Hey gang, it looks like we're finally going to get some stable conditions. Water temps are still in the mid to high 60's on most area lakes. Weed growth is still way behind the average. Bluegills are starting on nests, especially in sandy or pea gravel areas, and baitfish schools are still hard to come by consistently.
Panfish: Suprisingly, Crappie were the real story of the last week as second stage spawners moved into the wood and reeds and did there business. Typically when bluegills are on the beds, people abandon crappie fishing for about two weeks, but anglers were really on some nice bags of keepers the last ten days. For crappie, look for them in wood that hangs over, or reaches into deeper water, and fish in the branches with slip bobbers and small jigs tipped with live bait. For bluegills, there's plenty of action fish that can be caught in the shallows right now, but if you're looking for better fish, split shot or lindy rigs with panfish leeches in 8-12 FOW will produce.
Largemouth: Spawn is over, but the post spawn is not. The bite has been a bit slow overall, (tough conditions and low tournament weights over the last 10 days). You're going to see lots of active smaller fish, but if you're catching fish consistently, stick with it and the bigger fish will come. Weeds (if you can find them) and docks are holding fish, but the bulk of the fish are in the areas where bluegills are spawning. Rocks will have some fish, and a jig and craw or skirted grub can produce if you stay mobile. There isn't much slop out there yet, but if you can find some it'll likely have some fish. Just about any presentation will work right now, but let the fish tell you how to do it/
Smallmouth: The bite has been inconsistent, but with the weather changes, patterning fish has been difficult. Look for them to be foraging on rock bars and in sand/gravel or sand/rock transitions in 4-8 and 12-15 FOW. Grubs, Skirted Grubs, Spinnerbaits, tubes and jerkbaits are solid bets, but until conditions stabilize a bit, expect some hit or miss fishing. If you can find some fish deep, jig and leech or lindy rigs with small suckers or chubs might be the answer to a tough bite. With the next batch of weather coming in, I expect things will really get going.
Walleye fishing has been absolutely hit or miss the last ten days. Some days people are tearing them up, but other days you wouldn't know there were any in the lake. Fish have been caught as shallow as 3 FOW, but the bulk of the fish seem to be holding in the transitions or drop offs in 12-15 FOW. Live bait rigs or jigs during the day, casting with jig/grub, jig/small swimbait or jig/ringworm combos has been working early and late.
Pike fishing has been an interesting mix. They have been reasonably difficult to catch when targeted, but anglers chasing bass, walleye or musky have been catching lots of them. Most of the fish have been running small, but a few mid 30's fish were caught this week. Look for weeds that have baitfish in them and then cast with lipless crankbaits, spinners or buzzbaits. Live bait, suckers or large shiners on a slip sinker rig with a heavy leader is your best bet. Action: 4-8 FOW, Size 10-15 FOW.
Musky has been fairly slow. Anglers are seeing lots of fish, but lazy follows have been the consistent report. Stay with it, and watch your solar lunar tables for activity windows. Consider downsizing your bait some as well. Okauchee has been slow and steady, as has Garvin, I've heard nothing on Oconomowoc. Pewaukee has been average, while Fowler and North have been the most active in the last 10 days.
Good luck out there.
Friday, June 7, 2019
Thursday, May 30, 2019
Fishing Report 5-30-2019
Hey gang,
Its is almost June, but you wouldn't know it by the weather or the conditions. Water temps are still in the low 60's in most places. Water is high everywhere close to home, and there's more rain on the way.
Everyone has good days and bad days...but I'll tell you, when its been on, it has been great...on the other days, I'm putting fish in the boat, but I'm grinding for them. The better part of consistent fishing is patterning fish....and it has been difficult to do it day to day.
A couple of things to keep in mind as you head out. Most, but not all of the LM and SM are done spawning, so on top of lousy conditions, it is post spawn. You need to slow down. Think you have? You're still going way too fast.
Second, making contact with the cover has been real important for triggering bites. I am catching fish every time out, but keeping the presentation in the strike zone (which has been very small some days) has been the key.
Panfish bluegills are staging for the spawning process. Crappies are at the end of their run, but the bluegills are just getting started. I'm starting to see some beds in the shallow water, especially in areas of sand or small gravel, but these tend to be the smaller fish. If you're looking for decent keepers, you need to look for those fish in 10-12 FOW. They are hard to find with the eye but a good starting point is the deeper water adjacent to areas where you see beds in the shallow water. Rock Bass have been biting like crazy everywhere, and could be a solid option if you're heading out with the kids.(Best bets: Middle Gen, Lower Nehmabin, Nag, Okauchee, Garvin, Keesus, Silver)
Largemouth are at the end of the spawn. You may still find a few fish on nests, but many are defending fry or starting to feed on juvenile bluegills. Most fish are patrolling shallow flat areas or are feeding hard around rockpiles and roadbeds. Look for them around scattered weeds or near where bluegills are starting to spawn, this a great pattern to work right now. This is topwater season, and poppers, jointed floating minnows and smaller walk the dog baits (like zara spooks) can really produce. As the sun gets high, look for fish around docks and in first deep water adjacent to longer points. Wacky, Ned Rigs, Tubes, Jigworms, Jig/chunk, Skirted grubs, pre-rigged worms, Texas rigs and Sliders will all catch fish.
Hot Tip of the Week: Go Old school and try the Old Davey Hite Floating Worm technique. Usually only works for a week or so, but with the season we're having, it is working great. (Orange is my favorite BTW)
(North, Keesus, Okauchee, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Golden, Forest, Silver, Ashippun.)
Smallmouth The active fish are in small wolfpack schools, patrolling shallow bars, points and drops with rock/weed transitions. Tubes, grubs, jerkbaits, spinners, topwater and live leeches or small suckers on lindy rigs are producing. (Pine, Oconomwoc, Lac Labelle, Nag, Upper and Lower Nehmabin, Beaver)
Northern pike are making move out to the deeper weed edges. Look for them in 10-15 or 12-18 FOW. Live bait on slip sinker rigs is always the most consistent approach for larger pike. If you're looking for faster action...square bill or lipless crankbaits, buzzbaits, spoons, oversized grubs, Husky Jerks or spinners fished around shallow weeds, especially in flat areas will all produce. (Nag (Red hot!) Golden, Kessus, Fowler, Okauchee)
Walleye are using the heavy current, and relating the rock/weed transitions. Pitching jigs tipped with live bait into the holes on the weed edges or ends of weedlines has been very productive. Back trolling lindy rigs or pulling spinner harnesses along transition edges is producing. (Pine, Nag, Oconomowoc, Fowler, Lac Labelle).
Trout Stocked Trout fishing has still been good on many of the local lakes that got fish. The cooler weather and rain has pushed many of the fish deeper than they have been. Corn is always a bait option, but smaller minnows (crappie sized), red worms or scented plastics have been working. One person told me they caught a limit using a small gold mepps spinner.
Musky fishing reports have been slow (and scattered), but it might have more to do with the number of people fishing than the conditions of the bite. Reports suggest Pewaukee has been slow, and Okauchee is giving up a few smaller fish. Oconomowoc has been the most consistent. Gliders and bucktails have been the most productive daytime, with topwater giving up a few fish at dawn or just after the sun sets. I heard three independent people tell me that white skirt with a silver blade was the bucktail they used to catch a fish this week.
Around the area: Whitebass and Catfish are biting on the Rock River, but reports are a bit hard to come by.
Its is almost June, but you wouldn't know it by the weather or the conditions. Water temps are still in the low 60's in most places. Water is high everywhere close to home, and there's more rain on the way.
Everyone has good days and bad days...but I'll tell you, when its been on, it has been great...on the other days, I'm putting fish in the boat, but I'm grinding for them. The better part of consistent fishing is patterning fish....and it has been difficult to do it day to day.
A couple of things to keep in mind as you head out. Most, but not all of the LM and SM are done spawning, so on top of lousy conditions, it is post spawn. You need to slow down. Think you have? You're still going way too fast.
Second, making contact with the cover has been real important for triggering bites. I am catching fish every time out, but keeping the presentation in the strike zone (which has been very small some days) has been the key.
Panfish bluegills are staging for the spawning process. Crappies are at the end of their run, but the bluegills are just getting started. I'm starting to see some beds in the shallow water, especially in areas of sand or small gravel, but these tend to be the smaller fish. If you're looking for decent keepers, you need to look for those fish in 10-12 FOW. They are hard to find with the eye but a good starting point is the deeper water adjacent to areas where you see beds in the shallow water. Rock Bass have been biting like crazy everywhere, and could be a solid option if you're heading out with the kids.(Best bets: Middle Gen, Lower Nehmabin, Nag, Okauchee, Garvin, Keesus, Silver)
Largemouth are at the end of the spawn. You may still find a few fish on nests, but many are defending fry or starting to feed on juvenile bluegills. Most fish are patrolling shallow flat areas or are feeding hard around rockpiles and roadbeds. Look for them around scattered weeds or near where bluegills are starting to spawn, this a great pattern to work right now. This is topwater season, and poppers, jointed floating minnows and smaller walk the dog baits (like zara spooks) can really produce. As the sun gets high, look for fish around docks and in first deep water adjacent to longer points. Wacky, Ned Rigs, Tubes, Jigworms, Jig/chunk, Skirted grubs, pre-rigged worms, Texas rigs and Sliders will all catch fish.
Hot Tip of the Week: Go Old school and try the Old Davey Hite Floating Worm technique. Usually only works for a week or so, but with the season we're having, it is working great. (Orange is my favorite BTW)
(North, Keesus, Okauchee, Pewaukee, Oconomowoc, Golden, Forest, Silver, Ashippun.)
Smallmouth The active fish are in small wolfpack schools, patrolling shallow bars, points and drops with rock/weed transitions. Tubes, grubs, jerkbaits, spinners, topwater and live leeches or small suckers on lindy rigs are producing. (Pine, Oconomwoc, Lac Labelle, Nag, Upper and Lower Nehmabin, Beaver)
Northern pike are making move out to the deeper weed edges. Look for them in 10-15 or 12-18 FOW. Live bait on slip sinker rigs is always the most consistent approach for larger pike. If you're looking for faster action...square bill or lipless crankbaits, buzzbaits, spoons, oversized grubs, Husky Jerks or spinners fished around shallow weeds, especially in flat areas will all produce. (Nag (Red hot!) Golden, Kessus, Fowler, Okauchee)
Walleye are using the heavy current, and relating the rock/weed transitions. Pitching jigs tipped with live bait into the holes on the weed edges or ends of weedlines has been very productive. Back trolling lindy rigs or pulling spinner harnesses along transition edges is producing. (Pine, Nag, Oconomowoc, Fowler, Lac Labelle).
Trout Stocked Trout fishing has still been good on many of the local lakes that got fish. The cooler weather and rain has pushed many of the fish deeper than they have been. Corn is always a bait option, but smaller minnows (crappie sized), red worms or scented plastics have been working. One person told me they caught a limit using a small gold mepps spinner.
Musky fishing reports have been slow (and scattered), but it might have more to do with the number of people fishing than the conditions of the bite. Reports suggest Pewaukee has been slow, and Okauchee is giving up a few smaller fish. Oconomowoc has been the most consistent. Gliders and bucktails have been the most productive daytime, with topwater giving up a few fish at dawn or just after the sun sets. I heard three independent people tell me that white skirt with a silver blade was the bucktail they used to catch a fish this week.
Around the area: Whitebass and Catfish are biting on the Rock River, but reports are a bit hard to come by.
See ya on the water. Be safe out there.
Thursday, May 23, 2019
Memorial Day 2019 Fishing Report
Overall, water temps are in the high 50's to low 60's in mainlake areas and to low to mid 60's in the shallower protected areas. Current areas are still flowing very fast and strong, weedgrowth is far behind normal for this time of the season. A few Mayfly hatches have started, but with the weather the way it has been, information and conditions have been a bit on the slow side. I haven't been out as much as I would like, but conditions seem to be fairly average for Memorial Day Weekend: Its going to rain alot.
Bluegills Look for fish around woods or docks in 2-8 feet of water, and be ready to move shallower as the temperatures warm up this weekend. Current areas and spawning areas (like sandy or gravel areas) will have lots of fish, as will isolated patches of weeds in 8-12 FOW. Waxworms, redworms and plastics are taking fish, but bigger gills have been hard to come by in any significant number.
(Try: Okauchee, Garvin, Golden, Nag, Middle Gen, Ashipunn, Pretty, Phantom and Lower Nashotah)
Crappie fishing has been slow, but steady since the opener. Some fish have spawned, but a few are still hanging around shallow wood and reeds in the usual areas. (You'll know which batch of fish you're on by how dark the ones you catch are.) Minnows, hooked through the tail on a small hook (#8 or #10), waxworms and plastics have all been taking fish. Although you may have to do some searching, you'll find schools of fish are in small areas, so move until you find fish, and then set-up on them. (Try: Okauchee (especially the North Flat, Bay Five and the Crane's Nest), Garvin, Kessus, Nag, Golden and Silver.
Largemouth The recent weather kept lots of people off the water. Depending on who you talk with, people 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, especially just ahead of the fronts that are set to come through this weekend, the action could be good in short spurts. If the sun is up, rocks will hold fish throughout the day, but you might need to move around and let fish reset on them. If you target fish on the rocks, a jig and chunk, skirted grub or smaller size crawfish imitating crankbait are the ticket.
What to throw: 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, large shiners or small suckers are your best bet. (Try: Okauchee, Pewaukee, Lake Five, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Kessus Nagawicka, Silver, Golden, Fox or Emily)
Smallmouth bass have been active, but are in the process of finishing the spawn. Rock structure, scattered weeds on sand and major points are all holding fish, as are areas of our local lakes that have active current. Skirted grubs, jigworms, jig and craws, tubes, and soft jerkbaits are all catching fish. Go natural with your color choices this weekend, but don't overlook a chartruese. (Try: Oconomwoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Nags, Pewaukee, North, Lower Nashotah and the Nemahbin Lakes.)
Walleye have been active, with 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 were catching fish by working minnow baits (floating rapalas or rouges) over isolated weed clumps. This weekend should be red hot for walleyes, especially in the evenings, assuming the weather cooperates. (Try: Oconomowoc, Nag, North, Pine, (For Keepers), Lac Labelle, Pewaukee and Fox (for action))
Northern Pike fishing has picked up some and pike might be your best option for some steady action this holiday weekend with the unstable weather. Spinnerbaits, spoons, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits, or suspending jerkbaits (like size 11 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 or the largest shiner's you can find on a balloon rig around the deeper reeds in a marshy area. (Try: Okauchee, Kessus, Garvin, Nagawicka, Pine, Fowler, Emily, Hot tip: Golden!)
Musky Fishing has been slow, but 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 8-15 FOW around the transition areas of mainlake structure. Gliders, jerkbaits, swimbaits and bucktails have been productive, but many anglers continue to describe lots of lazy follows, so figure eights are required on every cast. Gold blade or orange blades with black skirt seems to be the color of the season, but chartruese/copper combos have also been catching some. (Try: Okauchee, Pewaukee, Fowler and Lac Labelle)
If you're in town for the holiday and want to talk some more specific tips, email or call me. I have time available for trips or lessons next week. (Email me here)
Have a great (and safe) holiday weekend.
CT
Thursday, May 9, 2019
Fishing Report 5-9-19
Hey gang,
I was out multiple times this week. Water temperatures vary greatly on area lakes, but most are still on the cooler side in the mid to high 50's. Water is high pretty much everywhere in the local area, so there's lots of current in areas with moving water.
Weed growth is way behind average, which means if you find can some good weeds, fish them!
Musky fishing has been slow by most reports. Lots of people reported still seeing fish finishing up the spawning rituals, and that always makes for a tough bite, but slowly and methodically working a shallow pattern can produce. Consider downsizing and trying to be as precise as possible. Oversized bass tactics can really be a great approach. (Jig and Reaper!)
Best bets: Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Pewaukee, and Fowler.
Northern Pike Anglers targeting bass have been catching a number of pike ranging from smaller snakes to quality 30+" fish. Spinnerbaits,small bucktails, lipless crankbaits, floating rapalas and buzzbaits will all catch fish in the shallow water when fished around submergent green weeds. Large shiners or small to medium sized suckers suspended underneath a float, longlined on a split shot rig, or fished deep on a slip-sinker setup are your best options for live bait.
Best Bets: Nagawicka, Golden, Okauchee, Fowler, Moose.
Walleye have been very active. Some fish are actively patrolling the shallows but the bulk of the fish are holding around rock in 8-12 feet of water. Crankbaits like rapala shad raps are catching fish, but controlled drifting with live bait has been the best approach. Slow and steady have been the operative words. A nightcrawler, leech or small sucker on a lindy rig or long lined split shot setup have been the most consistent producers. Should be a great weekend for fishing in the late afternoon/evenings with floating minnow bait around any mid-depth structure or weeds.
Best Bets: Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Lac Labelle, North, the Nehmabins and Fox Lake.
Largemouth Bass First wave spawning areas have fish on nests but patterning the larger females was just getting started.A couple of really nice fish came in during Tuesday night league, and I put a handful of quality 4+lb fish in the boat this week. Shallow flats outside of the spawning coves still have lots of smaller but schooling fish and remember in areas with consistent depth, not all of the nests will be on the bank Look for bass around shallow weeds, wood laydowns or docks. Rocky areas, especially points adjacent to deep water have been holding the most fish. Wacky worms, texas rigged lizards or stickbaits, ned rigs, lipless crankbaits, and jigs with a chunk or craw trailer have all been producing. Nightcralwers or large leeches on a lindy or split shot rig or large shiners under floats fished around piers or along rockbars have been catching a few nice fish. Pro-Tip: Downsizing and slowing way down with my presentations put some serious fish in the boat for me this week.
Best Bets: Okauchee, Golden, Keesus, Pine, Nagawicka, Buelah, Moose, Eagle Springs.
Smallmouth Bass Fish are patrolling the shallow bars in small schools a few times a day. Rocky/sand transition areas have been holding some fish who are foraging for craws. Suspending jerkbaits, tubes, wacky worms, swimbaits and lipless crankbaits in a crawfish pattern have all caught fish.
Best Bets: Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Pine, Nagawicka, Lower Nehmabin, Beaver.
Crappie Look for them around shallow cover in 2-8 feet of water. Tight-lining over deeper wood or weeds in 8-12 feet has also been effective on some lakes. Tail-hooked fatheads, plastics or hair jigs tipped with a waxworm and rosie reds are your best live bait options for crappies. Strike zones have been relatively small, so try to make accurate casts when setting up your presentations, and don't overlook fish using areas with active current.
Best Bets: Pine, Okauchee, Kessus, Golden, Garvin, Ashippun, Lake Five.
Bluegills are beginning to move into the shallow water on many area lakes, but the better sized fish have still been coming from anglers targeting them in a little deeper water. Shallow fish will be near sandy bottom areas with scattered weed growth, but if you just want the kids to catch a few fish, try fishing around any piers that are in the water adjacent to deeper water (6-10 feet). If you want to target eating size gills, tightline vertically while drifting along weedlines in deeper water (as deep as 22 feet), look for schools on the end of sandy/gravel points in 12-15 feet of water on in shallow areas with current. Plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes, panfish leeches or redworms are your best live bait options.
Best Bets: Golden, Silver, Garvin, Lower Nashotah, Forest, Upper and Lower Phantom, Ashippun, Upper Geneessee and Lake Five.
Catfish are being caught on the Rock River. Cutbait, stinkbait and nightcrawlers fished around the heads of the deeper holes has been producing some better sized keepers. The area between Watertown and the Jefferson Dam has been giving up fish the last few weeks, but if you're heading out, take note of the conditions and be ready for some changes.
Trout: The local lakes stocked with trout were solid producers during the first week. Opening weekend was busy, but pressure dropped way off during the week. There's lots of small schools of trout swimming around, but look for active fish running the drop offs.
Good Luck Out There.
Chris Terry
I was out multiple times this week. Water temperatures vary greatly on area lakes, but most are still on the cooler side in the mid to high 50's. Water is high pretty much everywhere in the local area, so there's lots of current in areas with moving water.
Weed growth is way behind average, which means if you find can some good weeds, fish them!
Musky fishing has been slow by most reports. Lots of people reported still seeing fish finishing up the spawning rituals, and that always makes for a tough bite, but slowly and methodically working a shallow pattern can produce. Consider downsizing and trying to be as precise as possible. Oversized bass tactics can really be a great approach. (Jig and Reaper!)
Best bets: Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Pewaukee, and Fowler.
Northern Pike Anglers targeting bass have been catching a number of pike ranging from smaller snakes to quality 30+" fish. Spinnerbaits,small bucktails, lipless crankbaits, floating rapalas and buzzbaits will all catch fish in the shallow water when fished around submergent green weeds. Large shiners or small to medium sized suckers suspended underneath a float, longlined on a split shot rig, or fished deep on a slip-sinker setup are your best options for live bait.
Best Bets: Nagawicka, Golden, Okauchee, Fowler, Moose.
Walleye have been very active. Some fish are actively patrolling the shallows but the bulk of the fish are holding around rock in 8-12 feet of water. Crankbaits like rapala shad raps are catching fish, but controlled drifting with live bait has been the best approach. Slow and steady have been the operative words. A nightcrawler, leech or small sucker on a lindy rig or long lined split shot setup have been the most consistent producers. Should be a great weekend for fishing in the late afternoon/evenings with floating minnow bait around any mid-depth structure or weeds.
Best Bets: Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Lac Labelle, North, the Nehmabins and Fox Lake.
Largemouth Bass First wave spawning areas have fish on nests but patterning the larger females was just getting started.A couple of really nice fish came in during Tuesday night league, and I put a handful of quality 4+lb fish in the boat this week. Shallow flats outside of the spawning coves still have lots of smaller but schooling fish and remember in areas with consistent depth, not all of the nests will be on the bank Look for bass around shallow weeds, wood laydowns or docks. Rocky areas, especially points adjacent to deep water have been holding the most fish. Wacky worms, texas rigged lizards or stickbaits, ned rigs, lipless crankbaits, and jigs with a chunk or craw trailer have all been producing. Nightcralwers or large leeches on a lindy or split shot rig or large shiners under floats fished around piers or along rockbars have been catching a few nice fish. Pro-Tip: Downsizing and slowing way down with my presentations put some serious fish in the boat for me this week.
Best Bets: Okauchee, Golden, Keesus, Pine, Nagawicka, Buelah, Moose, Eagle Springs.
Smallmouth Bass Fish are patrolling the shallow bars in small schools a few times a day. Rocky/sand transition areas have been holding some fish who are foraging for craws. Suspending jerkbaits, tubes, wacky worms, swimbaits and lipless crankbaits in a crawfish pattern have all caught fish.
Best Bets: Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Pine, Nagawicka, Lower Nehmabin, Beaver.
Crappie Look for them around shallow cover in 2-8 feet of water. Tight-lining over deeper wood or weeds in 8-12 feet has also been effective on some lakes. Tail-hooked fatheads, plastics or hair jigs tipped with a waxworm and rosie reds are your best live bait options for crappies. Strike zones have been relatively small, so try to make accurate casts when setting up your presentations, and don't overlook fish using areas with active current.
Best Bets: Pine, Okauchee, Kessus, Golden, Garvin, Ashippun, Lake Five.
Bluegills are beginning to move into the shallow water on many area lakes, but the better sized fish have still been coming from anglers targeting them in a little deeper water. Shallow fish will be near sandy bottom areas with scattered weed growth, but if you just want the kids to catch a few fish, try fishing around any piers that are in the water adjacent to deeper water (6-10 feet). If you want to target eating size gills, tightline vertically while drifting along weedlines in deeper water (as deep as 22 feet), look for schools on the end of sandy/gravel points in 12-15 feet of water on in shallow areas with current. Plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes, panfish leeches or redworms are your best live bait options.
Best Bets: Golden, Silver, Garvin, Lower Nashotah, Forest, Upper and Lower Phantom, Ashippun, Upper Geneessee and Lake Five.
Catfish are being caught on the Rock River. Cutbait, stinkbait and nightcrawlers fished around the heads of the deeper holes has been producing some better sized keepers. The area between Watertown and the Jefferson Dam has been giving up fish the last few weeks, but if you're heading out, take note of the conditions and be ready for some changes.
Trout: The local lakes stocked with trout were solid producers during the first week. Opening weekend was busy, but pressure dropped way off during the week. There's lots of small schools of trout swimming around, but look for active fish running the drop offs.
Good Luck Out There.
Chris Terry
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Opening Weekend 2019
The DNR's 2019 Season preview is available at this link.
Here's what to expect when you hit the water for the opener:
1.) Water temps in the mid 50's.
2.) Limited new growth of weeds, and less than average number of piers are in. Water is flowing in many areas.
3.) Live bait, fished slowly is going to be a great way to kick off the season. I'd fish for pike or walleye and wait until the weather stabilizes a bit if you want to target bass.
Shallow dark bottom bays will be where most of the action is on Saturday. Live bait will be a key presentation option. Targeting Musky, Pike and Walleye will be more productive than chasing bass in the morning.
Panfish: Crappies and Bluegills have started their transition into shallow water, and the bite has been steady on the sunny or warmer afternoons. Primary pattern working for keepers is to find the schools that are relating to weed clumps in shallow water.
Newer, green weeds, reeds or small wood laydowns are attracting the most fish right now. For crappies try small fuzzy jigs tipped with waxworms, or a hook and float combo with small fatheads or rosie reds. Bluegills have been biting on plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes, as well as redworms, leafworms or pieces of nightcrawler. If the bite is tough, downsize your presentation to an ice fishing jig or #10 or #12 red hook, and keep the bait above the fish (this is key for a tough bite!)
Hot tip: Sunken trees and cribs in deeper water that is close to a shallow drop will holder better size fish right now.
Best Lakes For Panfish: Ashippun, Silver, Kessus, Golden, the Genessee lakes, Lake Five, Okauchee (Bay Five, the Channel, Icehouse and Stumpy Bay), Garvin and the Nehmabins.
Trout: Stocked trout fishing is always very popular for opening weekend. (Complete List Here)
Stocked trout are easy to catch before too much pressure gets put on them. Watch for them swimming in groups just below the surface and cast ahead of them. They'll hit a variety of tackle/bait options but the use of gold really will help. I typically use a gold ice fishing jig with live bait under a small balsa bobber.
Locally:
Bass: Largemouth are in an early prespawn pattern. Small schools of them are chasing baitfish in the shallow water. For the best action look for LM to be along the first drop offs or at the edges of shallow bays. Later in the day they may move to the backs of spawning coves. Lindy or split shot rigs with nightcrawlers or suspending large shiners under slip bobbers are your best live bait options. Texas rigged plastic lizards, wacky worms, neko or ned rigs 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, but it never hurts to have natural pattern floating minnowbait (like a number 9 or 11 rapala) to twitch on the surface near roaming fish.
Best lakes for largemouth: Okauchee, Silver, Nagawicka, Golden, Pine, Pewaukee, Moose, Kessus, Pretty.
Smallmouth remain in deeper water for the most part, although a few have been seen making foraging runs into rocky areas during the middle part of the day. Look for them to be suspended in the water column in deep water near points and other rocky structure. Suspending Jerkbaits, swimbaits, slow rolled spinnerbaits or twister tail grubs in natural pattern are good options for chasing suspended smallmouths. If you can find some fish on the rocks, lindy rigging with leeches or nightcrawlers or grubs on a mushroom head, wacky or ned rigs should do the trick.
Best lakes for smallmouth: North, Lower Nehmabin, Oconomowoc, Nagawicka. Pine, Lac La Belle.
Note: There's an Anglers Choice Tournament on Okauchee on Sunday.
Walleyes are roaming shallow flats chasing baitfish. This indicates typical post-spawn behavior patterns, which matches the water temperatures on our local lakes. Bottom bouncers with spinner harnesses, lindy rigs and jigs will all catch these fish, but don't overlook the classic spring pattern of hitting rocks with the lip of a number 5 or 7 shad rap. Look for walleyes to relate the edges of shallow water, but especially at the junctions of rock/sand transitions.
Best lakes for walleye: Lac La Belle, Pewaukee, Pine and Oconomowoc. A few fish are still being caught on the Rock and Crawfish Rivers. Note: Each lake in our area has different regulations for walleye size/bag limits...make sure you know what's what for where you are fishing.
Northern: Pike are past their post spawn blues and are feeding aggressively. Typically with these conditions small pike will be all over shallow water and you can expect the big pike to be relating to the first break. This is prime time to chase pike with live bait. Use slip bobbers and suspend large shiners and suckers around weed edges or near areas with visible panfish. Casting with lipless crankbaits, buzzbaits, spooms or spinner baits, especially around shallow weeds on he edge of the sandy flat areas can be dynamite. Remember the best color for pike has always been red/white, but if the sun gets out, flash and shiny can draw some big strikes.
Best lakes for pike: Forest, Emily, Kessus, Moose, Golden, Nagawicka, Fowler, Lower Gennessee, Okauchee.
Musky: The fish that seem to be chasing active baitfish are relating to green weed growth in mid-depth water. You never lose out by floating a sucker or the largest shiners you can buy. If casting I'd downsize my presentation, stick to jerkbaits, gliders, smaller bucktails or oversized bass squarebills like a Manns 1 minus or Megabass Grenade for the opener this year, and concentrate your efforts on any scattered weed clumps you can find. Advice from me: Slow down, be methodical when working an area and be ready to make lots of casts to get neutral fish to bite.
Best lakes for musky: Pewaukee, Lac La Belle, Fowler, Okauchee, Garvin and Oconomowoc.
Don't forget about the new DNR Catch and Release Record Program
I have openings for guide trips or fishing lessons during May. Email me for more information.
Be safe out there. I'll see you on the water.
Cheers,
CT
Getting ready: 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)
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.
Need some help with the boat? Try these guys:
Hey Lake Country! Are you sick of never getting your boat on time? Tired of getting over charged by the big guys? Well do I have the solution for you...Lake Country Recreation has your sale and service needs. Lake Country Recreation is the best and only mobile marine in Lake Country area! With over 20 years of service experience Lake Country Recreation can help you with all aspects of marine repair at a fair price! So if you need help don’t hesitate to contact Lake Country Recreation! Ask for Jeff or Jimmy 262-370-5168 Happy Boating!
---------
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.
---------------------
Local Shore Fishing Locations
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.
Here's what to expect when you hit the water for the opener:
1.) Water temps in the mid 50's.
2.) Limited new growth of weeds, and less than average number of piers are in. Water is flowing in many areas.
3.) Live bait, fished slowly is going to be a great way to kick off the season. I'd fish for pike or walleye and wait until the weather stabilizes a bit if you want to target bass.
Shallow dark bottom bays will be where most of the action is on Saturday. Live bait will be a key presentation option. Targeting Musky, Pike and Walleye will be more productive than chasing bass in the morning.
Panfish: Crappies and Bluegills have started their transition into shallow water, and the bite has been steady on the sunny or warmer afternoons. Primary pattern working for keepers is to find the schools that are relating to weed clumps in shallow water.
Newer, green weeds, reeds or small wood laydowns are attracting the most fish right now. For crappies try small fuzzy jigs tipped with waxworms, or a hook and float combo with small fatheads or rosie reds. Bluegills have been biting on plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes, as well as redworms, leafworms or pieces of nightcrawler. If the bite is tough, downsize your presentation to an ice fishing jig or #10 or #12 red hook, and keep the bait above the fish (this is key for a tough bite!)
Hot tip: Sunken trees and cribs in deeper water that is close to a shallow drop will holder better size fish right now.
Best Lakes For Panfish: Ashippun, Silver, Kessus, Golden, the Genessee lakes, Lake Five, Okauchee (Bay Five, the Channel, Icehouse and Stumpy Bay), Garvin and the Nehmabins.
Trout: Stocked trout fishing is always very popular for opening weekend. (Complete List Here)
Stocked trout are easy to catch before too much pressure gets put on them. Watch for them swimming in groups just below the surface and cast ahead of them. They'll hit a variety of tackle/bait options but the use of gold really will help. I typically use a gold ice fishing jig with live bait under a small balsa bobber.
Locally:
Bass: Largemouth are in an early prespawn pattern. Small schools of them are chasing baitfish in the shallow water. For the best action look for LM to be along the first drop offs or at the edges of shallow bays. Later in the day they may move to the backs of spawning coves. Lindy or split shot rigs with nightcrawlers or suspending large shiners under slip bobbers are your best live bait options. Texas rigged plastic lizards, wacky worms, neko or ned rigs 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, but it never hurts to have natural pattern floating minnowbait (like a number 9 or 11 rapala) to twitch on the surface near roaming fish.
Best lakes for largemouth: Okauchee, Silver, Nagawicka, Golden, Pine, Pewaukee, Moose, Kessus, Pretty.
Smallmouth remain in deeper water for the most part, although a few have been seen making foraging runs into rocky areas during the middle part of the day. Look for them to be suspended in the water column in deep water near points and other rocky structure. Suspending Jerkbaits, swimbaits, slow rolled spinnerbaits or twister tail grubs in natural pattern are good options for chasing suspended smallmouths. If you can find some fish on the rocks, lindy rigging with leeches or nightcrawlers or grubs on a mushroom head, wacky or ned rigs should do the trick.
Best lakes for smallmouth: North, Lower Nehmabin, Oconomowoc, Nagawicka. Pine, Lac La Belle.
Note: There's an Anglers Choice Tournament on Okauchee on Sunday.
Walleyes are roaming shallow flats chasing baitfish. This indicates typical post-spawn behavior patterns, which matches the water temperatures on our local lakes. Bottom bouncers with spinner harnesses, lindy rigs and jigs will all catch these fish, but don't overlook the classic spring pattern of hitting rocks with the lip of a number 5 or 7 shad rap. Look for walleyes to relate the edges of shallow water, but especially at the junctions of rock/sand transitions.
Best lakes for walleye: Lac La Belle, Pewaukee, Pine and Oconomowoc. A few fish are still being caught on the Rock and Crawfish Rivers. Note: Each lake in our area has different regulations for walleye size/bag limits...make sure you know what's what for where you are fishing.
Northern: Pike are past their post spawn blues and are feeding aggressively. Typically with these conditions small pike will be all over shallow water and you can expect the big pike to be relating to the first break. This is prime time to chase pike with live bait. Use slip bobbers and suspend large shiners and suckers around weed edges or near areas with visible panfish. Casting with lipless crankbaits, buzzbaits, spooms or spinner baits, especially around shallow weeds on he edge of the sandy flat areas can be dynamite. Remember the best color for pike has always been red/white, but if the sun gets out, flash and shiny can draw some big strikes.
Best lakes for pike: Forest, Emily, Kessus, Moose, Golden, Nagawicka, Fowler, Lower Gennessee, Okauchee.
Musky: The fish that seem to be chasing active baitfish are relating to green weed growth in mid-depth water. You never lose out by floating a sucker or the largest shiners you can buy. If casting I'd downsize my presentation, stick to jerkbaits, gliders, smaller bucktails or oversized bass squarebills like a Manns 1 minus or Megabass Grenade for the opener this year, and concentrate your efforts on any scattered weed clumps you can find. Advice from me: Slow down, be methodical when working an area and be ready to make lots of casts to get neutral fish to bite.
Best lakes for musky: Pewaukee, Lac La Belle, Fowler, Okauchee, Garvin and Oconomowoc.
Don't forget about the new DNR Catch and Release Record Program
I have openings for guide trips or fishing lessons during May. Email me for more information.
Be safe out there. I'll see you on the water.
Cheers,
CT
Getting ready: 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)
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.
Need some help with the boat? Try these guys:
Hey Lake Country! Are you sick of never getting your boat on time? Tired of getting over charged by the big guys? Well do I have the solution for you...Lake Country Recreation has your sale and service needs. Lake Country Recreation is the best and only mobile marine in Lake Country area! With over 20 years of service experience Lake Country Recreation can help you with all aspects of marine repair at a fair price! So if you need help don’t hesitate to contact Lake Country Recreation! Ask for Jeff or Jimmy 262-370-5168 Happy Boating!
---------
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.
---------------------
Local Shore Fishing Locations
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.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Need a boat mechanic?
Everyone,
At some, time, at some place, for some reason...every boat needs a good fix. There is no one I can recommend more than my good friend Jeff.
I just learned he's gone independent after working for the local marina industry for more than 20 years. He has taken care of my engine needs for at least that long, has a quick turnaround and as a bonus he's a straight shooting stand up guy who is also a veteran.
414-370-5168 is the number for he and his partner. You won't be sorry for using them, and from the sound of it, it looks like they are willing to make house calls if your problem is on the lift behind your house.
Cheers,
CT
PS. Tell em I sent you to them, you won't get a special deal or anything, but I'm sure they will take care of you.
At some, time, at some place, for some reason...every boat needs a good fix. There is no one I can recommend more than my good friend Jeff.
I just learned he's gone independent after working for the local marina industry for more than 20 years. He has taken care of my engine needs for at least that long, has a quick turnaround and as a bonus he's a straight shooting stand up guy who is also a veteran.
414-370-5168 is the number for he and his partner. You won't be sorry for using them, and from the sound of it, it looks like they are willing to make house calls if your problem is on the lift behind your house.
Cheers,
CT
PS. Tell em I sent you to them, you won't get a special deal or anything, but I'm sure they will take care of you.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Back at it (3-31-19)
Hey gang, been awhile.
Area lakes are open, and the early crappie bite is in its infancy. Look for them in protected bays, boat channels or along North facing shorelines, especially in areas with a dark bottom, wood laydowns or adjacent to flowing current.
Rivers are open and getting started, but there's high water conditions on the Rock and in the Dells. Fish are also being caught at De pere, but it is early in every spot.
I have just 4 weeks left of teaching for the semester in Minnesota, and then I will be back full time and regular posting will begin again.
Last thing for today: Don't miss the Lunkers Unlimited Swap Meet This Thursday:
Area lakes are open, and the early crappie bite is in its infancy. Look for them in protected bays, boat channels or along North facing shorelines, especially in areas with a dark bottom, wood laydowns or adjacent to flowing current.
Rivers are open and getting started, but there's high water conditions on the Rock and in the Dells. Fish are also being caught at De pere, but it is early in every spot.
I have just 4 weeks left of teaching for the semester in Minnesota, and then I will be back full time and regular posting will begin again.
Last thing for today: Don't miss the Lunkers Unlimited Swap Meet This Thursday:
Thursday, August 9, 2018
End Run: The Return of School is Imminent
Hey gang,
Schools right around the corner, and I'll have to hang the "gone working" sign up on this sight for a bit, but there's still time to get out.
I was out today with my two oldest kids ahead of the front, and we sliced them up fishing inside edges with grubs and flick shake rigs. I can't stress enough how much I have come to love the flick shake rig as a set-up for the kids. I can bass fish, and they can fish that around me with a simple lift, drop, count and catch their own fish. It works deep or shallow, and they can safely throw it around docks, swim platforms or pontoons. It has been awesome for teaching my kids how to line watch and keep contact with the bait.
I'm using a simple set up. A 1/16 wacky head and a 4 or 6" Zoom trick worm in either Green Pumpkin or Watermelon Red. I've got them rigged on 6' St Croix Medium Light spinning rods with Cadence CS5 and 6lb co-polymer line. My daughter (age 9) caught an 18" LM today on this setup. It works and its easy enough for somebody without real skills to use.
Full report tomorrow, but get on the water...things are happening now.
Schools right around the corner, and I'll have to hang the "gone working" sign up on this sight for a bit, but there's still time to get out.
I was out today with my two oldest kids ahead of the front, and we sliced them up fishing inside edges with grubs and flick shake rigs. I can't stress enough how much I have come to love the flick shake rig as a set-up for the kids. I can bass fish, and they can fish that around me with a simple lift, drop, count and catch their own fish. It works deep or shallow, and they can safely throw it around docks, swim platforms or pontoons. It has been awesome for teaching my kids how to line watch and keep contact with the bait.
I'm using a simple set up. A 1/16 wacky head and a 4 or 6" Zoom trick worm in either Green Pumpkin or Watermelon Red. I've got them rigged on 6' St Croix Medium Light spinning rods with Cadence CS5 and 6lb co-polymer line. My daughter (age 9) caught an 18" LM today on this setup. It works and its easy enough for somebody without real skills to use.
Full report tomorrow, but get on the water...things are happening now.
Friday, July 27, 2018
Fishing Report 7-27-18
Hey gang, it was a mighty tough bite this week. Fish were still biting, but activity levels and strike zone size was limited. Water temps have come down a bit, but fish activity has not quite caught up yet.
As we move into August look for fish in the usual summer places, but watch for them to have periods of time where they feed actively. The changes in the photocycle and the length of day will be evident to the fish, and you can expect to see activity levels peak and ebb during each day. If the hot, muggy weather is behind us, things are set to get great.
Bluegills are still holding in deeper water, and will continue to do so for a couple of weeks. Look for them to suspend along weedlines in 12-22 feet of water, or to suspend over deeper sand-grass about 14-18 feet down over 40-50 feet of water.
Largemouth will continue to come in using two primary patterns in the short term. On sunny days, you can find them around shallow docks, wood laydowns, slop and scattered weed clumps. As the sun gets up, look for them to move tighter to overhead cover, but here will be periods of time during the day where their activity level will increase for a short spell. Be ready to switch tactics as they switch on and off, especially around transition areas and over flats where the topwater bite can really be fantastic.
Deeper fish will continue to use weededges and points in 12-18 feet of water, or be suspended over deep water about 6-12 feet below the surface. Some fish are relating to rockbars in 5-12 feet of water. Tube baits and skirted grubs are a great way to target these fish.
Smallmouth are starting to move toward the early fall pattern of making 3-5 foraging moves each day. When you are contacting active fish in shallow water, the bite can be incredible. Topwaters, including size 9 or 11 rapalas, rattletraps/lipless cranks or poppers in natural patterns can get you started, but be ready to switch to tubes, wacky, skirted grubs or twister tails as the day progresses. When things are slower, look for them to be just off the first major break in deeper water. Crankbaits in white or chartreuse, spinners or live bait are better for the deeper fish.
Walleyes will continue to hold in their summer patterns for another couple of weeks, but they will quickly make a move to shallower weedy areas as the baitfish move in for their fall spawning run. For now jigging or backtrolling with live bait around weed edges or drop-offs in 8-12 or 15-19 feet of water is a good place to start, and be ready to adjust to deeper water on sunny days or shallower on cloudy or windy days. A few fish are appearing on mid-lake structure but many are staging off main-lake points, especially where there is bottom transitions from rock to sand or from sand to muck. Drifting with live bait rigs or jigs are great ways to target these fish.
Northern pike activity has been slow and steady all summer, and I wouldn't expect that to change. Smaller pike can almost always be found in shallow water around weed clumps and inside weededges adjacent to rock bars/shorelines. Spinners, buzzbaits, spoons, jerkbaits or lipless crankbaist are solid choices for action. Larger pike can be taken trolling cranbkaits or slowly backtrolling live bait along deeper weed edges, especially in 12-20 feet of water.
Musky reports have slowed down over the past couple of weeks, but I suspect that has as much to do with the weather as anything. For the next run, start to look for them along visible weed breaks as well as over sumberged weedy flats in 8-12 feet of water. This is the early run, and you should look for some topwater or large bucktail action, or in deeper water suspended around baitfish which is perfect for a trolling bite. Action will pick up considerably in the weeks ahead.
Good Luck and Cheers.
CT
As we move into August look for fish in the usual summer places, but watch for them to have periods of time where they feed actively. The changes in the photocycle and the length of day will be evident to the fish, and you can expect to see activity levels peak and ebb during each day. If the hot, muggy weather is behind us, things are set to get great.
Bluegills are still holding in deeper water, and will continue to do so for a couple of weeks. Look for them to suspend along weedlines in 12-22 feet of water, or to suspend over deeper sand-grass about 14-18 feet down over 40-50 feet of water.
Largemouth will continue to come in using two primary patterns in the short term. On sunny days, you can find them around shallow docks, wood laydowns, slop and scattered weed clumps. As the sun gets up, look for them to move tighter to overhead cover, but here will be periods of time during the day where their activity level will increase for a short spell. Be ready to switch tactics as they switch on and off, especially around transition areas and over flats where the topwater bite can really be fantastic.
Deeper fish will continue to use weededges and points in 12-18 feet of water, or be suspended over deep water about 6-12 feet below the surface. Some fish are relating to rockbars in 5-12 feet of water. Tube baits and skirted grubs are a great way to target these fish.
Smallmouth are starting to move toward the early fall pattern of making 3-5 foraging moves each day. When you are contacting active fish in shallow water, the bite can be incredible. Topwaters, including size 9 or 11 rapalas, rattletraps/lipless cranks or poppers in natural patterns can get you started, but be ready to switch to tubes, wacky, skirted grubs or twister tails as the day progresses. When things are slower, look for them to be just off the first major break in deeper water. Crankbaits in white or chartreuse, spinners or live bait are better for the deeper fish.
Walleyes will continue to hold in their summer patterns for another couple of weeks, but they will quickly make a move to shallower weedy areas as the baitfish move in for their fall spawning run. For now jigging or backtrolling with live bait around weed edges or drop-offs in 8-12 or 15-19 feet of water is a good place to start, and be ready to adjust to deeper water on sunny days or shallower on cloudy or windy days. A few fish are appearing on mid-lake structure but many are staging off main-lake points, especially where there is bottom transitions from rock to sand or from sand to muck. Drifting with live bait rigs or jigs are great ways to target these fish.
Northern pike activity has been slow and steady all summer, and I wouldn't expect that to change. Smaller pike can almost always be found in shallow water around weed clumps and inside weededges adjacent to rock bars/shorelines. Spinners, buzzbaits, spoons, jerkbaits or lipless crankbaist are solid choices for action. Larger pike can be taken trolling cranbkaits or slowly backtrolling live bait along deeper weed edges, especially in 12-20 feet of water.
Musky reports have slowed down over the past couple of weeks, but I suspect that has as much to do with the weather as anything. For the next run, start to look for them along visible weed breaks as well as over sumberged weedy flats in 8-12 feet of water. This is the early run, and you should look for some topwater or large bucktail action, or in deeper water suspended around baitfish which is perfect for a trolling bite. Action will pick up considerably in the weeks ahead.
Good Luck and Cheers.
CT
Friday, July 20, 2018
Fishing Report 7-20-18
Hey Gang,
I was out a bunch this week, but apparently I was about the only one. I didn't get my usual batch of reports in from my other "people" this week, so just a quickie update.
Water temps are solidly in the low to 80's around the area now. If the weather cools, expect it to drop back into the low 70's, but as long as it stays sunny and hot, you'll need to play the conditions. As always this time of year, you'll do better early and late in the day, but if you adapt your tactics during the day, you can catch fish essentially any time of day. Algae blooms are occurring on many area lakes, so expect dirtier than normal water as you head out.
Baitfish have been fairly plentiful, but concentrated to smaller areas than is common...find the food and you'll quickly find fish.
Bass fishing was a bit off in the early part of this week with the bright skies and high pressure, but fishing was slow and steady. I caught most of my fish this week out of areas I would expect to catch them, but I had to dig into the bag of tricks a couple of times to put fish in the boat consistently.
Primary pattern: weeds along transition areas or at the ends of points. This is where the active fish are/were. Working these areas with a topwater produced early, and I could go back to productive areas later on and catch fish by finessing them out of the weeds. Docks and slop were better mid-day, especially shady docks adjacent to deeper water. Between these things you'll need to cover water, and I caught some quality fish on both grubs (watermelon or green pumpkin) as well as smaller squarebill Norman crankbaits. Up shallow, nothing fancy...wacky, ned rigs, tubes or skirted grubs/jig and craw trailers. I will say this...I threw some different options this week to limited success. I ended up going back to the staples...jigworms and a light carolina-style rig each day to catch fish.
Panfish: About what you should expect for summer. There's "fun" fish around docks and swim platforms if you're heading out with the kids...a simple small bobber and ice fishing jig or #10 or #12 sized hook tipped with a waxworm or spike will produce. If you're looking for keepers...I have two suggestions: fish off the deep weed edges for suspended fish, or look for them in areas with the most current you can find. We caught a nice batch of keepers with the kids one afternoon this week in a very small spot by getting the bait through the smaller gills at the top of the school. I used a small, but reaasonably heavy tungsten jig to get the presentation to sink fast enough it passed the fish at the top of the school.
Pike: Nothing consistent to report. Caught some throwing lip less cranks as well as when I was throwing topwaters for bass. Had a couple nice ones in the boat on Monday morning on a buzzbait thrown over submergent vegetation where we saw some small bluegills in the tops of the weeds.
Musky: Been tough with the heat but if you play your solar lunar table and hit your windows, you can have some solid topwater or glider action, in some surprisingly shallow water. That's all I am going to say on this.
I didn't hear anything new on walleyes or crappie this week, so you can look back at my report from Monday (here) for the last bit of information I had.
Cheers,
CT
I was out a bunch this week, but apparently I was about the only one. I didn't get my usual batch of reports in from my other "people" this week, so just a quickie update.
Water temps are solidly in the low to 80's around the area now. If the weather cools, expect it to drop back into the low 70's, but as long as it stays sunny and hot, you'll need to play the conditions. As always this time of year, you'll do better early and late in the day, but if you adapt your tactics during the day, you can catch fish essentially any time of day. Algae blooms are occurring on many area lakes, so expect dirtier than normal water as you head out.
Baitfish have been fairly plentiful, but concentrated to smaller areas than is common...find the food and you'll quickly find fish.
Bass fishing was a bit off in the early part of this week with the bright skies and high pressure, but fishing was slow and steady. I caught most of my fish this week out of areas I would expect to catch them, but I had to dig into the bag of tricks a couple of times to put fish in the boat consistently.
Primary pattern: weeds along transition areas or at the ends of points. This is where the active fish are/were. Working these areas with a topwater produced early, and I could go back to productive areas later on and catch fish by finessing them out of the weeds. Docks and slop were better mid-day, especially shady docks adjacent to deeper water. Between these things you'll need to cover water, and I caught some quality fish on both grubs (watermelon or green pumpkin) as well as smaller squarebill Norman crankbaits. Up shallow, nothing fancy...wacky, ned rigs, tubes or skirted grubs/jig and craw trailers. I will say this...I threw some different options this week to limited success. I ended up going back to the staples...jigworms and a light carolina-style rig each day to catch fish.
Panfish: About what you should expect for summer. There's "fun" fish around docks and swim platforms if you're heading out with the kids...a simple small bobber and ice fishing jig or #10 or #12 sized hook tipped with a waxworm or spike will produce. If you're looking for keepers...I have two suggestions: fish off the deep weed edges for suspended fish, or look for them in areas with the most current you can find. We caught a nice batch of keepers with the kids one afternoon this week in a very small spot by getting the bait through the smaller gills at the top of the school. I used a small, but reaasonably heavy tungsten jig to get the presentation to sink fast enough it passed the fish at the top of the school.
Pike: Nothing consistent to report. Caught some throwing lip less cranks as well as when I was throwing topwaters for bass. Had a couple nice ones in the boat on Monday morning on a buzzbait thrown over submergent vegetation where we saw some small bluegills in the tops of the weeds.
Musky: Been tough with the heat but if you play your solar lunar table and hit your windows, you can have some solid topwater or glider action, in some surprisingly shallow water. That's all I am going to say on this.
I didn't hear anything new on walleyes or crappie this week, so you can look back at my report from Monday (here) for the last bit of information I had.
Cheers,
CT
Monday, July 16, 2018
Fishing Report 7-16-18
Hey gang,
The hot weather has really slowed things down. Water temperatures are in the low to mid 80's, and fishing has hit that mid-summer period.
You'll do best fishing early and late. Morning bit has been good, but not great between about 4:30-8:30. Things start to really slow down by 10. They start picking back up around 4, and you can get some solid evening action going 6pm-dusk.
Weed edges along drop offs were the best overall pattern this week. With the heat, some docks and slop are holding fish, but the lack of rain has cut into the current through our local lakes in a pretty substantial way.
Overall, Bass fishing slowed way down this run, both in terms of people our fishing and catches. I've put fish in the boat every day I have been out, but there's been some days I was deep into my bag of tricks. Deep weedlines out to 18 FOW, piers or slop have been workable areas. Early, the smallmouth are making a forging run along shallow bars near deep water but getting them to bite consistently has been challenging day to day. Ned rigs, "Chris rigs" jigworms, grubs, tubes, wacky, small Kitech swimbaits and drop shot has put fish in the boat. Fishing very slow has produced a bunch of bites for me the last couple of days, but downsizing a bit has really been the ticket.
Texas rigs, Carolina Rigs and live bait rigs with leeches, large shiners, chubs or suckers for the deep fish. Open water top water fishing has been good on mainlake and secondary points, but only until mid morning, but a smaller square bill or lipless crank has been a good follow up especially in areas where you see schools of pin minnows or juvenile yellow perch.
Walleye fishing has remained slow but productive. Fishing either end of the day certainly helps. Slip bobbers, with live bait, jigs with plastics or lindy rigs, fished near the weeds are producing, but expect the bite to slow down in the heavy heat this weekekend. At night, back troll with suckers on lindy/slip sinker rigs in 18-22 fow, targeting areas with healthy sandgrass or fish floating rapalas/minnowbaits around weedclumps after dark.
Bluegills are doing their summer thing. 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.
Crappies have been suspending over sunken boats, fish cribs or other structure in 18-25 FOW. Heard several solid reports about bags of keepers coming in by guys fishing vertically with plastics or hair jigs tipped with waxies or spikes.
-----
Okauchee: Bass are on the piers, in pads and slop and on the weed edges in deeper water/along mainlake structure. Pike have been active, especially in deep areas with quick access to shallow weeds. Panfish are suspending deep, but adjacent to the points.
Garvin: Bluegills suspending over deep cover on east shoreline points.
Oconomowoc: Bass are suspending off the deep ends of the mainlake points, coming in for limited periods of high activity. Tight to visible weed clumps will produce some bass, panfish are on the deep weedlines (use a split shot or light lindy rig and a panfish leech). Walleye and musky have both been slow.
Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing was slow, but steady. Target weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks and drop-offs in 10-18 FOW, but be ready to move around. Jigs and rigs with live bait, best action has been 6-8am and again just before dark. Bass fishing has been very good, with lots of hungry smallmouths coming over the gravel and deep rock.
Moose: Bass and pike both slow. Crappie and Bluegills are suspending deep and around swim platforms. Bass feeding early, then moving out deep. Look for baitfish, and work small areas hard. It has been a tough bite out there.
Ashipunn: Bass and pike were more active than most other lakes, but also deeper. Concentrate on the visible weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles with spinners or plastics. Piers holding some smaller fish. Panfish are suspending in the deep part of the basin, about 18-22 foot down.
Golden: Bluegills in deep water, holding close to weed edges. Bass have been biting along inside weedlines but docks and the slop are still holding some fish. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines and on spinnerbaits or buzzbaits fished through the weedy areas.
Silver: Crappies have been suspending over the east cribs, and keeper bluegills are holding in the deep sandgrass in 12-18 FOW. Bass fishing was slower than normal, but still pretty consistent,
Finally today: Apparently this blog is one of the 60 best in Wisconsin. I made this list at #48 From Feedspot. I don't know exactly what to think...and it doesn't look like there's much of a prize or anything...but thanks to those of you who have followed these reports over the years.
Cheers,
CT
The hot weather has really slowed things down. Water temperatures are in the low to mid 80's, and fishing has hit that mid-summer period.
You'll do best fishing early and late. Morning bit has been good, but not great between about 4:30-8:30. Things start to really slow down by 10. They start picking back up around 4, and you can get some solid evening action going 6pm-dusk.
Weed edges along drop offs were the best overall pattern this week. With the heat, some docks and slop are holding fish, but the lack of rain has cut into the current through our local lakes in a pretty substantial way.
Overall, Bass fishing slowed way down this run, both in terms of people our fishing and catches. I've put fish in the boat every day I have been out, but there's been some days I was deep into my bag of tricks. Deep weedlines out to 18 FOW, piers or slop have been workable areas. Early, the smallmouth are making a forging run along shallow bars near deep water but getting them to bite consistently has been challenging day to day. Ned rigs, "Chris rigs" jigworms, grubs, tubes, wacky, small Kitech swimbaits and drop shot has put fish in the boat. Fishing very slow has produced a bunch of bites for me the last couple of days, but downsizing a bit has really been the ticket.
Texas rigs, Carolina Rigs and live bait rigs with leeches, large shiners, chubs or suckers for the deep fish. Open water top water fishing has been good on mainlake and secondary points, but only until mid morning, but a smaller square bill or lipless crank has been a good follow up especially in areas where you see schools of pin minnows or juvenile yellow perch.
Walleye fishing has remained slow but productive. Fishing either end of the day certainly helps. Slip bobbers, with live bait, jigs with plastics or lindy rigs, fished near the weeds are producing, but expect the bite to slow down in the heavy heat this weekekend. At night, back troll with suckers on lindy/slip sinker rigs in 18-22 fow, targeting areas with healthy sandgrass or fish floating rapalas/minnowbaits around weedclumps after dark.
Bluegills are doing their summer thing. 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.
Crappies have been suspending over sunken boats, fish cribs or other structure in 18-25 FOW. Heard several solid reports about bags of keepers coming in by guys fishing vertically with plastics or hair jigs tipped with waxies or spikes.
-----
Okauchee: Bass are on the piers, in pads and slop and on the weed edges in deeper water/along mainlake structure. Pike have been active, especially in deep areas with quick access to shallow weeds. Panfish are suspending deep, but adjacent to the points.
Garvin: Bluegills suspending over deep cover on east shoreline points.
Oconomowoc: Bass are suspending off the deep ends of the mainlake points, coming in for limited periods of high activity. Tight to visible weed clumps will produce some bass, panfish are on the deep weedlines (use a split shot or light lindy rig and a panfish leech). Walleye and musky have both been slow.
Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing was slow, but steady. Target weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks and drop-offs in 10-18 FOW, but be ready to move around. Jigs and rigs with live bait, best action has been 6-8am and again just before dark. Bass fishing has been very good, with lots of hungry smallmouths coming over the gravel and deep rock.
Moose: Bass and pike both slow. Crappie and Bluegills are suspending deep and around swim platforms. Bass feeding early, then moving out deep. Look for baitfish, and work small areas hard. It has been a tough bite out there.
Ashipunn: Bass and pike were more active than most other lakes, but also deeper. Concentrate on the visible weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles with spinners or plastics. Piers holding some smaller fish. Panfish are suspending in the deep part of the basin, about 18-22 foot down.
Golden: Bluegills in deep water, holding close to weed edges. Bass have been biting along inside weedlines but docks and the slop are still holding some fish. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines and on spinnerbaits or buzzbaits fished through the weedy areas.
Silver: Crappies have been suspending over the east cribs, and keeper bluegills are holding in the deep sandgrass in 12-18 FOW. Bass fishing was slower than normal, but still pretty consistent,
Finally today: Apparently this blog is one of the 60 best in Wisconsin. I made this list at #48 From Feedspot. I don't know exactly what to think...and it doesn't look like there's much of a prize or anything...but thanks to those of you who have followed these reports over the years.
Cheers,
CT
Thursday, June 28, 2018
Fishing Report 6-28-18 (Holiday Week Preview)
Hey gang,
The mid summer holiday is right around the corner. If you're in town (or have those pesky relatives who are) I have some openings for 3 hour and half day trips. Just email me and I'll put you on some fish.
PS...I'm super kid friendly (as I have five of my own.)
Around the area, the main story is the unstable weather patterns. We've got a couple of hot days on deck leading into the weekend, and then the hot and humid conditions will lead to some days with Thunderstorms, which of course lead to the post frontal days. None of this means you can't catch fish on any given day, but you'll need to play the conditions to have solid outings.
On the hot days, fish in the early morning or in the evening. During the middays focus on the shade. Docks, shady banks, tied up pontoons. On days when a front is about to go through, look for the biggest fish in the hour or two before the front moves through (but be careful not to be too far from safety). On the days after the fronts, focus your attention on catching more (but smaller overall) gamefish when they turn back on first.
Around the area...water temps are in the mid 70's. Weed growth is a bit less than average for this time of year. There's plenty of baitfish after a couple of big hatches mid-month. Water is high on most of our area lakes.
Panfish Looking for action with the kids? Small panfish can be caught in shallow water using a small hook, bobber and live bait or plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes, especially around docks or swim platforms. The keepers are being caught out of the deeper water by anglers drifting and fishing vertically. Look for gills to be suspending about 10-12 feet down over 18-25 FOW or 12-18 over 30-45 FOW. If you're on a deep school, but not catching keepers, get your bait down a little deeper. Hot tip: Skip the Nightcrawlers--get some panfish leeches. crcikets or helgramites....you can thank me later.
Crappie are suspending over structure in deep water, and along weed edges, and the activity has been steady by anglers who find the schools.
Largemouth bass are moving into what would be considered their traditional summer patterns. Look for them in inside weed edges in 4-6 FOW and the outside edges in 8-15 FOW. These fish can be caught on a variety of tackle, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, texas rigged wacky worms, shakey heads, skirted grubs and tubes. Casting a grub or jigworm over the weed flats with a slow retrieve put some very nice fish in my boat this week. Natural colors have been great...green pumpkin and watermelon red have been the most productive for me this week.
Piers are holding more fish on hot sunny days, and the slop has been pretty good especially mid-day. Looking for some real fun? Topwaters (especially Pop R's or two hook floating rapalas) are still catching fish over the weedflats in 5-12 feet right now, but only consistently before and at first light, and the topwater bite drops off substantially by 8am.
Smallmouth bass fishing was red hot this past week. Fish are using rocky points and bars especially early and later in the day. Most fish are holding on the deep side of breaks or suspending off mainlake structure, coming in briefly to forage. Areas with steady current have also been holding some decent batches of fish. Skirted grubs, drop-shot, twister tail grubs, tubes, wacky worms, shakey heads, lipless crankbaits, jerkbaits or floating rapalas are your best tackle options, but live bait like leeches and small suckers has been working for the people fishing the edges of structure in 18-25 feet.
Walleye fishing has been steady. Anglers putting in time are catching a fish, although keepers have been hard to come by consistently. Fish continue to be caught along outside weed edges or off deeper flats with sandgrass. Slip bobbers or split shot rigs with live bait or suckers, backtrolled on lindy or a slip-sinker rig has been producing the larger fish. Fishing over the tops of weed clumps near breaklines with floating rapala minnows is grabbing a few as well, especially during low light conditions. Wind has been a key factor on fish location....and drifting with live bait (leeches, leave the fatheads at home) is the best way to find the active fish on the flats and weed edges.
Pike fishing has been a little below average, but lots of people are catching undersize pike when targeting bass or panfish. Active fish are using the shallow weedflats to feed on small baitfish, including a massive bloom in juvenile panfish. Fish with willow leaf spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, small bucktails or buzzbaits tight to scattered weedclumps in 4-8 FOW. Larger pike were hard to come by according to most reports, but if you want to chase them, try the weedline in 12-18 feet of water and fish with suckers or large shiners on a slip sinker rig or troll with deep diving crankbaits as close to the weedline as you can without getting hung up.
Musky fishing remains slow overall, on the bright sunny days, target suspended fish out over deeper on smaller lipless crankbaits, gliders and bucktails. A few fish have been caught off the weedline on larger swimbaits. Anglers continue to report lots of lazy follows, so consider keeping a smaller sucker out.
Lake By Lake:
Okauchee: Bass are on the piers, in the slop and on the weed edges in 8-15 FOW. Musky are feeding in the shallows in the morning, and then moving out to 18-22 feet. Nothing substantial to report on panfish as the spawn is largely over, but look for them to be schooled up at the end of points over deeper water.
Garvin: Great spot for panfish lately with some nice keepers. Look for the sunken wood in 10-15 feet. Bass are using the shallow flat areas. Pike are on 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.
Oconomowoc: Fishing has slowed down. Mornings and evenings have been best. Bass are holding on the obvious structural breaks and suspending off the deep ends of the mainlake points. Northern pike and walleye fishing has been best for anglers using small suckers catching the majority of the fish, pike was better than walleye during the day. Musky fishing was slow, but lots of fish are still doing lazy follows.
Fowler: Small panfish are biting, a few LM were caught in the river and out of the deep slop. Pike are on the weedlines.
Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing is moving toward its typical summer pace. Weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks are still holding fish as are drop-offs in 18-25 FOW. Musky have moved out to suspend over deep water in the main basin. White bass have been stealing lots of bait from walleye and panfisherman. Bass has been average for both LM and SM.
Moose: Bass and pike continue to bite, and action has been steady. 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 has been a hot tactic, especially in low light conditions. Mornings have been better, but gamefish are biting all day. Plenty of easy to catch, albeit small, panfish in the shallows for the kids to have some fun. Note: the lake is still no-wake.
Ashipunn: Bass and pike have been biting, and the action is close to average for this time of year. Best bet on Ashipunn is to concentrate on the visible weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles with spinners or plastics. Flipping tubes, lizards or long straight tailed worms to visible weed pockets is producing numbers. Panfish are suspending along the deep weed edges and along the sand/muck transitions.
Golden: Bluegills are moving out to deeper water, suspending over the deep part of the basin, holding close to weed edges. Crappie are in huge schools suspending off the points and weed edges. Bass have been biting best in the morning, but a deeper weedline bite has been picking up, especially in the afternoon.. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines and on spinnerbaits 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 12-18 FOW.
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.
Kessus: Bass have been good, and are on the gravel, under docks/pontoons and on the points. Pike are actively feeding on you of the year bluegills.
Lower and Middle Genessee: Panfish have moved to the deeper water with sandgrass, and largemouths are being caught around shallow to mid depth weeds. Lindy rigging with live bait, especially leeches or leafworms has been very good for both bass and panfish. Night fishing is really picking up on Middle.
Rock River: the Catfish bite has been slow, but steady at night. Water is flowing.
Good luck, be safe and enjoy the next little run.
Cheers,
CT
The mid summer holiday is right around the corner. If you're in town (or have those pesky relatives who are) I have some openings for 3 hour and half day trips. Just email me and I'll put you on some fish.
PS...I'm super kid friendly (as I have five of my own.)
Around the area, the main story is the unstable weather patterns. We've got a couple of hot days on deck leading into the weekend, and then the hot and humid conditions will lead to some days with Thunderstorms, which of course lead to the post frontal days. None of this means you can't catch fish on any given day, but you'll need to play the conditions to have solid outings.
On the hot days, fish in the early morning or in the evening. During the middays focus on the shade. Docks, shady banks, tied up pontoons. On days when a front is about to go through, look for the biggest fish in the hour or two before the front moves through (but be careful not to be too far from safety). On the days after the fronts, focus your attention on catching more (but smaller overall) gamefish when they turn back on first.
Around the area...water temps are in the mid 70's. Weed growth is a bit less than average for this time of year. There's plenty of baitfish after a couple of big hatches mid-month. Water is high on most of our area lakes.
Panfish Looking for action with the kids? Small panfish can be caught in shallow water using a small hook, bobber and live bait or plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes, especially around docks or swim platforms. The keepers are being caught out of the deeper water by anglers drifting and fishing vertically. Look for gills to be suspending about 10-12 feet down over 18-25 FOW or 12-18 over 30-45 FOW. If you're on a deep school, but not catching keepers, get your bait down a little deeper. Hot tip: Skip the Nightcrawlers--get some panfish leeches. crcikets or helgramites....you can thank me later.
Crappie are suspending over structure in deep water, and along weed edges, and the activity has been steady by anglers who find the schools.
Largemouth bass are moving into what would be considered their traditional summer patterns. Look for them in inside weed edges in 4-6 FOW and the outside edges in 8-15 FOW. These fish can be caught on a variety of tackle, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, texas rigged wacky worms, shakey heads, skirted grubs and tubes. Casting a grub or jigworm over the weed flats with a slow retrieve put some very nice fish in my boat this week. Natural colors have been great...green pumpkin and watermelon red have been the most productive for me this week.
Piers are holding more fish on hot sunny days, and the slop has been pretty good especially mid-day. Looking for some real fun? Topwaters (especially Pop R's or two hook floating rapalas) are still catching fish over the weedflats in 5-12 feet right now, but only consistently before and at first light, and the topwater bite drops off substantially by 8am.
Smallmouth bass fishing was red hot this past week. Fish are using rocky points and bars especially early and later in the day. Most fish are holding on the deep side of breaks or suspending off mainlake structure, coming in briefly to forage. Areas with steady current have also been holding some decent batches of fish. Skirted grubs, drop-shot, twister tail grubs, tubes, wacky worms, shakey heads, lipless crankbaits, jerkbaits or floating rapalas are your best tackle options, but live bait like leeches and small suckers has been working for the people fishing the edges of structure in 18-25 feet.
Walleye fishing has been steady. Anglers putting in time are catching a fish, although keepers have been hard to come by consistently. Fish continue to be caught along outside weed edges or off deeper flats with sandgrass. Slip bobbers or split shot rigs with live bait or suckers, backtrolled on lindy or a slip-sinker rig has been producing the larger fish. Fishing over the tops of weed clumps near breaklines with floating rapala minnows is grabbing a few as well, especially during low light conditions. Wind has been a key factor on fish location....and drifting with live bait (leeches, leave the fatheads at home) is the best way to find the active fish on the flats and weed edges.
Pike fishing has been a little below average, but lots of people are catching undersize pike when targeting bass or panfish. Active fish are using the shallow weedflats to feed on small baitfish, including a massive bloom in juvenile panfish. Fish with willow leaf spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, small bucktails or buzzbaits tight to scattered weedclumps in 4-8 FOW. Larger pike were hard to come by according to most reports, but if you want to chase them, try the weedline in 12-18 feet of water and fish with suckers or large shiners on a slip sinker rig or troll with deep diving crankbaits as close to the weedline as you can without getting hung up.
Musky fishing remains slow overall, on the bright sunny days, target suspended fish out over deeper on smaller lipless crankbaits, gliders and bucktails. A few fish have been caught off the weedline on larger swimbaits. Anglers continue to report lots of lazy follows, so consider keeping a smaller sucker out.
Lake By Lake:
Okauchee: Bass are on the piers, in the slop and on the weed edges in 8-15 FOW. Musky are feeding in the shallows in the morning, and then moving out to 18-22 feet. Nothing substantial to report on panfish as the spawn is largely over, but look for them to be schooled up at the end of points over deeper water.
Garvin: Great spot for panfish lately with some nice keepers. Look for the sunken wood in 10-15 feet. Bass are using the shallow flat areas. Pike are on 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.
Oconomowoc: Fishing has slowed down. Mornings and evenings have been best. Bass are holding on the obvious structural breaks and suspending off the deep ends of the mainlake points. Northern pike and walleye fishing has been best for anglers using small suckers catching the majority of the fish, pike was better than walleye during the day. Musky fishing was slow, but lots of fish are still doing lazy follows.
Fowler: Small panfish are biting, a few LM were caught in the river and out of the deep slop. Pike are on the weedlines.
Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing is moving toward its typical summer pace. Weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks are still holding fish as are drop-offs in 18-25 FOW. Musky have moved out to suspend over deep water in the main basin. White bass have been stealing lots of bait from walleye and panfisherman. Bass has been average for both LM and SM.
Moose: Bass and pike continue to bite, and action has been steady. 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 has been a hot tactic, especially in low light conditions. Mornings have been better, but gamefish are biting all day. Plenty of easy to catch, albeit small, panfish in the shallows for the kids to have some fun. Note: the lake is still no-wake.
Ashipunn: Bass and pike have been biting, and the action is close to average for this time of year. Best bet on Ashipunn is to concentrate on the visible weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles with spinners or plastics. Flipping tubes, lizards or long straight tailed worms to visible weed pockets is producing numbers. Panfish are suspending along the deep weed edges and along the sand/muck transitions.
Golden: Bluegills are moving out to deeper water, suspending over the deep part of the basin, holding close to weed edges. Crappie are in huge schools suspending off the points and weed edges. Bass have been biting best in the morning, but a deeper weedline bite has been picking up, especially in the afternoon.. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines and on spinnerbaits 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 12-18 FOW.
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.
Kessus: Bass have been good, and are on the gravel, under docks/pontoons and on the points. Pike are actively feeding on you of the year bluegills.
Lower and Middle Genessee: Panfish have moved to the deeper water with sandgrass, and largemouths are being caught around shallow to mid depth weeds. Lindy rigging with live bait, especially leeches or leafworms has been very good for both bass and panfish. Night fishing is really picking up on Middle.
Rock River: the Catfish bite has been slow, but steady at night. Water is flowing.
Good luck, be safe and enjoy the next little run.
Cheers,
CT
Saturday, June 23, 2018
Fishing Report 6-22-18
Hey gang,
The unstable weather this week made for some challenging fishing. But as things stabilize this week, expect there to be a solid run of quality fishing ahead.
Panfish are largely done with the ritual, but there are a few fish still spawning on some area
lakes. Out with the kids? - Action with bluegills can be found in shallow water areas where there is sand
or gravel, but bigger gills can be caught out of spawning areas in as deep
as 18 feet of water down 12-18' over much deeper water. Meanwhile, crappies are relating to weed edges
between 8-12 feet or suspending over structure and cribs in deeper water. For gills: hellgramites, panfish leeches, waxies or redworms are all good options, while crappie will be taken more frequently on small or large fatheads, plastics tipped with waxies or spikes or on small hair jigs.
Largemouth bass were tough(er) to come by (in relative terms). You can catch fish, but getting on a solid pattern for extended success might take some work if e don't get a couple of days of consistent weather. Many fish have been shallow, but there's a steady deep bite as well. Be ready to adapt to changes on the water. As for a strategy: Skipping piers is producing a few fish, but less than would be typical for the middle of summer. Slop has been decent, but only on the sunny days, and only around pads or slop where visible baitfish are present. Fish are feeding, but their strike zone has been tighter than I would normally expect...so I recommend a finesse approach: Wacky, Ned or Neko rigs, Shakey heads, flapper grubs and tubes in shallow water, with dropshot, jigworms, skirted grubs on a football head and Slider rigs catching the deeper fish (12-18 FOW). Don't be afraid to downsize if the bite is tough, or during the middle part of the day. If you're an early riser, topwater poppers, spooks and buzzbaits are catching some nice fish off the weedflats in 5-12 feet right now, but only consistently at first light, the topwater bite has been wrapping up around 8am.
Smallmouth bass fishing has also been slow, but most anglers are catching mixed bags of smallies and largies in the same areas. Do the same things for both species, but look for smallies suspending around the ends of rocky points and bars both early and later in the day. Grubs, tubes, wacky worms, shakey heads are catching some consistent bags of fish. Lindy rigging areas of deep sand with small suckers, large shiners or leeches can be the ticket for a tough bite, but my tip for this week: if you see lots of baitfish that are pin or shiner minnows around rock or rock weed transitions, use a suspending jerkbait (like a Rouge) or floating Rapala.
Walleye fishing was great in the rain, the high water generated some current and that really turned the fish on. Fish are coming shallow (5-9 FOW) but have also been in the sandgrass in 22-30+ FOW. Fish are being caught along shallow inside and outside weed edges or off deeper flats with sandgrass. Vertically jigging with live bait or plastics has been better during the day, while throwing cranks and minnow baits has been producing early and late. Suckers, backtrolled on lindy or a slip-sinker rig has been producing the larger fish. Leeches over nightcrawlers the last week.
Pike fishing has been red hot. Lots of smaller pike are using the shallow weedflats to feed on small gills and juvenile perch. Spinners baits, small bucktails or buzzbaits will produce when fished tight to weedclumps. Looking for something bigger? Move out to the weedline in 12-18 feet of water and fish with suckers or large shiners on a slip sinker rig with a heavy flourocarbon leader. Heard from a couple people that were pulling/trolling spoons that had some decent success in 15-18FOW early this past week.
Musky fishing: I just didn't hear much this week frankly. A couple of my usual information sources took the week off with the weather. I'd look for them to be suspended around schools of cisco or bluegills over the deep water, along the deepest weed edges or adjacent to deep water structure, especially the deep end of long points. I'd start with topwater around mid-depth rocks (8-12 FOW) concentrating on scattered clumps of weeds, then I'd throw a jointed bait (shallow raider or creekie chub) deep to shallow along the transition lines.
Good luck, and stay safe.
CT
The unstable weather this week made for some challenging fishing. But as things stabilize this week, expect there to be a solid run of quality fishing ahead.
Panfish are largely done with the ritual, but there are a few fish still spawning on some area
lakes. Out with the kids? - Action with bluegills can be found in shallow water areas where there is sand
or gravel, but bigger gills can be caught out of spawning areas in as deep
as 18 feet of water down 12-18' over much deeper water. Meanwhile, crappies are relating to weed edges
between 8-12 feet or suspending over structure and cribs in deeper water. For gills: hellgramites, panfish leeches, waxies or redworms are all good options, while crappie will be taken more frequently on small or large fatheads, plastics tipped with waxies or spikes or on small hair jigs.
Largemouth bass were tough(er) to come by (in relative terms). You can catch fish, but getting on a solid pattern for extended success might take some work if e don't get a couple of days of consistent weather. Many fish have been shallow, but there's a steady deep bite as well. Be ready to adapt to changes on the water. As for a strategy: Skipping piers is producing a few fish, but less than would be typical for the middle of summer. Slop has been decent, but only on the sunny days, and only around pads or slop where visible baitfish are present. Fish are feeding, but their strike zone has been tighter than I would normally expect...so I recommend a finesse approach: Wacky, Ned or Neko rigs, Shakey heads, flapper grubs and tubes in shallow water, with dropshot, jigworms, skirted grubs on a football head and Slider rigs catching the deeper fish (12-18 FOW). Don't be afraid to downsize if the bite is tough, or during the middle part of the day. If you're an early riser, topwater poppers, spooks and buzzbaits are catching some nice fish off the weedflats in 5-12 feet right now, but only consistently at first light, the topwater bite has been wrapping up around 8am.
Smallmouth bass fishing has also been slow, but most anglers are catching mixed bags of smallies and largies in the same areas. Do the same things for both species, but look for smallies suspending around the ends of rocky points and bars both early and later in the day. Grubs, tubes, wacky worms, shakey heads are catching some consistent bags of fish. Lindy rigging areas of deep sand with small suckers, large shiners or leeches can be the ticket for a tough bite, but my tip for this week: if you see lots of baitfish that are pin or shiner minnows around rock or rock weed transitions, use a suspending jerkbait (like a Rouge) or floating Rapala.
Walleye fishing was great in the rain, the high water generated some current and that really turned the fish on. Fish are coming shallow (5-9 FOW) but have also been in the sandgrass in 22-30+ FOW. Fish are being caught along shallow inside and outside weed edges or off deeper flats with sandgrass. Vertically jigging with live bait or plastics has been better during the day, while throwing cranks and minnow baits has been producing early and late. Suckers, backtrolled on lindy or a slip-sinker rig has been producing the larger fish. Leeches over nightcrawlers the last week.
Pike fishing has been red hot. Lots of smaller pike are using the shallow weedflats to feed on small gills and juvenile perch. Spinners baits, small bucktails or buzzbaits will produce when fished tight to weedclumps. Looking for something bigger? Move out to the weedline in 12-18 feet of water and fish with suckers or large shiners on a slip sinker rig with a heavy flourocarbon leader. Heard from a couple people that were pulling/trolling spoons that had some decent success in 15-18FOW early this past week.
Musky fishing: I just didn't hear much this week frankly. A couple of my usual information sources took the week off with the weather. I'd look for them to be suspended around schools of cisco or bluegills over the deep water, along the deepest weed edges or adjacent to deep water structure, especially the deep end of long points. I'd start with topwater around mid-depth rocks (8-12 FOW) concentrating on scattered clumps of weeds, then I'd throw a jointed bait (shallow raider or creekie chub) deep to shallow along the transition lines.
Good luck, and stay safe.
CT
Friday, June 15, 2018
Fishing Report 6-15-18
Hey gang, there's some crazy and unstable weather ahead, and you'll need to be ready to adapt to conditions.
Over the last week, fishing has been very inconsistent in our area. It hasn't been bad per se, lots of people are catching some fish, but they are scratching them together, consistent patterning has been tough. Some days have been gangbusters good, other days no so much. I suspect most of this has to do with the transition to a traditional mid summer bite.
Day to day, you should play the conditions. Large fish will feed on days when fronts are about to move through, but plan on action fishing for smaller fish on the back sides of fronts (Not true for musky, but bass and walleye certainly).
Conditions are around average for this time of the year...weed growth is catching up, and surface water temps are in the low to mid 70's. There's been some huge hatches of baitfish and the bluegills finishing their spawn and pike and musky starting to move out to deeper areas, things will probably get going.
Panfishing: most spawners have moved off the shallow nests and out to deeper water. You may still find some batches finishing the spawn, especially in the sand or small gravel along Southern or Eastern banks of a lake, but the bulk of the fish are starting to congregate around deeper docks, swim platforms (always an overlooked option) or along the first deep break in the weedline.
Largemouth fishing has been steady, but reflective of conditions. Some fish are still working shallow areas, but we're starting to see some fish stack up in the usual deep water spots. Lots of approaches are working, but you'll need to be ready to adapt on the water. In shallow, docks, rocks and slop are holding fish, but it seems like you can only really catch fish out of either where there are visible baitfish nearby. Docks are usually a solid, consistent pattern at this point in the year, but there certainly seems to be less fish on the docks than "normal." Mid depth 5-8 weed flats seem to be holding the most fish, but again, those fish seem to be post-spawn schoolers chasing bait. Bigger fish were coming from areas near spawning bluegills, but they seem to be making a move out to the weedlines and deepwater points. Topwater (poppers, floating minnowbaits and walk the dog style) is working in the mornings, but only until abut 7:30-8am. After the sun is up, fish are schooling along weed/ sand and weed/rock transition lines or on flats with sctatterd weeds. These fish are chasing bait, and can be caught with a variety of soft plastics including, wacky, jigworms, grubs, and small swim baits. Flipping any dense weed edges will tubes or jigs/chunk combos can turn some bigger fish, but in any case be ready to cover water...small crankbaits, rattle traps or squarebills are good search baits. If it gets hot this week, expect to see some fish move quickly to the docks and slop, and that bite will be great.
Smallmouth fishing is very similar to largemouth fishing right now...day to day. Look for them along the shallow breaks in 4-8FOW, especially along sand/gravel transitions or rock/weed transitions. Some fish are spending part of each day feeding along the deep, downwind side of mainlake points, but secondary points are where the better action has been. Areas with steeper drops seem to have been the best the last 10 days. Soft jerkbaits, ned rigs and grubs are catching fish out the scattered weeds along the breaks, tubes and skirted grubs off the rocks. Topwater has been pretty good morning and evenings, but you had to fish crazy slow and with a downsized bait to get bit this week.
Walleye fishing has been better than average, but fish are running undersized. Note that I have not personally been out for walleyes since last week. I'd go conventional...tight to weeds with light jigs and leeches or plastics or lindy rigging with live bait out deeper. Cranks, especially floating/suspending minnows are catching some out of the weeds early and later in the day.
Pike fishing has started to move towards summer. Smaller, action fish can be caught on the shallow weedflats fishing spinners, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits or oversized squarebills. Better fish are coming on the weedlines with slip sinker rigs tipped with larger livebait (small suckers or big shiners). Use a heavy florocarbon leader and a circle hook for better success. Look for the deeper fish in the sandgrass or any standing weeds you can find in 15-22 FOW.
Musky fishing has been below average. Fish are making a transition from shallow spring to their deeper summer areas, and anglers haven't really gotten back onto the new pattern. For now, I'd recommend topwaters around shallow rocks, especially early and late in the day, and spinners bucktails cowgirls along the deepest visible weed-edges you can find. Gliders on the flats can produce, but really only in areas where there are schools of visible baitfish swimming.
Good Luck Out There.
CT
Over the last week, fishing has been very inconsistent in our area. It hasn't been bad per se, lots of people are catching some fish, but they are scratching them together, consistent patterning has been tough. Some days have been gangbusters good, other days no so much. I suspect most of this has to do with the transition to a traditional mid summer bite.
Day to day, you should play the conditions. Large fish will feed on days when fronts are about to move through, but plan on action fishing for smaller fish on the back sides of fronts (Not true for musky, but bass and walleye certainly).
Conditions are around average for this time of the year...weed growth is catching up, and surface water temps are in the low to mid 70's. There's been some huge hatches of baitfish and the bluegills finishing their spawn and pike and musky starting to move out to deeper areas, things will probably get going.
Panfishing: most spawners have moved off the shallow nests and out to deeper water. You may still find some batches finishing the spawn, especially in the sand or small gravel along Southern or Eastern banks of a lake, but the bulk of the fish are starting to congregate around deeper docks, swim platforms (always an overlooked option) or along the first deep break in the weedline.
Largemouth fishing has been steady, but reflective of conditions. Some fish are still working shallow areas, but we're starting to see some fish stack up in the usual deep water spots. Lots of approaches are working, but you'll need to be ready to adapt on the water. In shallow, docks, rocks and slop are holding fish, but it seems like you can only really catch fish out of either where there are visible baitfish nearby. Docks are usually a solid, consistent pattern at this point in the year, but there certainly seems to be less fish on the docks than "normal." Mid depth 5-8 weed flats seem to be holding the most fish, but again, those fish seem to be post-spawn schoolers chasing bait. Bigger fish were coming from areas near spawning bluegills, but they seem to be making a move out to the weedlines and deepwater points. Topwater (poppers, floating minnowbaits and walk the dog style) is working in the mornings, but only until abut 7:30-8am. After the sun is up, fish are schooling along weed/ sand and weed/rock transition lines or on flats with sctatterd weeds. These fish are chasing bait, and can be caught with a variety of soft plastics including, wacky, jigworms, grubs, and small swim baits. Flipping any dense weed edges will tubes or jigs/chunk combos can turn some bigger fish, but in any case be ready to cover water...small crankbaits, rattle traps or squarebills are good search baits. If it gets hot this week, expect to see some fish move quickly to the docks and slop, and that bite will be great.
Smallmouth fishing is very similar to largemouth fishing right now...day to day. Look for them along the shallow breaks in 4-8FOW, especially along sand/gravel transitions or rock/weed transitions. Some fish are spending part of each day feeding along the deep, downwind side of mainlake points, but secondary points are where the better action has been. Areas with steeper drops seem to have been the best the last 10 days. Soft jerkbaits, ned rigs and grubs are catching fish out the scattered weeds along the breaks, tubes and skirted grubs off the rocks. Topwater has been pretty good morning and evenings, but you had to fish crazy slow and with a downsized bait to get bit this week.
Walleye fishing has been better than average, but fish are running undersized. Note that I have not personally been out for walleyes since last week. I'd go conventional...tight to weeds with light jigs and leeches or plastics or lindy rigging with live bait out deeper. Cranks, especially floating/suspending minnows are catching some out of the weeds early and later in the day.
Pike fishing has started to move towards summer. Smaller, action fish can be caught on the shallow weedflats fishing spinners, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits or oversized squarebills. Better fish are coming on the weedlines with slip sinker rigs tipped with larger livebait (small suckers or big shiners). Use a heavy florocarbon leader and a circle hook for better success. Look for the deeper fish in the sandgrass or any standing weeds you can find in 15-22 FOW.
Musky fishing has been below average. Fish are making a transition from shallow spring to their deeper summer areas, and anglers haven't really gotten back onto the new pattern. For now, I'd recommend topwaters around shallow rocks, especially early and late in the day, and spinners bucktails cowgirls along the deepest visible weed-edges you can find. Gliders on the flats can produce, but really only in areas where there are schools of visible baitfish swimming.
Good Luck Out There.
CT
Sunday, June 10, 2018
Bassmaster Elites in La Crosse
The next stop on the Bassmasters tour is right here in Wisconsin, June 21-24th.
More information here: At bassmaster.com
More information here: At bassmaster.com
Thursday, June 7, 2018
Fishing Report 6-7-18
Hey Gang,
This past week was challenging, but the effort was worth it. Each day had its own thing happening, but with some work, I got on some solid numbers and put some quality fish in the boat this week.
Water is in the low to mid 70's. Water clarity is better than its been, but weeds are still behind. Panfish are spawning, but close to done, on most of the lakes. There are still batches of gills and rockbass up on the nests, especially the ones deeper than you can see with naked eye, but we are close to the time to start looking for panfish suspending off the ends of points or along developing deep weedlines.
Largemouth Bass fishing has been steady, especially early in the morning and later in the day. Most of the bigger fish are still hanging around areas where gills are spawning, but some are starting to setup on the first deep transitions. There's some significant schooling activity occurring on the shallow flats, and you can target these fish with topwater or minnow baits. Topwater bite is good until about 8:30, then you'll have to change gears. After the sun gets up, look for patchy weeds in 3-8 feet of water, or fish around docks, laydowns or other visible shady cover. Swimjigs and square bills will catch fish along rock/weed transitions in shallow water, but the usual plastics (jigworms, grubs, tubes or wacky worms) have been consistent producers. Jig and chunks or skirted grubs are catching fish, but it seems like the fish are chasing baitfish more than craws. I caught a few fish late in the day dragging a light carolina rig in areas between 6-8 FOW that normally have weeds, but where they haven't come up yet.
Smallmouth are biting, but the bite seems a little inconsistent. Saw several mixed in with the LM this week. My advice, stick to the usual plan...look for them on top of mainlake structure and points early and late, and look for them in deeper water during the main part of the day. White and gold crankbaits have been hot, as have smaller (3") tubes and I wouldn't overlook a traditional approaches: dropshots, flukes or size 9 or 11 floating rapalas in a natural color pattern.
Northern Pike continue to bite. They are actively chasing/ambushing bait throughout the day, and I heard about some decent fish being caught this week. Shallow fish are actively chasing buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, spoons and smaller lipless crankbaits, especially on the shallow-flat areas with scattered weeds. On the break lines with weeds, or areas where you see yellow perch swimming around, slip-sinker rigs with small suckers or the biggest shiners has been working. I'd cast early, then setup with live bait.
Musky fishing has been decent, but you need to put in some extra time. Fish are coming up to feed around spawning gills a couple times a day Play your solar-lunar tables to hit the key windows. The bait they seem to be chasing is on the smaller size, but don't be afraid to hit areas with walk-the dog topwaters or natural pattern gliders. Smaller buck-tails or spinnerbaits around any patches of standing weeds. Fish should be getting set to move out deeper, but there's still plenty shallow for now. Tip: I heard that Fowler has seen some especially active fish this past week.
Good luck,
CT
Thursday, May 31, 2018
Fishing Report 5-31-18
This weekend is Free Fishing Weekend....no license is necessary Details here.
Okauchee has a WABTA tournament this weekend, Pewaukee has a pair of Angler's Choice tournaments and there's a Kayak tourney on Nag this Sunday.
Around the area--Water temps are still in the mid 70's on most area lakes. Weed growth is still behind but is catching up. Bluegills are on nests, especially in sandy or pea gravel areas, baitfish are starting to pop out, and are approaching average for this time of year. The Oconomowoc River lakes are still fairly dirty by most reports.
Panfish: Crappie were the secret story of the last week as second stage spawners moved into the wood and reeds and did their ritual. Typically when bluegills are on the beds, people abandon crappie fishing for about two weeks, but anglers were really on some nice bags of keepers. For crappie, look for them in wood that hangs over, or reaches into deeper water, and fish in the branches with slip bobbers and small jigs tipped with live bait.
For bluegills, there's plenty of action fish that can be caught in the shallows right now, but if you're looking for better fish, split shot or lindy rigs with panfish leeches in 12-15 FOW will produce some nice keepers, especially in deep sand. There's some awesome bags being brought in right now.
Largemouth: Spawn is over, but you may still find a few males protecting fry. You're going to see lots of active smaller fish, but larger fish can be hard to pattern. If you're catching fish consistently, stick with what's working and the bigger fish will come. Weeds (if you can find them) and docks are holding fish, If you're catching fish out of a certain area, try to duplicate what works in similar areas on the lake. Topwater is working until about 9am, then keep it simple. wacky rigs, (especially with a jig head), neko rigs, ned rigs, texas rigged worms, skirted grubs, jig and craw, lipless crankbaits are all producing right now. As the slop gets up, a frog bite will get going, but the bulk of the fish are still in the areas where bluegills are spawning. Don't forget to keep a size 11 floating rapala minnow tied on to throw at fish you see cruising.
Smallmouth: Look for them to be foraging on rock bars and in sand/gravel or sand/rock transitions in 4-8 and 12-15 FOW. Drop shot, wacky, grubs, skirted grubs, spinnerbaits, tubes and jerkbaits are solid bets,. Topwater fish are going from sunup to about 8am, and then for an hour before dusk, but downsized POP-R's will work all day. If you can find some fish deep, jig and leech or lindy rigs with small suckers or chubs might be the answer if you find yourself with a tough bite.
Walleye fishing has been absolutely on fire. Fish have been caught as shallow as 3 FOW, but the bulk of the fish seem to be holding in the transitions or drop offs in 12-15 FOW. Live bait rigs or jigs during the day, casting with jig/grub or jig/ringworm combos has been working early and late. Shad raps or minnow baits worked around visible weed cover can trigger fish that seem reluctant to bite.
Pike fishing has been very consistent. Most of the fish have been running small, but I heard from a couple of folks who found some better fish. Look for weeds that have baitfish in them and then cast with lipless crankbaits, spinners or buzzbaits. Live bait, suckers or large shiners on a slip sinker rig with a floro leader is your best bet. Action: Look for them in 4-8 FOW, Looking for some Size 12-18 FOW where weeds are coming up.
Musky has been very slow. Anglers are seeing lots of fish, but lazy follows have been the consistent report. Stay with it, and watch your solar lunar tables for activity windows. Consider downsizing your bait some as well.
Good luck out there.
Okauchee has a WABTA tournament this weekend, Pewaukee has a pair of Angler's Choice tournaments and there's a Kayak tourney on Nag this Sunday.
Around the area--Water temps are still in the mid 70's on most area lakes. Weed growth is still behind but is catching up. Bluegills are on nests, especially in sandy or pea gravel areas, baitfish are starting to pop out, and are approaching average for this time of year. The Oconomowoc River lakes are still fairly dirty by most reports.
Panfish: Crappie were the secret story of the last week as second stage spawners moved into the wood and reeds and did their ritual. Typically when bluegills are on the beds, people abandon crappie fishing for about two weeks, but anglers were really on some nice bags of keepers. For crappie, look for them in wood that hangs over, or reaches into deeper water, and fish in the branches with slip bobbers and small jigs tipped with live bait.
For bluegills, there's plenty of action fish that can be caught in the shallows right now, but if you're looking for better fish, split shot or lindy rigs with panfish leeches in 12-15 FOW will produce some nice keepers, especially in deep sand. There's some awesome bags being brought in right now.
Largemouth: Spawn is over, but you may still find a few males protecting fry. You're going to see lots of active smaller fish, but larger fish can be hard to pattern. If you're catching fish consistently, stick with what's working and the bigger fish will come. Weeds (if you can find them) and docks are holding fish, If you're catching fish out of a certain area, try to duplicate what works in similar areas on the lake. Topwater is working until about 9am, then keep it simple. wacky rigs, (especially with a jig head), neko rigs, ned rigs, texas rigged worms, skirted grubs, jig and craw, lipless crankbaits are all producing right now. As the slop gets up, a frog bite will get going, but the bulk of the fish are still in the areas where bluegills are spawning. Don't forget to keep a size 11 floating rapala minnow tied on to throw at fish you see cruising.
Smallmouth: Look for them to be foraging on rock bars and in sand/gravel or sand/rock transitions in 4-8 and 12-15 FOW. Drop shot, wacky, grubs, skirted grubs, spinnerbaits, tubes and jerkbaits are solid bets,. Topwater fish are going from sunup to about 8am, and then for an hour before dusk, but downsized POP-R's will work all day. If you can find some fish deep, jig and leech or lindy rigs with small suckers or chubs might be the answer if you find yourself with a tough bite.
Walleye fishing has been absolutely on fire. Fish have been caught as shallow as 3 FOW, but the bulk of the fish seem to be holding in the transitions or drop offs in 12-15 FOW. Live bait rigs or jigs during the day, casting with jig/grub or jig/ringworm combos has been working early and late. Shad raps or minnow baits worked around visible weed cover can trigger fish that seem reluctant to bite.
Pike fishing has been very consistent. Most of the fish have been running small, but I heard from a couple of folks who found some better fish. Look for weeds that have baitfish in them and then cast with lipless crankbaits, spinners or buzzbaits. Live bait, suckers or large shiners on a slip sinker rig with a floro leader is your best bet. Action: Look for them in 4-8 FOW, Looking for some Size 12-18 FOW where weeds are coming up.
Musky has been very slow. Anglers are seeing lots of fish, but lazy follows have been the consistent report. Stay with it, and watch your solar lunar tables for activity windows. Consider downsizing your bait some as well.
Good luck out there.
Tuesday, May 22, 2018
Fishing Report 5-22-18
Hey gang,
If you're in town for the holiday and want to talk some more specific tips, email me or call me (262-893-2183). Shameless self promotion---I do have some openings for half days over the holiday weekend and late next week.
Weedgrowth is very behind for this time of the season, and Mayflies are hatching on some of the area lakes. Baitfish are still hard to find consistently. If you find fish, there's likely to be a wad of them in the same area. Slow down, work an area and make solid presentations. Fish can be caught but you might have to put in the time.
Bluegills are slowly starting to congregate in shallower water. Look for them in 4-10 feet of water, and be ready to move shallower as the temperatures warm up. Current areas and traditional spawning areas (like sandy flats or gravel areas) will have fish. Waxworms, panfish leeches, redworms and plastics are taking fish, but bigger gills have been hard to come by in any significant number. (Try Okauchee, Garvin, Golden, Forest, Middle Genessee, , Ashipunn, Pretty, Phantom and Lower Nashotah)
Crappie fishing has been slow and steady, but can be great on any given day. Most crappies are in shallow bays near weeds, wood laydowns or reeds. A handful of fish are still spawning. Minnows, hooked through the tail on a small hook (#8 or #10), waxworms and plastics like a tube jigs or reaver 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 the Crane's Nest and Bay Five on Okauchee, Garvin, Kessus, Nagawicka (Deeper Channels), Golden (North End) Pine and Silver.
Largemouth bass are still spawning on many area lakes. Anglers are catching fish targeting them in shallow water, but a few fish are still being caught off the open areas on flats especially in spots that have standing weeds. It might be hard to consistently find bigger fish, but on warm afternoons, the action can be awesome. If you're out and its a tough bite: downsizing your presentations. Smaller grubs, 4" lizards or a downsized wacky rig using a finesee worm or french fry on lighter line can unlock some fish. Seeing fish cruising? Bust out a tired and true option: a Number 11 floating rapala or a smaller rattletrap. Try: Pewaukee, Okauchee, Lake Five, Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Kessus, Silver, Eagle Springs, Lake Five, North, Golden, Fox or Emily
Smallmouth bass have been active despite the crummy weather recently. 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: Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, North, Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Lower Nashotah and the Nemahbin Lakes.
Walleye are in a full post spawn bite mode right now. Look for them around edges of current areas on the local lakes. The weather has a bit of a funk on them, but with a good presentation you can get on them. Weeds are hard to come by right now, so focus on gravel and sand transition areas. A split-shot or light slip sinker rig can get you bit when jigs will not. Leeches, large shiners and chubs are better than nightcrawlers right now, but working edges with crankbaits (like shad-raps or frenzies) or backtrolling can put fish in the boat when you find an area where they are holding. North, Fox, Oconomowoc, Pine and Lac Labelle are your best bets, but Pewaukee has also been giving up a few.
Northern Pike fishing has been the most consistent gamefish action in town. Spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits, weedless spoons or suspending jerkbaits are catching fish around shallow weed clumps, or at the edges of coves and marshy areas. Try: Okauchee, Kessus, Garvin, Nagawicka, Fowler, Golden, Pretty, Emily.
Musky Fishing has been slow and steady. There are lots of smaller fish in the shallow water chasing baitfish. 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 mandatory on every cast. Try: Okauchee, Pewaukee, Fowler and Lac Labelle
Around the area: The high water has seen Fishing on the Rock River 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.
Have a great holiday weekend. Again, thank a vet.
Cheers,
CT
Thursday, May 17, 2018
Fishing Report 5-17-18
Everybody,
The last week has presented some challenges as weeks with unstable weather tend to do. The cold nights and on again-off again rain didn't make things any easier to contend with. It does look to be a bit cooler, but with stable conditions around the corner, fishing should be between great and incredible over the next 10 days to two weeks.
Warmer days, or days with sunshine at least...had very active fish moving in the shallow water. Days like yesterday (Thursdsay), where it was nice in the morning and lousy in the afternoon have the fish feeding actively in a limited window of time.
Water temps are all over the place. Protected bays are in the mid to high 60's while open water areas might be as low as the high 50's, but the larger issues I've seen on the water the last two weeks have been:
1.) Lack of weeds. Weed growth is way behind for this time of year.
and
2.) Lack of baitfish. Finding areas with baitfish consistently has been a challenge.
This means if you can find an area with good, green weeds AND visible baitfish, there will likely be lots of (quality) fish in that area. That said, fishing has steady, but as with any cooler early season, day to day you might just have to put in a bit more work than you would expect. Patterning fish is key. There's rarely a situation where multiple fish can't be caught our of the same area, and that areas similar to the ones you are finding fish, well that's the place to look for more. I get it, guys are anxious, but turn the trolling motor down a couple of notches, put your head down and go with high percentage presentations. Once you find fish, you'll be able to duplicate the pattern in other areas.
Panfish are on the move, and starting to stack into shallow areas, especially on warmer or sunny afternoons. The bite can be really good, especially if you can find some fish in the mid afternoon to early evening. Start you search in 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 or areas with current. Remember the largest panfish will always be in the bottom of the school, so if you're catching fish, but they are small, try presenting your bait a little deeper.
Bluegills will hit on a variety of live bait but plastics will outperform live bait, and will usually help keep some of the smaller fish off your line.
For crappies, the spawn is "mostly over", but fish are still relating to the shallow cover. Tail hooked minnows, tube jigs, road runners, or waxworms on an ice-fishing jig can really produce. (Try: Okauchee, Oconomowoc, North, Garvin, Lac Labelle, Silver, Golden, School Section, Middle Geneesee.
Largemouth are in various stages of the spawn, and there are lots of larger prespawn fish being caught right now. There are schools that are still cruising the flats, especially on the nice days, while some males are still up on the nests, especially in areas where the water is warmest. Because weeds are hard to come by, look for LM in shallow areas with rock, sand or muck, and remember that rock will almost always have fish either on or adjacent to it this time of year. Protected bays with wood laydowns or weeds can concentrate fish. Squarebill cranks or smaller spinners are good for rapidly testing an area, but once you're on fish, slow down and make tighter presentations. Jig and chunks/ jig and craws/ jig and reapers 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 a lead-head jig tipped with a small jig worm or swim-tail can really produce right now. Tip: if the bite is really tough....a buzzbait fished tight (and I mean tight) to cover will trigger strikes.
Using live bait? Leeches, nightcrawlers or largest shiners you can find are your best options. (Try Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pewaukeem Moose, North, Nag Kessus, Golden, Silver, Fowler, Pine, and Lower Nashotah)
Smallmouth bass are in rocky or gravel 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 22 feet, where they will be feeding on schools of yellow perch. Dropshot or tubes are a great way to look for fish around the dropoffs. Skirted grubs or wacky rigs on the shallow rockbars, and even topwater can really produce some amazing fish this time of year. (Try Lac Labelle, Pine, North 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, Pewaukee, Fowler)
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: 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)
]
Trout fishing was consistent on the stocked lakes and ponds around the area, but the schools are starting to get a bit depleted...so if you're hankering for trout, put a day on your calender for next week.
Good luck out there.
Cheers,
CT
The last week has presented some challenges as weeks with unstable weather tend to do. The cold nights and on again-off again rain didn't make things any easier to contend with. It does look to be a bit cooler, but with stable conditions around the corner, fishing should be between great and incredible over the next 10 days to two weeks.
Warmer days, or days with sunshine at least...had very active fish moving in the shallow water. Days like yesterday (Thursdsay), where it was nice in the morning and lousy in the afternoon have the fish feeding actively in a limited window of time.
Water temps are all over the place. Protected bays are in the mid to high 60's while open water areas might be as low as the high 50's, but the larger issues I've seen on the water the last two weeks have been:
1.) Lack of weeds. Weed growth is way behind for this time of year.
and
2.) Lack of baitfish. Finding areas with baitfish consistently has been a challenge.
This means if you can find an area with good, green weeds AND visible baitfish, there will likely be lots of (quality) fish in that area. That said, fishing has steady, but as with any cooler early season, day to day you might just have to put in a bit more work than you would expect. Patterning fish is key. There's rarely a situation where multiple fish can't be caught our of the same area, and that areas similar to the ones you are finding fish, well that's the place to look for more. I get it, guys are anxious, but turn the trolling motor down a couple of notches, put your head down and go with high percentage presentations. Once you find fish, you'll be able to duplicate the pattern in other areas.
Panfish are on the move, and starting to stack into shallow areas, especially on warmer or sunny afternoons. The bite can be really good, especially if you can find some fish in the mid afternoon to early evening. Start you search in 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 or areas with current. Remember the largest panfish will always be in the bottom of the school, so if you're catching fish, but they are small, try presenting your bait a little deeper.
Bluegills will hit on a variety of live bait but plastics will outperform live bait, and will usually help keep some of the smaller fish off your line.
For crappies, the spawn is "mostly over", but fish are still relating to the shallow cover. Tail hooked minnows, tube jigs, road runners, or waxworms on an ice-fishing jig can really produce. (Try: Okauchee, Oconomowoc, North, Garvin, Lac Labelle, Silver, Golden, School Section, Middle Geneesee.
Largemouth are in various stages of the spawn, and there are lots of larger prespawn fish being caught right now. There are schools that are still cruising the flats, especially on the nice days, while some males are still up on the nests, especially in areas where the water is warmest. Because weeds are hard to come by, look for LM in shallow areas with rock, sand or muck, and remember that rock will almost always have fish either on or adjacent to it this time of year. Protected bays with wood laydowns or weeds can concentrate fish. Squarebill cranks or smaller spinners are good for rapidly testing an area, but once you're on fish, slow down and make tighter presentations. Jig and chunks/ jig and craws/ jig and reapers 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 a lead-head jig tipped with a small jig worm or swim-tail can really produce right now. Tip: if the bite is really tough....a buzzbait fished tight (and I mean tight) to cover will trigger strikes.
Using live bait? Leeches, nightcrawlers or largest shiners you can find are your best options. (Try Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pewaukeem Moose, North, Nag Kessus, Golden, Silver, Fowler, Pine, and Lower Nashotah)
Smallmouth bass are in rocky or gravel 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 22 feet, where they will be feeding on schools of yellow perch. Dropshot or tubes are a great way to look for fish around the dropoffs. Skirted grubs or wacky rigs on the shallow rockbars, and even topwater can really produce some amazing fish this time of year. (Try Lac Labelle, Pine, North 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, Pewaukee, Fowler)
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: 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)
]
Trout fishing was consistent on the stocked lakes and ponds around the area, but the schools are starting to get a bit depleted...so if you're hankering for trout, put a day on your calender for next week.
Good luck out there.
Cheers,
CT
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