Memorial Day Weekend Fishing Report 2012, Okauchee, WI Area

Make sure to thank a vet this weekend.

Overall, water temps are back in the Mid to high 6o's in Main Lake areas, while some bays are in the Low 70's. Weedgrowth is far ahead of normal for this time of the season, and Mayflies are in the middle of the hatch on a couple of area lakes.

Bluegills are starting to congregate in shallower water. A few nests are starting to appear in the traditional sandy and gravel areas.Look for them in 4-10 feet of water, and be ready to move shallower as the temperatures warm up. Current areas and spawning areas (like sandy or gravel areas) will have fish nearby. Waxworms, butterworms, redworms and plastics are taking fish, but bigger gills have been hard to come by in any significant number. (Try Okauchee, Garvin ( red hot!), Golden Nagawicka, Upper and Middle Genessee, School Section, Ashipunn, Pretty, Phantom and Lower Nashotah)

Crappie fishing has been slow, but can be great on any given day. Most crappies are in shallow bays near weeds, wood laydowns or reeds. Some fish are still spawning (you can tell by how black the fish turn this time of year). Minnows, hooked through the tail on a small hook (#8 or #10), waxworms and plastics have all been taking fish. With the temperature set to warm back up for the holiday weekend, expect crappies to be very active on area lakes. (Try: Okauchee (especially the North Flat, Bay Five and the Crane's Nest), Garvin (North End and Wood Laydowns), Kessus, Nagawicka (Channels), Golden, Silver, and Pine.

Largemouth bass are post spawn for the most part. Anglers are catching fish targeting them in shallow water, but a few fish are still being caught off the open areas on flats with scattered weeds. It might be hard to consistently find bigger fish, but on warm afternoons, the action could be good. Shallow water presentations like jig and chunk or craw, wacky, texas rigged lizards, spinnerbaits or lipless crankbaits will all catch fish right now, but don't overlook smaller topwater presentations. Live bait, nightcrawlers, leeches or small suckers are your best bet. (Try: Okauchee, Lake Five, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Kessus Nagawicka, Silver, School Section, Golden, Fox or Emily)

Smallmouth bass have been active, and a few anglers are reporting nests on many area lakes. Rock structure, scattered weeds on sand and major points are all holding fish. Expect them to be a little spooky, especially in the shallow water on sunny days. Skirted grubs, jigworms, jig and craws, tubes, and soft jerkbaits are all catching fish. Go natural with your color choices this weekend. (Try: Oconomwoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Lower Nashotah and the Nemahbin Lakes.)

Walleye have been active, but keepers have been inconsistent. I've heard som scattered chatter about some keepers being caught in 8-12 feet of water. Slip bobbers, Jig and minnow, jig and leech, and split shot rigs with nightcrawlers or small suckers have been the best way to target eyes. In the evening, a few anglers are catching fish by working rapala minnow baits over weed clumps. This weekend should be red hot for walleyes, especially in the evenings. (Try: Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Nagawicka, North, Pine and Fox)

Northern Pike fishing has picked up with the warmer weather. Spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits, or suspending jerkbaits (like Husky Jerks or Rouges) are catching fish around shallow weed clumps, or at the edges of coves and marshy areas. If chasing pike with live bait, look for them in 6-12 feet, using small suckers or large shiners on a slip sinker rig. (Try: Okauchee, Kessus, Garvin, Nagawicka, Pine, Fowler, Golden, School Section, Emily)

Musky Fishing has been slow and steady. There are lots of fish in the shallow water chasing, and a few are even being caught on topwaters, but the most consistent action has been coming in 12-18 feet around mainlake structure. Gliders, jerkbaits, swimbaits and bucktails have been productive, but many anglers continue to describe lots of lazy follows, so having a sucker out on a quickstrike rig is a great idea, and figure eights are required on every cast. Gold blade/balck skirt seems to be the color of the season, but white/copper combos have also been catching a few. (Try: Okauchee, Pewaukee, Fowler and Lac Labelle) 

Around the area: Fishing on the Rock River has picked up again, and anglers are still catching a few whitebass south of Ft Atkinson, and catfish between the Jefferson Dam and the mouth. The action has been good when its on, awful when its not.

Trout fishing in the stocked lakes and ponds continues to be good.  Lower Genessee, Ottawa and Lower Nashotah continue to give up fish. Water levels are way down in Lower and Middle Genessee.

If you're in town for the holiday and want to talk some more specific tips, email or call me.

Have a great holiday weekend. Again, thank a vet.
Cheers,
CT

Saturday 5-19-12

Well gang,

Things didn't quite go as planned today. I had arranged to take out a new client on Oconomowoc this afternoon, but it didn't happen.


As I was approaching the launch/dam area, I saw the Flight for Life Helicopter landing on Hwy 16 just past the dam. As I got closer, I saw tons of emergency vehicles.

Here's why: (Photos from Lake-Link.com)

Story from Channel 12 is here.

Fishing Report 5-17-12

The fishing has been very consistent the past week.

The relatively stable weather (and yes I remember the thunderstorm) has pushed the fish into a full spring pattern.

Condition wise: Weed growth is way ahead of itself this year, and water temps are ranging from the low to high 60's. You may find water as warm as the mid 70's in some darker bottom/shallow areas, espeically along windblown areas on the smaller lakes.

Panfish are moving into shallow cover in significant numbers. Wood laydowns, reeds and shallow clumps are starting to attract schools of fish. Crappie can still be seen congregating in the shallows around wood, while schools of bluegills and some yellow perch are starting to pop up around other types of shallow cover. If you're catching smaller panfish, move out just a little deeper and you'll probably find what you are looking for. Garvin has been on fire, but Ashippun, Golden, Silver, Middle Genessee, Forest and Moose have all been very good.

Largemouth bass fishing was fantastic the past week. Lots of male fish are up on the nests in shallow water, and many females spawned in the last few days, but there are lots of quality pre-spawn fish patrolling the shallows and foraging right now. Two pieces of advice: 1.)...beating the banks may find you a quality fish or two, but out over the flats with scattered cover will be more consistent. 2.) ...look for visible baitfish where you are fishing. If you're not seeing schools of shiners or juvenile panfish in the weeds or wood you are fishing on....you're not going to catch as many fish. I'm still working two patterns...a jigworm (alhtough a pre-rigged worm would work well, as would a smaller topwater bait) away from the bank, and a jig and craw in tight closer to cover. Wacky rigs and texas rigged lizards are also catching fish consistently...but natural colors seem to be outproducing the typical black/blue spring approach. Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Ashippun, Nag, Lower Nehmabin, Upper Genessee, Golden, Silver, Kessus and Moose have all been good.

Smallmouth fishing has varied lake to lake...primarily on the water temperature differences between our local bodies of water. Warmer lakes have fish on their nests, while the cooler clear water lakes still have lots of fish schooled up and on the pre-spawn feed. Keep it simple, play the water temperature game. Look for active fish in shallow rocks or sand. Patrolling fish will feed, fish holding tight to cover or the bottom are less likely to do so. This is a great time to use skirted grubs on a football head jig for shallow smallmouth. Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Beaver and North have been the best.

Walleye fishing: Not much to report. Anglers who are chasing walleyes right now report finding them in shallow weeds in 6-8 FOW, or off the first break in 12-18 FOW. Finesse live bait rigs or small jigs tipped with leeches seem to be doing the job. Lac Labelle is always a solid bet for action, Oconomwoc, North and Pine are better options for keepers.

Northern pike have been active on most area lakes. Lots of smaller fish are being caught in the shallow weeds using spinners, buzzbaits lipless crankbaits, and minnowbaits. Bigger pike have been a little harder to come by, but dragging live bait-small suckers, chubs or large/jumbo shiners with a slip sinker rig off the first deep break is still finding a few quality fish. Watch for baitfish, and be ready to cover some water. Kessus, School Section, Nagawicka, Okauchee and Fowler have been fantastic, but don't overlook sleepers like Ashippun, Golden, School Section and Pretty.

Musky fishing has been a bit on the slow side, but some decent fish are still being caught in shallow areas close to where bass and panfish spawn. With Tournaments on both Pewaukee (Saturday) and Okauchee (on Sunday) lots of people have been out this week pre-fishing, so the fish have been a little pressured. I'd downsize your presentation a little bit, and unless your tournament fishing...I'd stick to the other bodies of water...Lac Labelle, Fowler or Oconomowoc.

Stocked trout are still being caught out of the area lakes and ponds...but if you want in on the action, best to get to it soon.

Whitebass are still being caught in FT Atkinson and near the Jefferson Dam on the Rock River. The Catfish bite has also been picking up a little bit as the water temperatures move up.

Some Okauchee Pics

Todd Lands Our First Good Fish Of the Day

Another Pre-spawn Female. Notice how far off the bank we are fishing.

Another Awesome Fish that Came on a Jigworm. Again, notice how far off the bank we are fishing.

Okauchee Trips 5-11-12

Tale of two days today.

Morning Run: Fished 8:30-1pmish. Tough bite, scratched out some LM and Pike by  mixing up presentations in areas adjacent to spawning areas. Nothing consistent about the bite: Some came on wacky-rigs, a couple more on skirted grubs, and a couple more on lipless crankbaits. I didn't see many bass cruising, but did see a mid 40's musky with a 14inch-ish bass sticking out of his mouth swimming around in upper Oconomowoc.

Switched gears about 1:30, made a move to jig worms on the open areas on the windy flats and jig and craws in close...big change. Started hitting fish almost immediately, and started seeing some quality fish as the afternoon wore on. Ended the day with several quality fish (17+ inches) including a monster thick, prespawn female LM in Tierney that was pushing 5lbs, just before we called it a day.

Caught some nice fish on a 6" jigworm with a 3/32 ounce head fishing around the scattered weeds. Casting the jigworm was the most consistent producer, especially when making some drifts on the windy flat areas in Stumpy, Whitigers, The Saddle and Icehouse. Got out of the wind in some areas between drifts, and went after the fish in the shallow grass with a Dewy Special Jig and a Yum Craw Pappy trailer, both in natural green colors.

Only thing consistent was that fish came out of areas where there were visible baitfish. No food=no fish today- a equation that was certainly true this morning, but especially true this afternoon. Better fish were away from shore, but close to scattered weeds. (Otherwise known as classic pre-spawn LM activity) Still only seeing a few beds. Warmest water was 68 when I pulled out, up from 58 this morning.

Windy, but an otherwise beautiful day. Set to be a great week ahead. Good Luck....

Cheers, CT

PS: Pictures when I can get them up.

Fishing Report 5-10-12

Finally seeing a batch of stable weather. The fishing is sure to pick up.

Reports have water temps ranging from between the high 50's to mid 60's on most area lakes, but weed growth is advanced for this time of year.

Panfish will  move into shallow areas, especially on warm, sunny afternoons. The bite can be really good, especially in the mid afternoon. Look for shallow, dark bottom bays with scattered weeds, woods or reeds. The fish may be very tight to shore, but don't overlook the first break into deeper water. In areas with current, look for schools of fish in deeper holes and outside turns, even if these areas are very small. Remember the largest panfish will always be in the bottom of the school, so if you're catching fish, but they are small, try getting your bait a little deeper. Bluegills will hit on a variety of live bait, including redworms, dillys, waxworms, spikes, or butterworms. For active bluegills, plastics will outperform live bait, and will usually help keep some of the smaller fish off your line. For crappies, tail hooked minnows, skirted grubs, road runners, or waxworms on an ice-fishing jig will really produce. (Try: Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Silver, Golden, School Section, Middle Geneesee or Nagawicka, and I'll point out that Ashippun is apparently the hot spot right now.

Largemouth are in various stages of the spawn. Lots of fish are still cruising the flats, while some males are up on the nests, especially in areas where the water is warmest. The bite has been inconsistent since Sunday's rain, but can be good at times. Look for LM in shallow areas with rock, sand or muck. Protected bays with wood laydowns or weeds will really concentrate fish. As the temperature warms up this week, look for more of the larger males to start making some nests around docks and other shoreline cover. Larger female fish will begin feeding on rockbars and around scattered weeds. You can use a variety of presentations to chase these fish. Flappers are a great option to find fish, before slowing down to make tighter presentations. Jig and chunks/ jig and craws/ jig and eels will catch less fish, but are a great way to catch a bigger fish, especially when fished tight to cover. Slower presentations like wacky worms, texas rigged lizards or tubes are all great for probing areas, but spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, and crawfish imitating shallow diving crankbaits will all catch fish right now. Using live bait? Leeches, nightcrawlers or large shiners are your best option. (Try Okauchee, Moose, Kessus, Golden, Silver, Fowler, Pine, and Nagawicka)

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

Walleye:  Look for walleyes in shallow water, around rocks or sand, or at the end of longer points especially early in the morning, and later in the evening. In the daylight hours, schools of fish will be cruising the sand flats in 8-15 feet of water. Live bait rigging, (Lindy rigs with small suckers!) jig and minnow or jig and leech combos, or trolling with shad or minnow imitators are your best approaches. (Try Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Nagawicka or Pine)

Northern pike were chasing bait fish around shallow weeds, especially near marshy areas, and will aggressively bite spinners, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits or live bait suspended around shallow weeds.(Try: Moose, Kessus, Okauchee, Fowler, School Section, Pretty and Nagawicka)

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

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

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

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There's a WABTA Tournament for bass on Pewaukee this weekend, and next weekend there are Musky Tournaments on Pewaukee (Saturday) and Okauchee (Sunday).

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The next two weeks will represent some great fishing.....get out there.

Cheers,
CT

Okauchee 5-10-12

Out today on Okauchee during the midday for a few hours. Picked up Frank, who was fishing at the launch from shore. Great guy and we had a fun, if less productive than hoped mid-day.

Moved around a bit looking for a consistent bite. Lots of little bass swimming in the shallows, saw a few on beds, but not as many as I would have thought. Lots of fish cruising still, very difficult to get them to bite.

Threw wacky, jig and chunk, texas rig and a worm rig I've been experimenting with. Best bite was on wacky, but got lots of bites where fish would only grab part of the worm.

Ended with 5 keeper sized bass 14-18in. Couple of females full of spawn, and probably had bites from another 9-10 fish, including a decent pike who took the trailer right off my jig.

Here's Frank with one of the bass.

Out again tomorrow with clients. Report to follow.

Cheers,
CT

Governor's Fishing Opener 2012

Governor Scott Walker met with similar success to his predecessors in the annual Governor's fishing opener again this year. Like last year: a Shutout.

Video here.

Next year: a Challenge to the Wisconsin Governor: I can help you to break this skunky streak.

Just Email me here we'll get you all fixed up.

Cheers,
CT

Opening Weekend

Got chased off the water this morning, just as we were starting to get bit...how was your opener?

Opening Weekend Resources-2012 Season

Here is my annual pre-opening weekend post. Look for an final update Friday, May 4th with weather and water conditions from around the area.

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

Musky Mikes (Okauchee)

Dick Smith's (Delafield)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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Local Shore Fishing Locations


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Upper Genessee: Carry in boats and shore fishing are available. Parking is in a small gravel lot, just south of I-94, on the east side of HWY 67.

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

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

Other Useful Links

Local Fishing Reports from Lake-Link.com

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

The DNR maintains a database of printable lake maps online.

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

The DNR's 2012 Spring Fishing Forecast is available here.

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

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Fish Stocking


The complete stocking report is available from the DNR at the new database.
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Trout:

2012 Catchable Trout Stocking:Information available at this link.

Local Lakes with put and take trout this season include:
FOWLER LAKE: RAINBOW TROUT 1,263
LOWER GENESEE LAKE: BROOK TROUT 1,045
LOWER GENESEE LAKE: RAINBOW TROUT 1,263
LOWER NASHOTAH LAKE: RAINBOW TROUT 1,263
OTTAWA LAKE: RAINBOW TROUT 842
PARADISE SPRINGS HEADWATER POND: BROOK TROUT 300

Other Trout Stockings in
CALHOUN PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 200
DELAFIELD POND:  RAINBOW TROUT 200
FOX BROOK PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 3,100
HEYER PARK POND: NORTH RAINBOW TROUT 200
HEYER PARK POND: SOUTH RAINBOW TROUT 400
LANNON COUNTY PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 3,300
LEPPER POND: RAINBOW TROUT 400
LIONS PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 200
MINOOKA PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 1,200MUSKEGO PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 1,200
NIXON PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 200
REGAL PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 400
WOODFIELD PARK POND: NORTH RAINBOW TROUT 400
WOODFIELD PARK POND: SOUTH RAINBOW TROUT 400


Panfish:

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


Bass:

Lindy or split shot rigs with nightcrawlers or suspending large shiners under slip bobbers are your best live bait options. Texas rigged plastic lizards, wacky worms and jigs with a chunk trailer will be good options if fished very slowly. Slow rolling spinnerbaits or ripping rattletraps around weedy cover could produce some reaction strikes. Smaller fish will be patrolling the shallows, but don't expect to see many fish on beds. Larger fish will be deeper than normal for the opener. Look for them around the ends of points that are near spawning areas.

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

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

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


Walleye:

Bottom bouncers with spinner harnesses, lindy rigs and jigs will all catch walleyes. I'd consider using a mix of live bait in the form of nightcrawlers, leeches and small suckers. Look for walleyes to relate the edges of shallow water. I'd run live bait rigs to find fish, then fish an active area hard with crankbaits like a shad rap or floating rapalas.

Best lakes for walleye: Lac La Belle, Pewaukee, Pine and Oconomowoc.

Northern Pike:
This is prime time to chase pike with live bait. Use big bobbers and suspend large shiners and suckers around weed edges or near areas with visible panfish. Casting with lipless crankbaits or spinner baits, especially around shallow weeds on the flat areas can be dynamite.

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


Musky:

 You never lose out by floating a sucker on a quick strike rig while casting. I'd stick to jerkbaits, gliders or small bucktails for the opener this year, and concentrate your efforts on any scattered weed clumps you can find. I'd plan on being methodical and be ready to make lots of casts to an area to get neutral fish to bite.

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

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Good Luck out there!
CT

Fishing Report 4-27-12

Well gang, I wish I had better news. As I write this, I am watching the weatherman tell me there's a chance for snow again this weekend.

The cold nights have really put a damper on fishing in our area. Water in some places is back into the high 40's...and that's going to make for a tough bite for the opener next week.

For this last week before gamefish season, concentrate your efforts on the warmest water you can find. It is worth the effort to do a little searching, a few degree temperature difference can be critical. Areas with current are secondary options, but until we get a couple of warmer, sunny afternoons (expected for late next week) fish activity will be slow.

This doesn't mean fish can't be caught, just that you have to work for them. Remember when you were a kid and fishing was all about patience? It's like that again.

Fish tight to green weeds, wood laydowns or  other visible cover. Steep drops close to shore will concentrate fish, especially if there is cover nearby. Some panfish will be shallow, but most will be in green weeds in 6-12 fow. Live bait is probably your best approach, but tipped plastics could be the ticket later in the afternoon. Either way, keep your presentation tight to the cover you are fishing, and be ready to wait them out.

I'd stick to the smaller lakes, especially the darker bottom ones for the weekend. Sometimes with tough conditions like we have right now, they can really produce.


Good Luck.

PS. One last reminder, I'll be speaking at Musky Mikes on Saturday the 28th, at 11am.

Shameless Self Promotion/Ego Stroking Post

I was responding to some Private Messages on Lake-Link today, when I noticed that my picture was the front page fish "snap shot."

My first 10lb+ bass. I don't take enough pictures of the fish I catch, but I was and remain proud of that one.

See it here.


Cheers,
CT

Opening Weekend: The Preview

I'll be speaking at Musky Mikes, Saturday, April 28th at 11am as part of the shop's annual pre-opening weekend event.

I'll be talking about some strategies for opening weekend on the local lakes.

Drop by and say hello.

Cheers,
CT

Fishing Report 4-20-12

Well...frankly I wish I had more to report. With the quick return to early spring weather conditions, there has been a drop off in both fishing and the fish being caught.


Water temps are in the lower 50's on most lakes in our area. Some of the protected, dark bottomed bays are marginally warmer, but the reality is that the water has cooled off dramatically from earlier this year.

As the water has cooled, the fish have pulled out deeper. Rather than shallow weeds on a flat, focus your attention on sandgrass or weed edges in 8-12 FOW. The regular tricks will work, but the bite has been off.

Good Luck,
CT

Bob Riepenhoff

The former outdoor editor of the Journal Sentinel, Bob Riepenhoff has died.

Bob and I fished together many, many times over the years, and the first outdoors article I appeared in with Bob was when I taught him how to use a wacky worm for bass fishing the week before I got married. After our first trip together, we would fish for walleyes, bass, crappies, and bluegills on a variety of trips, some for the paper and some just for fun.

I have lots of funny stories about the time we spent in the boat together, but my best memory of Bob will always be the time I took him into the Oconomowoc River for bluegills. I was studying for an exam, and he was catching keeper sized gills as fast as he could get his line in the water. After a few hours of the fast action that beautiful spring day, he was giggling like a little kid.

He was a great guy, and he will be missed.

JS Online Story is here.

Fishing Report 4-13-2012

Friday the 13th.

Well the main news is that less people have been fishing, and less fish are being caught. The cooler weather has made the bite tougher than it has been. Water temps are back in the low 50's in most areas, although you may find some warmer water in protected bays or the smaller lakes.

Technique hasn't changed much, but depth has. Fish are still relating to shallow green weeds in dark bottom bays, but some fish have pulled back out to deeper water. I'd start shallow, and if you can't find active or big enough fish, move out to the next break, even as deep as 12 FOW.

Crappies will bite minnows suspended above them, but the best way to bait them right now is to use a much smaller aberdeen hook, and hook your minnow through the tail. Over the years I have found this to be a much better way to present a minnow to finicky fish, and I am continually surprised how many people fail to consider the use this little trick. If the bite is really tough...two waxworms on a very small hook can produce some bites. As always, fish tight to cover and keep the bait above the fish.

Bluegills are still using the weeds, but keepers have been harder to come by. I'd stay away from the bigger water and focus on small bays, or the smaller lakes. Areas with dark bottoms or reeds will concentrate fish.

Weather looks to be a bit unstable, so expect conditions to change over the weekend. Warm weather will probably turn the fish back on.

Questions...comments or concerns...email me.

Wisconsin DNR Conservation Congress Results

Are now posted. Check them out at this link.

A great tip

On rod transport from FLW Pro Scott Suggs


I agree with him, wish I would have thought of this before.

Hook and Look TV Show Season Five Episode 2

Finally caught the episode on dock fishing. I hope the whole episode ends up on line some day as it was that informative, especially for people in our area, where fishing docks/pontoons is a key strategy for bass fishing.

Here's a screen shot I took from the online preview:

 

I think this shot is telling. And much of the conclusions Kim and Danny Stricker make based on the observations reflect my own experience.

Look at the shadow, and the position of the bass in this picture. there is a defined ambush line along both sides of the pontoon above. Notice also the fish is towards the shoreline, rather than the back of the boat. This is a critical observation, one the hosts noted themselves.

When fishing docks/pontoons, I believe many people (and I'm guilty of this from time to time as well) fish around the outside edges of the piers. But if you look at this picture, the fish is in the center-back of the boat. You may be missing lots of fish by not fishing the sides, rather than just underneath the boats and docks. 

One other observation the show made that I thought was very interesting: In most, but not every case, there was only one larger bass under a pontoon or dock. If you think about your own experience, how often do you catch more than one fish off any particular dock on our lakes? I know of a couple docks that are usually multiple fish holders, but when I think about the docks I routinely catch fish off of, it is usually just one fish.

All food for thought.

Cheers,
CT

Thanks To Lunkers Unlimited/Kids Fishing Clinic

I just wanted to say a quick thank you to the board and members of Lunkers Unlimited. I attended the club's annual fishing garage sale in Hartland last night and cleaned out a bunch of extra gear while meeting some great people. A quality event that I will be in for every year.

The club's next event is part of the 28th annual Kids Fishing clinics which are going on around the state Saturday, April 14, 2012 From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunkers Unlimited is hosting the event at Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave, but there are many groups hosting events that day.

The event includes free fishing instruction for children 15 years and younger, taught by members of local fishing clubs; young children must be accompanied by an adult.

Clinics begin every hour from 9:00 am, with the last clinic starting at 2:00 pm.

Fishing equipment is available, but bring your own rod and reel if possible. There is a downloadable flyer for the event at the club website.

CT

Useful Links

Water gremlin has a new mobile and online app called the sinkerizer. available.

The Wisconsin DNR has published the 2012 fishing report. You can download the whole report from this link. The Southeastern District, which includes Waukesha County had this to say: (emphasis is mine)

WAUKESHA COUNTY

The northern pike forecast looks great for 2012 as a result of WDNR stocking efforts in recent years. Over 100,000 large fingerling northern pike averaging 9 inches were stocked in 18 different waters throughout Waukesha County. Stocked waters that received the large fingerlings included Ashippun, Big Muskego, Eagle Spring, Lac La-Belle, Keesus, Denoon, Little Muskego, Lower Nemahbin, Middle Genesee, Nagawicka, Oconomowoc, Ottowa, Phantoms, Pine, School Section, Scuppernong Creek Pond, Upper Nemahbin and the Oconomowoc River. Spring and fall netting and electrofishing surveys have shown an increase in catch rates indicating these stocked fish are doing very well. With four summers of growth behind the 2008 year class, these fish are just starting to become a quality size for anglers to enjoy.

Trophy-size smallmouth bass were observed on Oconomowoc Lake during a fall 2011 electrofishing survey, with a number of fish over the 20 inch mark. Fall electrofishing surveys indicate naturally reproducing walleye populations are present on Pine, Nagawicka, LaBelle and Oconomowoc lakes.

A Pewaukee Lake musky population estimate revealed an above average abundance with excellent trophy potential making it a premier musky fishing destination for the southeast metro area.

Naturally reproducing brown trout populations on Genesee Creek are doing very well as revealed by a 2011 stream survey. Twenty-six percent of the brown trout captured were over 9 inches and electrofishing survey catch rates were among the highest
recorded in recent history. Paradise Springs, Funk Creek, McKewn Springs and Lower Genesee Lake will be stocked this spring with legal sized yearling brook trout. Lower Genesee, Fowler, Lower Nashotah and Ottowa Lakes will once again provide
traditional rainbow trout angling opportunities.
                                                                    - Benjamin Heussner, fisheries biologist,

The Wisconsin DNR's 2012 Fishing Calender is available for download at this link.

Revised walleye limits from the lakes in the ceded territories is available at this link.

The 2011 Stocking information is included in an easy to use database: check it out here.

The DNR has also updated the boat launch and shore fishing access information links, which are now at  this page.

Cheers,
CT

Hook and Look TV Show

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.

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

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

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.

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.

Lunker's Unlimited Garage Sale-Hartland

I'm planning on being at this event with a table. I'll have a variety of stuff I'm looking to sell including several rod and reel combos, and a trolling setup with planer boards/planer rods/line counter reels.

Stop by and support a great group. Lunker's Unlimited website is here.

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.

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!

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

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

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

Rock River hits 41 Degrees today

From the USGS....

Time to fish!

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

Flows and Temperatures are increasing:

Rock River fishing is set to get started:

Just need the weather to stabilize a bit. Stay Tuned.

Early Trout Season

Early Spring Trout Season starts this weekend. Details from the DNR here.

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

Rock River Resources: Spring 2012

Each spring, I make a post that sums up your Rock-River resources.

 Fishing Report Links:

Lake-Link: Jefferson Dam Thread

Lake-Link:Fort Atkinson Thread 

Lake-Link: Watertown Dam Thread

Lake-Link: Blackhawk Island Area Thread

Lake-Link: Indianford and Jefferson Dam Thread 

Water Resources Links:

 

USGS Data For Ft Atkinson

River status at Jefferson

River status at Ft Atkinson 

Rock-Kosh Lake District

Public Boat Launches:

Riverview Drive (At Jefferson Dam)

K-Mart

Water Street

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:

St Patricks Day in 2009

Early April 2008

Link to the fish passage camera:

At the Jefferson Dam

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

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

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.

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.

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

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.

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