Well gang, the transition to a fall fishing pattern is just around the corner, and fishing is set to get really good. You've probably noticed the days getting shorter, and even on days with a bluebird sky, the fishing is picking up. My clients and I landed 50 Bass and more than 30 bluegills in a trip this morning.
Fishing usually gets pretty good this time of year. The chief obstacle is often the weather. As Fall approaches, unstable weather can set in quick. As for right now, things have been fairly stable, and during stretches of stable weather, the fish will start to make predictable feeding movements a few times a day.
LM and SM Bass have begun moving into staging positions. Lots of fish are being taken off the edges of deep weeds and off the ends of longer points. Some fish have also been coming from the mid depth flats and shallow rocks. Start with topwater baits in the morning, then move to wacky worms, tubes and jigworms as the bite dies down. If you're fishing deeper, stick with live bait on a split shot and/or slip-sinker rigs or texas rigged plastics. If the bite is extra tough, try a shallow diving shad (white) colored crank around the rock/ weed transition areas.
Walleye have been active in 18-25 feet of water. Look for sandgrass with baitfish holding nearby and you'll be in them pretty quick on Lac Labelle, Pine or Oconomowoc. If you want to make the trip, the bite on the Koshkonong is just starting to really pick-up. Pulling bouncers with spinner harnesses, back trolling lindy rigs, working crankbaits over deep weeds or slip bobbering with live bait has been productive.
Northern Pike fishing continues to provide good action to anglers putting in the time. As fall sets in, the deeper fish will move to the weedlines. This is a great time to target them with spoons, small bucktails, or crankbaits. It may be a little early yet, but don't be afraid to start trying these techniques over the next 20 days or so. In the meantime you can still target smaller pike in the shallows with spinner or buzzbaits and larger fish with suckers, chubs or shiners along the deep edges of weedy points.
Panfish are still being caught deep, but look for them to move into mid-depth water over the next few weeks. For now, tightline vertically with splitshot or slip bobber them off deep weeds and sand with live baitin 15-22 feet of water. Transition areas from heavy to light weeds along a drop off is a key area.
Musky fishing is picking up after the late summer lull. Reports indicate that topwaters and bucktails are still catching a few fish early and late, but the majority of fish are being caught off the deepest weed edges on natural or perch pattern crankbaits, soft plastics and jerkbaits.
Cheers
CT
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Not my biggest,
..but the most acrobatic musky I have ever caught. When this fish hit, he cleared the surface of the water by more than 5 feet before coming down with my topwater in his mouth.
Saturday, August 21, 6am. Oconomowoc Lake, Topwater
Saturday, August 21, 6am. Oconomowoc Lake, Topwater
Thursday, August 19, 2010
Fishing Report 8-19-10
Hey gang, I'm happy to say the dog days of summer appear to be on the way out. Fishing will only get better for a run of six to eight weeks now.
In General Terms :The cooler mornings are a key time to target active fish in shallow to mid-depth water. Look for them in the usual 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 seem them get active.
Panfish 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 sandgrass about 14-18 feet down over 40-50 feet of water. Silver, Ashippun, Golden, School Section, Okauchee, Garvin, Nagawicka, Forest and North Lake have been the best.
Largemouth will come on two major patterns in the short term. On sunny days, you can find them around shallow docks, wood laydowns 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. Early mornings are key, especially around transition areas and over flats where the topwater bite can really be fantastic. Deeper fish will continue to use weededges and point 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. Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac Labelle and Moose have all had active bites around rocky areas. Some fish are still being taken off the weedlines and off the weed flats by anglers flipping around heavy cover on Okauchee, Kessus, Golden and Nagawicka especially.
Smallmouth will start to make several 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 or poppers in natural patterns can get you started, but be ready to switch to tubes, 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. They will be actively hunting baitfish especially after the crawfish finish molting. Okauchee, Nagawicka, Pine, Oconomowoc, and Lac Labelle have been producing.
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 weededges or drop-offs in 12-18 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. Trolling with bottom bouncers and spinner harnesses or drifting with live bait rigs are great ways to target these fish. Nagawicka, Oconomowoc, Lake Koshkonong, Lac Labelle, and Pine lake have all been productive.
Northern pike activity has been hot 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. Larger pike can be taken trolling cranbkaits or backtrolling live bait along deeper weed edges, especially in 12-20 feet of water. Try Moose, Fox, Pretty, Kessus, Okauchee, Golden, Fowler Garvin, School Section and Ashippun Lakes for pike.
Musky reports have slowed down over the past 15 days, but I suspect that has as much to do with the heat as anything. For the next run, look for them to over weedy flats in 8-12 feet of water making for some great 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. The usual lakes have been been producing, Pewaukee and Okauchee have been slower, but are still productive for anglers putting in the time.
Last thing, anglers are starting to report active white bass on the Rock River, Koshkonong and Lake Winnebago. Trolling with spinners or small cranks seem to be the best right now. Stay tuned for more.
It'll just get better.
Cheers
CT
In General Terms :The cooler mornings are a key time to target active fish in shallow to mid-depth water. Look for them in the usual 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 seem them get active.
Panfish 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 sandgrass about 14-18 feet down over 40-50 feet of water. Silver, Ashippun, Golden, School Section, Okauchee, Garvin, Nagawicka, Forest and North Lake have been the best.
Largemouth will come on two major patterns in the short term. On sunny days, you can find them around shallow docks, wood laydowns 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. Early mornings are key, especially around transition areas and over flats where the topwater bite can really be fantastic. Deeper fish will continue to use weededges and point 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. Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac Labelle and Moose have all had active bites around rocky areas. Some fish are still being taken off the weedlines and off the weed flats by anglers flipping around heavy cover on Okauchee, Kessus, Golden and Nagawicka especially.
Smallmouth will start to make several 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 or poppers in natural patterns can get you started, but be ready to switch to tubes, 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. They will be actively hunting baitfish especially after the crawfish finish molting. Okauchee, Nagawicka, Pine, Oconomowoc, and Lac Labelle have been producing.
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 weededges or drop-offs in 12-18 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. Trolling with bottom bouncers and spinner harnesses or drifting with live bait rigs are great ways to target these fish. Nagawicka, Oconomowoc, Lake Koshkonong, Lac Labelle, and Pine lake have all been productive.
Northern pike activity has been hot 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. Larger pike can be taken trolling cranbkaits or backtrolling live bait along deeper weed edges, especially in 12-20 feet of water. Try Moose, Fox, Pretty, Kessus, Okauchee, Golden, Fowler Garvin, School Section and Ashippun Lakes for pike.
Musky reports have slowed down over the past 15 days, but I suspect that has as much to do with the heat as anything. For the next run, look for them to over weedy flats in 8-12 feet of water making for some great 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. The usual lakes have been been producing, Pewaukee and Okauchee have been slower, but are still productive for anglers putting in the time.
Last thing, anglers are starting to report active white bass on the Rock River, Koshkonong and Lake Winnebago. Trolling with spinners or small cranks seem to be the best right now. Stay tuned for more.
It'll just get better.
Cheers
CT
Sunday, August 8, 2010
On the water.....
Hey gang, I've been focusing the bulk of my personal and guiding efforts this year on our smaller local lakes, but I got out yesterday on Okauchee.
The conditions were quite different than I had imagined them to be before we hit the water. The water was very high, which I knew, but the water is very dirty even before one considers the heavy algae bloom going on right now.
I just wanted to point out that when conditions like this come along, it becomes critical to fish slower than normal. Put the crankbaits away, and break out the jigs, grubs and texas rigged plastics. Even a split shot rig can be a great option right now. While we were out yesterday, the key to getting bit was to do what Charlie Brewer once described as "polishing the rocks." It can be hard, given most people's run and gun tendencies to do this, but in one case yesterday, it took more than 20 casts to the same general spot to trigger a bite, and even then I only got bit when I stopped my jig for a couple seconds.
Falling water is one of those things that will almost always shrink a fish's active strike zone. By slowing down, you're giving them a little longer to consider your presentation. It worked well enough for us yesterday that we boated 9 bass and 11 northerns in just a couple hours of fishing. Back at the dock, people thought we were lying, the same people who we were watching fish spinners and cranks.
Just some food for thought.
CT
The conditions were quite different than I had imagined them to be before we hit the water. The water was very high, which I knew, but the water is very dirty even before one considers the heavy algae bloom going on right now.
I just wanted to point out that when conditions like this come along, it becomes critical to fish slower than normal. Put the crankbaits away, and break out the jigs, grubs and texas rigged plastics. Even a split shot rig can be a great option right now. While we were out yesterday, the key to getting bit was to do what Charlie Brewer once described as "polishing the rocks." It can be hard, given most people's run and gun tendencies to do this, but in one case yesterday, it took more than 20 casts to the same general spot to trigger a bite, and even then I only got bit when I stopped my jig for a couple seconds.
Falling water is one of those things that will almost always shrink a fish's active strike zone. By slowing down, you're giving them a little longer to consider your presentation. It worked well enough for us yesterday that we boated 9 bass and 11 northerns in just a couple hours of fishing. Back at the dock, people thought we were lying, the same people who we were watching fish spinners and cranks.
Just some food for thought.
CT
Friday, August 6, 2010
I get emails
I'm not one who toots my own horn very often. I can usually tell that people who fish with me had a good time, but once in awhile you get an extra satisfied customer.
From a recent client:
Thanks Mike,
CT
From a recent client:
"Chris, I wanted to write to thank you again for guiding me last Friday. I'm looking fwd to getting my boat wet again and practicing what you taught me. I have to say it was my best day fishing since Canada. I've passed along your name and email to several people, but I hope to book again this fall if your teaching schedule permits. I had a great time and learned a lot about our local lakes. You found the fish and made for a very entertaining and informative fishing partner. Best of luck to you and your family – I’ll definitely be seeing you again."
Regards,
Mike Dempsey
Thanks Mike,
CT
A couple of hot bites happening right now...
It's my annual Early August hot bite post. A couple of things you might want to try when you hit the water.
1.) On the local lakes, the crawfish will molt over the next 7-10 days. Expect the majority of the fish to move to muddy bottoms or rockbars. And not just the bass, walleyes, pike and musky will all get it on the feeding frenzy. Small crankbaits, skirted grubs or jig and craws will be your best presentations for the next two weeks.
2.) The late summer whitebass fishing has started on Lake Koshkonong. Trolling with spinner harnesses is a great way to locate schools, before stopping to fish through them with small spinners, jig and plastic combos or small stickbaits.
The water's still high, remember to check at the launch for speed and wake restrictions.
Cheers
CT
1.) On the local lakes, the crawfish will molt over the next 7-10 days. Expect the majority of the fish to move to muddy bottoms or rockbars. And not just the bass, walleyes, pike and musky will all get it on the feeding frenzy. Small crankbaits, skirted grubs or jig and craws will be your best presentations for the next two weeks.
2.) The late summer whitebass fishing has started on Lake Koshkonong. Trolling with spinner harnesses is a great way to locate schools, before stopping to fish through them with small spinners, jig and plastic combos or small stickbaits.
The water's still high, remember to check at the launch for speed and wake restrictions.
Cheers
CT
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Guide Trip Special
Interested in a going on a guided fishing trip in August? I'll be running a special price on afternoon and evening trips.
Contact me for more details.
Contact me for more details.
Fishing Report 7-31-2010
Greetings,
High water conditions continue on most lakes. Many retain a slow-no-wake restriction, others are closed. Make sure to check the posting board at the launches.
As of this posting the following lakes were closed:
Middle and Lower Geneessee
Slow No Wake:
Lower Nashotah, Upper Nemahbin, Lower Nemahbin, Crooked, North, Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Pewaukee, Kessus, Moose, Koshkonong and Rock River, Big Muskego
Water is high on Nagawicka, Silver and Golden. With the rain, there's a good chance the lakes will remain at slow-no-wake for some time.
--------
It's August, and the fishing has reflected that. Expect to find summer patterns on local lakes. Be aware of the high water, and consider that the shallow water you are used to fishing is a couple feet deeper right now.
Panfish are schooling over deeper water; look for them to suspend out/off weedlines the next couple weeks. The ends of points will hold fish just before/just after dark and you can make some incredible catches. Humps have been holding some nice schools, as has the sand grass in 18-22 feet of water. Panfish leeches, helgramites, leaf worms and waxworms on plastic below slip bobbers have been working consistently.
-------
Bass fishing has been steady, but the bite seems to have slowed down a bit. While out this week, we brought in lots of fish, but they were smaller than average. The bite frequently was short and light, and the trick was to fish slower.
-------
Walleye fishing has moved to deeper water. Look for them in 18-25 feet, or suspended over the thermocline. Deeper standing weeds (rather than just sandgrass) have been holding fish.
-------
Northern continue what has been an epic season for them. Shallow fish can be taken around weedclumps on spuinners and buzzbaits, but the bigger fish continue to be caught on slip-sinker rigs tipped with larger live bait fished along the deeper breaks.
-------
Musky fishing has been slow but steady the last few weeks. There's been an active topwater bite especially in the low-light morning hours. Walk the dog style baits have been generating some strikes as have propbaits. Lots of follows are being reported, so make sure to do your figure eights.
Good luck out there.
CT
-------
High water conditions continue on most lakes. Many retain a slow-no-wake restriction, others are closed. Make sure to check the posting board at the launches.
As of this posting the following lakes were closed:
Middle and Lower Geneessee
Slow No Wake:
Lower Nashotah, Upper Nemahbin, Lower Nemahbin, Crooked, North, Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Pewaukee, Kessus, Moose, Koshkonong and Rock River, Big Muskego
Water is high on Nagawicka, Silver and Golden. With the rain, there's a good chance the lakes will remain at slow-no-wake for some time.
--------
It's August, and the fishing has reflected that. Expect to find summer patterns on local lakes. Be aware of the high water, and consider that the shallow water you are used to fishing is a couple feet deeper right now.
Panfish are schooling over deeper water; look for them to suspend out/off weedlines the next couple weeks. The ends of points will hold fish just before/just after dark and you can make some incredible catches. Humps have been holding some nice schools, as has the sand grass in 18-22 feet of water. Panfish leeches, helgramites, leaf worms and waxworms on plastic below slip bobbers have been working consistently.
-------
Bass fishing has been steady, but the bite seems to have slowed down a bit. While out this week, we brought in lots of fish, but they were smaller than average. The bite frequently was short and light, and the trick was to fish slower.
-------
Walleye fishing has moved to deeper water. Look for them in 18-25 feet, or suspended over the thermocline. Deeper standing weeds (rather than just sandgrass) have been holding fish.
-------
Northern continue what has been an epic season for them. Shallow fish can be taken around weedclumps on spuinners and buzzbaits, but the bigger fish continue to be caught on slip-sinker rigs tipped with larger live bait fished along the deeper breaks.
-------
Musky fishing has been slow but steady the last few weeks. There's been an active topwater bite especially in the low-light morning hours. Walk the dog style baits have been generating some strikes as have propbaits. Lots of follows are being reported, so make sure to do your figure eights.
Good luck out there.
CT
-------
Thursday, July 22, 2010
Fishing Report 8-22-10
Greetings,
First Off: The high water conditions on many lakes are sure to have been complicated by the heavy rains this week. Expect several local lakes to be declared slow-no-wake for the weekend. Make sure to check at the launch for postings.
Pike are chasing bait and are very active. Look for them in weed clusters in water between 8-15 feet and suspended off main lake structure in 18-26 feet of water. Spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits or suspending jerkbaits will catch the shallow fish, spoons, crankbaits or suckers on a slip sinker rig will catch the deeper fish.
The quality of the bass bite has been tied to the weather. On days with stable weather and some clouds, the bass will bite. On days with changing conditions, the fish are exhibiting a traditional neutral method with a small strike zone. Live bait will trigger neutral fish, as will a slow falling vertical presentation like a wacky worm, jig and chunk or a light jigworm. Many fish are using the outside weededges in 8-15 feet of water.
Panfish are suspending over deeper water or hugging the bottom near deep structure. Look for them 8- 12 feet down over 20+ foot of water Deep sandgrass is holding some nice gills right now. Try fishing vertically with small jigs and leeches for bigger fish.
Walleye trolling is starting to generate some consistent action. Daytime, slow trolling with spinner harnesses in 15-22 feet of water has been productive, especially on the stable weather days with a little wind. Night time trolling with crankbaits is starting to turn on. Work rock and sand transition areas in 12-18 feet of water, and move deeper if you aren't catching fish. Deep weed edges have been the most consistent areas.
Musky fishing has been slower, but steady.A few fish are still being taken on suckers, but cowgirls, bucktails, sliders and bulldogs fished over submerged weeds have all taken fish the past week to 10 days. Remember to do your figure eights for reluctant biters.
Good Luck,
CT
First Off: The high water conditions on many lakes are sure to have been complicated by the heavy rains this week. Expect several local lakes to be declared slow-no-wake for the weekend. Make sure to check at the launch for postings.
Pike are chasing bait and are very active. Look for them in weed clusters in water between 8-15 feet and suspended off main lake structure in 18-26 feet of water. Spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits or suspending jerkbaits will catch the shallow fish, spoons, crankbaits or suckers on a slip sinker rig will catch the deeper fish.
The quality of the bass bite has been tied to the weather. On days with stable weather and some clouds, the bass will bite. On days with changing conditions, the fish are exhibiting a traditional neutral method with a small strike zone. Live bait will trigger neutral fish, as will a slow falling vertical presentation like a wacky worm, jig and chunk or a light jigworm. Many fish are using the outside weededges in 8-15 feet of water.
Panfish are suspending over deeper water or hugging the bottom near deep structure. Look for them 8- 12 feet down over 20+ foot of water Deep sandgrass is holding some nice gills right now. Try fishing vertically with small jigs and leeches for bigger fish.
Walleye trolling is starting to generate some consistent action. Daytime, slow trolling with spinner harnesses in 15-22 feet of water has been productive, especially on the stable weather days with a little wind. Night time trolling with crankbaits is starting to turn on. Work rock and sand transition areas in 12-18 feet of water, and move deeper if you aren't catching fish. Deep weed edges have been the most consistent areas.
Musky fishing has been slower, but steady.A few fish are still being taken on suckers, but cowgirls, bucktails, sliders and bulldogs fished over submerged weeds have all taken fish the past week to 10 days. Remember to do your figure eights for reluctant biters.
Good Luck,
CT
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Vote for Nicole Ochoa
If you are so inclined, go here to vote for Nicole Ochoa, for Granite State Girl. Nicole does alot of modeling for the fishing industry including Bassfury and Bass Edge.
Nicole's Facebook Profile and Portfolio are here.
Cheers,
CT
Nicole's Facebook Profile and Portfolio are here.
Cheers,
CT
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Message from Mike Cox
Dear Friends,
After months of further inaction by President Obama and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we're going to court for round two against Asian carp.
Today my office filed a new lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to force the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Chicago water authorities to take emergency action to block Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan.
The states of Ohio, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have all joined Michigan in this new legal effort to fight Asian carp and accelerate efforts to develop a permanent solution to protect the Great Lakes.
While you know the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take our case, they did not dismiss the merits of our case.
So today, we are suing the Obama administration and the Army Corps of Engineers, who are charged with protecting public resources and overseeing the management of the Chicago Area Waterway System in partnership with local water authorities in the Illinois federal court.
Asian Carp Found: We Need Emergency Action NOW
Our worst fears came true after Illinois authorities announced on June 22nd that a Bighead Asian carp was found in Lake Calumet, within striking distance of Lake Michigan. And when you find one carp, the experts say there are more nearby.
Stunningly, despite the mounting evidence, the Army Corps and Chicago authorities refused to temporarily close the O'Brien and Chicago locks. They've failed the apply fish poison in every location that tested positive for Asian carp eDNA. They've failed to comprehensively address all pathways linking Lake Michigan with carp-infested Illinois waterways. And they have failed to sufficiently accelerate the permanent separation of the Great Lakes Basin from the carp-infested Chicago Area Waterway System.
With every day that passes without serious action, the health of the Great Lakes and our $7 billion commercial and recreational fishing industries remain at risk. We cannot sacrifice thousands of jobs.
Inaction Won't Be Tolerated
For the past several months, the Army Corps has maintained its vocal commitment to combating Asian carp. The problem is, when you drill down past the rhetoric, all you'll find are half-hearted, insufficient attempts to confront the Asian carp invasion.
Because of their lack of urgency and inadequate measures - like poisoning canals in only a few spots - we have already faced Asian carp swimming their way toward Lake Michigan.
In today's lawsuit, we are calling on the Army Corps to step up and take all available efforts to block Asian carp passage in the waterways linked to Lake Michigan.
We're calling for commonsense emergency measures like block nets, fish poison where Asian carp eDNA has been detected, mesh screens on all sluice gates and temporary closures of the O'Brien and Chicago locks, except as needed for public health and safety.
Keep Up the Fight!
Thank you for all you have done to support our efforts to protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp. The fight is not yet over, and the more supporters we have on our side to build a public outcry, the better.
Keep in mind that President Obama can order the Army Corps to act on these commonsense steps any time. He doesn't need a court to tell him to do it. But until he acts, I pledge to fight, along with several Great Lakes attorneys general and our allies in Congress, to force the Corps to act.
Please forward this email to your friends, family and neighbors and urge them to call the President to demand action right away. Be sure to forward this email to at least five friends today!
If you haven't joined the conversation on Facebook, please sign on to our page today. Every day citizens are driving the conversation about why they love the Great Lakes and what they've done to protect them.
Sincerely,
Mike Cox
Attorney General
After months of further inaction by President Obama and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, we're going to court for round two against Asian carp.
Today my office filed a new lawsuit in U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois to force the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Chicago water authorities to take emergency action to block Asian carp from entering Lake Michigan.
The states of Ohio, Minnesota, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin have all joined Michigan in this new legal effort to fight Asian carp and accelerate efforts to develop a permanent solution to protect the Great Lakes.
While you know the U.S. Supreme Court declined to take our case, they did not dismiss the merits of our case.
So today, we are suing the Obama administration and the Army Corps of Engineers, who are charged with protecting public resources and overseeing the management of the Chicago Area Waterway System in partnership with local water authorities in the Illinois federal court.
Asian Carp Found: We Need Emergency Action NOW
Our worst fears came true after Illinois authorities announced on June 22nd that a Bighead Asian carp was found in Lake Calumet, within striking distance of Lake Michigan. And when you find one carp, the experts say there are more nearby.
Stunningly, despite the mounting evidence, the Army Corps and Chicago authorities refused to temporarily close the O'Brien and Chicago locks. They've failed the apply fish poison in every location that tested positive for Asian carp eDNA. They've failed to comprehensively address all pathways linking Lake Michigan with carp-infested Illinois waterways. And they have failed to sufficiently accelerate the permanent separation of the Great Lakes Basin from the carp-infested Chicago Area Waterway System.
With every day that passes without serious action, the health of the Great Lakes and our $7 billion commercial and recreational fishing industries remain at risk. We cannot sacrifice thousands of jobs.
Inaction Won't Be Tolerated
For the past several months, the Army Corps has maintained its vocal commitment to combating Asian carp. The problem is, when you drill down past the rhetoric, all you'll find are half-hearted, insufficient attempts to confront the Asian carp invasion.
Because of their lack of urgency and inadequate measures - like poisoning canals in only a few spots - we have already faced Asian carp swimming their way toward Lake Michigan.
In today's lawsuit, we are calling on the Army Corps to step up and take all available efforts to block Asian carp passage in the waterways linked to Lake Michigan.
We're calling for commonsense emergency measures like block nets, fish poison where Asian carp eDNA has been detected, mesh screens on all sluice gates and temporary closures of the O'Brien and Chicago locks, except as needed for public health and safety.
Keep Up the Fight!
Thank you for all you have done to support our efforts to protect the Great Lakes from Asian carp. The fight is not yet over, and the more supporters we have on our side to build a public outcry, the better.
Keep in mind that President Obama can order the Army Corps to act on these commonsense steps any time. He doesn't need a court to tell him to do it. But until he acts, I pledge to fight, along with several Great Lakes attorneys general and our allies in Congress, to force the Corps to act.
Please forward this email to your friends, family and neighbors and urge them to call the President to demand action right away. Be sure to forward this email to at least five friends today!
If you haven't joined the conversation on Facebook, please sign on to our page today. Every day citizens are driving the conversation about why they love the Great Lakes and what they've done to protect them.
Sincerely,
Mike Cox
Attorney General
Monday, July 12, 2010
Fishing Report 7-12-2010
Hey gang. If you're heading out, traditional summer patterns are what's happening on the lakes right now.
Panfish have moved to deep water for the most part. They can be a little tricky to find, but if you can get on some, you won't believe the size and quantity of panfish you can pull out of deeper water. My best suggestion for you is to drive slowly just off the weedlines and the deep edges of points with your electronics on. Panfish typically school up over 18-28 feet of water about 6-12 feet down. They'll look like a cloud on your graph. Use slip bobbers or tightline vertically with leeches, panfish plumpers or pieces of nightcrawler to target these fish on a drift. Ashippun, Silver, Phantom, Middle and Lower Genessee, Garvin, Okauchee, Golden, Lower Nashotah and Moose have all been productive.
Largemouth Bass are running three of their usual summer patterns. On sunny, warmer days the piers and the slop are producing. Wacky worms, tubes and shakey heads are producing around the piers, while rats, scum frogs, strike king or zoom frogs are pulling them out of the slop. Deeper fish have schooled up on the weedlines, the end of points and especially over deeper rocks. Texas rigs, drop shot and swim baits are catching these fish. The fish on the weed flats are being taken on topwater, especially early in the evening as the sun sets. Buzzbaits, poppers and spooks are all catching fish. Okauchee, Nag, Kessus, Moose, Golden, Pewaukee, Lower Nemahbin and Lac Labelle have been consistent.
Smallmouth bass have been using weeds along dropoffs, or suspending over deeper water. They are hard to catch when in this neutral mode, you'll have to catch them when they come into shallow water to feed at first and last light. Top-waters, wacky, jig and chunks and tube-baits are all catching fish. Oconomowoc, Pine, Nag, Lac Labelle and Okauchee have given up fish.
Walleye fishing is slow but steady. Fish are using weeds in 18-22 feet on most lakes. Jigs tipped with live bait or lindy rigs are catching fish, but the better fish are coming at night by anglers trolling with stickbaits, shad raps or bottom bouncers. Try:North, Pine, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Oconomowoc and Pine.
Northern pike fishing has been great this entire year, and the bite continues. Look for them on the weedflats and target larger fish with live bait along the deep weedlines. Lots of smaller pike can be caught throwing spinner or buzzbaits around clumps of shallow weeds, while the bigger fish are coming on shiners or suckers on slip sinker rigged trolled very slowly on the outside edges. Moose, Okauchee, Nag, Ashippun, Golden, Pretty and Lower Genessee.
Musky fishing has been tied to the weather recently. The cloudy days are producing, the hot sunny days have been slower. Most fish are being caught off deep structure or while trolling. A few are being caught on topwaters near the deep weed edges on the larger flats. Crankbaits are producing the trolling fish, jerkbaits and soft plastics are catching the casting fish. Walk the dog and prop baits have been the better topwater options lately.
Panfish have moved to deep water for the most part. They can be a little tricky to find, but if you can get on some, you won't believe the size and quantity of panfish you can pull out of deeper water. My best suggestion for you is to drive slowly just off the weedlines and the deep edges of points with your electronics on. Panfish typically school up over 18-28 feet of water about 6-12 feet down. They'll look like a cloud on your graph. Use slip bobbers or tightline vertically with leeches, panfish plumpers or pieces of nightcrawler to target these fish on a drift. Ashippun, Silver, Phantom, Middle and Lower Genessee, Garvin, Okauchee, Golden, Lower Nashotah and Moose have all been productive.
Largemouth Bass are running three of their usual summer patterns. On sunny, warmer days the piers and the slop are producing. Wacky worms, tubes and shakey heads are producing around the piers, while rats, scum frogs, strike king or zoom frogs are pulling them out of the slop. Deeper fish have schooled up on the weedlines, the end of points and especially over deeper rocks. Texas rigs, drop shot and swim baits are catching these fish. The fish on the weed flats are being taken on topwater, especially early in the evening as the sun sets. Buzzbaits, poppers and spooks are all catching fish. Okauchee, Nag, Kessus, Moose, Golden, Pewaukee, Lower Nemahbin and Lac Labelle have been consistent.
Smallmouth bass have been using weeds along dropoffs, or suspending over deeper water. They are hard to catch when in this neutral mode, you'll have to catch them when they come into shallow water to feed at first and last light. Top-waters, wacky, jig and chunks and tube-baits are all catching fish. Oconomowoc, Pine, Nag, Lac Labelle and Okauchee have given up fish.
Walleye fishing is slow but steady. Fish are using weeds in 18-22 feet on most lakes. Jigs tipped with live bait or lindy rigs are catching fish, but the better fish are coming at night by anglers trolling with stickbaits, shad raps or bottom bouncers. Try:North, Pine, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Oconomowoc and Pine.
Northern pike fishing has been great this entire year, and the bite continues. Look for them on the weedflats and target larger fish with live bait along the deep weedlines. Lots of smaller pike can be caught throwing spinner or buzzbaits around clumps of shallow weeds, while the bigger fish are coming on shiners or suckers on slip sinker rigged trolled very slowly on the outside edges. Moose, Okauchee, Nag, Ashippun, Golden, Pretty and Lower Genessee.
Musky fishing has been tied to the weather recently. The cloudy days are producing, the hot sunny days have been slower. Most fish are being caught off deep structure or while trolling. A few are being caught on topwaters near the deep weed edges on the larger flats. Crankbaits are producing the trolling fish, jerkbaits and soft plastics are catching the casting fish. Walk the dog and prop baits have been the better topwater options lately.
Thursday, July 8, 2010
Cold Front Moving In.
Well gang, after that blast of hot humid weather, it looks like a cold front is going to be moving through over the next few days.
Expect the fish to pull really tight to cover for a little bit. It's a great time to go big fish hunting.
CT
Expect the fish to pull really tight to cover for a little bit. It's a great time to go big fish hunting.
CT
Friday, July 2, 2010
Seeking information
Greetings,
I am looking for information on how to donate fishing gear to members of the armed forces serving overseas or who are returning from Afganistan or Iraq.
If you know of organizations that handle this please email me.
Thanks,
CT
I am looking for information on how to donate fishing gear to members of the armed forces serving overseas or who are returning from Afganistan or Iraq.
If you know of organizations that handle this please email me.
Thanks,
CT
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Holiday Weekend Fishing Report
Big Holiday Weekend Ahead, with lots of boats on the water. Be careful out there. Your best bet is to get an early start. You can get some serious fishing in before most of the ski boats and pleasure craft hit the water.
Some area lakes are slow no wake due to high water. Make sure to check the signs at the launches for the latest restriction notices.
Panfish have moved to their summer patterns. Small panfish can be caught in shallow water, especially around docks or swim platforms. The better sized fish are being caught out of the deeper water, where they are suspending about 12 feet down over 18-25 feet of water. There's a third batch which is relating to weed clumps in 6-12 feet of water, and I saw a batch of nice crappies doing that when I was out today. Best Bets: The Gennessee Lakes, Silver, Ashippun Upper and Lower Nashotah, Fowler, Garvin, Okauchee, Nagawicka, Forest and Pine.
Largemouth bass are relating to the heavy weed growth in 8-15 feet of water. These fish can be taken on swimbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, texas rigged worms, nightcrawlers or small suckers fished just along the outside edge of the weedbeds. Skipping piers is producing a few fish as well. Wacky Worms, Shakey heads and tubes are all producing. 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. Best Bets: Okauchee, Moose, Golden, Nagawicka, Pine, School Section and Kessus.
Smallmouth bass fishing has been spotty, but there are lots of fish using rocky points and bars both early and later in the day. It seems like most fish are patrolling the flats, and most anglers are reporting that they are not finding active smallies near weeds. Skirted grubs, tubes, wacky worms, shakey heads and small suckers are catching some consistent bags of fish. If you see lots of baitfish around rocky areas, try a jerkbait or floating rapala. Best Bets: Nagawicka, Pine, Lac Labelle and Oconomowoc.
Walleye fishing has been slow with the bright sunshine this past week, but anglers putting in the time are sill catching a few fish. 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. Lac Labelle, Druid, Oconomowoc, Pine, Nagawicka and Upper Nehmabin have been the best area lakes. Trollers are catching some on Lake Koshkonong pulling spinner harnesses behind planers.
Pike fishing has been red hot lately. Lots of smaller pike are using the shallow weedflats to feed on small gills and juvenile perch. Spinners baits, lipless crankbaits, 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. Moose, Kessus, Golden, Nagawicka, Garvin, Okauchee and School Section are your best pike lakes right now.
Musky fishing has been steady with lots of nice fish coming in. Some anglers have been catching suspended fish out over deeper water pulling crankbaits. Some fish are also being taken by targeting points along the deepedges of the weedline by fisherman casting with bucktails, gliders, jerkbaits and swimbaits. Suckers on a quick strike rig continue to convert fish, even this late into the summer. Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Okauchee, Garvin and Fowler have all had good Musky action this past week.
Good Luck, and stay safe.
CT
Some area lakes are slow no wake due to high water. Make sure to check the signs at the launches for the latest restriction notices.
Panfish have moved to their summer patterns. Small panfish can be caught in shallow water, especially around docks or swim platforms. The better sized fish are being caught out of the deeper water, where they are suspending about 12 feet down over 18-25 feet of water. There's a third batch which is relating to weed clumps in 6-12 feet of water, and I saw a batch of nice crappies doing that when I was out today. Best Bets: The Gennessee Lakes, Silver, Ashippun Upper and Lower Nashotah, Fowler, Garvin, Okauchee, Nagawicka, Forest and Pine.
Largemouth bass are relating to the heavy weed growth in 8-15 feet of water. These fish can be taken on swimbaits, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, texas rigged worms, nightcrawlers or small suckers fished just along the outside edge of the weedbeds. Skipping piers is producing a few fish as well. Wacky Worms, Shakey heads and tubes are all producing. 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. Best Bets: Okauchee, Moose, Golden, Nagawicka, Pine, School Section and Kessus.
Smallmouth bass fishing has been spotty, but there are lots of fish using rocky points and bars both early and later in the day. It seems like most fish are patrolling the flats, and most anglers are reporting that they are not finding active smallies near weeds. Skirted grubs, tubes, wacky worms, shakey heads and small suckers are catching some consistent bags of fish. If you see lots of baitfish around rocky areas, try a jerkbait or floating rapala. Best Bets: Nagawicka, Pine, Lac Labelle and Oconomowoc.
Walleye fishing has been slow with the bright sunshine this past week, but anglers putting in the time are sill catching a few fish. 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. Lac Labelle, Druid, Oconomowoc, Pine, Nagawicka and Upper Nehmabin have been the best area lakes. Trollers are catching some on Lake Koshkonong pulling spinner harnesses behind planers.
Pike fishing has been red hot lately. Lots of smaller pike are using the shallow weedflats to feed on small gills and juvenile perch. Spinners baits, lipless crankbaits, 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. Moose, Kessus, Golden, Nagawicka, Garvin, Okauchee and School Section are your best pike lakes right now.
Musky fishing has been steady with lots of nice fish coming in. Some anglers have been catching suspended fish out over deeper water pulling crankbaits. Some fish are also being taken by targeting points along the deepedges of the weedline by fisherman casting with bucktails, gliders, jerkbaits and swimbaits. Suckers on a quick strike rig continue to convert fish, even this late into the summer. Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Okauchee, Garvin and Fowler have all had good Musky action this past week.
Good Luck, and stay safe.
CT
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Fishing Report 6-30-10
Just a quickie for Midweek, I'll have a full report up for the weekend.
Bass continue to bite along traditional summer patterns. Fish are being caught off docks, out of the slop and along rockbars in shallow water. Weedlines and deepwater points are also holding fish right now. For the shallow water fish, use jig/chunk, skirted grubs, wacky rigs or live bait on a light lindy rig. For the deeper fish, try deep diving crankbaits, texas rigs or live bait on a slip sinker rig,
The Pike fishing has picked up in the last ten days. It had been fairly steady, but anglers are reporting some faster action recently. Look for quality pike along deeper weed edges, but action fish can be caught around shallow weeds of dark bottom flats. Live bait, either suckers or shiners on a slip sinker or lindy rig has been very productive.
Musky action continues to be fairly steady, with most fish coming out of water in the 12-22 foot range. A handful of fish are still foraging in the shallow rocky areas, especially in the mornings.
The panfish bite has moved out to deeper water. The majority of the fish are suspending over 18-30 feet of water, or hanging close to the bottom in sandgrass in 15-22 feet.
Check in Friday for a full report for the Holiday Weekend.
Good Luck
CT
Bass continue to bite along traditional summer patterns. Fish are being caught off docks, out of the slop and along rockbars in shallow water. Weedlines and deepwater points are also holding fish right now. For the shallow water fish, use jig/chunk, skirted grubs, wacky rigs or live bait on a light lindy rig. For the deeper fish, try deep diving crankbaits, texas rigs or live bait on a slip sinker rig,
The Pike fishing has picked up in the last ten days. It had been fairly steady, but anglers are reporting some faster action recently. Look for quality pike along deeper weed edges, but action fish can be caught around shallow weeds of dark bottom flats. Live bait, either suckers or shiners on a slip sinker or lindy rig has been very productive.
Musky action continues to be fairly steady, with most fish coming out of water in the 12-22 foot range. A handful of fish are still foraging in the shallow rocky areas, especially in the mornings.
The panfish bite has moved out to deeper water. The majority of the fish are suspending over 18-30 feet of water, or hanging close to the bottom in sandgrass in 15-22 feet.
Check in Friday for a full report for the Holiday Weekend.
Good Luck
CT
Monday, June 28, 2010
This week looks extra special.....
If the weather forecast is to be believed, this Thursday has the potential to be one of the best fishing days of the summer. Although not ideal condition wise, the run of stable weather leading up to Thursday will mean the best bite will occur on Thursday.
We haven't had solid batch of stable weather yet this season.
CT
We haven't had solid batch of stable weather yet this season.
CT
Friday, June 25, 2010
In town for Summerfest or the 4th of July?
I'd love to take you fishing on one of our area lakes. I can do half or full days.
Give me a call (262)-893-2183 or email me.
Give me a call (262)-893-2183 or email me.
Fishing Report 6-25-2010
The weather has been unstable the last week, but fishing conditions are pretty typical for this time of year.
The Bluegills are done spawning for the most part, and although small gills can still be found in the shallows, better panfish are starting to appear on the deeper weedlines or suspended over deep water. Silver, Golden, Ashipunn, both Lower and Middle Genessee, Lower Nashotah and the Madison lakes have been giving up some good batches of panfish.
Bass are moving in their summer patterns, anglers over the reported catching fish both shallow and deep. Docks, slop and the deep weedlines all have active fish. Largemouth have been active on Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Golden, Kessus, Nag, Forest and Pine, but I'm sure most area lakes have active fish on weed edges in 6-12 feet of water. Piers have been very good during the hot parts of the day, and the slop bite is picking up. Topwater fish are being caught before 8am over flat areas adjacent to deep water, especially areas with small patches of weeds.
Muskies have been very consistent. Many anglers have begun trolling for them in deeper water, but other anglers have reported raising fish along the deepest weedlines. Anglers still report catching a number of fish using live suckers. Quality fish (40+) have been reported from Labelle, Okauchee, Fowler, North, Oconomowoc and Pewaukee lakes in the last week.
Walleye action has been above average. Spinner harnesses with leeches, back trolled on lindy rigs has been the hot bite this season. Suckers fished on a split shot rig have been taking some better fish, especially in the late evenings. Weededges and sand grass are the areas to key on, especially in 18-22 feet of water. Lac Labelle, Pine, Nagawicka and Oconomowoc have been giving up fish.
Lake Koshkonong has had a hot bite going on in the main basin in 4-6 feet, but the weather kept many anglers off the water the last few days. Pulling harnesses or cranks has been giving up a mixed bag of walleyes, pike and whitebass. Most walleye action is coming at less than 2mph when trolling.
Pike action has been very consistent. Fish the weed flats and outside edges with spinners or live bait. Smaller, wide wobbling crankbaits, buzzbaits and lipless crankbaits. Try Moose, Golden, Okauchee, School Section, Kessus or Nag for Pike.
Good Luck,
CT
The Bluegills are done spawning for the most part, and although small gills can still be found in the shallows, better panfish are starting to appear on the deeper weedlines or suspended over deep water. Silver, Golden, Ashipunn, both Lower and Middle Genessee, Lower Nashotah and the Madison lakes have been giving up some good batches of panfish.
Bass are moving in their summer patterns, anglers over the reported catching fish both shallow and deep. Docks, slop and the deep weedlines all have active fish. Largemouth have been active on Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Golden, Kessus, Nag, Forest and Pine, but I'm sure most area lakes have active fish on weed edges in 6-12 feet of water. Piers have been very good during the hot parts of the day, and the slop bite is picking up. Topwater fish are being caught before 8am over flat areas adjacent to deep water, especially areas with small patches of weeds.
Muskies have been very consistent. Many anglers have begun trolling for them in deeper water, but other anglers have reported raising fish along the deepest weedlines. Anglers still report catching a number of fish using live suckers. Quality fish (40+) have been reported from Labelle, Okauchee, Fowler, North, Oconomowoc and Pewaukee lakes in the last week.
Walleye action has been above average. Spinner harnesses with leeches, back trolled on lindy rigs has been the hot bite this season. Suckers fished on a split shot rig have been taking some better fish, especially in the late evenings. Weededges and sand grass are the areas to key on, especially in 18-22 feet of water. Lac Labelle, Pine, Nagawicka and Oconomowoc have been giving up fish.
Lake Koshkonong has had a hot bite going on in the main basin in 4-6 feet, but the weather kept many anglers off the water the last few days. Pulling harnesses or cranks has been giving up a mixed bag of walleyes, pike and whitebass. Most walleye action is coming at less than 2mph when trolling.
Pike action has been very consistent. Fish the weed flats and outside edges with spinners or live bait. Smaller, wide wobbling crankbaits, buzzbaits and lipless crankbaits. Try Moose, Golden, Okauchee, School Section, Kessus or Nag for Pike.
Good Luck,
CT
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Fishing Report 5-3-10
June Already? You'd wouldn't know it by the water and the fish behavior.
Right now most lakes are in the low 70s with a few of the bays in the mid 70's. Weed growth varies from lake to lake.
Bass Fishing has been steady, with the warmer days producing some quality bags of fish. Fish are starting to move into an early summer pattern, with lots of areas and techniques producing. On cloudy days, topwater and crankbaits are catching lots of fish over open water areas, especially weed patches on the mid-depth flats in 6-12 feet of water. On sunny days, especially those with lots of wind, fish are tighter to cover or using shallow rock bars in 3-8 feet of water. Plastics, flipped, skipped, pitched, wacky or texas rigged are great ways to target these fish. Live bait on slip sinker rigs are catching some nice fish for anglers making solid drifts over productive areas.
Pike fishing has been great, with lots of quality fish coming in. The number one way to catch pike right now is a small sucker or medium to large shiner on a slip sinker rig with a flourocarbon leader. Drift along the deeper edges of weeds and you'll find some fish. Lipless crankbaits and spinner baits are also producing, especially in the shallow water.
Musky fishing continued to be steady last week. The larger fish have started to move out to the breaks, but there's still a solid number of fish patrolling the shallow water, feeding on schooled up panfish.
Walleye fishing has been pretty good. Fish on Lac Labelle, Oconomowoc, Pine and Fox Lake are still using shallow weeds and weed edges. Jigging with live bait or drifting with lindy rigs/ spinner harnesses has been productive Trolling with Shad Raps is picking up on both Winnebago and on Koshkonong. Slower speeds over the deeper part of the basins appears to be the trick. Pulling boards is working, but more than one angler has reported doing much better with hand held rods.
Bluegills are spawning on most area lakes. If you're looking for action, areas of beds can be found in the shallows, but if you want some bigger fish, move out to 9-15 feet of water and look for beds in gravel and sandy areas. Vertical fishing with a split shot and live bait rig works great, as does pulling a 1/8 ounce lindy rig with a short leader through likely areas. (Try panfish leaches or leafworms) It's not the bobber approach which works great in the shallows, but it can really produce some quality keepers.
Good Luck,
CT
Right now most lakes are in the low 70s with a few of the bays in the mid 70's. Weed growth varies from lake to lake.
Bass Fishing has been steady, with the warmer days producing some quality bags of fish. Fish are starting to move into an early summer pattern, with lots of areas and techniques producing. On cloudy days, topwater and crankbaits are catching lots of fish over open water areas, especially weed patches on the mid-depth flats in 6-12 feet of water. On sunny days, especially those with lots of wind, fish are tighter to cover or using shallow rock bars in 3-8 feet of water. Plastics, flipped, skipped, pitched, wacky or texas rigged are great ways to target these fish. Live bait on slip sinker rigs are catching some nice fish for anglers making solid drifts over productive areas.
Pike fishing has been great, with lots of quality fish coming in. The number one way to catch pike right now is a small sucker or medium to large shiner on a slip sinker rig with a flourocarbon leader. Drift along the deeper edges of weeds and you'll find some fish. Lipless crankbaits and spinner baits are also producing, especially in the shallow water.
Musky fishing continued to be steady last week. The larger fish have started to move out to the breaks, but there's still a solid number of fish patrolling the shallow water, feeding on schooled up panfish.
Walleye fishing has been pretty good. Fish on Lac Labelle, Oconomowoc, Pine and Fox Lake are still using shallow weeds and weed edges. Jigging with live bait or drifting with lindy rigs/ spinner harnesses has been productive Trolling with Shad Raps is picking up on both Winnebago and on Koshkonong. Slower speeds over the deeper part of the basins appears to be the trick. Pulling boards is working, but more than one angler has reported doing much better with hand held rods.
Bluegills are spawning on most area lakes. If you're looking for action, areas of beds can be found in the shallows, but if you want some bigger fish, move out to 9-15 feet of water and look for beds in gravel and sandy areas. Vertical fishing with a split shot and live bait rig works great, as does pulling a 1/8 ounce lindy rig with a short leader through likely areas. (Try panfish leaches or leafworms) It's not the bobber approach which works great in the shallows, but it can really produce some quality keepers.
Good Luck,
CT
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