Kim and Danny Stricker's Hook and Look TV show (the most informative fishing show in my opinion) is skipping docks and pontoons this week.
Might be worth a watch. The preview alone shows how the fish relate to the shadow underneath the boat.
Thursday, April 5, 2012
Wednesday, April 4, 2012
Okauchee Today 4-4-2012
Took my dissertation committee chair fishing today. It is spring break in Madison, and he was hoping to grab some fish for a fry.
Nice day. Out 9:30am-4pmish. Bite was very tough in the morning, but picked up dramatically around 1pm.
Targeted crappies for a bit, but after catching some scrappers, switched over to fishing for gills. Started catching some keepers right away, but again, the fish wouldn't swim more than about 12-18 inches to bite. If you put the bait on top of them, you'd get a bite, but if the fish had swim any distance...forget it.
Started out how I have been catching fish...DS panfish grub with waxies or gulp waxies. White has been the best grub color for me, but hot pink was also working some today. Tried about six colors during the day, but white and pink were clearly the best.
He was having a little trouble with the timing for a grub, so I hooked him up with a black ant and a gulp waxie, and he crushed fish all day on that setup. He did manage to catch a fish 23 casts in a row with that rig, so while most of the fish he was catching today were small, don't overlook downsizing even more if the bite is tough.
Garvin was the best over all, both the shelf on the north end and the weedflat/wood laydowns on the south end were productive. Caught most of our keepers there.
Fished the river mouth flat just south of the Crane's Nest. Lots of crappies, but they were all short. I'm sure there's some better fish in that area, but we didn't spend time to try and get them to bite. Caught the ones we caught while drifting north to south, and a drift sock would have worked great in that wind today as the best spot we found was less than 50 yards long.
Late this afternoon, we caught a handful off the sand in Icehouse and another batch in Tierney, but all but two were standard issue potato chip sized Okauchee gills.
Water temps are 48-50 in the main lake areas. Tierney was 56 at the mouth, but the water in front of the "pond" was over 60 degrees. Bay five and Icehouse were in the low 50's. North end of Garvin was mid 50's by late afternoon. Whitigers was 52-56, but we didn't fish there.
In all, well over a 150 mixed panfish today. Kept 12 for his dinner, but could have had at least another 12-15 keepers in the batch without crossing my minimum standards.
Cheers,
CT
Nice day. Out 9:30am-4pmish. Bite was very tough in the morning, but picked up dramatically around 1pm.
Targeted crappies for a bit, but after catching some scrappers, switched over to fishing for gills. Started catching some keepers right away, but again, the fish wouldn't swim more than about 12-18 inches to bite. If you put the bait on top of them, you'd get a bite, but if the fish had swim any distance...forget it.
Started out how I have been catching fish...DS panfish grub with waxies or gulp waxies. White has been the best grub color for me, but hot pink was also working some today. Tried about six colors during the day, but white and pink were clearly the best.
He was having a little trouble with the timing for a grub, so I hooked him up with a black ant and a gulp waxie, and he crushed fish all day on that setup. He did manage to catch a fish 23 casts in a row with that rig, so while most of the fish he was catching today were small, don't overlook downsizing even more if the bite is tough.
Garvin was the best over all, both the shelf on the north end and the weedflat/wood laydowns on the south end were productive. Caught most of our keepers there.
Fished the river mouth flat just south of the Crane's Nest. Lots of crappies, but they were all short. I'm sure there's some better fish in that area, but we didn't spend time to try and get them to bite. Caught the ones we caught while drifting north to south, and a drift sock would have worked great in that wind today as the best spot we found was less than 50 yards long.
Late this afternoon, we caught a handful off the sand in Icehouse and another batch in Tierney, but all but two were standard issue potato chip sized Okauchee gills.
Water temps are 48-50 in the main lake areas. Tierney was 56 at the mouth, but the water in front of the "pond" was over 60 degrees. Bay five and Icehouse were in the low 50's. North end of Garvin was mid 50's by late afternoon. Whitigers was 52-56, but we didn't fish there.
In all, well over a 150 mixed panfish today. Kept 12 for his dinner, but could have had at least another 12-15 keepers in the batch without crossing my minimum standards.
Cheers,
CT
Tuesday, April 3, 2012
Fishing Report 4-3-2012
Crappies and bluegills are actively biting on many area lakes, especially in the afternoon on the warmer sunny days. The key is the activity level of the fish. The cooler weather has reduced the distance the fish will swim to bite. Keep your presentation tight to cover/current breaks/green weeds, and you'll catch fish.
If you're heading out, look for panfish in shallow, dark-bottom areas, especially if there are reeds or weeds left over from last season. Water temperatures are lower than they had been in the mainlake areas, but the shallow bays and boat channels are still in the mid to high 50's in many of the protected areas.
If the bite is tough, go small/downsize: waxworms and spikes on a very small hook or icefishing jig will catch as many fish as minnows most days. Mix it up, and be ready for anything. Plastics have been catching better fish than live bait for me this season.
Okauchee, Moose, Golden, Lower Nemahbin, and Middle Genessee have been the best, but Forest, Kessus, North and Oconomowoc are also producing. The crappie bite on Pine has gotten very tough, and some of the fish which had moved into the channels on Nagawicka, are back out off the first drop.
A couple of warm sunny afternoons will really get things going again.
Good Luck.
CT
If you're heading out, look for panfish in shallow, dark-bottom areas, especially if there are reeds or weeds left over from last season. Water temperatures are lower than they had been in the mainlake areas, but the shallow bays and boat channels are still in the mid to high 50's in many of the protected areas.
If the bite is tough, go small/downsize: waxworms and spikes on a very small hook or icefishing jig will catch as many fish as minnows most days. Mix it up, and be ready for anything. Plastics have been catching better fish than live bait for me this season.
Okauchee, Moose, Golden, Lower Nemahbin, and Middle Genessee have been the best, but Forest, Kessus, North and Oconomowoc are also producing. The crappie bite on Pine has gotten very tough, and some of the fish which had moved into the channels on Nagawicka, are back out off the first drop.
A couple of warm sunny afternoons will really get things going again.
Good Luck.
CT
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Your license expires at midnight.
Don't forget to renew your fishing license...don't give up a state record like the guy in Arkansas.
Read his story here.
Read his story here.
Friday, March 30, 2012
Dick Smith's Panfish Grub
I've gotten a few emails about my spring rig for fishing Okauchee. I had thought the Dick Smith's panfish grub was well known, at least locally. It gives a different profile than the minimite or a small twister tail, and is similar in shape and design to the old classic beatle spin grub.
Here' a pick that I had Becky Smith send over:
I've always had solid luck with the white with either a chartreuse or pink head, but I've used just about every color at one point or another. The benefit to the grub is in the vertical fall, it can trigger some larger panfish. You can certainly catch fish on the grub just by itself, but if the bite is tough, I'll tip the grub with a live waxie or spike. This can really make a difference in tough conditions.
Last tip, remember: The biggest bluegills are always at the bottom of the school. You want the bait to fall to them.
Here' a pick that I had Becky Smith send over:
I've always had solid luck with the white with either a chartreuse or pink head, but I've used just about every color at one point or another. The benefit to the grub is in the vertical fall, it can trigger some larger panfish. You can certainly catch fish on the grub just by itself, but if the bite is tough, I'll tip the grub with a live waxie or spike. This can really make a difference in tough conditions.
Last tip, remember: The biggest bluegills are always at the bottom of the school. You want the bait to fall to them.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Lunker's Unlimited Garage Sale-Hartland
Stop by and support a great group. Lunker's Unlimited website is here.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Fishing Tip: Local Panfish
Heard some grumbling at the shop this morning about how everyone is seeing panfish but not catching them, so after a so-so trip to the Rock River earlier today I hit Okauchee for a bit this afternoon/evening.
Caught about 50 good sized gills and a handful of crappie, all of which are still swimming. The trick was that the fish would not move more than about a foot to bite. True for both crappies and gills. Alot of the people I saw were blind casting with bobbers, rather than trying to get the bait right in front of the fish.
Crappies feed up. You need to have your bait above them. Today, that meant right above them. Bluegills like to grab as bait falls vertically.
Downsizing worked for me. Ditched the minnows and went with Plastics-Dick Smith's Panfish grub(white) tipped with a gulp waxie (pink) was my best presentation for catching fish. But if I didn't hit the patch of weeds or wood with my cast, I wouldn't get bit.
Saw crappies in the Crane's Nest, Stumpy and Garvin. Tight, and I mean tight to cover.
For those curious about water temps: Mainlake areas: 51-54, Early warming spots (Upper Oconomowoc, Tierney and Whitakers-63-68 (Bass on beds in Tierney) Garvin: 56 North end, 52 South Flat. Didn't head into Icehouse other than to go to Tierney, and the Channel was 54-58.
Slow down, be precise and downsize. The fish are as confused about the weather as we are.
Caught about 50 good sized gills and a handful of crappie, all of which are still swimming. The trick was that the fish would not move more than about a foot to bite. True for both crappies and gills. Alot of the people I saw were blind casting with bobbers, rather than trying to get the bait right in front of the fish.
Crappies feed up. You need to have your bait above them. Today, that meant right above them. Bluegills like to grab as bait falls vertically.
Downsizing worked for me. Ditched the minnows and went with Plastics-Dick Smith's Panfish grub(white) tipped with a gulp waxie (pink) was my best presentation for catching fish. But if I didn't hit the patch of weeds or wood with my cast, I wouldn't get bit.
Saw crappies in the Crane's Nest, Stumpy and Garvin. Tight, and I mean tight to cover.
For those curious about water temps: Mainlake areas: 51-54, Early warming spots (Upper Oconomowoc, Tierney and Whitakers-63-68 (Bass on beds in Tierney) Garvin: 56 North end, 52 South Flat. Didn't head into Icehouse other than to go to Tierney, and the Channel was 54-58.
Slow down, be precise and downsize. The fish are as confused about the weather as we are.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Conditions for fishing! Fishing Report 3-17-12
Happy St Patrick's Day.
Runs continuing on the rivers. Walleyes and whitebass have moved into the rivers in force. The Rock River, the Fox River, Wisconsin River and the Wolf River are all in the midst of the spring runs.
On the Rock River, fishing has been good from the Jefferson Dam all the way to Blackhawk. Anglers are starting to pick up a few fish 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.
Looking for a trophy? Larger walleyes are starting to appear at Depere. It is still early by most reports, so there's more fish rather than the big fish that will move in, but none the less, anglers are starting to report consistent success. Jerkbaits, jig and minnow, and lindy rigs are all producing.
Closer to home, the ice is gone and the panfish are biting. Focus your attention on the smaller lakes, or dark bottom bays/northern shore lines. Fish will be migrating into 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 main lake areas catch up. Remember: North facing areas will be 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, focus on the 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 your bait just above the weeds, and any visible fish that you see. I like to use waxworms or spikes on a small red hook, or small/crappie sized fatheads-hooked in the tail, underneath a pencil bobber with just a split shot or two to keep the bait down. Be ready to start using plastics, especially for active fish, but for now, I'd start with the live bait and move to plastics later in the day.
Good Luck!
Runs continuing on the rivers. Walleyes and whitebass have moved into the rivers in force. The Rock River, the Fox River, Wisconsin River and the Wolf River are all in the midst of the spring runs.
On the Rock River, fishing has been good from the Jefferson Dam all the way to Blackhawk. Anglers are starting to pick up a few fish 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.
Looking for a trophy? Larger walleyes are starting to appear at Depere. It is still early by most reports, so there's more fish rather than the big fish that will move in, but none the less, anglers are starting to report consistent success. Jerkbaits, jig and minnow, and lindy rigs are all producing.
Closer to home, the ice is gone and the panfish are biting. Focus your attention on the smaller lakes, or dark bottom bays/northern shore lines. Fish will be migrating into 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 main lake areas catch up. Remember: North facing areas will be 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, focus on the 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 your bait just above the weeds, and any visible fish that you see. I like to use waxworms or spikes on a small red hook, or small/crappie sized fatheads-hooked in the tail, underneath a pencil bobber with just a split shot or two to keep the bait down. Be ready to start using plastics, especially for active fish, but for now, I'd start with the live bait and move to plastics later in the day.
Good Luck!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Rock River: Now is the time
With the water level coming up, and the water temp rising quickly. Now is the time to hit the river.
White bass are starting to move in, which traditionally means the walleye will be spawning this week.
Get in the boat and get down there.
Cheers,
CT
White bass are starting to move in, which traditionally means the walleye will be spawning this week.
Get in the boat and get down there.
Cheers,
CT
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Fishing Report 3-10-12
Well, spring has sprung for now, and there's quite a bit going on.
The big news of course is the spring runs on the rivers. The Wisconsin River in the Dells has been active for a couple of weeks, and the fishing is steady there. Walleyes are biting in the deeper holes, and in current breaks.
The Rock River between Jefferson and the lake has been active. Water levels and current flow are lower than the last couple of years, but the water temperature went up very quickly this week, and with the full moon phase, the action got going quick. Most of the fish are being caught from Ft Atkinson to the mouth, but shorefisherman at the dam are already reporting catching keeper walleyes. Streamer flies on three way rigs are always a classic presentation for shore fisherman along the Rock River, but vertical jigging seems to be the ticket for boaters. Keepers are ranging up to 22inches right now, with the usual assortment of short fish. No word on whitebass yet, but a solid rain will bring them in for sure.
Pinks, oranges and purples are solid spring colors for walleyes, as are greens and chartrueses.
My one stop post for all things Rock River fishing includes links to the relevant Lake-Link.com threads, USGS information on current and water temperature and information on the boat launches. You can check it out by clicking here.
Closer to home, the local lakes are starting to open up. The smaller lakes should be open and fishable sometime this week. If the weather stays stable, and it gets as warm as predicted, panfish will begin to move into early spring spots very quickly. Crappie and bluegill fishing is fantastic in the early season, and a great way to tide yourself over until the gamefish opener in early May.
Should be a great week to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Feel free to shoot me an email if you're heading out and need some information.
Cheers,
CT
The big news of course is the spring runs on the rivers. The Wisconsin River in the Dells has been active for a couple of weeks, and the fishing is steady there. Walleyes are biting in the deeper holes, and in current breaks.
The Rock River between Jefferson and the lake has been active. Water levels and current flow are lower than the last couple of years, but the water temperature went up very quickly this week, and with the full moon phase, the action got going quick. Most of the fish are being caught from Ft Atkinson to the mouth, but shorefisherman at the dam are already reporting catching keeper walleyes. Streamer flies on three way rigs are always a classic presentation for shore fisherman along the Rock River, but vertical jigging seems to be the ticket for boaters. Keepers are ranging up to 22inches right now, with the usual assortment of short fish. No word on whitebass yet, but a solid rain will bring them in for sure.
Pinks, oranges and purples are solid spring colors for walleyes, as are greens and chartrueses.
My one stop post for all things Rock River fishing includes links to the relevant Lake-Link.com threads, USGS information on current and water temperature and information on the boat launches. You can check it out by clicking here.
Closer to home, the local lakes are starting to open up. The smaller lakes should be open and fishable sometime this week. If the weather stays stable, and it gets as warm as predicted, panfish will begin to move into early spring spots very quickly. Crappie and bluegill fishing is fantastic in the early season, and a great way to tide yourself over until the gamefish opener in early May.
Should be a great week to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Feel free to shoot me an email if you're heading out and need some information.
Cheers,
CT
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Local Musky Tournament Events in 2012
World Muskie Tournament Series (WMT)
Muskie Country Tournament Circuit
Lake Monona- May 12
Lake Waubesa-May 13
Pewaukee Lake May 19
Okauchee Lake May 20
Statewide Schedule is here.
Ironman Musky Tournament Trail
Lake Waubesa June 9
Pewaukee Lake October 13
Lake Waubesa October 27
Lake Monona October 28
Pewaukee November 10
Full Schedule:here. First Tournament is April 21 on the Fox Chain
Muskie Country Tournament Circuit
Lake Monona- May 12
Lake Waubesa-May 13
Pewaukee Lake May 19
Okauchee Lake May 20
Statewide Schedule is here.
Ironman Musky Tournament Trail
Lake Waubesa June 9
Pewaukee Lake October 13
Lake Waubesa October 27
Lake Monona October 28
Pewaukee November 10
Full Schedule:here. First Tournament is April 21 on the Fox Chain
Friday, March 2, 2012
Upcoming dates, fishing report 3-2-12
First...a reminder that gamefish season closes on Sunday, and here's what the DNR had to say yesterday:
Waukesha County - Recent warm temperatures are causing unsafe ice conditions on many local lakes. Shoreline ice on local lakes has deteriorated considerably in the past week and access is becoming limited. Anglers are reminded to always check current ice conditions before attempting access. Anglers are also reminded that permanent ice shanties must be removed by Sunday March 4, but are strongly encouraged to remove them earlier due to deteriorating ice conditions. The southern game fish season also closes on Sunday March 4.
In terms of fishing: The Milwaukee Harbor has been providing consistent action. The Wisconsin River in the Dells has been very productive some days, less so on other days, but the walleyes are biting in the deep holes.
Closer to home: The Rock River in Jefferson-Ft Atkinson is open. The water is very low, so watch your lower units. People are reporting lots of rough fish, but the walleyes haven't moved in. I expect that to change when the weather warms up after this snowfall.
Cheers,
CT
Waukesha County - Recent warm temperatures are causing unsafe ice conditions on many local lakes. Shoreline ice on local lakes has deteriorated considerably in the past week and access is becoming limited. Anglers are reminded to always check current ice conditions before attempting access. Anglers are also reminded that permanent ice shanties must be removed by Sunday March 4, but are strongly encouraged to remove them earlier due to deteriorating ice conditions. The southern game fish season also closes on Sunday March 4.
In terms of fishing: The Milwaukee Harbor has been providing consistent action. The Wisconsin River in the Dells has been very productive some days, less so on other days, but the walleyes are biting in the deep holes.
Closer to home: The Rock River in Jefferson-Ft Atkinson is open. The water is very low, so watch your lower units. People are reporting lots of rough fish, but the walleyes haven't moved in. I expect that to change when the weather warms up after this snowfall.
Cheers,
CT
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Flows and Temperatures are increasing:
Rock River fishing is set to get started:
Just need the weather to stabilize a bit. Stay Tuned.
Just need the weather to stabilize a bit. Stay Tuned.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Fishing Report 2-20-12
Ice fishing continues in our area, but be careful, more people went through on Beaver Dam this weekend. I imagine ice conditions to be getting worse each day, especially with daytime temps into the mid-to-high 40s.
Fortunately, open water fishing is starting. The Wisconsin River in the Dells is giving up keeper walleyes already. John Gillespie's TV show was there this weekend, and anglers are heading out. The water is still very cold, and still fishing with live bait appears to be the best way to catch fish.
Closer to home, reports on Lake-Link are indicating sections of the Rock River are opening up. Unless winter decides to drop back in for a visit, the river should be open for fishing soon. Obviously it is very early, but that's no reason not to check out my post on Rock River Information Resources. If the weather holds, I hope to be out next week for an initial scouting. The graphs show low water, light flows and very cold temperatures. A good solid rain will get the Rock pumping, and the fish will start biting shortly thereafter.
If you're heading out on the ice, its time to start moving toward marshy areas in search of monster pike. It is still a bit early, but with ice conditions what they are, your opportunities will be limited this season. Big Bait in shallow marshy areas is a winning combo for big pre-spawn pike. Golden Lake, The Crane's Nest, Whitigers Bay or Tierney on Okauchee, all of School Section, the western flat of Lower Genessee, outside of the channels on Nag and the northwest corner of Lower Nehmabin are tradtionally the best spots to ice a trophy.
Good Luck,
CT
Fortunately, open water fishing is starting. The Wisconsin River in the Dells is giving up keeper walleyes already. John Gillespie's TV show was there this weekend, and anglers are heading out. The water is still very cold, and still fishing with live bait appears to be the best way to catch fish.
Closer to home, reports on Lake-Link are indicating sections of the Rock River are opening up. Unless winter decides to drop back in for a visit, the river should be open for fishing soon. Obviously it is very early, but that's no reason not to check out my post on Rock River Information Resources. If the weather holds, I hope to be out next week for an initial scouting. The graphs show low water, light flows and very cold temperatures. A good solid rain will get the Rock pumping, and the fish will start biting shortly thereafter.
If you're heading out on the ice, its time to start moving toward marshy areas in search of monster pike. It is still a bit early, but with ice conditions what they are, your opportunities will be limited this season. Big Bait in shallow marshy areas is a winning combo for big pre-spawn pike. Golden Lake, The Crane's Nest, Whitigers Bay or Tierney on Okauchee, all of School Section, the western flat of Lower Genessee, outside of the channels on Nag and the northwest corner of Lower Nehmabin are tradtionally the best spots to ice a trophy.
Good Luck,
CT
Rock River Resources: Spring 2012
Each spring, I make a post that sums up your Rock-River resources.
Fishing Report Links:
Links to JSOnline Articles about Fishing the Rock River in Springtime:
Fishing Report Links:
Water Resources Links:
Public Boat Launches:
Water Street
There's also a new boat launch by the dam in Jefferson:
There's also a new boat launch by the dam in Jefferson:
 |
| (Thanks to Lake-Link's Backwoods43 for the map image) |
Links to JSOnline Articles about Fishing the Rock River in Springtime:
Link to the fish passage camera:
Friday, February 10, 2012
What's happening....
My son Shannon had a half day of school today, so we did what a father and son should do on a snowy day, we went to State Fair Park to the 20th Annual Milwaukee Muskie Expo.
Met and talked with lots of people. Saw a really innovative piece of boat hardware in the MACCCCS Inc Net Holder. It's not available yet, but the display and demo were impressive.
Lots of interesting tackle. Rollie and Hellen's have a huge booth again this year. Also got a chance to chat with Beaver from Jerry's Sport Service about a new boat. I'm considering upgrading to a Lund Impact, to expand my guiding options.
One of my favorite musky lure outfits, Thuja Lures wasn't at the show, but Charlie did send over some a picture of his new topwaters today. He's been working closely with the folks over at Smokey's to refine his process and colors. Check these out.....
I've had good success with Thuja topwaters on our local lakes, especially on Okauchee, Garvin and Oconomowoc Lakes. They are handcrafted wood designs, so they have some mass, but I like the size profile and the action on the ones I have, especially my Bog-Hog globe.
Stay warm and safe....open water is just around the corner.
Cheers,
CT
Met and talked with lots of people. Saw a really innovative piece of boat hardware in the MACCCCS Inc Net Holder. It's not available yet, but the display and demo were impressive.
Lots of interesting tackle. Rollie and Hellen's have a huge booth again this year. Also got a chance to chat with Beaver from Jerry's Sport Service about a new boat. I'm considering upgrading to a Lund Impact, to expand my guiding options.
One of my favorite musky lure outfits, Thuja Lures wasn't at the show, but Charlie did send over some a picture of his new topwaters today. He's been working closely with the folks over at Smokey's to refine his process and colors. Check these out.....
I've had good success with Thuja topwaters on our local lakes, especially on Okauchee, Garvin and Oconomowoc Lakes. They are handcrafted wood designs, so they have some mass, but I like the size profile and the action on the ones I have, especially my Bog-Hog globe.
Stay warm and safe....open water is just around the corner.
Cheers,
CT
Friday, February 3, 2012
Ice Fishing this weekend (Fishing Report 2-3-12)
Everyone,
Lots of jamborees this weekend, and ice conditions are getting pretty sketchy. Just be careful if you're heading out.
Panfish are biting a couple times a day in green weeds in 4-8 feet of water. Smaller seems to be the operative word for presentations this season.
Pike are still biting aggresively, especially the smaller fish. This is classic pre-spawn behavior. Look for them on the edges of weeds or adjacent to drop offs. Medium shiners or suckers will do the job for the aggressive fish, but dead bait is catching the larger fish. I recommend a 2-1 Livebait-deadbait spread on your tip ups.
I have heard the best reports from people on Okauchee, Moose (be super careful), Golden, Silver, Pretty and Forest. Nag has also been pretty active, as have the Nashotah and Genessee Lakes.
Open water fishing continues to be hot in the Milwaukee Harbor. Browns and Lakers are being caught by boat and shore anglers.
The Rock River is still iced in, but if you want to give the Wisconsin River a try, people heading out below the dam have been catching some quality fish. Last reports indicated the river was open from the dam to the cables, and that some nice pre-spawn fish were being caught out of slack water.
If you're heading out this weekend, feel free to call or email me for up to date info.
Good Luck. Be Safe and Cheers.
CT
Lots of jamborees this weekend, and ice conditions are getting pretty sketchy. Just be careful if you're heading out.
Panfish are biting a couple times a day in green weeds in 4-8 feet of water. Smaller seems to be the operative word for presentations this season.
Pike are still biting aggresively, especially the smaller fish. This is classic pre-spawn behavior. Look for them on the edges of weeds or adjacent to drop offs. Medium shiners or suckers will do the job for the aggressive fish, but dead bait is catching the larger fish. I recommend a 2-1 Livebait-deadbait spread on your tip ups.
I have heard the best reports from people on Okauchee, Moose (be super careful), Golden, Silver, Pretty and Forest. Nag has also been pretty active, as have the Nashotah and Genessee Lakes.
Open water fishing continues to be hot in the Milwaukee Harbor. Browns and Lakers are being caught by boat and shore anglers.
The Rock River is still iced in, but if you want to give the Wisconsin River a try, people heading out below the dam have been catching some quality fish. Last reports indicated the river was open from the dam to the cables, and that some nice pre-spawn fish were being caught out of slack water.
If you're heading out this weekend, feel free to call or email me for up to date info.
Good Luck. Be Safe and Cheers.
CT
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Public Service Message---The Update
Update (2-1-12): The folks at Lake-Link.Com are now rethinking the event on Delevan a bit.
New Details are available here.
I'd be real careful if heading out to any of the Jamborees scheduled for this weekend.
New Details are available here.
I'd be real careful if heading out to any of the Jamborees scheduled for this weekend.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Public Service Message
Lake Link.com's Jamboree is this weekend. With the weather being as unseasonal as it has been, lots of anglers are asking about ice conditions on Delevan.
Here's a post they put up this morning.
Cheers,
CT
PS. Dave Duwe knows his stuff, but after a couple of days in the 50 degree range, there's no way I'd be heading out there. Be safe.
Here's a post they put up this morning.
Cheers,
CT
PS. Dave Duwe knows his stuff, but after a couple of days in the 50 degree range, there's no way I'd be heading out there. Be safe.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Shaky Ice Conditions
It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when ice fishing. Lots of people are pressing their luck right now and men and gear are going through.
Madison area lakes are being declared unsafe by the DNR, and UW-Madison has warned students about fishing in the area in front of the student union.
Closer to home, atv riders went through on Okauchee last night. Temperatures this week are projected to be in the mid 40's at times, so there's going to be movement in the ice that's there.
Stay safe if you're heading out.
Cheers,
CT
Madison area lakes are being declared unsafe by the DNR, and UW-Madison has warned students about fishing in the area in front of the student union.
Closer to home, atv riders went through on Okauchee last night. Temperatures this week are projected to be in the mid 40's at times, so there's going to be movement in the ice that's there.
Stay safe if you're heading out.
Cheers,
CT
Friday, January 20, 2012
Fishing Report 1-20-12
Here's some info from Greg at Musky Mikes. Looks like most people are hitting the smaller lakes. Becky Smith's report at her shop's page from earlier this week (dated 1-18-12) says pretty much the same thing.
My info isn't much different. Because of ice conditions before the freeze this week, most people have been out in the protected areas/shallow bays/small lakes. Now that we've had a solid deep freeze, expect to see some movement to bigger water.
Stay safe. The snow is covering up some sketchy ice. Standard rules apply: PFD, Buddy System and spud bar use.
Here's what I got in over the last two-three days. Getting a little more specific info this week.
Okauchee: Icehouse has between 3-8 inches. Pike have been very good along the south shore cut, just past the drop off. A few larger pike have come off the deeper water around the sandbar-roadbed area at the mouth. A few crappies are in the deeper hole just inside the bay. Bluegill action has been spotty.
Okauchee: Bay Five Ice goes from solid to sketchy, especially in areas where the current is directly flowing in and off of the main channel. Pike have been very active, but smaller. Bluegills are biting a couple times a day, and stacked up over the larger brushpiles/wood laydowns. No word on crappies.
Golden: Pike are active on the south end. Ice on North end was shifting some, and a little thin in spots. Panfish would bit if you could find them, but the larger schools of keepers are suspending off the deep weed edge areas in 15 FOW.
Silver: Lots of people have been out, but reports have been a little thin in terms of action. Smaller gills and a few undersize pike. One guy I talked with, who is a pretty reliable source said he couldn't keep the bass off his tip-up minnows the other day, but he never caught one over 12 inches.
Kessus: Other than reports of a monster pike (it gets a little bigger each time I hear a different person talk about it now-it went from a 36" to a 41" in a matter of minutes) that have been making the rounds, bluegills seem to be the hot action on Kessus. Shallow ends of the bays and the marshy area have been productive.
Nagawicka: Kettle...I know its been busy, but none of the people I have talked with have been out there. Becky's people at Dick Smiths or Greg at Musky Mikes will have better information.
Ashippun: Always a winter sleeper, Ashippun has been providing some decent action for pike. Ice reports are that it goes from solid to thin in a matter of feet, so be careful, but look for pike in the reedy area near the launch. Gills and crappies have been out deep and on the bottom.
Good Luck...and be safe...
CT
PS...scroll down for a special offer for this year's open water season.
My info isn't much different. Because of ice conditions before the freeze this week, most people have been out in the protected areas/shallow bays/small lakes. Now that we've had a solid deep freeze, expect to see some movement to bigger water.
Stay safe. The snow is covering up some sketchy ice. Standard rules apply: PFD, Buddy System and spud bar use.
Here's what I got in over the last two-three days. Getting a little more specific info this week.
Okauchee: Icehouse has between 3-8 inches. Pike have been very good along the south shore cut, just past the drop off. A few larger pike have come off the deeper water around the sandbar-roadbed area at the mouth. A few crappies are in the deeper hole just inside the bay. Bluegill action has been spotty.
Okauchee: Bay Five Ice goes from solid to sketchy, especially in areas where the current is directly flowing in and off of the main channel. Pike have been very active, but smaller. Bluegills are biting a couple times a day, and stacked up over the larger brushpiles/wood laydowns. No word on crappies.
Golden: Pike are active on the south end. Ice on North end was shifting some, and a little thin in spots. Panfish would bit if you could find them, but the larger schools of keepers are suspending off the deep weed edge areas in 15 FOW.
Silver: Lots of people have been out, but reports have been a little thin in terms of action. Smaller gills and a few undersize pike. One guy I talked with, who is a pretty reliable source said he couldn't keep the bass off his tip-up minnows the other day, but he never caught one over 12 inches.
Kessus: Other than reports of a monster pike (it gets a little bigger each time I hear a different person talk about it now-it went from a 36" to a 41" in a matter of minutes) that have been making the rounds, bluegills seem to be the hot action on Kessus. Shallow ends of the bays and the marshy area have been productive.
Nagawicka: Kettle...I know its been busy, but none of the people I have talked with have been out there. Becky's people at Dick Smiths or Greg at Musky Mikes will have better information.
Ashippun: Always a winter sleeper, Ashippun has been providing some decent action for pike. Ice reports are that it goes from solid to thin in a matter of feet, so be careful, but look for pike in the reedy area near the launch. Gills and crappies have been out deep and on the bottom.
Good Luck...and be safe...
CT
PS...scroll down for a special offer for this year's open water season.
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
2012 Bookings -Special Pre-Season Pricing
I like to use this blog to share information with local fisherman, but part of that process is the guiding that I do.
I'm currently looking ahead to this open water season, and while I have several trips booked with my year to year regulars, I'd like to take this opportunity to extend a special deal to anyone interested in a fishing trip with me during the open water season.
If you book a date with me for this season before March 15th, I'll take you on a half day trip in April-September (5-6 hours) for just $200. The trip will be a multispecies outing on a body of water we agree on, and you have to send me a check or paypal me a deposit to hold your day.
I'll entertain specific requests for individually, but I'd like to think of these trips as a "fishing lesson" as much as a guided outing. Don't mistake my intentions, we'll catch fish when we go, just like anytime you fish with me.
Other guides in our area specialize in taking you out to catch fish their way, (typically slow trolling with live bait) but I recognize that the real service I can provide you with is to teach you how to catch fish on our local lakes. That's a little different than what most guides do when you are out with them. But the best service I have provided to clients in the past, whether on the water or in the baitshop has been to share my knowledge with people in order to help them improve their own skill sets.
If you're interested in booking one of these trips at the special price (about 20% off last years rate), email me or give me a call.
Cheers,
CT
I'm currently looking ahead to this open water season, and while I have several trips booked with my year to year regulars, I'd like to take this opportunity to extend a special deal to anyone interested in a fishing trip with me during the open water season.
If you book a date with me for this season before March 15th, I'll take you on a half day trip in April-September (5-6 hours) for just $200. The trip will be a multispecies outing on a body of water we agree on, and you have to send me a check or paypal me a deposit to hold your day.
I'll entertain specific requests for individually, but I'd like to think of these trips as a "fishing lesson" as much as a guided outing. Don't mistake my intentions, we'll catch fish when we go, just like anytime you fish with me.
Other guides in our area specialize in taking you out to catch fish their way, (typically slow trolling with live bait) but I recognize that the real service I can provide you with is to teach you how to catch fish on our local lakes. That's a little different than what most guides do when you are out with them. But the best service I have provided to clients in the past, whether on the water or in the baitshop has been to share my knowledge with people in order to help them improve their own skill sets.
If you're interested in booking one of these trips at the special price (about 20% off last years rate), email me or give me a call.
Cheers,
CT
Friday, January 13, 2012
Fishing and Ice Update 1-13-12
Not much new to report, but before I get to it, just a word of caution about the ice. Last nights snow is going to cover up some questionable ice. It will be colder now (no more 60 degree days in January) so the ice will firm up, especially during the cold overnights, but until we've had a little more of this seasonal weather, continue to be careful.
One of the most common places people go through is near the shore where people are entering or leaving the ice. These places get alot of foot traffic, and can be soft even with surrounding ice being plenty safe. I went through one year as the last guy in line after a group walking off all used the same spot to exit. Take it from me, going through is not only scary and dangerous, but a cold and wet walk back sucks big time.
In terms of fishing, I'd stick to the smaller bodies of water. Bluegills seem to be moving a bit, so be ready to be portable, but shallow bays with green weeds will have active fish. Bay Five and just off the sandbar in Ice House have been giving up some keepers, as well as Forest, the west cut on Moose, Silver, Golden (South Flat), Middle Geneesee and School Section. Lots of people have been talking about the Kettle on Nag, but it's been hit or miss by the sound of it. Gills love teardrop jigs with waxies or spikes, but wigglers on a tiny hook can really grab some short biters. I'd try to fish just above the weeds, but consider using a spring bobber for light biters.
Crappie are moving into areas adjacent to current. This is a seasonal pattern for winter crappies here. Look for shallow depressions or holes just off the main current area. Green weeds or shallow sand grass will pull them in, but fish attractors, stumps or laydowns will likely have some active fish. I heard some good words about crappie on Golden and Okauchee, but it sounded like the hotspots the last week were Lower Nehmabin and Upper Nashotah.
As for pike, tipups with medium sized live bait (shiners or suckers) will generate the most action. Deeper areas of weed flats will be holding some fish, as well as the first break line into deep water. You might also find some yellow perch in the same areas. Be careful as you head over deeper water, but that's where the big girls are hiding right now. Smelt works awesome this time of year, but when you put your spread out, try both live and dead bait as some days the fish prefer one over the other. I usally try to go 2-1 favoring live bait per three tipups and then adjust as the fish tell me what they want.
Walleye were biting great in the Dells, but you'll need the boat if you're heading up that way. A few fish are also being caught off the walls along the open water areas of the Rock River in Jefferson and Ft Atkinson. Closer to home, the nearshore areas of Lac Labelle and the shallow flats off the park on
Fowler both gave up some fish according to my sources.
Speaking of the boat, Ben Kueng is still guiding in the Milwaukee Harbor area. It sounds like the fishing has been pretty good, although I don't know how long it will be that way. If you're interested in heading out with him, there's a link to his website on the right hand column. That's fun fishing out there for sure, but I don't guide out there. He's a great guy, and make sure you tell him I sent you his way.
If the cold sticks around, expect things to get very good over the next week to 10 days. More people will be out, and better info comes in then.
.
Good Luck and Be Safe,
CT
Update: Looks like Becky Smith just did an update at her report as well. You can check it out here.
One of the most common places people go through is near the shore where people are entering or leaving the ice. These places get alot of foot traffic, and can be soft even with surrounding ice being plenty safe. I went through one year as the last guy in line after a group walking off all used the same spot to exit. Take it from me, going through is not only scary and dangerous, but a cold and wet walk back sucks big time.
In terms of fishing, I'd stick to the smaller bodies of water. Bluegills seem to be moving a bit, so be ready to be portable, but shallow bays with green weeds will have active fish. Bay Five and just off the sandbar in Ice House have been giving up some keepers, as well as Forest, the west cut on Moose, Silver, Golden (South Flat), Middle Geneesee and School Section. Lots of people have been talking about the Kettle on Nag, but it's been hit or miss by the sound of it. Gills love teardrop jigs with waxies or spikes, but wigglers on a tiny hook can really grab some short biters. I'd try to fish just above the weeds, but consider using a spring bobber for light biters.
Crappie are moving into areas adjacent to current. This is a seasonal pattern for winter crappies here. Look for shallow depressions or holes just off the main current area. Green weeds or shallow sand grass will pull them in, but fish attractors, stumps or laydowns will likely have some active fish. I heard some good words about crappie on Golden and Okauchee, but it sounded like the hotspots the last week were Lower Nehmabin and Upper Nashotah.
As for pike, tipups with medium sized live bait (shiners or suckers) will generate the most action. Deeper areas of weed flats will be holding some fish, as well as the first break line into deep water. You might also find some yellow perch in the same areas. Be careful as you head over deeper water, but that's where the big girls are hiding right now. Smelt works awesome this time of year, but when you put your spread out, try both live and dead bait as some days the fish prefer one over the other. I usally try to go 2-1 favoring live bait per three tipups and then adjust as the fish tell me what they want.
Walleye were biting great in the Dells, but you'll need the boat if you're heading up that way. A few fish are also being caught off the walls along the open water areas of the Rock River in Jefferson and Ft Atkinson. Closer to home, the nearshore areas of Lac Labelle and the shallow flats off the park on
Fowler both gave up some fish according to my sources.
Speaking of the boat, Ben Kueng is still guiding in the Milwaukee Harbor area. It sounds like the fishing has been pretty good, although I don't know how long it will be that way. If you're interested in heading out with him, there's a link to his website on the right hand column. That's fun fishing out there for sure, but I don't guide out there. He's a great guy, and make sure you tell him I sent you his way.
If the cold sticks around, expect things to get very good over the next week to 10 days. More people will be out, and better info comes in then.
.
Good Luck and Be Safe,
CT
Update: Looks like Becky Smith just did an update at her report as well. You can check it out here.
Saturday, January 7, 2012
Fishing Report 1-7-2012 (Yes I'm Back)
Sorry I have been away. I'm back, and thanks for sticking with me.
Well its pretty nice outside, and that has put a little damper on the fishing. Don't get me wrong, the fish are biting just fine, its just that the ice conditions have been very spotty on area lakes.
Several lakes have people out, but I would still exercise some extra caution if you're ice fishing locally. PFD, the buddy system and a spud bar are all excellent tools you should be using. Stay away from deep water, and especially from moving water/current areas that look a little sketchy.
Fox, Nagawicka and the Genesse Lakes have been pretty active.
Panfish are biting a couple times a day. On high pressure days, the fish are suspending over bottom structure or fish attractors. You'll need electronics to fish these effectively. On the low pressure days, the fish have been tight to the bottom. Smaller jig, bigger bait presentation is always good for early ice, and it seems to be working right now. Watch for light bites, and vary your jigging stroke till you find the right move to trigger the bite. Then repeat.
Pike are biting, but it seems like the most active fish have been smaller, more aggressive fish. This is typical of this time of year, as smaller buck male pike go on an early pre-spawn feeding binge. If you're using a tip up and consistently catching smaller pike, move out just a little bit deeper and set back up. Shallow water and green weeds will get you some action, but the larger pike are probably still using the first deep break and the sandgrass. The closer we get to spring, the closer you should move to shallow marshy areas.
Walleye have been biting, but in a feeding window in the evening. I'm not sure about a morning feeding window, but everyone I have spoken with (ie the other guides and the network of old fisherman I stay in contact with) has been talking about an evening bite. According to information I'm hearing, 8-12 and 12-15 feet (where there is safe ice) has been on fire. Go big with your bait though, it seems like the larger shiners have been better than suckers or smaller shiners.
More as it comes in. I suggest checking with the local shops for ice conditions on a daily basis until our weather decides to catch up with the season.
Cheers
CT
Well its pretty nice outside, and that has put a little damper on the fishing. Don't get me wrong, the fish are biting just fine, its just that the ice conditions have been very spotty on area lakes.
Several lakes have people out, but I would still exercise some extra caution if you're ice fishing locally. PFD, the buddy system and a spud bar are all excellent tools you should be using. Stay away from deep water, and especially from moving water/current areas that look a little sketchy.
Fox, Nagawicka and the Genesse Lakes have been pretty active.
Panfish are biting a couple times a day. On high pressure days, the fish are suspending over bottom structure or fish attractors. You'll need electronics to fish these effectively. On the low pressure days, the fish have been tight to the bottom. Smaller jig, bigger bait presentation is always good for early ice, and it seems to be working right now. Watch for light bites, and vary your jigging stroke till you find the right move to trigger the bite. Then repeat.
Pike are biting, but it seems like the most active fish have been smaller, more aggressive fish. This is typical of this time of year, as smaller buck male pike go on an early pre-spawn feeding binge. If you're using a tip up and consistently catching smaller pike, move out just a little bit deeper and set back up. Shallow water and green weeds will get you some action, but the larger pike are probably still using the first deep break and the sandgrass. The closer we get to spring, the closer you should move to shallow marshy areas.
Walleye have been biting, but in a feeding window in the evening. I'm not sure about a morning feeding window, but everyone I have spoken with (ie the other guides and the network of old fisherman I stay in contact with) has been talking about an evening bite. According to information I'm hearing, 8-12 and 12-15 feet (where there is safe ice) has been on fire. Go big with your bait though, it seems like the larger shiners have been better than suckers or smaller shiners.
More as it comes in. I suggest checking with the local shops for ice conditions on a daily basis until our weather decides to catch up with the season.
Cheers
CT
Friday, December 16, 2011
Success
I successfully defended my dissertation yesterday.
Fishing reports will resume next week.
Cheers
Dr. Christopher Terry, PhD
Fishing reports will resume next week.
Cheers
Dr. Christopher Terry, PhD
Thursday, December 8, 2011
Gone Fishin'....
Well, not really.
As many of you know, I'm a candidate for a PhD at UW-Madison. I've been doing graduate work in Communication Law and Policy for several years, and I'm nearly done. In fact, one week from today, I will defend my dissertation, and assuming everything goes as planned, I will be Dr. Christopher Terry by this time next week.
I apologize for the lack of reports, I've just been crazy busy with everything involved with this major, no epic life event. I'll get back on the horse in a week or two, until then...stay safe.
Cheers,
CT
As many of you know, I'm a candidate for a PhD at UW-Madison. I've been doing graduate work in Communication Law and Policy for several years, and I'm nearly done. In fact, one week from today, I will defend my dissertation, and assuming everything goes as planned, I will be Dr. Christopher Terry by this time next week.
I apologize for the lack of reports, I've just been crazy busy with everything involved with this major, no epic life event. I'll get back on the horse in a week or two, until then...stay safe.
Cheers,
CT
Saturday, November 12, 2011
Big Fish Time: Fishing Report 11-12-11
It is, as they say, on.
Lots of big muskies are being caught. Look for them in weeds in 6-15 feet.You can catch them throwing big cranks, jerkbaits, bulldogs or bucktails, but the biggest suckers are cathing the most fish. Okauchee has been red hot. Pewaukee has been touch and go, but on when its on. Garvin and Oconomowoc are giving up steady action. Lac Labelle and Fowler have been slower, but a few fish are still being caught.
Smallmouth fishing has been exceptional this fall. Long lining with live bait on slip sinker or split shot rigs has been the most effective, but a few nice smallies are coming in on big white-deep-diving crankbaits at the end of mainlake points.
River Walleye fishing has been great on the Wisconsin, Fox, Wolf and Rock Rivers. Close to home, Jefferson and Ft Atkinson are giving up a mixed bag of walleyes and whitebass, but the river is very low, so watch your lower unit.
Good Luck,
CT
Lots of big muskies are being caught. Look for them in weeds in 6-15 feet.You can catch them throwing big cranks, jerkbaits, bulldogs or bucktails, but the biggest suckers are cathing the most fish. Okauchee has been red hot. Pewaukee has been touch and go, but on when its on. Garvin and Oconomowoc are giving up steady action. Lac Labelle and Fowler have been slower, but a few fish are still being caught.
Smallmouth fishing has been exceptional this fall. Long lining with live bait on slip sinker or split shot rigs has been the most effective, but a few nice smallies are coming in on big white-deep-diving crankbaits at the end of mainlake points.
River Walleye fishing has been great on the Wisconsin, Fox, Wolf and Rock Rivers. Close to home, Jefferson and Ft Atkinson are giving up a mixed bag of walleyes and whitebass, but the river is very low, so watch your lower unit.
Good Luck,
CT
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Fishing Report 10-26-11
Halloween is near, time to trick a musky with a huge sucker on a quick strike rig.
A few of the lakes are showing turnover signs, but the water is starting to clear up a bit. Cooler nights ahead will finish the process.
Musky Fishing continues to be good. White continues to be a hot color, with perch patterns close behind. Some of the guides are reporting consistent action, with the majority of fish being taken while floating suckers on quick strike rigs. Pewaukee is going steady, but the bigger fish haven't turned on as of yet. Slower action on Okauchee, Fowler, Lac Labelle, on Oconomowoc. Garvin has given up a few fish since the cooler weather set in, and they have all come on the south weed-flat drop-off.
Fall Smallmouth fishing is in full gear. Drifting with live bait on a split shot rig is producing, as is cranking open water structure with white or chartreuse crankbaits or spinners. Oconomowoc, Pine and Nag are all happening right now, as are the lakes in the Madison chain. Deep, but still green weeds is the pattern. Fish are coming as deep as 30 feet on live bait.
Pike fishing is about average for this time of year. Spinners, crankbaits, stickbaits and live bait rigs are all producing at different times. The better fish are coming from the rivers or smaller lakes, like Ashippun, School Section, Pretty and Lower Genessee. Golden is usually pretty good about this time of year, but I haven't heard anything specific.
Walleye are biting on the Rock, Wisconsin and Fox Rivers, but the action has been inconsistent. Low water is hampering the bite, although a decent number of larger walleyes are being reported. Slow drifts with live bait, especially larger fatheads or small suckers have been the most productive. Slow and steady wins the race.
Good Luck, and continue to check in with your local bait shop for changes to day to day conditions.
Cheers,
CT
A few of the lakes are showing turnover signs, but the water is starting to clear up a bit. Cooler nights ahead will finish the process.
Musky Fishing continues to be good. White continues to be a hot color, with perch patterns close behind. Some of the guides are reporting consistent action, with the majority of fish being taken while floating suckers on quick strike rigs. Pewaukee is going steady, but the bigger fish haven't turned on as of yet. Slower action on Okauchee, Fowler, Lac Labelle, on Oconomowoc. Garvin has given up a few fish since the cooler weather set in, and they have all come on the south weed-flat drop-off.
Fall Smallmouth fishing is in full gear. Drifting with live bait on a split shot rig is producing, as is cranking open water structure with white or chartreuse crankbaits or spinners. Oconomowoc, Pine and Nag are all happening right now, as are the lakes in the Madison chain. Deep, but still green weeds is the pattern. Fish are coming as deep as 30 feet on live bait.
Pike fishing is about average for this time of year. Spinners, crankbaits, stickbaits and live bait rigs are all producing at different times. The better fish are coming from the rivers or smaller lakes, like Ashippun, School Section, Pretty and Lower Genessee. Golden is usually pretty good about this time of year, but I haven't heard anything specific.
Walleye are biting on the Rock, Wisconsin and Fox Rivers, but the action has been inconsistent. Low water is hampering the bite, although a decent number of larger walleyes are being reported. Slow drifts with live bait, especially larger fatheads or small suckers have been the most productive. Slow and steady wins the race.
Good Luck, and continue to check in with your local bait shop for changes to day to day conditions.
Cheers,
CT
Thursday, October 20, 2011
Now...its time (Fishing Report 10-20-11)
Well gang,
I was really enjoying our fall weather, but it was making fishing a little complicated. With the dramatic shift in the weather over the last couple of days, things get simpler.
First off, live bait. If you're fishing for bass, pike or walleye, plastics, cranks and spinners will work, but now is really the time to make the switch to using oversized live bait. Big shiners(if you can get them) or small suckers. I like both lindy and split shot rigs as a presentation. Catching a drift while long lining live bait is a surefire tactic. Look for deep water adjacent to shallow structure. If the fish aren't on top of the bars, look for them in deep water just off the shallow stuff. The downwind side of points, where deeper water touches the long edge of a point will really concentrate fish.
The other advice I have this time of year to focus your attention on the bigger lakes. I much prefer to fish Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Nag and Lac Labelle this time of year. One there's no boat traffic, but two there's also more big fish to chase. My fall sleeper lakes are Pretty and Lower Genessee, both of which have huge pike.
Musky fishing has been slow and steady, but the cooler weather will turn things on quick. The water has been hovering in the low 60 degree range, but expect that to change quickly as the nights get cool. Now is the time to bust out the preposterously large jerkbaits, "pounder" bulldogs and the huge cowgirls you keep in your box. And if you're going out, never leave the dock without a sucker on a quick strike or lift-off rig. Now is when the sucker bite will really pick up. Don't be afraid to ask for the biggest ones in the tank at Mikes, Dick Smiths or Smokey's when you drop in.
Look for musky in what's left of the weeds. If you see ciscos popping up, you're in the money zone, but look for weeds along rock bars and drops for some action. On sunny days, you will find a few musky patrolling the rock or sand shallows to feed on yellow perch.
Pewaukee has been slow, Okauchee even slower, Oconomowoc and Lac Labelle have been Okay. I heard of two high 40 inchers out of North Lake and a solid 46 out of Fowler. I'm sure all the lakes will turn on with the rain and cooler temps.
Good Luck, and be safe.
CT
I was really enjoying our fall weather, but it was making fishing a little complicated. With the dramatic shift in the weather over the last couple of days, things get simpler.
First off, live bait. If you're fishing for bass, pike or walleye, plastics, cranks and spinners will work, but now is really the time to make the switch to using oversized live bait. Big shiners(if you can get them) or small suckers. I like both lindy and split shot rigs as a presentation. Catching a drift while long lining live bait is a surefire tactic. Look for deep water adjacent to shallow structure. If the fish aren't on top of the bars, look for them in deep water just off the shallow stuff. The downwind side of points, where deeper water touches the long edge of a point will really concentrate fish.
The other advice I have this time of year to focus your attention on the bigger lakes. I much prefer to fish Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Nag and Lac Labelle this time of year. One there's no boat traffic, but two there's also more big fish to chase. My fall sleeper lakes are Pretty and Lower Genessee, both of which have huge pike.
Musky fishing has been slow and steady, but the cooler weather will turn things on quick. The water has been hovering in the low 60 degree range, but expect that to change quickly as the nights get cool. Now is the time to bust out the preposterously large jerkbaits, "pounder" bulldogs and the huge cowgirls you keep in your box. And if you're going out, never leave the dock without a sucker on a quick strike or lift-off rig. Now is when the sucker bite will really pick up. Don't be afraid to ask for the biggest ones in the tank at Mikes, Dick Smiths or Smokey's when you drop in.
Look for musky in what's left of the weeds. If you see ciscos popping up, you're in the money zone, but look for weeds along rock bars and drops for some action. On sunny days, you will find a few musky patrolling the rock or sand shallows to feed on yellow perch.
Pewaukee has been slow, Okauchee even slower, Oconomowoc and Lac Labelle have been Okay. I heard of two high 40 inchers out of North Lake and a solid 46 out of Fowler. I'm sure all the lakes will turn on with the rain and cooler temps.
Good Luck, and be safe.
CT
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Fishing Report 10-12-11
Just a quikie today, conditions are about to change and I'll have a full report up for the weekend.
Musky are moving, but many fish are still holding in 12-18 FOW. Fish are coming a bit shallower on Pewaukee by most reports, and deeper on Fowler, Lac Labelle and Oconomowoc.
Okauchee has been the most consistent according to the information I am getting, and lots of fish are being moved off the rocky areas near the Party and the North East Island. A couple of people seeing reported a large fish (50 inch class) moving around on the flats in Stumpy Bay on the warmer, but cloudy afternoons the last week.
Walleye fishing is still slow on the Rock River between Jefferson and Blackhawk Island, but a few whitebass and catfish are being caught. The Wisconsin River in the Dells has seen activity pick up, but the warm temperatures are holding up the usual fall fishing. Local lakes have been giving up a few walleyes, but reports from Labelle, Nagawicka, Pine and Oconomowoc all report spotty fishing.
Pike have been slow, but the smaller lakes like School Section, Pretty, Lower Genessee and Ashippun have been producing.
Crappies are on the fall bite. Look for them along green weed edges in 8-15 FOW.
Water is in the low 60's on all area lakes. I'll check in after the weather with updated conditions.
Musky are moving, but many fish are still holding in 12-18 FOW. Fish are coming a bit shallower on Pewaukee by most reports, and deeper on Fowler, Lac Labelle and Oconomowoc.
Okauchee has been the most consistent according to the information I am getting, and lots of fish are being moved off the rocky areas near the Party and the North East Island. A couple of people seeing reported a large fish (50 inch class) moving around on the flats in Stumpy Bay on the warmer, but cloudy afternoons the last week.
Walleye fishing is still slow on the Rock River between Jefferson and Blackhawk Island, but a few whitebass and catfish are being caught. The Wisconsin River in the Dells has seen activity pick up, but the warm temperatures are holding up the usual fall fishing. Local lakes have been giving up a few walleyes, but reports from Labelle, Nagawicka, Pine and Oconomowoc all report spotty fishing.
Pike have been slow, but the smaller lakes like School Section, Pretty, Lower Genessee and Ashippun have been producing.
Crappies are on the fall bite. Look for them along green weed edges in 8-15 FOW.
Water is in the low 60's on all area lakes. I'll check in after the weather with updated conditions.
Monday, October 3, 2011
Fishing Report 10-3-11
If you're thinking about heading out for a last go of it, this looks like the week to do it. The weatherman is calling for a period of stable weather, with decent afternoon daytime temperatures. The fish will be feeding, of that, you can be sure.
Concentrate on shallow structure that is adjacent to deep water. Rocks, gravel and sand that are shallow, but close to deeper drops will really pull in fish right now. Baitfish will be moving to the rocks, and the perch and juvenile bluegills will follow them in. Bass, Pike and Walleye will be right behind.
Here's what I would do. In the morning, fish tight to weed clumps, flipping or pitching, or using one of my favorite fall baits for fishing tight to cover, a buzzbait. You'll be able to grab a mixed bag of gamefish doing this. As the sun comes up, start moving off the sand/weed areas and looking for fish in rock/sand transition areas. Swimbaits, grubs and tubes are awesome for picking fish off the rocks, but if the action is a little faster go with a spinnerbait or a lipless crankbait.
If you're musky fishing, look for fish starting on the deep weed edges in 10-12 FOW. Casting with gliders, bucktails, cowgirls or jerkbaits can really produce, but we're really getting into sucker fishing season now, and you should always have one out. As the day goes on, start looking for fish to move into weed pockets to forage, and don't be afraid to look for fish in shallow water.
Around the area, Okauchee and Pewaukee have been outproducing Oconomowoc and Lac Labelle, but everything should be rolling this week.
Bass fishing has been good on Pine, Nag, Okauchee, Forest (yes Forest) The Genessee Lakes, Pretty, Golden and Silver.
Pike have been biting on Kessus, Nag, Ashippun and Pretty.
Walleye Fishing has been steady on Pine, slow on Lac Labelle, and about average on Oconomowoc. A few fish are being caught in the Dells, as well as the Rock River, but reports have been sketchy as more people are in their duck blinds or tree stands than fishing right now. No word yet on Fall whitebass, but stay tuned.
I apologize for the late post. I filed a report at the regular time, and I didn't notice that Blogger had spit it out. If you're ever looking for up to date info, just shoot me an email or give me a call, and I'll tell you what I can.
Cheers,
CT
PS. Congrats to the Badger Fishing Team who took second in the Big Ten Tournament over the weekend.
Concentrate on shallow structure that is adjacent to deep water. Rocks, gravel and sand that are shallow, but close to deeper drops will really pull in fish right now. Baitfish will be moving to the rocks, and the perch and juvenile bluegills will follow them in. Bass, Pike and Walleye will be right behind.
Here's what I would do. In the morning, fish tight to weed clumps, flipping or pitching, or using one of my favorite fall baits for fishing tight to cover, a buzzbait. You'll be able to grab a mixed bag of gamefish doing this. As the sun comes up, start moving off the sand/weed areas and looking for fish in rock/sand transition areas. Swimbaits, grubs and tubes are awesome for picking fish off the rocks, but if the action is a little faster go with a spinnerbait or a lipless crankbait.
If you're musky fishing, look for fish starting on the deep weed edges in 10-12 FOW. Casting with gliders, bucktails, cowgirls or jerkbaits can really produce, but we're really getting into sucker fishing season now, and you should always have one out. As the day goes on, start looking for fish to move into weed pockets to forage, and don't be afraid to look for fish in shallow water.
Around the area, Okauchee and Pewaukee have been outproducing Oconomowoc and Lac Labelle, but everything should be rolling this week.
Bass fishing has been good on Pine, Nag, Okauchee, Forest (yes Forest) The Genessee Lakes, Pretty, Golden and Silver.
Pike have been biting on Kessus, Nag, Ashippun and Pretty.
Walleye Fishing has been steady on Pine, slow on Lac Labelle, and about average on Oconomowoc. A few fish are being caught in the Dells, as well as the Rock River, but reports have been sketchy as more people are in their duck blinds or tree stands than fishing right now. No word yet on Fall whitebass, but stay tuned.
I apologize for the late post. I filed a report at the regular time, and I didn't notice that Blogger had spit it out. If you're ever looking for up to date info, just shoot me an email or give me a call, and I'll tell you what I can.
Cheers,
CT
PS. Congrats to the Badger Fishing Team who took second in the Big Ten Tournament over the weekend.
Friday, September 23, 2011
Fishing Report 9-23-11
Well gang the Musky are biting and the days are getting short. It is fall.
Water temps are in the low to mid 60's. The weeds are still very green, and thick on most lakes. Fishing is picking up as the water cools.
Bass and pike continue to relate to shallow weeds. Weeds on shallow flats are being used by active fish a couple times a day to feed and as ambush points. There's lots of baitfish and small bluegills swimming in the 3-8 foot depths, and the bass are feeding heavily on this batch of fish. Floating minnow baits or lipless crankbaits are catching these fish. On cooler, cloudy days, fishing tight to the weed clumps with shallow crankbaits, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits can be very good. Bigger fish can be caught flipping and pitching jigs to weed edges.
Musky are moving from the deeper water and are holding on the weedlines, but a great place to connect with a fish is an area where you find the combination of weeds and rock, near where deep and shallow water converge (ie points and bars that stretch out to deep water) Some nice fish are being moved off very shallow along rocks with visible baitfish. As the daytime temps continue to cool down, expect the action to pick up dramatically. Gliders, swimbaits, bucktails and suckers on a quick strike rig have all been producing. Gold blades continue to produce for me this season.
Bluegills are starting to pile up in weedy areas in 6-12 feet of water. Plastics tipped with wax worms are your best bets. Be ready to move in or out depending on conditions, but keepers will be a couple feet above the edges of deep structure. Expect the crappie to move in as the water temperature continues to drop, if it stays cool this weekend, areas with current will see some schools of nice crappies move in.
Walleye are moving shallow in the morning and the evenings. Minnowbaits, shiners or suckers, or spinner harnesses have been producing. The Rock River is still low, but I'm starting to hear that it is giving up some walleyes, especially in the Blackhawk Island/mouth area.
Good Luck,
CT
Water temps are in the low to mid 60's. The weeds are still very green, and thick on most lakes. Fishing is picking up as the water cools.
Bass and pike continue to relate to shallow weeds. Weeds on shallow flats are being used by active fish a couple times a day to feed and as ambush points. There's lots of baitfish and small bluegills swimming in the 3-8 foot depths, and the bass are feeding heavily on this batch of fish. Floating minnow baits or lipless crankbaits are catching these fish. On cooler, cloudy days, fishing tight to the weed clumps with shallow crankbaits, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits can be very good. Bigger fish can be caught flipping and pitching jigs to weed edges.
Musky are moving from the deeper water and are holding on the weedlines, but a great place to connect with a fish is an area where you find the combination of weeds and rock, near where deep and shallow water converge (ie points and bars that stretch out to deep water) Some nice fish are being moved off very shallow along rocks with visible baitfish. As the daytime temps continue to cool down, expect the action to pick up dramatically. Gliders, swimbaits, bucktails and suckers on a quick strike rig have all been producing. Gold blades continue to produce for me this season.
Bluegills are starting to pile up in weedy areas in 6-12 feet of water. Plastics tipped with wax worms are your best bets. Be ready to move in or out depending on conditions, but keepers will be a couple feet above the edges of deep structure. Expect the crappie to move in as the water temperature continues to drop, if it stays cool this weekend, areas with current will see some schools of nice crappies move in.
Walleye are moving shallow in the morning and the evenings. Minnowbaits, shiners or suckers, or spinner harnesses have been producing. The Rock River is still low, but I'm starting to hear that it is giving up some walleyes, especially in the Blackhawk Island/mouth area.
Good Luck,
CT
Friday, September 16, 2011
Fishing Report 9-16-2011
Well gang, if you've looked out your window, you may have noticed that conditions are rapidly changing. The warm days and cooler nights are forcing fall conditions into play. This makes giving you up to date information on fishing conditions a little tougher than normal.
Ahead of the cold front, water temps were in the mid 70's, this morning, some of the shallow water was in the high 60's and giving off heat. And while the days will be sunny and warm, the nighttime conditions are going to be increasingly cooler.
Look for fish to move into shallow areas a couple time per day to feed. Unless chasing walleyes on deeper structure, or suspended crappies, I'd move into the 12-15 foot depth, and work my way shallower from there. Typically, rock/sand transition areas are where I do the best this time of year. I'd also consider moving from plastics to live bait or crankbaits. I'll still use plastics this time of year, but I move away from smaller finessee jig or wackyworms, to big jig/chunk combos, skirted grubs and flukes. Moving around to find active fish is always key this time of year, your best clue that you're in the right spot will be the presence of visible schools of baitfish.
For now, look for panfish to move out of the deeper water and up to the ends of points. Bluegills will be around the end of shallow points that border much deep water. Drops that go rapidly from 6-8 to 12-15 FOW can really concentrate active fish. Crappie continue to suspend along weedlines, but they will move in tighter to shallow weed clumps as fall continues. Lakes like Pine, Lac Labelle and Oconomowoc with fishable perch populations will see that bite turn on over the next for weeks.
Bass will start feeding heavily over the next few weeks. Traditional techniques like wacky and jig worms will catch fish, but consider moving toward faster presentations like spinner and crankbaits. Wide wobbling shallow runners, or shad rap style, white, shad or baby bass colored crankbaits are fantastic options this time of year. Look at shallow weed/rock or weed/sand transition areas first, then move up onto the rockbars and fish them hard. Larger minnows or small suckers will outproduce nightcrawlers this time of year.
Walleye: The bite maybe tough, but slow trolling with live bait rigs is the superior daytime option for local lakes right now. Split shot or lindy rigs pulled around the edge of shallow structure, or drifted across sand flats will produce, but expect the bite to be a little spotty at times.
Musky: As the water temps cool, activity will pick up. For now, casting over the weed edges is probably the best option, but don't over look isolated pieces of shallow rock structure where active fish will come into forage, especially in the later afternoons. Now is certainly the time to drag a sucker while casting, and remember to do a figure 8 on EVERY cast.
Check back in this week, I'll post something after the cold front goes through.
Cheers,
CT
Ahead of the cold front, water temps were in the mid 70's, this morning, some of the shallow water was in the high 60's and giving off heat. And while the days will be sunny and warm, the nighttime conditions are going to be increasingly cooler.
Look for fish to move into shallow areas a couple time per day to feed. Unless chasing walleyes on deeper structure, or suspended crappies, I'd move into the 12-15 foot depth, and work my way shallower from there. Typically, rock/sand transition areas are where I do the best this time of year. I'd also consider moving from plastics to live bait or crankbaits. I'll still use plastics this time of year, but I move away from smaller finessee jig or wackyworms, to big jig/chunk combos, skirted grubs and flukes. Moving around to find active fish is always key this time of year, your best clue that you're in the right spot will be the presence of visible schools of baitfish.
For now, look for panfish to move out of the deeper water and up to the ends of points. Bluegills will be around the end of shallow points that border much deep water. Drops that go rapidly from 6-8 to 12-15 FOW can really concentrate active fish. Crappie continue to suspend along weedlines, but they will move in tighter to shallow weed clumps as fall continues. Lakes like Pine, Lac Labelle and Oconomowoc with fishable perch populations will see that bite turn on over the next for weeks.
Bass will start feeding heavily over the next few weeks. Traditional techniques like wacky and jig worms will catch fish, but consider moving toward faster presentations like spinner and crankbaits. Wide wobbling shallow runners, or shad rap style, white, shad or baby bass colored crankbaits are fantastic options this time of year. Look at shallow weed/rock or weed/sand transition areas first, then move up onto the rockbars and fish them hard. Larger minnows or small suckers will outproduce nightcrawlers this time of year.
Walleye: The bite maybe tough, but slow trolling with live bait rigs is the superior daytime option for local lakes right now. Split shot or lindy rigs pulled around the edge of shallow structure, or drifted across sand flats will produce, but expect the bite to be a little spotty at times.
Musky: As the water temps cool, activity will pick up. For now, casting over the weed edges is probably the best option, but don't over look isolated pieces of shallow rock structure where active fish will come into forage, especially in the later afternoons. Now is certainly the time to drag a sucker while casting, and remember to do a figure 8 on EVERY cast.
Check back in this week, I'll post something after the cold front goes through.
Cheers,
CT
Friday, September 9, 2011
Shameless Self Promotion Post
I have a select set of weekday and weekend openings for guided fall fishing trips for bass, walleye and/or musky.
If you're interested in one of these openings, please contact me via email for a special rate on half and full day trips.
Cheers,
CT
If you're interested in one of these openings, please contact me via email for a special rate on half and full day trips.
Cheers,
CT
Fishing Report 9-9-2011
Fall is upon us. Fishing will be great for the next 4-6 weeks.
Look to shift your fishing hours with the shorter days. Often the best bite is in the middle of the afternoon.
The water is in the low 70's on most lakes in our area. Weeds are still green for the most part and the fall algae blooms are starting to clear up. There are schools of bait in both deep and shallow water, both of which are drawing attention from the gamefish right now.
Largemouth are holding along clumps of weeds on the shallow flats, with a few still chasing bait along the deeper weed edges. 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, typically something they will start to do a couple times a day. When the water and air temperatures begin to cool down even more, a good number of fish will use shallow rocky areas that get some direct sunlight 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. Wacky worms and skirted grubs are great around the rocks. Jigworms, texas rigs and jig/trailers are great around the scattered weeds. Lipless crankbaits are great in both areas. Browns, greens, orange or black are usally the best colors for plastics (pretty much as they are all year) but white, shad, bluegill or silver colored crankbaits can really produce during the September stretch. (PS I love small, shallow running white crankbaits this time of year)
Walleye: Stick with live bait unless fishing over submerged weeds in the evening when you should consider throwing minnow-baits like rapalas and rouges. Look for walleyes in the sandgrass or along breaks in the weeds in 10-15 feet. Some fish will be deeper or shallower on our local lakes, but the best approach to locating fish is to slowly troll with a slip-sinker or lindy rig with a big minnow. As the nights stay cool and bring down the water temperatures, fish may start to move shallow during the evenings, and look for these fish in weeds in 6-8 FOW.
Northern: Have turned on recently, and have been caught in solid numbers. For bigger fish try crankbaits in bluegill, perch or white/shad color patterns. Hot N Tots, wiggle warts and the rapala deep divers are my favorites for trolling, while Norman D-22's or lipless crankbaits are better options for casting. (Again, white or a natural pattern with some white and green are my absolute go to crankbaits this time of year)
Musky: The fish are starting to make fall transitions, but the action was still a little slow. I'd expect that to make a rapid change after this week's cooler weather. Most fish are being reported from 10-15 feet of water.
Good Luck
CT
Look to shift your fishing hours with the shorter days. Often the best bite is in the middle of the afternoon.
The water is in the low 70's on most lakes in our area. Weeds are still green for the most part and the fall algae blooms are starting to clear up. There are schools of bait in both deep and shallow water, both of which are drawing attention from the gamefish right now.
Largemouth are holding along clumps of weeds on the shallow flats, with a few still chasing bait along the deeper weed edges. 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, typically something they will start to do a couple times a day. When the water and air temperatures begin to cool down even more, a good number of fish will use shallow rocky areas that get some direct sunlight 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. Wacky worms and skirted grubs are great around the rocks. Jigworms, texas rigs and jig/trailers are great around the scattered weeds. Lipless crankbaits are great in both areas. Browns, greens, orange or black are usally the best colors for plastics (pretty much as they are all year) but white, shad, bluegill or silver colored crankbaits can really produce during the September stretch. (PS I love small, shallow running white crankbaits this time of year)
Walleye: Stick with live bait unless fishing over submerged weeds in the evening when you should consider throwing minnow-baits like rapalas and rouges. Look for walleyes in the sandgrass or along breaks in the weeds in 10-15 feet. Some fish will be deeper or shallower on our local lakes, but the best approach to locating fish is to slowly troll with a slip-sinker or lindy rig with a big minnow. As the nights stay cool and bring down the water temperatures, fish may start to move shallow during the evenings, and look for these fish in weeds in 6-8 FOW.
Northern: Have turned on recently, and have been caught in solid numbers. For bigger fish try crankbaits in bluegill, perch or white/shad color patterns. Hot N Tots, wiggle warts and the rapala deep divers are my favorites for trolling, while Norman D-22's or lipless crankbaits are better options for casting. (Again, white or a natural pattern with some white and green are my absolute go to crankbaits this time of year)
Musky: The fish are starting to make fall transitions, but the action was still a little slow. I'd expect that to make a rapid change after this week's cooler weather. Most fish are being reported from 10-15 feet of water.
Good Luck
CT
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Fishing Report 9-1-2011
Welcome to September.
Fishing is going strong overall, but day to day there have been challenges. This is typically a period of unstable weather, which makes patterning fish hard from day to day.
Panfish have really slowed down over the last two weeks. Crappie and bluegill continue to bite along weedlines or suspended out over deep water. Plastics tipped with live bait, tail hooked minnows and leafworms fished vertically or with slip bobbers will produce, but you may have to put in a little time to find the keeping size fish. Evenings have been better, as is typical for this time of year.
Largemouth continue to run late summer patterns. On the hot sunny days, look for them around docks or slop, or out deep. On the cooler cloudy days, look for active fish in sand/rock or rock/weed transitions in 4-8 feet. Topwater bite will be good, especially early in the morning.
Smallmouth fishing has been spotty. If you can find some active fish, you can do well, but making that connection can be a tough nut to crack. Look for them around the edges of the shallow structure like rock bars or sand/rock transition areas. The fish will be deeper than you think they should be in most cases. Jigworms, grubs, minnowbaits and small white crankbaits can be dynamite.
Pike fishing has been slow, but steady. Lots of undersized fish are being caught in the shallow and mid-depth areas. I'd consider moving out deeper and using live bait on a slip sinker rig, trying to connect with active fish in 18-22 or 22-25 feet of water.
Musky are getting more active, but anglers are still reporting lots of lazy follows. Gliders, bulldogs and cow-girls have all produced in the past week, but most of the fish are mid-30's to low 40 inch fish. AS the water begins to cool, the action will pick up considerably.
Good Luck,
CT
Fishing is going strong overall, but day to day there have been challenges. This is typically a period of unstable weather, which makes patterning fish hard from day to day.
Panfish have really slowed down over the last two weeks. Crappie and bluegill continue to bite along weedlines or suspended out over deep water. Plastics tipped with live bait, tail hooked minnows and leafworms fished vertically or with slip bobbers will produce, but you may have to put in a little time to find the keeping size fish. Evenings have been better, as is typical for this time of year.
Largemouth continue to run late summer patterns. On the hot sunny days, look for them around docks or slop, or out deep. On the cooler cloudy days, look for active fish in sand/rock or rock/weed transitions in 4-8 feet. Topwater bite will be good, especially early in the morning.
Smallmouth fishing has been spotty. If you can find some active fish, you can do well, but making that connection can be a tough nut to crack. Look for them around the edges of the shallow structure like rock bars or sand/rock transition areas. The fish will be deeper than you think they should be in most cases. Jigworms, grubs, minnowbaits and small white crankbaits can be dynamite.
Pike fishing has been slow, but steady. Lots of undersized fish are being caught in the shallow and mid-depth areas. I'd consider moving out deeper and using live bait on a slip sinker rig, trying to connect with active fish in 18-22 or 22-25 feet of water.
Musky are getting more active, but anglers are still reporting lots of lazy follows. Gliders, bulldogs and cow-girls have all produced in the past week, but most of the fish are mid-30's to low 40 inch fish. AS the water begins to cool, the action will pick up considerably.
Good Luck,
CT
Friday, August 19, 2011
Fishing Report 8-19-11
Hey gang,
I have been out quite a bit lately, and I've hit every one of the lakes I regularly guide on over the past two weeks. The signs point to an early and cool fall, and the fish are already making moves towards late summer-early fall patterns. That might not sound like a big deal, but the action is at least a couple of weeks ahead of the "traditional schedule."
The water is in the mid 70's on most lakes in our area. The most important factor right now, other than bright sun, is the quantity of baitfish. Huge schools of bait are running at, or just below the surface in both deep and shallow water, both of which are drawing attention from the gamefish right now.
Largemouth are holding along clumps of weeds on the shallow weed flats. Others are still hanging along the deeper weed edges. The majority of the fish are being caught out of 6-10 FOW, deeper fish are coming as deep as 25 FOW. Jigs, small crankbaits, texas rigs and wacky are all catching shallow fish. Swimbaits, deep running crankbaits and drop shotting are the hot bites for deep water.
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, typically something they will start to do a couple times a day. When the water and air temperatures begin to cool down some more, fish will use rocky areas in the early afternoons.If you can't find fish on top of shallow structure, look for them to suspend in deeper water nearby.
Walleye: Stick with live bait unless fishing over submerged weeds in the evening when you should consider throwing minnow-baits like rapalas and rouges. Look for walleyes to be in the sandgrass or in breaks in the weeds as deep as 35 FOW during the day. Some fish will be deeper or shallower on our local lakes, but the best approach to locating fish is to slowly troll with a slip-sinker or lindy rig with a big minnow or small sucker.
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. For bigger fish, try Deep diving crankbaits in bluegill, perch or white/shad color patterns. Hot N Tots, wiggle warts and the rapala deep divers are my favorites for trolling, while Norman D-22's or lipless crankbaits are better options for casting.Get adjacent to the deep weedlines, and get your baits at close to the defined edge as possible.
Musky: The fish are starting to make the transition, but the action is still a little slow. I'd expect that to make a rapid change after this week. Most fish are being reported from 10-15 feet of water but the shallow bite shouldn't be overlooked. Casting bucktails, gliders, swimbaits or jerkbaits all will draw some attention, but don't forget to keep a sucker or two out on a quick-strike rig. Many fish that follow a bait to the boat will turn on for the sucker hanging nearby.
-----
Around the area:
Okauchee: Bass fishing is great, with lots of nice fish coming in. Shallow and deep patterns are producing. Musky fishing has been slow, but as fish start to come into the shallows to feed, it is likely to pick up. Pike fishing has been average, the deep weedlines have been the best, especially in Stumpy and just off the north flat.
Oconomowc: Bite is very good early and late, but action can be slow on the bright sunny days. Look for fish a little deeper than normal. Smallmouth and Largemouth action has been very good, pike has been good, but lots of smaller fish are being caught. Musky are feeding in the shallows, but lots of lazy follows continue to be reported. Walleyes are very deep, look for them in the sandgrass between 18-22 FOW, but as deep as 35 FOW.
Garvin: Panfish has been good, pike slow, musky has been great.
Silver: Bass fishing has been very good, and some keeper sized fish are being caught. Panfish have been slow.
Golden: Bass and pike have been very good early and late, with a drop off around 10am. Panfish are schooled up and suspended in deeper water. Crappie are biting along the weedlines.
Moose: Pike fishing has been fantastic. Live bait rigs trolled just off the breaks has really been producing, especially with shiners. (Not fatheads!)
Good Luck
CT
Next Local Fishing Report will be posted on 8-27-11, but drop by for reports from my trip up north.
I have been out quite a bit lately, and I've hit every one of the lakes I regularly guide on over the past two weeks. The signs point to an early and cool fall, and the fish are already making moves towards late summer-early fall patterns. That might not sound like a big deal, but the action is at least a couple of weeks ahead of the "traditional schedule."
The water is in the mid 70's on most lakes in our area. The most important factor right now, other than bright sun, is the quantity of baitfish. Huge schools of bait are running at, or just below the surface in both deep and shallow water, both of which are drawing attention from the gamefish right now.
Largemouth are holding along clumps of weeds on the shallow weed flats. Others are still hanging along the deeper weed edges. The majority of the fish are being caught out of 6-10 FOW, deeper fish are coming as deep as 25 FOW. Jigs, small crankbaits, texas rigs and wacky are all catching shallow fish. Swimbaits, deep running crankbaits and drop shotting are the hot bites for deep water.
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, typically something they will start to do a couple times a day. When the water and air temperatures begin to cool down some more, fish will use rocky areas in the early afternoons.If you can't find fish on top of shallow structure, look for them to suspend in deeper water nearby.
Walleye: Stick with live bait unless fishing over submerged weeds in the evening when you should consider throwing minnow-baits like rapalas and rouges. Look for walleyes to be in the sandgrass or in breaks in the weeds as deep as 35 FOW during the day. Some fish will be deeper or shallower on our local lakes, but the best approach to locating fish is to slowly troll with a slip-sinker or lindy rig with a big minnow or small sucker.
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. For bigger fish, try Deep diving crankbaits in bluegill, perch or white/shad color patterns. Hot N Tots, wiggle warts and the rapala deep divers are my favorites for trolling, while Norman D-22's or lipless crankbaits are better options for casting.Get adjacent to the deep weedlines, and get your baits at close to the defined edge as possible.
Musky: The fish are starting to make the transition, but the action is still a little slow. I'd expect that to make a rapid change after this week. Most fish are being reported from 10-15 feet of water but the shallow bite shouldn't be overlooked. Casting bucktails, gliders, swimbaits or jerkbaits all will draw some attention, but don't forget to keep a sucker or two out on a quick-strike rig. Many fish that follow a bait to the boat will turn on for the sucker hanging nearby.
-----
Around the area:
Okauchee: Bass fishing is great, with lots of nice fish coming in. Shallow and deep patterns are producing. Musky fishing has been slow, but as fish start to come into the shallows to feed, it is likely to pick up. Pike fishing has been average, the deep weedlines have been the best, especially in Stumpy and just off the north flat.
Oconomowc: Bite is very good early and late, but action can be slow on the bright sunny days. Look for fish a little deeper than normal. Smallmouth and Largemouth action has been very good, pike has been good, but lots of smaller fish are being caught. Musky are feeding in the shallows, but lots of lazy follows continue to be reported. Walleyes are very deep, look for them in the sandgrass between 18-22 FOW, but as deep as 35 FOW.
Garvin: Panfish has been good, pike slow, musky has been great.
Silver: Bass fishing has been very good, and some keeper sized fish are being caught. Panfish have been slow.
Golden: Bass and pike have been very good early and late, with a drop off around 10am. Panfish are schooled up and suspended in deeper water. Crappie are biting along the weedlines.
Moose: Pike fishing has been fantastic. Live bait rigs trolled just off the breaks has really been producing, especially with shiners. (Not fatheads!)
Good Luck
CT
Next Local Fishing Report will be posted on 8-27-11, but drop by for reports from my trip up north.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Huge Tiger Musky Caught in Minnesota
Check this fish out:
48.5" x 28.5"
More Pictures at www.thenextbite.com
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Fish Pictures
I frequently hear from readers of this site that I don't post enough pictures of the fish I'm catching with people.
Fair enough: Here are Kristen and Matt Weir, with two of the more than 30 bass we caught on a half day trip last week.
Cheers,
CT
Fair enough: Here are Kristen and Matt Weir, with two of the more than 30 bass we caught on a half day trip last week.
Cheers,
CT
Thursday, August 11, 2011
Fishing Report 8-11-11
First, a reminder about Musky Mikes Northern Pike Tournament on Sunday on Okauchee. Information is available here.
Fishing is picking up as the cooler weather has set in. I have done a bunch of trips over the last 10 days and the gamefish activity is getting much better. The best bites are the early and late feeding periods, but with a little work, you can have steady action all day long. It's been a tough year in terms of bigger fish, but the last couple of trips we've really been catching some nice fish, in addition to solid numbers of smaller ones.
Panfish activity is still happening in the deep water. Look for them in 20+ FOW, and suspended about half way down. Areas where a deep weedline touches a deeper drop-off (like a deep point for example) are really holding some nice schools of fish. Tightlining with live bait, or slip bobbers is you best approach, and night fishing with lighted slip bobbers has really been a solid (but not to often talked about) way to get a limit of nice keepers. Plastics tipped with live bait, leeches or leafworms all seem to be the meat the bluegills are after. Crappies are suspending over deep structure, live cribs, and slip bobbers with tailed hooked minnows is producing.
Largemouth bass action has gotten red hot over the last two weeks, but there is hot and cold streaks throughout the day. Look for feeding periods from just before sun-up until about 9:30, and then again from about 4pm to just after dark. The fish are actively chasing bait during these periods, and can be caught on grubs, ringworms, flapper grubs, and jigworms. Topwater action can be had, but the bait they are chasing is on the small side, so go with a small pop-r, skitter pop or something similar. After the initial feeding, look for fish to get tight to shallow cover, docks or weed edges, and then chase them down with wacky, tubes, and jig/craw combos. On bright sunny days, the slop bite has been producing, but personally I'm only catching smaller fish out of the slop right now. Best bite has been on shallow weedflats with scattered cover, where you can visibly see baitfish schooled up and swimming around. Today I caught fish at essentially every depth between 18 inches and 22 feet.
Smallmouth action has been a little slower by most reports. They are still biting, but like the largemouths there's periods of time during the day f active feeding. The crayfish are not in full molt yet, and when that starts expect the smallie action to go gangbusters for 10 days-2weeks. Right now you can catch some smallies on the flats and mainlake structure, especially along the drop-off edges, or suspended off the breaks in deep water. Tubes, wacky, grubs and soft jerkbaits are all producing the shallow fish, while suspending jerkbaits and crankbaits are catching the deeper fish.
Northern action has been slow, but I haven't been actively targeting them, so take that with a grain of salt. Look for them on deep weedlines, or suspended in very deep water. If you're fishing the tournament, I'd go with a slip sinker rig, with a florocarbon leader, and drag sucker or big shiners (the biggest you can find) along the first break off the deep weedline.
Musky action has been slow and steady, and the best action has been on Oconomowoc and Fowler. Look for fish to be in 15-22 foot of water. A few fish are foraging and eating juvenile perch, especially in the morning, and shallow rockbars, points or shorelines with easy access to deep water have some fish making feeding runs.
Good Luck,
Cheers.
CT
Fishing is picking up as the cooler weather has set in. I have done a bunch of trips over the last 10 days and the gamefish activity is getting much better. The best bites are the early and late feeding periods, but with a little work, you can have steady action all day long. It's been a tough year in terms of bigger fish, but the last couple of trips we've really been catching some nice fish, in addition to solid numbers of smaller ones.
Panfish activity is still happening in the deep water. Look for them in 20+ FOW, and suspended about half way down. Areas where a deep weedline touches a deeper drop-off (like a deep point for example) are really holding some nice schools of fish. Tightlining with live bait, or slip bobbers is you best approach, and night fishing with lighted slip bobbers has really been a solid (but not to often talked about) way to get a limit of nice keepers. Plastics tipped with live bait, leeches or leafworms all seem to be the meat the bluegills are after. Crappies are suspending over deep structure, live cribs, and slip bobbers with tailed hooked minnows is producing.
Largemouth bass action has gotten red hot over the last two weeks, but there is hot and cold streaks throughout the day. Look for feeding periods from just before sun-up until about 9:30, and then again from about 4pm to just after dark. The fish are actively chasing bait during these periods, and can be caught on grubs, ringworms, flapper grubs, and jigworms. Topwater action can be had, but the bait they are chasing is on the small side, so go with a small pop-r, skitter pop or something similar. After the initial feeding, look for fish to get tight to shallow cover, docks or weed edges, and then chase them down with wacky, tubes, and jig/craw combos. On bright sunny days, the slop bite has been producing, but personally I'm only catching smaller fish out of the slop right now. Best bite has been on shallow weedflats with scattered cover, where you can visibly see baitfish schooled up and swimming around. Today I caught fish at essentially every depth between 18 inches and 22 feet.
Smallmouth action has been a little slower by most reports. They are still biting, but like the largemouths there's periods of time during the day f active feeding. The crayfish are not in full molt yet, and when that starts expect the smallie action to go gangbusters for 10 days-2weeks. Right now you can catch some smallies on the flats and mainlake structure, especially along the drop-off edges, or suspended off the breaks in deep water. Tubes, wacky, grubs and soft jerkbaits are all producing the shallow fish, while suspending jerkbaits and crankbaits are catching the deeper fish.
Northern action has been slow, but I haven't been actively targeting them, so take that with a grain of salt. Look for them on deep weedlines, or suspended in very deep water. If you're fishing the tournament, I'd go with a slip sinker rig, with a florocarbon leader, and drag sucker or big shiners (the biggest you can find) along the first break off the deep weedline.
Musky action has been slow and steady, and the best action has been on Oconomowoc and Fowler. Look for fish to be in 15-22 foot of water. A few fish are foraging and eating juvenile perch, especially in the morning, and shallow rockbars, points or shorelines with easy access to deep water have some fish making feeding runs.
Good Luck,
Cheers.
CT
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Fishing Report 8-4-2011
Its a nice cool morning as I write this today. If this weather stabilizes some, expect fish activity to pick up. Right now water temp is as high as 87 degrees, practically a stir fry. The hot days we've been having mean that mornings and evenings, have been the periods of time of active fish feeding.
Anglers are still catching a mixed bag of largemouths, and there were some monsters taken in the Okauchee tournament on Sunday. Deep weedlines in 12-18 FOW, deep sand flats in 22-28 FOW, piers-especially with rock or sand underneath, slop and shallow bars near deep water are all holding fish at various points during the day. I'm not saying its gospel, but I would fish shallow early, and then move out to deeper structure as the sun gets up.
Texas rigs, slow rolled, spinnerbaits and crankbaits are your best options for catching the deeper fish. 10 inch power worms in black, red-shad and motoroil have been very good, as has swimming a heavy jig. Wacky, jigworms, pre-rigged worms, tubes, grubs and small crankbaits are catching fish out of the shallow water. Flipping the slop on florida rigged plastic craws isn't catching many fish, but the ones coming in have been top end for size. Personally, I continue to catch a nice batch of fish on flapper grubs fished over mid-depth weedflats in 8-12 FOW, including more than 30 caught in three hours in a little free fishing time after a guide trip this week.
Smallmouth are definitely suspending just off the structure in the deeper water. As the crayfish begin to molt over the next 15 days, expect to start seeing wolfpack groups foraging in the shallow rocks, or rock/sand transition areas. Right now, continue to fish a bit deeper, using tubes, wacky, skirted grubs and jigworms. If the bite is tough, downsize a bit. A wacky rig with a french fry in place of a senko style bait can be just the magic you need at this point in the season, and was a solid producer for me the last week.
Musky fishing slowed down with the last batch of hot weather. And let's not lie about it, this has been a tough season for musky overall. Trolling deep with big cranks and jerkbaits is still the primary pattern producing fish, but a few fish are being taken on topwaters, again early and late in the day. Gliders fished fast along turns in the deep weedlines has also been productive. Speed trolling with shortlines has been catching a few smaller (35-40inch) fish that have moved in on the shallow weedlines.
Walleye fishing has been very tough. I'd go with slip bobbers, with leeches, fished over weed edges or deep sand flats with grass. At night, back troll with suckers on lindy/slip sinker rigs in 18-22 fow, targeting areas with healthy sandgrass. Longlining spinner harnesses around structure at the depth of the thermocline will also usually produce both day an night. You might find fish as deep as 35 FOW. For now, I'd continue to target other fish, but if the days cool off, the activity should pick up quickly.
Bluegills are in summer patterns. Look for them to suspend along the weedlines or out over deeper water. 12-18 feet deep over much deeper water is a great starting point. Drifting along the deep edges with bait suspended vertically is a solid presentation option. I caught several keepers this week out of weed clumps at the end of mainlake structure.
Okauchee: If you're going out, bass are on the piers, in the slop and on the weed edges in 8-12 feet. Musky are feeding in the shallows in the morning, and then moving out to 18-22 feet. Pike have been very active in 15-22 FOW.
Garvin: Great spot for panfish. Look for the sunken wood in 10-15 feet or suspended around the springs in the deep part of the basin. Bass are using the shallow flat on the south end and the weedline turns. Pike have come off the deep weedlines on the northwest and north east corners, and suspending over the deeper water.
Forest: Panfish and pike have been biting. Live bait over the deep holes on slip bobbers for panfish, inline spinners for the pike, bass have biting on leeches and large fatheads under bobbers, or on slip sinker rigs.
Oconomowoc: Mornings have been best, but a steady bite has been going all day. Fish are deeper than normal for this time of year. Bass are holding on the obvious structural breaks and suspending off the deep ends of the mainlake points. Largemouths are still more active than smallmouth. Northern pike are coming for those anglers who are back or slow trolling with slip sinkers baited with small suckers. No report on Musky, which means the fishing was dead during the last stretch of hot weather.
Fowler: Small panfish are biting, a few LM were caught in the river and out of the deep slop. Pike are on the weedlines, a few trout were caught over the main part of the basin.
Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing was slow on weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks and drop-offs in 10-18 FOW. Lots of fish are suspending about 15-18 feet down over the deepest water. Musky have moved out to suspend over deep water in the main basin, and fishing was at a standstill for them. Smallmouth have been active in the sand and rock areas in 6-10 and 15-22 FOW.
Moose: Bass and pike continue to bite, and action has been best in the morning. Target the breaks and weed clumps in shallow water with crankbaits or spinners. Backtrolling with small suckers on a slip sinker rigs around the first major drop to deep water will produce if plastics or spinnerbaits aren't working.
Ashipunn: Bass and pike has been steady action. Concentrate on the visible weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles with spinners or plastics. Panfish are suspending in the deep part of the basin, about 15-18 foot down.
Golden: Bluegills are in deep water, suspending over the deep part of the basin, but holding close to weed edges and the major structure. Typically, bass have been on a deeper weedline bite. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines and on buzzbaits fished through the weedy areas.
Silver: Bass can be caught using plastics around the weed clumps in 4-15 feet or around piers and boat lifts. Crappies have been suspending over the east cribs, and keeper bluegills are holding in the deep sandgrass in 18-25 FOW. Water is very warm, and surprisingly cloudy with a heavy algae bloom right now.
Nagawicka: Largemouths are average, and in summer patterns so look to catch them off boat docks, in the slop and along the shallow weed edges. Pike have been average, especially on crankbaits or buzzbaits fished over weed edges at either end of the lake. No report on walleyes.
Pewaukee:Musky fishing is picking up, especially for the guides who have been trolling. Bass fishing has been very good.
Lower and Middle Genessee: Panfish have moved to the deeper water. Lindy rigging with live bait, especially dillys or leafworms or slip bobbering with plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes has been very good for panfish. Night fishing is in full steam on Middle.
If you've got specific questions: Feel free to email me.
Good Luck Out There,
CT
Anglers are still catching a mixed bag of largemouths, and there were some monsters taken in the Okauchee tournament on Sunday. Deep weedlines in 12-18 FOW, deep sand flats in 22-28 FOW, piers-especially with rock or sand underneath, slop and shallow bars near deep water are all holding fish at various points during the day. I'm not saying its gospel, but I would fish shallow early, and then move out to deeper structure as the sun gets up.
Texas rigs, slow rolled, spinnerbaits and crankbaits are your best options for catching the deeper fish. 10 inch power worms in black, red-shad and motoroil have been very good, as has swimming a heavy jig. Wacky, jigworms, pre-rigged worms, tubes, grubs and small crankbaits are catching fish out of the shallow water. Flipping the slop on florida rigged plastic craws isn't catching many fish, but the ones coming in have been top end for size. Personally, I continue to catch a nice batch of fish on flapper grubs fished over mid-depth weedflats in 8-12 FOW, including more than 30 caught in three hours in a little free fishing time after a guide trip this week.
Smallmouth are definitely suspending just off the structure in the deeper water. As the crayfish begin to molt over the next 15 days, expect to start seeing wolfpack groups foraging in the shallow rocks, or rock/sand transition areas. Right now, continue to fish a bit deeper, using tubes, wacky, skirted grubs and jigworms. If the bite is tough, downsize a bit. A wacky rig with a french fry in place of a senko style bait can be just the magic you need at this point in the season, and was a solid producer for me the last week.
Musky fishing slowed down with the last batch of hot weather. And let's not lie about it, this has been a tough season for musky overall. Trolling deep with big cranks and jerkbaits is still the primary pattern producing fish, but a few fish are being taken on topwaters, again early and late in the day. Gliders fished fast along turns in the deep weedlines has also been productive. Speed trolling with shortlines has been catching a few smaller (35-40inch) fish that have moved in on the shallow weedlines.
Walleye fishing has been very tough. I'd go with slip bobbers, with leeches, fished over weed edges or deep sand flats with grass. At night, back troll with suckers on lindy/slip sinker rigs in 18-22 fow, targeting areas with healthy sandgrass. Longlining spinner harnesses around structure at the depth of the thermocline will also usually produce both day an night. You might find fish as deep as 35 FOW. For now, I'd continue to target other fish, but if the days cool off, the activity should pick up quickly.
Bluegills are in summer patterns. Look for them to suspend along the weedlines or out over deeper water. 12-18 feet deep over much deeper water is a great starting point. Drifting along the deep edges with bait suspended vertically is a solid presentation option. I caught several keepers this week out of weed clumps at the end of mainlake structure.
Okauchee: If you're going out, bass are on the piers, in the slop and on the weed edges in 8-12 feet. Musky are feeding in the shallows in the morning, and then moving out to 18-22 feet. Pike have been very active in 15-22 FOW.
Garvin: Great spot for panfish. Look for the sunken wood in 10-15 feet or suspended around the springs in the deep part of the basin. Bass are using the shallow flat on the south end and the weedline turns. Pike have come off the deep weedlines on the northwest and north east corners, and suspending over the deeper water.
Forest: Panfish and pike have been biting. Live bait over the deep holes on slip bobbers for panfish, inline spinners for the pike, bass have biting on leeches and large fatheads under bobbers, or on slip sinker rigs.
Oconomowoc: Mornings have been best, but a steady bite has been going all day. Fish are deeper than normal for this time of year. Bass are holding on the obvious structural breaks and suspending off the deep ends of the mainlake points. Largemouths are still more active than smallmouth. Northern pike are coming for those anglers who are back or slow trolling with slip sinkers baited with small suckers. No report on Musky, which means the fishing was dead during the last stretch of hot weather.
Fowler: Small panfish are biting, a few LM were caught in the river and out of the deep slop. Pike are on the weedlines, a few trout were caught over the main part of the basin.
Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing was slow on weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks and drop-offs in 10-18 FOW. Lots of fish are suspending about 15-18 feet down over the deepest water. Musky have moved out to suspend over deep water in the main basin, and fishing was at a standstill for them. Smallmouth have been active in the sand and rock areas in 6-10 and 15-22 FOW.
Moose: Bass and pike continue to bite, and action has been best in the morning. Target the breaks and weed clumps in shallow water with crankbaits or spinners. Backtrolling with small suckers on a slip sinker rigs around the first major drop to deep water will produce if plastics or spinnerbaits aren't working.
Ashipunn: Bass and pike has been steady action. Concentrate on the visible weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles with spinners or plastics. Panfish are suspending in the deep part of the basin, about 15-18 foot down.
Golden: Bluegills are in deep water, suspending over the deep part of the basin, but holding close to weed edges and the major structure. Typically, bass have been on a deeper weedline bite. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines and on buzzbaits fished through the weedy areas.
Silver: Bass can be caught using plastics around the weed clumps in 4-15 feet or around piers and boat lifts. Crappies have been suspending over the east cribs, and keeper bluegills are holding in the deep sandgrass in 18-25 FOW. Water is very warm, and surprisingly cloudy with a heavy algae bloom right now.
Nagawicka: Largemouths are average, and in summer patterns so look to catch them off boat docks, in the slop and along the shallow weed edges. Pike have been average, especially on crankbaits or buzzbaits fished over weed edges at either end of the lake. No report on walleyes.
Pewaukee:Musky fishing is picking up, especially for the guides who have been trolling. Bass fishing has been very good.
Lower and Middle Genessee: Panfish have moved to the deeper water. Lindy rigging with live bait, especially dillys or leafworms or slip bobbering with plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes has been very good for panfish. Night fishing is in full steam on Middle.
If you've got specific questions: Feel free to email me.
Good Luck Out There,
CT
Wednesday, August 3, 2011
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