It seems like the big fish bite is picking up. I don't know if that's actually true, the weather has meant more people on the ice, or some combination of both. But either way, IT IS ON.
Panfish are still being taken in shallow water, but the better sized fish are starting to come from out deeper. Anglers who have ventured out and searched for deeper water schools are catching nice bags of fish. You'll need to do a little searching, and electronics will certainly help with catching the fish. Wigglers seem to be the hot bait, but fish are being taken on waxies, mousies and plastics. Okauchee, Forest, Garvin, Kessus, Fowler, Middle and Lower Genessee, Golden, Silver and School Section have all been very, very good for Panfish.
Walleye fishing has picked up dramatically. Jigging is taking a few fish, but tip-ups with a floro or mono leader, spinner and red treble baited with a golden shiner is producing. Shallow rocks in 6-10 feet are producing during low light hours, deep water structure in 18-25 feet is producing during the day time. Labelle is giving some steady action, Fox, Pine, Pewaukee and Oconomowoc are giving up the keepers.
Northern pike fishing has been pretty solid and steady. Lots of guys are picking up fish, with more than a handful of 30+ inchers reported, but snakes in the 15-25 inch category have been biting aggresively. Deadbait, shiners and suckers have all been good the last few days. Watch for fish to start to make a move in the next 2 weeks, but for now, shallow weedy areas near where people are getting panfish is a great place to setup a spread of tip ups. Icehouse, Stumpy Bay and the Crane's Nest areas on Okauchee have been active, as has Nagawicka, Fowler, Lac Labelle, Garvin, Kessus and Golden.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
1-6-11
Ice fishing continues to be steady and consistent, for ice fishing anyway.
Bluegills are being caught in shallow weeds in 6-8 and 12-15 feet of water, although anglers are finding them suspended in deeper water on a few lakes. Live bait on a tear drop, ratfinkee or similar has been producing. Pinks, Greens and purples are the hot colors, but don't overlook my favorite, blue.
Crappies have been biting in spurts early and late. The mid afternoon bite, which was red hot for a couple of weeks has dropped off. Fish will suspend over deeper water structure, in the tops of mid depth weeds 5-10 feet or in areas with current flow. Tail hooked minnows on a very small red or green hook, waxies and wigglers have all been productive. Watch for light biters.
Pike continue to relate to weed beds in 8-15 feet. The best areas are adjacent to where panfish are being caught, especially for the larger fish. Kessus, Okauchee, Moose and Fowler have been very productive, especially in weedy transition areas adjacent to deep water. Large bait catches bigger fish, but consider using heavy florocarbon leaders (in place of steel) for spooky fish, especially as more anglers start hitting the lakes for jamborees.
Walleye have been hit or miss by most accounts. The lakes with good populations have had some action, but with most anglers targeting panfish, reports have been inconsistent. The anglers who are catching fish are doing so out of sandy areas in 10-15 feet, and close to dark.
Good Luck and be safe,
CT
Bluegills are being caught in shallow weeds in 6-8 and 12-15 feet of water, although anglers are finding them suspended in deeper water on a few lakes. Live bait on a tear drop, ratfinkee or similar has been producing. Pinks, Greens and purples are the hot colors, but don't overlook my favorite, blue.
Crappies have been biting in spurts early and late. The mid afternoon bite, which was red hot for a couple of weeks has dropped off. Fish will suspend over deeper water structure, in the tops of mid depth weeds 5-10 feet or in areas with current flow. Tail hooked minnows on a very small red or green hook, waxies and wigglers have all been productive. Watch for light biters.
Pike continue to relate to weed beds in 8-15 feet. The best areas are adjacent to where panfish are being caught, especially for the larger fish. Kessus, Okauchee, Moose and Fowler have been very productive, especially in weedy transition areas adjacent to deep water. Large bait catches bigger fish, but consider using heavy florocarbon leaders (in place of steel) for spooky fish, especially as more anglers start hitting the lakes for jamborees.
Walleye have been hit or miss by most accounts. The lakes with good populations have had some action, but with most anglers targeting panfish, reports have been inconsistent. The anglers who are catching fish are doing so out of sandy areas in 10-15 feet, and close to dark.
Good Luck and be safe,
CT
Friday, December 31, 2010
Holiday Ice Fishing Update
Ice Fishing is now in full swing on area lakes. Ice depths vary greatly, and some of the mainlake areas over deeper water still have thin ice, especially on the larger lakes. Always exercise caution. Anglers are reporting between 4-10 inches in the bays and protected areas.
Panfish are biting on a variety of plastics, live bait and jig combos. Look for green weeds between 4 and 12 feet of water. Bluegills will likely be nearby, and can be taken on jigging rods throughout the day, but expect action to go through cycles as the fish turn on and off.
Crappies are relating to current areas, or areas with scattered bottom cover adjacent to current. A teardrop jig with a tail hooked small fathead is always a solid bet for crappies, but don't over look a very small red hook tipped with a wiggler, waxworm or spike, and remember, crappies feed up, so keep your presentation just above them when possible.
Pike are biting in full swing. Tipups with live bait or smelt are the biggest producers, and most of the fish are coming at/ or near the mouths of bays and backwaters. Lots of smaller pike are being caught, but a few are starting to come in over 35 inches. Large live bait, either medium suckers, large shiners or smelt are producing the bigger fish. If you just want some action, smaller pike in the 20-25 inch range are actively biting on medium shiners, especially over the roadbed or gravel drop off areas.
Good Luck, and be safe. I'll see you in 2011.
CT
Panfish are biting on a variety of plastics, live bait and jig combos. Look for green weeds between 4 and 12 feet of water. Bluegills will likely be nearby, and can be taken on jigging rods throughout the day, but expect action to go through cycles as the fish turn on and off.
Crappies are relating to current areas, or areas with scattered bottom cover adjacent to current. A teardrop jig with a tail hooked small fathead is always a solid bet for crappies, but don't over look a very small red hook tipped with a wiggler, waxworm or spike, and remember, crappies feed up, so keep your presentation just above them when possible.
Pike are biting in full swing. Tipups with live bait or smelt are the biggest producers, and most of the fish are coming at/ or near the mouths of bays and backwaters. Lots of smaller pike are being caught, but a few are starting to come in over 35 inches. Large live bait, either medium suckers, large shiners or smelt are producing the bigger fish. If you just want some action, smaller pike in the 20-25 inch range are actively biting on medium shiners, especially over the roadbed or gravel drop off areas.
Good Luck, and be safe. I'll see you in 2011.
CT
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Wintertime
Things slow down around here for wintertime, but I'll be posting periodic fishing reports when ice conditions stabilize.
If you're looking for a date for next season, now is a great time to lock in.
See you in a bit,
Cheers
CT
If you're looking for a date for next season, now is a great time to lock in.
See you in a bit,
Cheers
CT
Monday, November 8, 2010
Fall Fishing is in Full Swing (Fishing Report 11-8-10)
The warm days and cool nights are making for some great action. If you can get out of the treestand, and let the ducks alone for a bit that is.
Musky fishing on area lakes has been very good. Fish are being taken on bucktails, gliders and jerkbaits as well as large suckers on quickstrike rigs. Bigger fish have been a little slow, but lots of high 30's to mid 40 inch fish are being caught right now. Pewaukee, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Okauchee and North Lake have all been giving up some nice fish.
Fall walleye fishing has been hit or miss, but anglers are getting into some nicer fish. Drfiting with jigs and live fatheads has been producing along sections of the Rock River, especially in the afternoons. Lindy rigs or jig and minnow combos are also producing in the Dells. Local lakes are getting less action from anglers, but drifting weed flats with shiners or small suckers on split shot rigs has been producing some better fish. Kessus, Lac Labelle and Oconomowoc have been active.
Crappie fishing has leveled off, but if you are willing to put in the time, you can catch some nice bags of fish. They are starting to stage near current areas and coves (areas where they spend the winter) but are still in a little deeper water adjacent to winter holes. Anglers chasing them are reporting lots of bluegills mixed in, which is classic pre-winter staging for our area lakes. Focus on lakes with streams, or creeks for the best action.
Good Luck,
CT
Musky fishing on area lakes has been very good. Fish are being taken on bucktails, gliders and jerkbaits as well as large suckers on quickstrike rigs. Bigger fish have been a little slow, but lots of high 30's to mid 40 inch fish are being caught right now. Pewaukee, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Okauchee and North Lake have all been giving up some nice fish.
Fall walleye fishing has been hit or miss, but anglers are getting into some nicer fish. Drfiting with jigs and live fatheads has been producing along sections of the Rock River, especially in the afternoons. Lindy rigs or jig and minnow combos are also producing in the Dells. Local lakes are getting less action from anglers, but drifting weed flats with shiners or small suckers on split shot rigs has been producing some better fish. Kessus, Lac Labelle and Oconomowoc have been active.
Crappie fishing has leveled off, but if you are willing to put in the time, you can catch some nice bags of fish. They are starting to stage near current areas and coves (areas where they spend the winter) but are still in a little deeper water adjacent to winter holes. Anglers chasing them are reporting lots of bluegills mixed in, which is classic pre-winter staging for our area lakes. Focus on lakes with streams, or creeks for the best action.
Good Luck,
CT
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Fishing Report 10-13-10
Well gang, its fall. And while many people are populating their treestands or chasing ducks, some of the better fishing of the year is starting to happen.
The late season warmer weather has kept water temperatures between the high 50's to low 60's on most lakes. On Saturday, mainlake areas on Okauchee were reading as high as 66 in the late afternoon.
Musky and pike are using the outside weed edges. Spinners, bucktails, jerkbaits, gliders and crankbaits are catching fish. The sucker bite has been on and off with the weather, but sucker fishing on Okauchee and Pewaukee has been more consistent than on Oconomowoc, Fowler or Lac Labelle. For now, focus your attention on the deepest weeds you can find, especially smaller points and humps adjacent to deep water. 12-18 feet seems to be magic right now, (ie the deep weed edges) but a few fish are coming out of 6-8 feet of water, especially around rock/weed transition areas. Remember to do your figure eights...and on every cast.
Bass fishing was on fire during this spell of warmer weather. Crankbaits and live bait produced the most consistently, but anglers targeting largemouth in shallow water found a very good bite in 4-10 feet of water around rocks and sand. A few larger fish were caught by anglers flipping heavy cover on the smaller lakes with standing reeds. (Watch out for duck hunters!)
Smallmouth are using rock bars and points in 4-8 feet of water, or are in weeds in 8-12 feet. Live bait, especially smaller suckers, dragged slowly on a slip sinker or split shot rig can be very very productive. Labelle, Pine, Nag, Oconomowoc and North Lake have all been hot for smallies.
Panfish have moved into a fall pattern. They are stacking up around main-lake points in 10-18 feet of water, or hanging tight to weed clumps in 8-12 feet of water. Vertical fishing is the best for the deeper fish, especially drifting through areas. Slip bobbers are a better option for the weed fish.
River fishing has been slow with the high water, but conditions are stabilizing. Expect the whitebass and walleye fishing to pick up later this week.
CT
The late season warmer weather has kept water temperatures between the high 50's to low 60's on most lakes. On Saturday, mainlake areas on Okauchee were reading as high as 66 in the late afternoon.
Musky and pike are using the outside weed edges. Spinners, bucktails, jerkbaits, gliders and crankbaits are catching fish. The sucker bite has been on and off with the weather, but sucker fishing on Okauchee and Pewaukee has been more consistent than on Oconomowoc, Fowler or Lac Labelle. For now, focus your attention on the deepest weeds you can find, especially smaller points and humps adjacent to deep water. 12-18 feet seems to be magic right now, (ie the deep weed edges) but a few fish are coming out of 6-8 feet of water, especially around rock/weed transition areas. Remember to do your figure eights...and on every cast.
Bass fishing was on fire during this spell of warmer weather. Crankbaits and live bait produced the most consistently, but anglers targeting largemouth in shallow water found a very good bite in 4-10 feet of water around rocks and sand. A few larger fish were caught by anglers flipping heavy cover on the smaller lakes with standing reeds. (Watch out for duck hunters!)
Smallmouth are using rock bars and points in 4-8 feet of water, or are in weeds in 8-12 feet. Live bait, especially smaller suckers, dragged slowly on a slip sinker or split shot rig can be very very productive. Labelle, Pine, Nag, Oconomowoc and North Lake have all been hot for smallies.
Panfish have moved into a fall pattern. They are stacking up around main-lake points in 10-18 feet of water, or hanging tight to weed clumps in 8-12 feet of water. Vertical fishing is the best for the deeper fish, especially drifting through areas. Slip bobbers are a better option for the weed fish.
River fishing has been slow with the high water, but conditions are stabilizing. Expect the whitebass and walleye fishing to pick up later this week.
CT
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Fishing Report 10-6-10
Sorry for the delay, there's just been alot going on, including my trip with the Wisconsin Badger Fishing Team to fish Lake St Clair in the Big Ten Championship. My partner and I had the fourth place weight overall, bringing in the only limit of the tournament, and the Wisconsin team finished fourth overall.
As for local conditions, things are really starting to pick up. Water temps are in the high fifties to low 60's on most lakes, and the fish are getting very active.
Start looking for musky in 12-18 feet of water. Points with weeds at the end of them at this depth can really concentrate fish. Casting bucktails, gliders, sliders or jerkbaits can be really effective, but don't forget to keep a the sucker on a quick strike rig.
Some advice: The weeds to grew deeper this year 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.
As for bass fishing, Largemouth and Smallmouth can still be caught tight to shallow cover or weedlines, especially in areas with rocky, sand or gravel bottoms. Now is the time to chase down a trophy sized fish with live bait. Slip-sinker or split shot 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 has been falling throughout the river systems from the highs we saw a few weeks ago, so make sure to watch your prop, and look for fish in the current, in the shallow water near deeper holes. On warmer days, the fish will likely be actively feeding, rather than holding in the deep water. Jig and Minnow, Lindy rigs or jig and twister are good producers.
No word on fall whitebass as of yet, but expect to hear something in my next report.
CT
As for local conditions, things are really starting to pick up. Water temps are in the high fifties to low 60's on most lakes, and the fish are getting very active.
Start looking for musky in 12-18 feet of water. Points with weeds at the end of them at this depth can really concentrate fish. Casting bucktails, gliders, sliders or jerkbaits can be really effective, but don't forget to keep a the sucker on a quick strike rig.
Some advice: The weeds to grew deeper this year 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.
As for bass fishing, Largemouth and Smallmouth can still be caught tight to shallow cover or weedlines, especially in areas with rocky, sand or gravel bottoms. Now is the time to chase down a trophy sized fish with live bait. Slip-sinker or split shot 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 has been falling throughout the river systems from the highs we saw a few weeks ago, so make sure to watch your prop, and look for fish in the current, in the shallow water near deeper holes. On warmer days, the fish will likely be actively feeding, rather than holding in the deep water. Jig and Minnow, Lindy rigs or jig and twister are good producers.
No word on fall whitebass as of yet, but expect to hear something in my next report.
CT
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Off to fish....
with the University of Wisconsin Fishing Team in the Big Ten Shootout.
A report and pictures when I return.
CT
A report and pictures when I return.
CT
Monday, September 27, 2010
Fishing Update 9-27-10
Well gang, I'm afraid I don't have much to report this week. Last week's high winds kept many anglers off the water and the rest were headed for tree stands.
Look for an update mid-week.
Cheers
CT
Look for an update mid-week.
Cheers
CT
Friday, September 17, 2010
Fishing Update 9-17-10
Hey gang,
So far, so good. The fall is starting to set in, and as guys start hitting their treestands, remember some of the best fishing of the year is between now and the end of the season.
The cooler nights the last ten days or so have really changed the conditions on local lakes. Water temps have dropped significantly, and are in the low to mid 60's on most lakes. The algae blooms are clearing up, and the baitfish schools are starting to thin out as fish put on the feedbag.
Bass fishing will remain steady for a couple weeks, then it will be time to put away the plastics and start fishing live bait for a trophy. Smallmouth go on a tear on our area lakes in the fall, and we're just on the front side of this. Expect the fish to make a couple foraging runs a day, but if you're having trouble connecting with active fish, look for the in the deep water, adjacent to the shallow structure. Plastics, cranks and jigs will work, but as the days get shorter, live bait becomes a better option.
Walleye fishing is starting to pick up on the area rivers, although fishing the area lakes has been slower than average for this time of year. I'd expect that to change real soon, but for now the Fox, Rock, and Wolf Rivers, especially in the mouth's of the those rivers has been consistent. Anglers are reporting some amazing action in Green Bay if you're looking for the weekend trip. On the area lakes, the fish will be anywhere there's baitfish around weeds or rock/weed transition areas in 8-12 or 15-22 feet of water. If you tag one, fish through the area very methodically.
Pike fishing has been steady, but with less guys heading out, appears to be a bit slower. Pike will remain active in 10-22 feet of water along weed edges, points or sand/gravel transition areas. Spinners are always a solid option for pike, but as the water cools I usually switch back to crankbaits, especially lipless crankbaits in a gold or silver pattern or wide wobbling deep divers in natural or red/white patterns. Jerkbaits can really shine right now, especially suspenders worked around weed clumps where there are visible baitfish.
Musky fishing has been consistent, and is set to get really good. Now is the time to start working for this years trophy. Gliders, bucktails and jerkbaits are all solid options for casting, and remember to keep a sucker out on a quick strike rig for lazy followers. Right now, look for the them to be using weeds in 12-15 feet of water or rocks in 6-12 feet of water. As the water cools, they'll move to follow the ciscos in, and that's when things start getting really interesting.
Good Luck,
CT
So far, so good. The fall is starting to set in, and as guys start hitting their treestands, remember some of the best fishing of the year is between now and the end of the season.
The cooler nights the last ten days or so have really changed the conditions on local lakes. Water temps have dropped significantly, and are in the low to mid 60's on most lakes. The algae blooms are clearing up, and the baitfish schools are starting to thin out as fish put on the feedbag.
Bass fishing will remain steady for a couple weeks, then it will be time to put away the plastics and start fishing live bait for a trophy. Smallmouth go on a tear on our area lakes in the fall, and we're just on the front side of this. Expect the fish to make a couple foraging runs a day, but if you're having trouble connecting with active fish, look for the in the deep water, adjacent to the shallow structure. Plastics, cranks and jigs will work, but as the days get shorter, live bait becomes a better option.
Walleye fishing is starting to pick up on the area rivers, although fishing the area lakes has been slower than average for this time of year. I'd expect that to change real soon, but for now the Fox, Rock, and Wolf Rivers, especially in the mouth's of the those rivers has been consistent. Anglers are reporting some amazing action in Green Bay if you're looking for the weekend trip. On the area lakes, the fish will be anywhere there's baitfish around weeds or rock/weed transition areas in 8-12 or 15-22 feet of water. If you tag one, fish through the area very methodically.
Pike fishing has been steady, but with less guys heading out, appears to be a bit slower. Pike will remain active in 10-22 feet of water along weed edges, points or sand/gravel transition areas. Spinners are always a solid option for pike, but as the water cools I usually switch back to crankbaits, especially lipless crankbaits in a gold or silver pattern or wide wobbling deep divers in natural or red/white patterns. Jerkbaits can really shine right now, especially suspenders worked around weed clumps where there are visible baitfish.
Musky fishing has been consistent, and is set to get really good. Now is the time to start working for this years trophy. Gliders, bucktails and jerkbaits are all solid options for casting, and remember to keep a sucker out on a quick strike rig for lazy followers. Right now, look for the them to be using weeds in 12-15 feet of water or rocks in 6-12 feet of water. As the water cools, they'll move to follow the ciscos in, and that's when things start getting really interesting.
Good Luck,
CT
Friday, September 10, 2010
Fishing Report 9-10-10
Hey gang,
The water is in the upper 60's to low 70's on most lakes in our area. Weeds are still green and the algae blooms are starting to clear. The baitfish population appears to have grown substantially with the flooding this season, (just like in 2008) and there are large schools of baitfish moving around.
Largemouth bass are patrolling and ambushing along clumps of weeds on the shallow weed flats and along mid depth structure. A few are still hanging along the deeper weed edges along mainlake and secondary points. 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. Expect to start to see the fish get active a couple of times a day for short periods of time. When the water and air temperatures begin to cool down some more, the fish will start will use rocky areas especially 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. I know that's alot of options, but narrow it down. Wacky worms and skirted grubs are great around the rocks. Jigworms, texas rigs and ji/trailers are great around the scattered weeds. Lipless crankbaits are great in both areas. Browns, greens, orange or balcks are usally the best colors for plastics (pretty much as they are all year) but white or silver crankbaits can be very good this time of year.
Walleye: Live bait is the key unless fishing at night when minnow shaped crankbaits really can shine. 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 all around approach is a slip-sinker or lindy rig with a big minnow or small sucker. Nightcrawlers will still produce as well, especially when trolled very slowly on spinner harnesses tight to the first weedline breaks. Lac Labelle and Pine usually get really going in the fall when the water gets down to around 60 degrees.
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. With the water still pretty warm (in relative terms) I'd consider slow trolling the best option, followed closely by slow rolling an inline spinnerbait. Deep diving crankbaits in bluegill, perch or white/shad color patterns can work wonders right now when trolled along the deep weedlines. I typically break out my trays of Hot N Tots and wiggle warts for trolling, while I'll use Norman D-22, Bagleys or a lipless crankbait when casting. Drifting with medium suckers on a slip sinker rig, like you might consider for walleye fishing right now, can also produce.
Musky: Now through the end of the season is the time, pure and simple. If you want to have your best shot at a musky or even a trophy musky get into your boat and plan on spending some time there. The next six to eight weeks will be prime-time. For now, focus your attention in 6-12 and 12-18 feet of water. Casting bucktails, gliders, swimbaits or especially jerkbaits can work, but consider starting to keep a sucker or two set out on a quick-strike rig. Many fish that follow in lazily on a casting approach will turn on for the sucker hanging nearby, especially as the water temperatures cool.
Good Luck,
CT
The water is in the upper 60's to low 70's on most lakes in our area. Weeds are still green and the algae blooms are starting to clear. The baitfish population appears to have grown substantially with the flooding this season, (just like in 2008) and there are large schools of baitfish moving around.
Largemouth bass are patrolling and ambushing along clumps of weeds on the shallow weed flats and along mid depth structure. A few are still hanging along the deeper weed edges along mainlake and secondary points. 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. Expect to start to see the fish get active a couple of times a day for short periods of time. When the water and air temperatures begin to cool down some more, the fish will start will use rocky areas especially 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. I know that's alot of options, but narrow it down. Wacky worms and skirted grubs are great around the rocks. Jigworms, texas rigs and ji/trailers are great around the scattered weeds. Lipless crankbaits are great in both areas. Browns, greens, orange or balcks are usally the best colors for plastics (pretty much as they are all year) but white or silver crankbaits can be very good this time of year.
Walleye: Live bait is the key unless fishing at night when minnow shaped crankbaits really can shine. 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 all around approach is a slip-sinker or lindy rig with a big minnow or small sucker. Nightcrawlers will still produce as well, especially when trolled very slowly on spinner harnesses tight to the first weedline breaks. Lac Labelle and Pine usually get really going in the fall when the water gets down to around 60 degrees.
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. With the water still pretty warm (in relative terms) I'd consider slow trolling the best option, followed closely by slow rolling an inline spinnerbait. Deep diving crankbaits in bluegill, perch or white/shad color patterns can work wonders right now when trolled along the deep weedlines. I typically break out my trays of Hot N Tots and wiggle warts for trolling, while I'll use Norman D-22, Bagleys or a lipless crankbait when casting. Drifting with medium suckers on a slip sinker rig, like you might consider for walleye fishing right now, can also produce.
Musky: Now through the end of the season is the time, pure and simple. If you want to have your best shot at a musky or even a trophy musky get into your boat and plan on spending some time there. The next six to eight weeks will be prime-time. For now, focus your attention in 6-12 and 12-18 feet of water. Casting bucktails, gliders, swimbaits or especially jerkbaits can work, but consider starting to keep a sucker or two set out on a quick-strike rig. Many fish that follow in lazily on a casting approach will turn on for the sucker hanging nearby, especially as the water temperatures cool.
Good Luck,
CT
Friday, September 3, 2010
Labor Day Weekend Fishing Preview
Well gang, it looks to be a nice, if a bit cooler, weekend to wrap up summer.
The cooler weather means its time to break out the live bait. Lindy, split shot and slip sinker rigs really shine under this type of conditions. Larger sized shiners, nightcrawlers and small suckers are your best options for gamefish. Unless you're going for panfish, leave the fatheads at home this weekend.
On area lakes, bass fishing has been hot and cold depending on the conditions. Windy days are dramatically better than still days. Fish are using the weedlines in 10-15 feet of water, points and off shore structure in 6-10 feet of water, as well as the piers and the slop. Shallow fish can be taken on jigworms, skirted grubs, tubes or jig/chunk combos. Deeper fish are being taken on crankbaits, live bait rigs and by flipping the weededges with a heavy jig. The morning and evening is producing a topwater bite, especially over shallow flats with scattered weeds. Okauchee, School Section, Ashippun, Golden, Nagawicka, Pine, Silver, Moose and Kessus have been the most consistent, but the bite has been pretty much the same from all of the area lakes.
Walleye fishing has been fair overall, but much better in the low light hours. Small jigs with live bait, or lindy rigs have been the best producers. A few fish are still being caught on spinner harness/bottom bouncer combos while trolling. Evening hours is the time to be fishing minnow baits around weeds. Pine, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Lac Labelle and Lake Koshkonong have all been giving up walleyes.
Northern Pike continue to bite in the shallows. Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, shallow diving square billed or lipless crankbaits are the best ways of catching these fish. Larger fish are still using the weedlines and are moving onto some deeper rocks and can be targeted with inline spinners, or using live bait like larger chubs, shiners or small suckers on a slip sinker rig. Vertically jigging structure in 22-28 feet with a jig/repear tail combo has caught a handful of nice fish, but the pattern has been inconsistent overall. Try Okauchee, Golden, Nagawicka Pine, Fowler,, Kessus, Pretty and Moose Lake for pike.
Musky fishing has been slow, but is sure to pick up with the cooler weather this weekend. Look for fish on or adjacent to mainlake structure that has easy access to deep water. Topwaters have still been catching a few fish, especiallyin the morning. Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Lac Labelle, and Fowler are all producing to one degree or another right now.
Panfish are still using deeper water, suspending 12-16 feet down over deeper water, and drfiters have been picking up some nice keepers. Some anglers are reporting some decent gills in weedy areas as shallow as eight feet, but most people out have reported the most consistent action along the weedlines in 12-18 feet of water. Tightlining with panfish leeches, leaf worms, or plastic/wax worm combos all have been productive.
Good Luck and Cheers,
CT
The cooler weather means its time to break out the live bait. Lindy, split shot and slip sinker rigs really shine under this type of conditions. Larger sized shiners, nightcrawlers and small suckers are your best options for gamefish. Unless you're going for panfish, leave the fatheads at home this weekend.
On area lakes, bass fishing has been hot and cold depending on the conditions. Windy days are dramatically better than still days. Fish are using the weedlines in 10-15 feet of water, points and off shore structure in 6-10 feet of water, as well as the piers and the slop. Shallow fish can be taken on jigworms, skirted grubs, tubes or jig/chunk combos. Deeper fish are being taken on crankbaits, live bait rigs and by flipping the weededges with a heavy jig. The morning and evening is producing a topwater bite, especially over shallow flats with scattered weeds. Okauchee, School Section, Ashippun, Golden, Nagawicka, Pine, Silver, Moose and Kessus have been the most consistent, but the bite has been pretty much the same from all of the area lakes.
Walleye fishing has been fair overall, but much better in the low light hours. Small jigs with live bait, or lindy rigs have been the best producers. A few fish are still being caught on spinner harness/bottom bouncer combos while trolling. Evening hours is the time to be fishing minnow baits around weeds. Pine, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Lac Labelle and Lake Koshkonong have all been giving up walleyes.
Northern Pike continue to bite in the shallows. Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, shallow diving square billed or lipless crankbaits are the best ways of catching these fish. Larger fish are still using the weedlines and are moving onto some deeper rocks and can be targeted with inline spinners, or using live bait like larger chubs, shiners or small suckers on a slip sinker rig. Vertically jigging structure in 22-28 feet with a jig/repear tail combo has caught a handful of nice fish, but the pattern has been inconsistent overall. Try Okauchee, Golden, Nagawicka Pine, Fowler,, Kessus, Pretty and Moose Lake for pike.
Musky fishing has been slow, but is sure to pick up with the cooler weather this weekend. Look for fish on or adjacent to mainlake structure that has easy access to deep water. Topwaters have still been catching a few fish, especiallyin the morning. Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Lac Labelle, and Fowler are all producing to one degree or another right now.
Panfish are still using deeper water, suspending 12-16 feet down over deeper water, and drfiters have been picking up some nice keepers. Some anglers are reporting some decent gills in weedy areas as shallow as eight feet, but most people out have reported the most consistent action along the weedlines in 12-18 feet of water. Tightlining with panfish leeches, leaf worms, or plastic/wax worm combos all have been productive.
Good Luck and Cheers,
CT
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Ryan's 8th Birthday
Here's a few pictures from Ryan's birthday trip with his Dad, Doug, to Silver Lake. In 6 hours we landed 50 largemouths, about 30-35 panfish and a couple rockbass.
Happy Birthday Ryan.
 |
| That's my hand behind that bluegill, just for size comparisons. |
Happy Birthday Ryan.
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Fishing Report 8-28-10
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
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
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.
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