Disclaimer: Take everything I say at your own risk. Use a spud bar,a pfd and a buddy when heading out on the ice. Take it from me, going through is no picnic.
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Okay, that out of the way, let's get down to business. The cold snap at the end of last week and over the weekend has really gotten things going in terms of freeze up. Shallow protected bays are frozen on the bigger lakes, and smaller lakes with shallow water have closed up entirely. Expect between 2-6 inches of ice on the frozen areas, but mainlake and deepwater areas remain open on many lakes. I'll have a full round of ice conditions lake by lake in the weekend update.
Panfish are starting to bite, especially in the mid afternoon. Waxies, spikes and mousies on a tear drop or ratfinkee seems to be the key. The fish are running on the smaller side still, but I think people don't have them dialed in just yet.
Pike are starting to bite, but again, the limited number of people out has kept information a little on the sketchy side for now. I'll have more for you this weekend.
Stay Tuned,
CT
Monday, December 14, 2009
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Early ice-Fishing Report
Greetings,
The weather has certainly taken a turn towards winter the last couple days. Very low temperatures mean ice is starting to form.
I would advise caution if you're planning on heading out in the local area though. The ice is still pretty sketchy by all reports. A few days and nights of this cold weather should get things started however.
For now, consider looking for panfish in protected areas with still green weeds. Crappies and bluegills will bite on a variety of small live bait or plastics around shallow weed clumps. The fish will not have set up their feeding schedule as of yet, but you can expect to catch fish in little spurts. If you have three holes going, chances are one hole will outproduce the rest. Spread out your gear until you connect, then fish hard through the most active holes.
Early ice walleye action can be great, but I'd give things another couple of days before heading out to exposed areas or flats adjacent to open water.
Stay Tuned.
CT
The weather has certainly taken a turn towards winter the last couple days. Very low temperatures mean ice is starting to form.
I would advise caution if you're planning on heading out in the local area though. The ice is still pretty sketchy by all reports. A few days and nights of this cold weather should get things started however.
For now, consider looking for panfish in protected areas with still green weeds. Crappies and bluegills will bite on a variety of small live bait or plastics around shallow weed clumps. The fish will not have set up their feeding schedule as of yet, but you can expect to catch fish in little spurts. If you have three holes going, chances are one hole will outproduce the rest. Spread out your gear until you connect, then fish hard through the most active holes.
Early ice walleye action can be great, but I'd give things another couple of days before heading out to exposed areas or flats adjacent to open water.
Stay Tuned.
CT
Friday, November 27, 2009
Extra month this year/Fishing Report
Musky season is usually wrapping up in our local area as the season typically closed the last weekend in November. This year however, the season is open until December 31st in the southern zone.
Lots of fish are being caught on the local lakes, with suckers obviously being the best option. Look for the fish to be anywhere, but don't be shy about looking for them in relatively shallow water, especially on a warmer sunny afternoon. As the season progresses to this point, I like to focus my attention on rocky transition areas. I don't have the science behind it or anything, but I can usually find some active fish near to mid-depth rocks, especially in the afternoons.
If you're heading into the shallow water, you might also want to keep your eyes open for some panfish that are making an early transition move towards winter water. Crappies and bluegills will start to stage in shallow protected bays with cover this time of year.
And if you're in the mood for some walleyes, the Rock and Wisconsin rivers are in the midst of the late fall run.
CT
Lots of fish are being caught on the local lakes, with suckers obviously being the best option. Look for the fish to be anywhere, but don't be shy about looking for them in relatively shallow water, especially on a warmer sunny afternoon. As the season progresses to this point, I like to focus my attention on rocky transition areas. I don't have the science behind it or anything, but I can usually find some active fish near to mid-depth rocks, especially in the afternoons.
If you're heading into the shallow water, you might also want to keep your eyes open for some panfish that are making an early transition move towards winter water. Crappies and bluegills will start to stage in shallow protected bays with cover this time of year.
And if you're in the mood for some walleyes, the Rock and Wisconsin rivers are in the midst of the late fall run.
CT
Friday, November 20, 2009
CARP!
From JSOnline.COM:
32 DNA samples for Asian carp found past barrier
By Dan Egan of the Journal Sentinel
The Army Corps of Engineers acknowledged Friday that tests taken earlier this fall revealed 32 positive DNA samples for Asian carp above the electric fish barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, some within 10 miles of the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
The Journal Sentinel first reported the apparent barrier breach Thursday, though the Army Corps refused to acknowledge it until Friday morning.
There is now apparently nothing left standing between the supersized, ecosystem-ravaging fish and the world's largest freshwater system other than the gates of two heavily used navigational locks, and it may be only a matter of time until the fish are jumping and flopping in Lake Michigan waters from Chicago to Door County - and beyond.
"It's a disaster," said Dan Thomas, president of the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council. "Heads should roll for this."
The Great Lakes commercial and sport fishing industry are valued at over $7 billion annually, and the region has more than 4 million registered recreational boats, many owners of which may have to learn to live on a different and dangerous set of lakes; hockey helmets are considered standard safety gear for some boaters on infested waters of the Mississippi River basin.
No actual fish have been found above the electric barrier, which itself is about 20 miles south of Lake Michigan. But biologists say the water samples provide some compelling - and distressing - evidence that the fish imported decades ago by an Arkansas fish farmer and subsequently let loose during federally funded sewage treatment experiments finally busted past the electric barrier. It is a barrier that has never been turned up to its full capacity due to concerns it would disrupt barge operators and recreational boaters on the Chicago canal.
"We're assuming (the fish) are there because we have to," said John Rogner, assistant director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. "It's the best data we have."
The biologists responsible for detecting the fish with cutting edge "environmental" DNA testing agreed. "There is no reason to think that there aren't carp present when the DNA is detected," said David Lodge, a University of Notre Dame biologist.
Lodge said no DNA tests have been conducted on Lake Michigan itself, but he said there is still reason to be optimistic.
"As a biologist and somebody who has spent decades now studying many different kinds of invasive species, we should not assume all is lost because there may be some silver and bighead (carp) above the barrier," he said. "There are lots of cases, well documented from many parts of the world, where a small number of organisms may invade new areas, but they may die out before they establish a sustainable reproducing population. So it's very important to keep the numbers of individual organisms as low as possible."
The Army Corps agrees, and said Friday it will steam ahead with plans to poison the Chicago canal just below the barrier to kill all the fish in a several mile downriver stretch in early December so the barrier can be shut down for a day or two for regular maintenance in early December. "This new information reinforces the importance of preventing any further intrusion of the Asian carp via the largest pathway, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal," said Army Corps Maj. General John w. Peabody.
Army Corps officials said Friday they also would continue DNA testing above the barrier and will consider poisoning options in the areas where DNA is detected.
They also said they would consider changing the way they operate two busy navigational locks near the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
"All options are on the table," said Rogner.
Officials said research is already under way to try to manage carp populations in the Great Lakes, similar to the Great Lakes lamprey sterilization program that keeps numbers of that invasive parasite in check.
"We anticipate that some day this kind of operation may have to occur with carp," said Charlie Wooley, deputy regional director for Fish and Wildlife.
Army Corps officials declined to speculate how the fish might have made it passed the barrier.
One possible reason is that it wasn't operating at a higher strength until August, when the newly developed DNA tests first detected the fish within several miles of the barrier. Previous fish-shocking surveys had showed the carp stalled for more than a year about 20 miles below the barrier.
The Journal Sentinel reported late last year that the new barrier, designed to operate at four volts per inch, was only going to be allowed at one-volt per inch, not a power high enough to deter small juvenile fish.
The Journal Sentinel reported on Aug. 7 that the DNA tests revealed the fish were on the move. The Army Corps turned up the power on the barrier to two volts later that month after conducting a round of safety tests. They said at the time tests showed two volts, with the proper pulse frequency, is strong enough to repel all sizes of fish.
Conservationists Thursday said the only thing left to do know is to close the navigation locks to determine with certainty if the fish have indeed breached the gates. And if they have, it's time to try to kill those fish. "The important thing now is to make sure no fish get into Lake Michigan, and since we've got those structures in place that will help us do that, that is where we've got to focus," said Joel Brammeier of the Alliance for the Great Lakes.
32 DNA samples for Asian carp found past barrier
By Dan Egan of the Journal Sentinel
The Army Corps of Engineers acknowledged Friday that tests taken earlier this fall revealed 32 positive DNA samples for Asian carp above the electric fish barrier on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, some within 10 miles of the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
The Journal Sentinel first reported the apparent barrier breach Thursday, though the Army Corps refused to acknowledge it until Friday morning.
There is now apparently nothing left standing between the supersized, ecosystem-ravaging fish and the world's largest freshwater system other than the gates of two heavily used navigational locks, and it may be only a matter of time until the fish are jumping and flopping in Lake Michigan waters from Chicago to Door County - and beyond.
"It's a disaster," said Dan Thomas, president of the Great Lakes Sport Fishing Council. "Heads should roll for this."
The Great Lakes commercial and sport fishing industry are valued at over $7 billion annually, and the region has more than 4 million registered recreational boats, many owners of which may have to learn to live on a different and dangerous set of lakes; hockey helmets are considered standard safety gear for some boaters on infested waters of the Mississippi River basin.
No actual fish have been found above the electric barrier, which itself is about 20 miles south of Lake Michigan. But biologists say the water samples provide some compelling - and distressing - evidence that the fish imported decades ago by an Arkansas fish farmer and subsequently let loose during federally funded sewage treatment experiments finally busted past the electric barrier. It is a barrier that has never been turned up to its full capacity due to concerns it would disrupt barge operators and recreational boaters on the Chicago canal.
"We're assuming (the fish) are there because we have to," said John Rogner, assistant director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources. "It's the best data we have."
The biologists responsible for detecting the fish with cutting edge "environmental" DNA testing agreed. "There is no reason to think that there aren't carp present when the DNA is detected," said David Lodge, a University of Notre Dame biologist.
Lodge said no DNA tests have been conducted on Lake Michigan itself, but he said there is still reason to be optimistic.
"As a biologist and somebody who has spent decades now studying many different kinds of invasive species, we should not assume all is lost because there may be some silver and bighead (carp) above the barrier," he said. "There are lots of cases, well documented from many parts of the world, where a small number of organisms may invade new areas, but they may die out before they establish a sustainable reproducing population. So it's very important to keep the numbers of individual organisms as low as possible."
The Army Corps agrees, and said Friday it will steam ahead with plans to poison the Chicago canal just below the barrier to kill all the fish in a several mile downriver stretch in early December so the barrier can be shut down for a day or two for regular maintenance in early December. "This new information reinforces the importance of preventing any further intrusion of the Asian carp via the largest pathway, the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal," said Army Corps Maj. General John w. Peabody.
Army Corps officials said Friday they also would continue DNA testing above the barrier and will consider poisoning options in the areas where DNA is detected.
They also said they would consider changing the way they operate two busy navigational locks near the shoreline of Lake Michigan.
"All options are on the table," said Rogner.
Officials said research is already under way to try to manage carp populations in the Great Lakes, similar to the Great Lakes lamprey sterilization program that keeps numbers of that invasive parasite in check.
"We anticipate that some day this kind of operation may have to occur with carp," said Charlie Wooley, deputy regional director for Fish and Wildlife.
Army Corps officials declined to speculate how the fish might have made it passed the barrier.
One possible reason is that it wasn't operating at a higher strength until August, when the newly developed DNA tests first detected the fish within several miles of the barrier. Previous fish-shocking surveys had showed the carp stalled for more than a year about 20 miles below the barrier.
The Journal Sentinel reported late last year that the new barrier, designed to operate at four volts per inch, was only going to be allowed at one-volt per inch, not a power high enough to deter small juvenile fish.
The Journal Sentinel reported on Aug. 7 that the DNA tests revealed the fish were on the move. The Army Corps turned up the power on the barrier to two volts later that month after conducting a round of safety tests. They said at the time tests showed two volts, with the proper pulse frequency, is strong enough to repel all sizes of fish.
Conservationists Thursday said the only thing left to do know is to close the navigation locks to determine with certainty if the fish have indeed breached the gates. And if they have, it's time to try to kill those fish. "The important thing now is to make sure no fish get into Lake Michigan, and since we've got those structures in place that will help us do that, that is where we've got to focus," said Joel Brammeier of the Alliance for the Great Lakes.
Friday, November 6, 2009
North Lake Access
From Jsonline.com:
North Lake public access project starts next summer
By Don Behm of the Journal Sentinel
Nov. 6, 2009 4:23 p.m. | Construction of the first public access to North Lake in Waukesha County is scheduled for summer 2010, a state Department of Natural Resources official said Friday.
The 437-acre lake is the largest water body in the county without public access, said Jim Ritchie, DNR public waterways access coordinator.
The DNR purchased the former Whitey Krause property on Reddelien Road in the Town of Merton for $1.125 million in 2005. The 6.5-acre parcel includes 233 feet of frontage on the northwest shore of the lake, Ritchie said.
Construction of the access site, with boat ramp, dock and parking lot for 16 vehicles and trailers will cost $475,000.
"Development of this property will ensure that anglers and recreational boaters have permanent year-round public access for open water and ice fishing on North Lake," Ritchie said. "There's been a strong demand for access to this lake for many years."
North Lake public access project starts next summer
By Don Behm of the Journal Sentinel
Nov. 6, 2009 4:23 p.m. | Construction of the first public access to North Lake in Waukesha County is scheduled for summer 2010, a state Department of Natural Resources official said Friday.
The 437-acre lake is the largest water body in the county without public access, said Jim Ritchie, DNR public waterways access coordinator.
The DNR purchased the former Whitey Krause property on Reddelien Road in the Town of Merton for $1.125 million in 2005. The 6.5-acre parcel includes 233 feet of frontage on the northwest shore of the lake, Ritchie said.
Construction of the access site, with boat ramp, dock and parking lot for 16 vehicles and trailers will cost $475,000.
"Development of this property will ensure that anglers and recreational boaters have permanent year-round public access for open water and ice fishing on North Lake," Ritchie said. "There's been a strong demand for access to this lake for many years."
Great weekend ahead.
There's a great weather outlook for the next couple days, and you should consider hitting the water. The warmer temps will bring a variety of fish into the shallow areas, especially those with rock or sand bottoms, in the early afternoon.
Live bait is always a good option this time of year, especially suckers and shiners, but don't over look crankbaits. A thinner profile bait that wiggles instead of wobbles, always seems to catch some decent fish when the conditions are like this this late in the year.
Look for rocky areas adjacent to deep water. The fish will be laying on the rocks, on patrolling the bottom transition just next to them.
Good Luck
CT
Live bait is always a good option this time of year, especially suckers and shiners, but don't over look crankbaits. A thinner profile bait that wiggles instead of wobbles, always seems to catch some decent fish when the conditions are like this this late in the year.
Look for rocky areas adjacent to deep water. The fish will be laying on the rocks, on patrolling the bottom transition just next to them.
Good Luck
CT
Monday, November 2, 2009
Musky Mikes has been sold.
Musky Mike's Baitshop in Okauchee has been sold to new ownership. The store will remain open in its current location through November 30th. Live bait will continue to be available at the current location through November 30th, and all tackle is on sale for 40% off.
The store will continue to operate under the new owners, but will be moving to a nearby location during the week of December 1st.
It has been our pleasure to serve you, and we look forward to seeing the store continue under the new owners.
Thanks
Chris, Eric and Ray
The store will continue to operate under the new owners, but will be moving to a nearby location during the week of December 1st.
It has been our pleasure to serve you, and we look forward to seeing the store continue under the new owners.
Thanks
Chris, Eric and Ray
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Still time to get out....
The weather outside is just right for musky fishing on the inland lakes, and the walleye run will be biting on the Rock River.
Still plenty of time to get out in the boat. Give me a call if you'd like a last chance to hit the water this season.
CT
Still plenty of time to get out in the boat. Give me a call if you'd like a last chance to hit the water this season.
CT
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Now contributing to walleye central.
Hey gang,
Walleyecentral.com has asked me to provide reports for Lac Labelle. I'll be contributing to them on a regular basis.
Stay tuned for more information.
CT
Walleyecentral.com has asked me to provide reports for Lac Labelle. I'll be contributing to them on a regular basis.
Stay tuned for more information.
CT
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Fishing Report: October 4, 2009
Well its fall, and I have some good news.
Water temps are peaking out below 60 degrees in the afternoons. Okauchee, Oconomowoc and Lac Labelle all clocked in the high 50's late today, which means now is the time to hit the water for some musky fishing. The bite has been a bit slow, but certainly steady. Two large fish were caught on Okauchee in the last week, and we've had numerous reports of high 30's and low 40's fish coming to the boat.
Some advice: The lack of rain this season allowed the weeds to grow deeper than is typical for our area. Likewise, a fair number of fish are being caught in deeper water than is typical for this time of year. Trolling has been producing, especially in areas with baitfish in 18-25 feet of water. Good use of your electronics is essential right now.
Look for the bite to move shallower and into the available green weeds, but don't over look rock bars adjacent to mid depth weeds, especially on warmer sunny afternoons, as fish will move up to warm up and digest food.
Fishing with suckers is never a bad idea this time of year. We have suckers and custom quick strike rigs in stock right now.
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Other happenings:
Smallmouth fishing will pick up on the area lakes, and now is the time to chase down a trophy sized fish with live bait. Slip-sinker rigs with walleye suckers or large shiners drifted or trolled very slowly around the deep edges of structure can surprise you. If you find fish, you'll very likely be over a good school of them. fish that area hard, and pay attention to your electronics. Subtle bottom changes will concentrate fish.
Walleye fishing has been slow, but is starting to pick up in the Dells and along the Jefferson Dam to Blackhawk Island stretch of the Rock River. Water is seasonably low this time of year, so watch your prop, but look for fish in the current, in the shallow water near deeper holes. They will likely be actively feeding, rather than holding in the deep water. Jig and Minnow, Lindy rigs or jig and twister are good producers.
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Water temps are peaking out below 60 degrees in the afternoons. Okauchee, Oconomowoc and Lac Labelle all clocked in the high 50's late today, which means now is the time to hit the water for some musky fishing. The bite has been a bit slow, but certainly steady. Two large fish were caught on Okauchee in the last week, and we've had numerous reports of high 30's and low 40's fish coming to the boat.
Some advice: The lack of rain this season allowed the weeds to grow deeper than is typical for our area. Likewise, a fair number of fish are being caught in deeper water than is typical for this time of year. Trolling has been producing, especially in areas with baitfish in 18-25 feet of water. Good use of your electronics is essential right now.
Look for the bite to move shallower and into the available green weeds, but don't over look rock bars adjacent to mid depth weeds, especially on warmer sunny afternoons, as fish will move up to warm up and digest food.
Fishing with suckers is never a bad idea this time of year. We have suckers and custom quick strike rigs in stock right now.
-----
Other happenings:
Smallmouth fishing will pick up on the area lakes, and now is the time to chase down a trophy sized fish with live bait. Slip-sinker rigs with walleye suckers or large shiners drifted or trolled very slowly around the deep edges of structure can surprise you. If you find fish, you'll very likely be over a good school of them. fish that area hard, and pay attention to your electronics. Subtle bottom changes will concentrate fish.
Walleye fishing has been slow, but is starting to pick up in the Dells and along the Jefferson Dam to Blackhawk Island stretch of the Rock River. Water is seasonably low this time of year, so watch your prop, but look for fish in the current, in the shallow water near deeper holes. They will likely be actively feeding, rather than holding in the deep water. Jig and Minnow, Lindy rigs or jig and twister are good producers.
-----
Tuesday, September 22, 2009
Fishing Report 9-22-09
The water is in the mid to upper 60's on most lakes in our area. Weeds are still green, but showing some signs of thinning out and the algae blooms are starting to clear up. There are schools of bait in both deep and shallow water, both of which are drawing attention from the gamefish right now.
Largemouth are holding along clumps of weeds on the shallow weed flats. Others are still hanging along the deeper weed edges. Smallmouth are relating to weed clumps near or adjacent to rocky and sandy areas with a drop off. The deeper fish will bite best when they make a move into the nearby shallow water, typically something they will start to do a couple times a day. When the water and air temperatures begin to cool down some more, fish will use rocky areas in the early afternoons.
Your best lure options right now are wacky worms, large jigworms, skirted grubs, jig/chunk, texas rigged plastics or lipless crankbaits. Smaller, wide wobbling crankbaits can also produce. Wacky worms and skirted grubs are great around the rocks. Jigworms, texas rigs and jig/trailers are great around the scattered weeds. Lipless crankbaits are great in both areas. Browns, greens, orange or black are usally the best colors for plastics (pretty much as they are all year) but white, shad, bluegill or silver colored crankbaits can really produce.
Walleye: Stick with live bait unless fishing over submerged weeds in the evening when you should consider throwing minnow-baits like rapalas and rouges. Look for walleyes to be in the sandgrass or in breaks in the weeds in 10-15 feet. Some fish will be deeper or shallower on our local lakes, but the best approach to locating fish is to slowly troll with a slip-sinker or lindy rig with a big minnow.
Northern: Most northern caught this time of year are caught while targeting other species, especially bass and musky. But they can still be caught and in good numbers. For bigger fish, try Deep diving crankbaits in bluegill, perch or white/shad color patterns. Hot N Tots, wiggle warts and the rapala deep divers are my favorites for trolling, while Norman D-22's or lipless crankbaits are better options for casting.
Musky: The fish are starting to make fall transitions, but the action is still a little slow. I'd expect that to make a rapid change after this week. Most fish are being reported from 10-15 feet of water. Casting bucktails, gliders, swimbaits or jerkbaits all will draw some attention, but don't forget to keep a sucker or two out on a quick-strike rig. Many fish that follow a bait to the boat will turn on for the sucker hanging nearby.
Good Luck
CT
Largemouth are holding along clumps of weeds on the shallow weed flats. Others are still hanging along the deeper weed edges. Smallmouth are relating to weed clumps near or adjacent to rocky and sandy areas with a drop off. The deeper fish will bite best when they make a move into the nearby shallow water, typically something they will start to do a couple times a day. When the water and air temperatures begin to cool down some more, fish will use rocky areas in the early afternoons.
Your best lure options right now are wacky worms, large jigworms, skirted grubs, jig/chunk, texas rigged plastics or lipless crankbaits. Smaller, wide wobbling crankbaits can also produce. Wacky worms and skirted grubs are great around the rocks. Jigworms, texas rigs and jig/trailers are great around the scattered weeds. Lipless crankbaits are great in both areas. Browns, greens, orange or black are usally the best colors for plastics (pretty much as they are all year) but white, shad, bluegill or silver colored crankbaits can really produce.
Walleye: Stick with live bait unless fishing over submerged weeds in the evening when you should consider throwing minnow-baits like rapalas and rouges. Look for walleyes to be in the sandgrass or in breaks in the weeds in 10-15 feet. Some fish will be deeper or shallower on our local lakes, but the best approach to locating fish is to slowly troll with a slip-sinker or lindy rig with a big minnow.
Northern: Most northern caught this time of year are caught while targeting other species, especially bass and musky. But they can still be caught and in good numbers. For bigger fish, try Deep diving crankbaits in bluegill, perch or white/shad color patterns. Hot N Tots, wiggle warts and the rapala deep divers are my favorites for trolling, while Norman D-22's or lipless crankbaits are better options for casting.
Musky: The fish are starting to make fall transitions, but the action is still a little slow. I'd expect that to make a rapid change after this week. Most fish are being reported from 10-15 feet of water. Casting bucktails, gliders, swimbaits or jerkbaits all will draw some attention, but don't forget to keep a sucker or two out on a quick-strike rig. Many fish that follow a bait to the boat will turn on for the sucker hanging nearby.
Good Luck
CT
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Fall Runs
From the DNR:
50 places to fish from shore within 60 minutes of Milwaukee
MADISON – Like clockwork, it’s that time of year when trout and salmon begin staging in the river mouths and harbors – ready to run the course back to their spawning grounds.
And anglers looking to fish these spectacular runs can visit the new Lake Michigan Fall Fishing page of the Department of Natural Resources Web site for informational resources that highlight 50 places to fish from shore within 60 minutes of downtown Milwaukee.
“No need to put the fishing gear away just because summer is nearing its end,” says Brad Eggold, Department of Natural Resources Southern Lake Michigan fisheries team supervisor. “The spawning runs represent tremendous opportunities -- they’re close by, you don’t need a boat, and you have a high chance of success.”
“We developed these materials because we wanted to make it as easy as possible for anglers to find places to fish during these events.”
The resources include:
* A downloadable pocket-size brochure that lists the 50 locations and the dominant species available, and, and gives directions, distance and driving time from downtown Milwaukee. Printed copies will be available in the coming weeks at DNR service centers in southeastern Wisconsin.
* Google map showing photos of the fishing sites and detailed driving directions
* Advice on the fishing gear to use and the best times to go.
More about what anglers need to fish the spawning runs
Timing is everything, and although heavy rains can sometimes trigger earlier runs, this schedule gives anglers a good idea of when the runs can begin, peak and end:
* Chinook salmon – Sept. 1 to Oct. 15, peak in late September
* Coho salmon – Oct. 1 to Nov. 15 peak in late October
* Steelhead – Aug. 1 to Nov. 30 peak in late September, very dependent on water flows, especially in August
* Brown trout – Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, peak in early December
If you’re new to fishing the runs, get properly equipped by reeling in this gear before you go:
* Rod: 8- to 11-feet long, medium to heavy action.
* Reel: medium-sized spinning reel with good drag system.
* Line: 8- to 10-pound monofilament.
* Lure and tackle: Heavy duty ball bearing snap swivels for use with spoons like krocodiles, cleos, castmasters and daredevils will work great off piers and breakwalls.
* For bait fishing: Small hooks in sizes 4 to 6 with slip bobbers, split shot, three-way swivels and bell sinkers for use with spawn, minnows and wax worms.
* Miscellaneous gear: Long-handled landing net for fish up to 20 pounds, heavy duty stringer, needle nose pliers, extra spools of line, garbage bags, and warm clothes (weather conditions can change quickly on Lake Michigan).
Anglers 16 years old or older fishing Lake Michigan and its tributaries need a fishing license and Great Lakes Trout and Salmon stamp, or a two-day Sports Fishing License to fish for trout and salmon in the tributaries (up to the first dam or lake).
Check the “2009-2010 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations” for fishing regulations. Anglers should note that from Sept. 15 to the first Saturday of the following May, there is no hook and line fishing from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise in the tributaries.\
----
Salmon Fishing isn't really my thing, but I wanted to make you aware of the options.
Cheers
CT
50 places to fish from shore within 60 minutes of Milwaukee
MADISON – Like clockwork, it’s that time of year when trout and salmon begin staging in the river mouths and harbors – ready to run the course back to their spawning grounds.
And anglers looking to fish these spectacular runs can visit the new Lake Michigan Fall Fishing page of the Department of Natural Resources Web site for informational resources that highlight 50 places to fish from shore within 60 minutes of downtown Milwaukee.
“No need to put the fishing gear away just because summer is nearing its end,” says Brad Eggold, Department of Natural Resources Southern Lake Michigan fisheries team supervisor. “The spawning runs represent tremendous opportunities -- they’re close by, you don’t need a boat, and you have a high chance of success.”
“We developed these materials because we wanted to make it as easy as possible for anglers to find places to fish during these events.”
The resources include:
* A downloadable pocket-size brochure that lists the 50 locations and the dominant species available, and, and gives directions, distance and driving time from downtown Milwaukee. Printed copies will be available in the coming weeks at DNR service centers in southeastern Wisconsin.
* Google map showing photos of the fishing sites and detailed driving directions
* Advice on the fishing gear to use and the best times to go.
More about what anglers need to fish the spawning runs
Timing is everything, and although heavy rains can sometimes trigger earlier runs, this schedule gives anglers a good idea of when the runs can begin, peak and end:
* Chinook salmon – Sept. 1 to Oct. 15, peak in late September
* Coho salmon – Oct. 1 to Nov. 15 peak in late October
* Steelhead – Aug. 1 to Nov. 30 peak in late September, very dependent on water flows, especially in August
* Brown trout – Sept. 1 to Dec. 31, peak in early December
If you’re new to fishing the runs, get properly equipped by reeling in this gear before you go:
* Rod: 8- to 11-feet long, medium to heavy action.
* Reel: medium-sized spinning reel with good drag system.
* Line: 8- to 10-pound monofilament.
* Lure and tackle: Heavy duty ball bearing snap swivels for use with spoons like krocodiles, cleos, castmasters and daredevils will work great off piers and breakwalls.
* For bait fishing: Small hooks in sizes 4 to 6 with slip bobbers, split shot, three-way swivels and bell sinkers for use with spawn, minnows and wax worms.
* Miscellaneous gear: Long-handled landing net for fish up to 20 pounds, heavy duty stringer, needle nose pliers, extra spools of line, garbage bags, and warm clothes (weather conditions can change quickly on Lake Michigan).
Anglers 16 years old or older fishing Lake Michigan and its tributaries need a fishing license and Great Lakes Trout and Salmon stamp, or a two-day Sports Fishing License to fish for trout and salmon in the tributaries (up to the first dam or lake).
Check the “2009-2010 Guide to Wisconsin Hook and Line Fishing Regulations” for fishing regulations. Anglers should note that from Sept. 15 to the first Saturday of the following May, there is no hook and line fishing from one-half hour after sunset to one-half hour before sunrise in the tributaries.\
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Salmon Fishing isn't really my thing, but I wanted to make you aware of the options.
Cheers
CT
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Changes Ahead
Hey Gang, there are changes in the works and I wanted you to have some lead time on them.
First, and most importantly, the weekly fishing reports which have been posted on the baitshop blog will be moving to this site this fall. I'll probably start double posting them here as well. I'll keep posting the reports, but as of October 1st or so, you'll need to come here to get them.
Second, I'm in the process of putting together some content for another fishing related blog run by fishing pro Doug Cavin. We're still working out the kinks (well I am anyway) and there will be more news on this in September.
Finally, fall fishing is just around the corner. Judging by the weather, I assume that that might be a short corner. If you are looking to hit the water for some action this fall, I will have availabilities, but as I'll be working on my dissertation, I suggest that you contact me sooner to make sure you can have the days you want.
CT
First, and most importantly, the weekly fishing reports which have been posted on the baitshop blog will be moving to this site this fall. I'll probably start double posting them here as well. I'll keep posting the reports, but as of October 1st or so, you'll need to come here to get them.
Second, I'm in the process of putting together some content for another fishing related blog run by fishing pro Doug Cavin. We're still working out the kinks (well I am anyway) and there will be more news on this in September.
Finally, fall fishing is just around the corner. Judging by the weather, I assume that that might be a short corner. If you are looking to hit the water for some action this fall, I will have availabilities, but as I'll be working on my dissertation, I suggest that you contact me sooner to make sure you can have the days you want.
CT
Friday, August 28, 2009
Shannon's First Fish.
Here's my son Shannon with the first fish he caught all by himself. Over the years I have helped many people catch lots of fish. I have guided people to trophy bass, musky and walleyes. I helped my dad to catch the biggest northern pike of his life. Personally I've caught a bass over 10lbs, a 48 inch musky and a 30 inch walleye, but watching him hook and reel in this potato chip sized bluegill was among the proudest moments of my life.
CT
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Two baits for right now
Two Baits for Right Now.
As summer winds up, I usually find myself relying on two baits to produce fish. Our lakes have a plentiful baitfish supply by this point of the year, and I see no reason not to play along. With the crawfish molt over, gamefish will once again turn their attention towards baitfish. As the photocycle gets shorter, this change in attention gets more pronounced.
Therefore I recommend two lures that you should always have at the ready this time of year. Both are easy to use and will catch a variety of fish. The first is a lipless crankbait. There are tons of these baits on the market, and most crankbait manufacturers have a model available. Personally I like to stay traditional, and like the Bill Lewis (Rattle-trap) or the Rapala version (rattlin-rapala).
A lipless crankbait is an easy bait to fish. Cast it out and reel it back in. Its tight wiggle and small size easily imitate the baitfish that most predators are chasing. As for color, I like to keep it simple. On cloudy days I’ll throw a bluegill or shad colored bait, but if its sunny, I like to go for lots of flash and will rely on a chrome or gold. Casting lipless crankbaits along the outside edges of weed-beds is an amazing way to catch a variety of fish. I’ve caught bass, walleye, northern pike, muskie and even channel catfish with nothing more than a cast and retrieve approach. One tip, when reeling in the bait, try to keep your pole at a 90 degree angle to the bait, it’ll be easier to detect strikes and follow through with a hook set. Tip #2: if you’re reeling the bait, and you feel it stop, set the hook. If it’s a fish, you’ll have them, if it’s a weed, changes are you’ll get a bite when you rip the bait free.
The other bait I recommend is a spinnerbait. Again I like to keep it simple, and tend to stay with white or white and chartreuse. Although they are very effective, I prefer not to use willow leaf blades, preferring instead to go with a Colorado or Oklahoma blade. On cloudy days I’ll use a bait with a painted or silver blade, but on sunny days I go gold. I don’t use a trailer hook very often, but I usually use a twister tail grub to add some bulk to the bait.
The approach is simple, throw it out and reel it back in. Look for clumps of weeds, and make multiple casts along the edges or over the top of submerged weeds and hang on. Pike strikes of spinner baits can be vicious. Bass and Muskie will also chase them down.
Keep it simple. Cast these baits out near weed edges, and reel them back in. I’m not promising that you’ll catch a giant, but you’ll certainly have a chance to catch some quality fish.
As summer winds up, I usually find myself relying on two baits to produce fish. Our lakes have a plentiful baitfish supply by this point of the year, and I see no reason not to play along. With the crawfish molt over, gamefish will once again turn their attention towards baitfish. As the photocycle gets shorter, this change in attention gets more pronounced.
Therefore I recommend two lures that you should always have at the ready this time of year. Both are easy to use and will catch a variety of fish. The first is a lipless crankbait. There are tons of these baits on the market, and most crankbait manufacturers have a model available. Personally I like to stay traditional, and like the Bill Lewis (Rattle-trap) or the Rapala version (rattlin-rapala).
A lipless crankbait is an easy bait to fish. Cast it out and reel it back in. Its tight wiggle and small size easily imitate the baitfish that most predators are chasing. As for color, I like to keep it simple. On cloudy days I’ll throw a bluegill or shad colored bait, but if its sunny, I like to go for lots of flash and will rely on a chrome or gold. Casting lipless crankbaits along the outside edges of weed-beds is an amazing way to catch a variety of fish. I’ve caught bass, walleye, northern pike, muskie and even channel catfish with nothing more than a cast and retrieve approach. One tip, when reeling in the bait, try to keep your pole at a 90 degree angle to the bait, it’ll be easier to detect strikes and follow through with a hook set. Tip #2: if you’re reeling the bait, and you feel it stop, set the hook. If it’s a fish, you’ll have them, if it’s a weed, changes are you’ll get a bite when you rip the bait free.
The other bait I recommend is a spinnerbait. Again I like to keep it simple, and tend to stay with white or white and chartreuse. Although they are very effective, I prefer not to use willow leaf blades, preferring instead to go with a Colorado or Oklahoma blade. On cloudy days I’ll use a bait with a painted or silver blade, but on sunny days I go gold. I don’t use a trailer hook very often, but I usually use a twister tail grub to add some bulk to the bait.
The approach is simple, throw it out and reel it back in. Look for clumps of weeds, and make multiple casts along the edges or over the top of submerged weeds and hang on. Pike strikes of spinner baits can be vicious. Bass and Muskie will also chase them down.
Keep it simple. Cast these baits out near weed edges, and reel them back in. I’m not promising that you’ll catch a giant, but you’ll certainly have a chance to catch some quality fish.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Golden Lake
Bob had so much fun on Monday, he wanted to go back out today. We wanted to chase some bass on Golden Lake, but the weather wouldn't cooperate. The pike however were a different story.
We caught and released more than 20 pike between 15-32 inches today. Here's Bob with one we caught before the rain made us put the camera away.
CT
Monday, August 17, 2009
Silver Lake
Here's Bob with today's nice bass from Silver Lake, one of 25 Largemouths we caught on today's guided trip:
Weekday and Weekend Trips are available. Call 262-893-2183.
Weekday and Weekend Trips are available. Call 262-893-2183.
Thursday, August 13, 2009
On the water in August....
Trips are available for bass, walleye, panfish, catfish and musky. Give me a call 262-893-2183.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Announcement
I will be contributing to another fishing blog starting August 1st. Details will follow. In the meantime, stay tuned to the shop's blog for fishing reports.
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