and bucktails are still catching a few fish early and late, but the majority of fish are being caught off the deepest weed edges on natural or perch pattern crankbaits, soft plastics and jerkbaits.

Cheers
CT

Not my biggest,

..but the most acrobatic musky I have ever caught. When this fish hit, he cleared the surface of the water by more than 5 feet before coming down with my topwater in his mouth.

Saturday, August 21, 6am. Oconomowoc Lake, Topwater

Fishing Report 8-19-10

Hey gang, I'm happy to say the dog days of summer appear to be on the way out. Fishing will only get better for a run of six to eight weeks now.

In General Terms :The cooler mornings are a key time to target active fish in shallow to mid-depth water. Look for them in the usual places, but watch for them to have periods of time where they feed actively. The changes in the photocycle and the length of day will be evident to the fish, and you can expect to seem them get active.

Panfish are still holding in deeper water, and will continue to do so for a couple of weeks. Look for them to suspend along weedlines in 12-22 feet of water, or to suspend over deeper sandgrass about 14-18 feet down over 40-50 feet of water.  Silver, Ashippun, Golden, School Section, Okauchee, Garvin, Nagawicka, Forest and North Lake have been the best.

Largemouth will come on two major patterns in the short term. On sunny days, you can find them around shallow docks, wood laydowns and scattered weed clumps.  As the sun gets up, look for them to move tighter to overhead cover, but here will be periods of time during the day where their activity level will increase for a short spell. Be ready to switch tactics as they switch on and off. Early mornings are key, especially around transition areas and over flats where the topwater bite can really be fantastic. Deeper fish will continue to use weededges and point in 12-18 feet of water, or be suspended over deep water about 6-12 feet below the surface. Some fish are relating to rockbars in 5-12 feet of water. Tube baits and skirted grubs are a great way to target these fish. Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac Labelle and Moose have all had active bites around rocky areas. Some fish are still being taken off the weedlines and off the weed flats by anglers flipping around heavy cover on Okauchee, Kessus, Golden and Nagawicka especially.

Smallmouth will start to make several foraging moves each day. When you are contacting active fish in shallow water, the bite can be incredible. Topwaters, including size 9 or 11 rapalas or poppers in natural patterns can get you started, but be ready to switch to tubes, skirted grubs or twister tails as the day progresses. When things are slower, look for them to be just off the first major break in deeper water. Crankbaits in white or chartreuse, spinners or live bait are better for the deeper fish. They will be actively hunting baitfish especially after the crawfish finish molting. Okauchee, Nagawicka, Pine, Oconomowoc, and Lac Labelle have been producing.

Walleyes will continue to hold in their summer patterns for another couple of weeks, but they will quickly make a move to shallower weedy areas as the baitfish move in for their fall spawning run. For now jigging or backtrolling with live bait around weededges or drop-offs in 12-18 feet of water is a good place to start, and be ready to adjust to deeper water on sunny days or shallower on cloudy or windy days.  A few fish are appearing on mid-lake structure but many are staging off main-lake points, especially where there is bottom transitions from rock to sand or from sand to muck. Trolling with bottom bouncers and spinner harnesses or drifting with live bait rigs are great ways to target these fish. Nagawicka, Oconomowoc,  Lake Koshkonong, Lac Labelle, and Pine lake have all been productive.

Northern pike activity has been hot all summer, and I wouldn't expect that to change. Smaller pike can almost always be found in shallow water around weed clumps and inside weededges adjacent to rock bars/shorelines. Larger pike can be taken trolling cranbkaits or backtrolling live bait along deeper weed edges, especially in 12-20 feet of water. Try Moose, Fox, Pretty, Kessus, Okauchee, Golden, Fowler Garvin, School Section and Ashippun Lakes for pike.

Musky reports have slowed down over the past 15 days, but I suspect that has as much to do with the heat as anything. For the next run, look for them to over weedy flats in 8-12 feet of water making for some great topwater or large bucktail action, or in deeper water suspended around baitfish which is perfect for a trolling bite. Action will pick up considerably in the weeks ahead. The usual lakes have been been producing, Pewaukee and Okauchee have been slower, but are still productive for anglers putting in the time.

Last thing, anglers are starting to report active white bass on the Rock River, Koshkonong and Lake Winnebago. Trolling with spinners or small cranks seem to be the best right now. Stay tuned for more.


It'll just get better.
Cheers
CT