Saturday, May 2, 2009
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
New law restores longtime bass and musky season structures
MADISON - Wisconsin’s longstanding season structures for bass and musky have been officially restored and the early-season barbless hook requirements eliminated for some catch-and-release seasons under a bill Gov. Jim Doyle signed into law earlier this month.
As a result of the changes made by 2009 Wis. Act 6 (Assembly Bill 4):
* The normal musky season opening dates will remain in effect. This means the northern zone musky season opens May 23 this year and no person may actively fish for musky before that date in waters north of Highway 10. Southern zone musky season opens May 2.
* The largemouth/ smallmouth bass season opens May 2 on most state waters. In the northern zone, anglers may fish for bass but as in the past, must release all bass they catch until June 20. Anglers are NOT restricted to barbless hooks and artificial lures during this catch and release portion of the season in the northern zone or on other waters which have a catch and release bass season.
This bill was initiated and adopted in response to a statutory change – not a Department of Natural Resources rule change -- in the 2007 budget bill that would have required the DNR to create an early musky catch-and-release season and required anglers to use barbless hooks during that season and any bass catch-and-release season.
“Both of these statutory requirements caused considerable consternation among the angling public, and we are grateful that those laws have been repealed before the May 2 fishing opener,” says Joe Hennessy, the DNR fish biologist who coordinates fisheries regulations
As a result of the changes made by 2009 Wis. Act 6 (Assembly Bill 4):
* The normal musky season opening dates will remain in effect. This means the northern zone musky season opens May 23 this year and no person may actively fish for musky before that date in waters north of Highway 10. Southern zone musky season opens May 2.
* The largemouth/ smallmouth bass season opens May 2 on most state waters. In the northern zone, anglers may fish for bass but as in the past, must release all bass they catch until June 20. Anglers are NOT restricted to barbless hooks and artificial lures during this catch and release portion of the season in the northern zone or on other waters which have a catch and release bass season.
This bill was initiated and adopted in response to a statutory change – not a Department of Natural Resources rule change -- in the 2007 budget bill that would have required the DNR to create an early musky catch-and-release season and required anglers to use barbless hooks during that season and any bass catch-and-release season.
“Both of these statutory requirements caused considerable consternation among the angling public, and we are grateful that those laws have been repealed before the May 2 fishing opener,” says Joe Hennessy, the DNR fish biologist who coordinates fisheries regulations
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Musky Photos and Video
Eric and I got the camera setup below the Oconomowoc River dam this morning. I'm editing the video and it will be posted soon, but here's a still of a head shot we caught on the tape.
CT
CT
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Time to hit the water
The crappies are biting and the bluegills won't be far behind them....
Give me a call if you're getting the itch. I'll put you on some fish.
CT
Give me a call if you're getting the itch. I'll put you on some fish.
CT
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Hook N Look TV Show
Is doing a smallmouth episode this week on Lake Delavan.
April Show Schedule
7th, 8th, 10th "Sight Fishing Smallmouths" Love it or condemn it... Kim takes an in-depth look into the highly controversial art of sight fishing for bedding bass. The clarity of Wisconsin's Lake Delavan offers an ideal location to demonstrate the technique and provide awareness. Kim emphasizes the importance of "Immediate Catch & Release" and presents a conservational perspective in regards to reducing the likelihood of brood predation. A Texas rigged Strike King "Bleeding Tube" is the featured lure in episode two.
CT
April Show Schedule
7th, 8th, 10th "Sight Fishing Smallmouths" Love it or condemn it... Kim takes an in-depth look into the highly controversial art of sight fishing for bedding bass. The clarity of Wisconsin's Lake Delavan offers an ideal location to demonstrate the technique and provide awareness. Kim emphasizes the importance of "Immediate Catch & Release" and presents a conservational perspective in regards to reducing the likelihood of brood predation. A Texas rigged Strike King "Bleeding Tube" is the featured lure in episode two.
CT
Friday, April 3, 2009
Availablity
Due to a cancelation, I have open days thursday and friday (april 9th and 10th).
If you want to get out late next week, give me a call or send me an email, let's work something out.
CT
If you want to get out late next week, give me a call or send me an email, let's work something out.
CT
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
Article is up
The JS online article is up. Paul's got a great sense of humor.
http://www.jsonline.com/sports/outdoors/41603207.html
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
River Fishing Tips at Musky Mikes Website
We've posted an article on spring river fishing at the baitshop's home page. Here's a link:
http://www.muskymikesbaitshop.com/musky6/RIVER_FISHING.html
CT
http://www.muskymikesbaitshop.com/musky6/RIVER_FISHING.html
CT
Rock River
I hooked up with Paul Smith from the Journal-Sentinel today. We headed down to the Rock River.
Launched at Kmart around 11am, and we fished a few spots downstream from the 106 bridge. Connected with around a half dozen walleyes and saugers and a buffalo. Saw a couple other walleyes get caught on green plastic/jig combos in the same area we were fishing.
Slack water, 3 way rigs with a very short dropper line and a short leader was the key. Bigger fatheads and large rosies were working better than small ones. Bite was very light on all but one fish.
Flow is fast and heavy, the water is very high. If you're going to drift, you'll need some heavy jigs and a solid trolling motor to control. Water at the Kmart launch is at the top of the ramp, and the concrete "bumpers" are underneath the water. The pier was not in.
Water temps between 34-38. Wind was brutual at times.
The article should be in the Sunday Edition of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Launched at Kmart around 11am, and we fished a few spots downstream from the 106 bridge. Connected with around a half dozen walleyes and saugers and a buffalo. Saw a couple other walleyes get caught on green plastic/jig combos in the same area we were fishing.
Slack water, 3 way rigs with a very short dropper line and a short leader was the key. Bigger fatheads and large rosies were working better than small ones. Bite was very light on all but one fish.
Flow is fast and heavy, the water is very high. If you're going to drift, you'll need some heavy jigs and a solid trolling motor to control. Water at the Kmart launch is at the top of the ramp, and the concrete "bumpers" are underneath the water. The pier was not in.
Water temps between 34-38. Wind was brutual at times.
The article should be in the Sunday Edition of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Monday, March 16, 2009
Heading out....
...Tommorrow with Paul Smith from the Journal-Sentinel. A full report when I return.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
High Water?
I was just looking over the flow charts from the National Weather Service, and its looks like the flows will be heavy again this year on the rock river.
Stock up on some heavy jigs and three way rigs.
Stock up on some heavy jigs and three way rigs.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Rock River Resources
I added a series of links for the Rock River, including the best lake-link.com threads, the Rock-Koshkonong district webpage/blog and a link to the DNR boat launch website.
CT
CT
On the water...
I'll be out after this batch of warm weather and rain. Stay up to date with reports here and on the shop blog.
I'm happy to trade information or point you in the right direction, just call or send me an email.
CT
I'm happy to trade information or point you in the right direction, just call or send me an email.
CT
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Let's Go Fishing
Stretches of the Wisconsin and Rock River's are open for fishing. There's some nicer weather on the way. Give me a call and let's hit the water.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Upcoming Fishing Related Events
Madison Show: This Weekend
JS Sport Show: Next Weekend
Close of Gamefish Season: Next Sunday
Musky Mikes Ice Fishing Sale: Through March 15
Musky Mikes Fishing Equipment Collection for the DNR Loaner Program: On Going till free fishing weekend in June.
CT
JS Sport Show: Next Weekend
Close of Gamefish Season: Next Sunday
Musky Mikes Ice Fishing Sale: Through March 15
Musky Mikes Fishing Equipment Collection for the DNR Loaner Program: On Going till free fishing weekend in June.
CT
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Spearers take 1,512 sturgeon in Fox Valley lakes
From JsOnline
By Don Behm of the Journal Sentinel
Feb. 21, 2009 6:02 p.m. | The 2009 sturgeon spearing season closed today after spearers took a total of 1,512 of the fish from lakes Winnebago, Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts.
The count included 301 juveniles, 596 males and 615 adult females, which was 97.6% of the 630 quota for adult females allowed this season, said Ron Bruch, sturgeon biologist with the state Department of Natural Resources. The season opened Feb. 14.
Spearers took 89 sturgeon on Lake Winnebago today before the season closed at 12:30 p.m., Bruch said. The lake's season total of 1,237 sturgeon fell below the record of 1,854 set in 2004.
"A snowstorm and strong winds created white-out conditions on Lake Winnebago today," he said. "But that didn't stop large numbers of dedicated sturgeon spearers from driving out on the ice to their shacks this morning."
The season on lakes Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts ended Wednesday. Spearers took 275 sturgeon from those lakes this season.
By Don Behm of the Journal Sentinel
Feb. 21, 2009 6:02 p.m. | The 2009 sturgeon spearing season closed today after spearers took a total of 1,512 of the fish from lakes Winnebago, Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts.
The count included 301 juveniles, 596 males and 615 adult females, which was 97.6% of the 630 quota for adult females allowed this season, said Ron Bruch, sturgeon biologist with the state Department of Natural Resources. The season opened Feb. 14.
Spearers took 89 sturgeon on Lake Winnebago today before the season closed at 12:30 p.m., Bruch said. The lake's season total of 1,237 sturgeon fell below the record of 1,854 set in 2004.
"A snowstorm and strong winds created white-out conditions on Lake Winnebago today," he said. "But that didn't stop large numbers of dedicated sturgeon spearers from driving out on the ice to their shacks this morning."
The season on lakes Poygan, Winneconne and Butte des Morts ended Wednesday. Spearers took 275 sturgeon from those lakes this season.
Monday, February 16, 2009
News
Some Items of Interest:
1.) The Milwaukee Journal had an article today that discussed controlling the water flows through the dams on the Oconomowoc River Chain. After last year's massive flooding, the issue again has returned. Personally, I'm not sure how they hope to fix the problem with the dams built the way they are. The Okauchee/Oconomowoc dam and the Fowler/Lac Labelle dam are designed to only hold back so much water. The Okauchee dam can be opened to increase flow when neccessary, but that wouldn't have changed the downriver effects much with all the water last year.
Either way, here's a cut and paste link to the article:
http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/39646342.html
2.)I'm doing some garage cleaning and I have several bass and musky combos I'd like to sell. They're all st croix rods with abu garcia or shimano reels. A couple have never been used. If you want more information, please email me and I'll send you a complete list.
3.)Looks like this weather is going to slow down the transition to open water. Two things. First be carfeul when on the ice after the fresh snow as it may cover up some old holes or stress cracks. Second, since we'll be ice fishing a few more weeks, now would be a great time to stock up on ice fishing gear at the shop.
4.)The open water fishing that's available right now appears to be surprisingly consistent. The open water areas on the wisconsin river below the dams in the dells and at petenwell are producing fish for guys willing to put in the time. Large ice flows are still reported, and I'll make sure to keep you updated on conditions as information comes to me.
5.) For those of you who asked, Kelly will be having the baby next week. Its our second, and I can't wait to meet my daughter Quinn. Big brother Shannon, my son, also seems excited.
Good Luck and stay safe,
CT
1.) The Milwaukee Journal had an article today that discussed controlling the water flows through the dams on the Oconomowoc River Chain. After last year's massive flooding, the issue again has returned. Personally, I'm not sure how they hope to fix the problem with the dams built the way they are. The Okauchee/Oconomowoc dam and the Fowler/Lac Labelle dam are designed to only hold back so much water. The Okauchee dam can be opened to increase flow when neccessary, but that wouldn't have changed the downriver effects much with all the water last year.
Either way, here's a cut and paste link to the article:
http://www.jsonline.com/news/waukesha/39646342.html
2.)I'm doing some garage cleaning and I have several bass and musky combos I'd like to sell. They're all st croix rods with abu garcia or shimano reels. A couple have never been used. If you want more information, please email me and I'll send you a complete list.
3.)Looks like this weather is going to slow down the transition to open water. Two things. First be carfeul when on the ice after the fresh snow as it may cover up some old holes or stress cracks. Second, since we'll be ice fishing a few more weeks, now would be a great time to stock up on ice fishing gear at the shop.
4.)The open water fishing that's available right now appears to be surprisingly consistent. The open water areas on the wisconsin river below the dams in the dells and at petenwell are producing fish for guys willing to put in the time. Large ice flows are still reported, and I'll make sure to keep you updated on conditions as information comes to me.
5.) For those of you who asked, Kelly will be having the baby next week. Its our second, and I can't wait to meet my daughter Quinn. Big brother Shannon, my son, also seems excited.
Good Luck and stay safe,
CT
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