Well, it was spring yesterday. Not sure what season this morning is supposed to be.
Here's some tidbits on what's happening.
1.) There's muskies below the Oconomowoc Dam. Bring some polarized lenses and dream a little dream about the fish you could catch this season.
2.) River fishing is essentially out of the equation. The Rock, Fox, Wisconsin, Root and Milwaukee rivers are all above flood stage. The Rock River boat launches and shore fishing areas are closed between Jefferson and Ft Atkinson.
3.) The ice is off the lakes, but water temperatures are still low. Panfish fishing should get going with a couple days of sunny, stable weather. Look for them along the northern banks of shallow, dark bottom bays of our local lakes.
Presentations should be kept small. My favorite is a wax worm or spike on a size 10 or 12 red hook under a balsa ice fishing bobber with a tiny split shot. Cast it around any green weeds or reeds that you can see. You may see small schools of fish in the shallow water, hang back as these fish can be very fussy. Try to keep the bait just above the fish you can see.
More as conditions allow.
Best,
CT
Friday, April 19, 2013
Dock Fishing Article
I enjoyed this article on fishing docks. Unlike much of what is written about bass fishing, the author is from Minnesota, so he's fishing water more like ours, than say the swamps of Florida or the gigantic lakes down south.
I'd like to add something to his basic point. While I agree with his notion that many people (including myself) fish docks too fast, in my experience, other than during the spawn, it is very unusual to catch more than one fish off a dock or pontoon. In our area there are some special docks that tend to hold a bunch of fish, but they are special.
I find that docks are best fished on days when fish are in a neutral mood. Days where fish are aggressive, there's much better pattens to fish, and one of the easiest is to fish/drift flat areas adjacent to deeper water. There are few better options than a jig worm or grub for doing this in our area. (Crankbaits work, but pike will empty your wallet pretty quick on some lakes.)
The other thing about the article is the idea that you need to flip. While that's not an issue for an experienced fisherman with the necessary skill set, most people I see around our area aren't in that category. And as such, I don't think you can beat skipping. Tubes, grubs and wacky style baits are easy to skip up and under docks and floating pontoons with just a little practice. Flukes are also great options that can be texas rigged for less hangups underneath docks.
It may be hard to believe, but we'll be gamefishing in 15 days.
I'd like to add something to his basic point. While I agree with his notion that many people (including myself) fish docks too fast, in my experience, other than during the spawn, it is very unusual to catch more than one fish off a dock or pontoon. In our area there are some special docks that tend to hold a bunch of fish, but they are special.
I find that docks are best fished on days when fish are in a neutral mood. Days where fish are aggressive, there's much better pattens to fish, and one of the easiest is to fish/drift flat areas adjacent to deeper water. There are few better options than a jig worm or grub for doing this in our area. (Crankbaits work, but pike will empty your wallet pretty quick on some lakes.)
The other thing about the article is the idea that you need to flip. While that's not an issue for an experienced fisherman with the necessary skill set, most people I see around our area aren't in that category. And as such, I don't think you can beat skipping. Tubes, grubs and wacky style baits are easy to skip up and under docks and floating pontoons with just a little practice. Flukes are also great options that can be texas rigged for less hangups underneath docks.
It may be hard to believe, but we'll be gamefishing in 15 days.
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Friday, April 12, 2013
Fishing Report 4-12-13
Well, it is spring. Fishing time.
The major issue right now, is where to go. The Rock River is approaching peak run for walleyes, but the flooding there has implemented a shore fishing and boat launching ban in Ft Atkinson. Jefferson has closed the new launch by the Wastewater plant to you the lot to distribute sand for sandbags. With Blackhawk Island also flooded out, the only launch available below the Jefferson dam is the old one on Riverside Drive. As you know, that's launch is fairly primitive, and there's no dock there, so plan on using a two man team to get out.
Personally, I'd stay closer to home. The ice is off the lakes after this relentless rain the past week, so its time to start fishing for panfish on the local lakes.
Focus your attention on two areas....the warmest water you can find (typically in dark bottom shallow areas with North banks) or areas with green weeds and current. The fish will not yet have moved into the reeds or onto the wood, unless those things are in one of the two areas I describe.
Best to keep your presentations on the finesse side of things for now. Waxworms or spikes on a #10 or #12 hook can be a fantastic approach for the early part of this season.
I'd stick to the traditional early spots. School Section, the Geneessee, Forest, the small bays on Okauchee (Garvin, Tierney, Whitigers and Stumpy), West end of Silver, North End of Golden, the channels on Nag.
The major issue right now, is where to go. The Rock River is approaching peak run for walleyes, but the flooding there has implemented a shore fishing and boat launching ban in Ft Atkinson. Jefferson has closed the new launch by the Wastewater plant to you the lot to distribute sand for sandbags. With Blackhawk Island also flooded out, the only launch available below the Jefferson dam is the old one on Riverside Drive. As you know, that's launch is fairly primitive, and there's no dock there, so plan on using a two man team to get out.
Personally, I'd stay closer to home. The ice is off the lakes after this relentless rain the past week, so its time to start fishing for panfish on the local lakes.
Focus your attention on two areas....the warmest water you can find (typically in dark bottom shallow areas with North banks) or areas with green weeds and current. The fish will not yet have moved into the reeds or onto the wood, unless those things are in one of the two areas I describe.
Best to keep your presentations on the finesse side of things for now. Waxworms or spikes on a #10 or #12 hook can be a fantastic approach for the early part of this season.
I'd stick to the traditional early spots. School Section, the Geneessee, Forest, the small bays on Okauchee (Garvin, Tierney, Whitigers and Stumpy), West end of Silver, North End of Golden, the channels on Nag.
Thursday, April 11, 2013
Shoreline Fishing Ban in Ft Atkinson
The city is trying to keep people off the banks of the river as it crests this weekend.
Information on the ban is here
Meanwhile: Jefferson has closed the new boat ramp:
Due to street flooding the Tensfeldt Park Boat Launch will be closed effective immediately. Boaters wishing to launch below the Jefferson Dam may utilize the West Riverview Drive Boat Launch which will be temporarily reopened and those wishing to launch above the dam may continue to utilize the Candise Street Boat Launch.
Information on the ban is here
Meanwhile: Jefferson has closed the new boat ramp:
Due to street flooding the Tensfeldt Park Boat Launch will be closed effective immediately. Boaters wishing to launch below the Jefferson Dam may utilize the West Riverview Drive Boat Launch which will be temporarily reopened and those wishing to launch above the dam may continue to utilize the Candise Street Boat Launch.
Wednesday, April 10, 2013
Stocked Trout Information
The DNR has released this year's stocking numbers.
Close to home:
Fowler Lake RAINBOW TROUT 1607
Lower Genesee Lake RAINBOW TROUT 1607
Lower Nashotah Lake RAINBOW TROUT 1607
Ottawa Lake RAINBOW TROUT 1071
Full report is here.
Close to home:
Fowler Lake RAINBOW TROUT 1607
Lower Genesee Lake RAINBOW TROUT 1607
Lower Nashotah Lake RAINBOW TROUT 1607
Ottawa Lake RAINBOW TROUT 1071
Full report is here.
Sunday, April 7, 2013
Fishing Report 4-7-13 (Annual Rock-River Reporting Time)
At last...a nice day. Time to start putting out the Rock River Information Posts for Spring 2013.
Fishing is picking up on the Rock River from Jefferson to the mouth. Although still early in the run, solid catches of walleyes and saugers are being reported. Most are pre-spawn males, but some of the early females are mixed in. A few white bass and catfish are starting to show up as well. If we get some warm rain this week as the weatherman is suggesting will happen, things will get busy and quick.
Water level is above average, as is flow, but not outrageous as it has been at points over the last couple of years. Plenty of post-winter debris around by most reports, so always good to be extra careful. Water is high enough for slow-no-wake from the Jefferson dam to Blackhawk Island.
Dark colors seem to be working for people this year...but as with all things, if more people are fishing darker colors...darker colors will catch more fish.
The system gets heavy pressure without a doubt, but it is the people who can control their presentations they have the most success year after year. Directly controlled drifting, or slow slipping is typically key to success. Unlike the Dells or Depere, the slack water on the Rock is not always your best option. I find that current breaks hold more fish that a traditional slack water area (I get there's not much distinction there) but slower moving water adjacent to fast water is where I always do the best, especially if I can find that type of movement/displacement on a turn in the channel. Those small spots, some of which maybe no larger than the size of a kitchen table, can be dynamite.
I tend to focus on three areas that I know better than most. The area just below the dam to the S turn. The rapids to the wingdam below the Kmart Launch and the hole from the 106 bridge to Fort. I like to fish the Blackhawk Island run, but it can be crazy busy with boats, so I try to stay up river if I can.
In those three areas, I actually like to anchor over turns in the channel or shelves along the dropoff into the main channel, and then fish with a three way rig. I use a short dropper to the weight (typically 4-6 inches) and a short leader (no more than 18 inches, but usually closer to six to eight inches). It's a very unconventional three way rig, but with a heavy weight can be fished like a jig straight up and down. When paired with a sensitive rod, you can quickly detect light strikes.
If fish are biting short, I'll replace my octopus hook with a tiny red treble, when I'm hitting a school, sometimes I'll switch from live bait to a small rapala or ghost minnow on a little bit longer treble. I only like run the hardbaits when I know I've got a school moving through as the large quantity of carp and buffalo on the Rock tend to snag themselves pretty frequently. (And yes, that's fun too.)
Looking forward to getting out this week. If you want to chat or are interested in checking out what the Rock has to offer...shoot me an email
Good Luck,
CT
Fishing is picking up on the Rock River from Jefferson to the mouth. Although still early in the run, solid catches of walleyes and saugers are being reported. Most are pre-spawn males, but some of the early females are mixed in. A few white bass and catfish are starting to show up as well. If we get some warm rain this week as the weatherman is suggesting will happen, things will get busy and quick.
Water level is above average, as is flow, but not outrageous as it has been at points over the last couple of years. Plenty of post-winter debris around by most reports, so always good to be extra careful. Water is high enough for slow-no-wake from the Jefferson dam to Blackhawk Island.
Dark colors seem to be working for people this year...but as with all things, if more people are fishing darker colors...darker colors will catch more fish.
The system gets heavy pressure without a doubt, but it is the people who can control their presentations they have the most success year after year. Directly controlled drifting, or slow slipping is typically key to success. Unlike the Dells or Depere, the slack water on the Rock is not always your best option. I find that current breaks hold more fish that a traditional slack water area (I get there's not much distinction there) but slower moving water adjacent to fast water is where I always do the best, especially if I can find that type of movement/displacement on a turn in the channel. Those small spots, some of which maybe no larger than the size of a kitchen table, can be dynamite.
I tend to focus on three areas that I know better than most. The area just below the dam to the S turn. The rapids to the wingdam below the Kmart Launch and the hole from the 106 bridge to Fort. I like to fish the Blackhawk Island run, but it can be crazy busy with boats, so I try to stay up river if I can.
In those three areas, I actually like to anchor over turns in the channel or shelves along the dropoff into the main channel, and then fish with a three way rig. I use a short dropper to the weight (typically 4-6 inches) and a short leader (no more than 18 inches, but usually closer to six to eight inches). It's a very unconventional three way rig, but with a heavy weight can be fished like a jig straight up and down. When paired with a sensitive rod, you can quickly detect light strikes.
If fish are biting short, I'll replace my octopus hook with a tiny red treble, when I'm hitting a school, sometimes I'll switch from live bait to a small rapala or ghost minnow on a little bit longer treble. I only like run the hardbaits when I know I've got a school moving through as the large quantity of carp and buffalo on the Rock tend to snag themselves pretty frequently. (And yes, that's fun too.)
Looking forward to getting out this week. If you want to chat or are interested in checking out what the Rock has to offer...shoot me an email
Good Luck,
CT
Monday, April 1, 2013
Some Items For Your Attention
On this morning's agenda:
1.) DNR issues thin ice warning...from JSONLINE
2.)Your Wisconsin Fishing License Expired last night at midnight...renew it online, before you hit the water.
3.) Reminder about the Lunker's Fishing Garage Sale this Thursday more info here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fishing Report
Local ice conditions vary widely, and extreme caution should be exercised when heading out. The panfish continue to bite, but are starting to move towards traditional pre-spawn/late ice areas. Look for current adjacent to flat areas with green weeds for the best success.
Open water fishing is picking up on the rivers. Hearing a mixed bag of reports from the Dells...everything from fantastic to lousy. Fish are coming into the area of the Depere dam, and although its still early, quite a few larger fish are starting to be reported. Open water is reported at Oshkosh, Winnecone and Fremont as well.
Closer to home, the Rock River is open and people have started heading out. Remember you can check conditions for the Rock at my list of handy links: here.
Stay tuned.
1.) DNR issues thin ice warning...from JSONLINE
2.)Your Wisconsin Fishing License Expired last night at midnight...renew it online, before you hit the water.
3.) Reminder about the Lunker's Fishing Garage Sale this Thursday more info here.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fishing Report
Local ice conditions vary widely, and extreme caution should be exercised when heading out. The panfish continue to bite, but are starting to move towards traditional pre-spawn/late ice areas. Look for current adjacent to flat areas with green weeds for the best success.
Open water fishing is picking up on the rivers. Hearing a mixed bag of reports from the Dells...everything from fantastic to lousy. Fish are coming into the area of the Depere dam, and although its still early, quite a few larger fish are starting to be reported. Open water is reported at Oshkosh, Winnecone and Fremont as well.
Closer to home, the Rock River is open and people have started heading out. Remember you can check conditions for the Rock at my list of handy links: here.
Stay tuned.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Lunkers Garage Sale: April 4th.
I'll be there....you should be too.
Doing my spring cleaning/sort/inventory right now, and I am purging the stuff I have either: too much of or simply don't use.
I'll have a table with a couple of boxes stuffed with crankbaits (rapalas, pradco and normans), a huge bag of brand new terminal tackle (including tons of gamagatzu hooks, several rod and reel combos, some assorted tackle boxes/storage trays/bags, some Castaic swimbaits, some other odds and ends for musky, and boxes of plastics...Chompers, Kalins and Zoom.
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
River Resources: Rock River, Fox River (Depere), Wisconsin Dells
Every spring, I post a set of resources you can use to keep track of the spring runs.
Here's the early 2013 Version.
Fishing Report Links:
Water Street
Boat Launches for Fishing in Depere
Lake Link Fishing Report for Depere
River Cam at River's Edge Resort
Here's the early 2013 Version.
Rock River:
Fishing Report Links:
Water Resources Links:
Public Boat Launches:
Depere (Fox River):
USGS Data For Fox River at DepereBoat Launches for Fishing in Depere
Lake Link Fishing Report for Depere
Dells (Wisconsin River)
Rivers Edge Resport/Baitshop-boatlaunchRiver Cam at River's Edge Resort
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
River Season
I'm sure you are aware, but the reports are starting to trickle in from the early season open water river spots around the area.
The latest I have:
Depere: Open water, and docks are in. Large flows coming down. Water is high.
Dells: Open water. Walleyes in the slot, as well as some keepers starting to turn up. Fish slow and deep, in the slack water adjacent to the current.
Jefferson/Ft Atkinson: Shore fishing by the Jefferson/Indianford dams has been slow, but steady. Still lots of ice in the river..not ready for boats yet.
Oshkosh: Ice getting thin. Ice fisherman at the mouth filmed this video of a school of fish starting to stage for the run. Check it out here.
Full reports will start backup next week. In the meantime, I'll be getting my boat out this weekend.
Cheers,
CT
The latest I have:
Depere: Open water, and docks are in. Large flows coming down. Water is high.
Dells: Open water. Walleyes in the slot, as well as some keepers starting to turn up. Fish slow and deep, in the slack water adjacent to the current.
Jefferson/Ft Atkinson: Shore fishing by the Jefferson/Indianford dams has been slow, but steady. Still lots of ice in the river..not ready for boats yet.
Oshkosh: Ice getting thin. Ice fisherman at the mouth filmed this video of a school of fish starting to stage for the run. Check it out here.
Full reports will start backup next week. In the meantime, I'll be getting my boat out this weekend.
Cheers,
CT
Saturday, March 9, 2013
Sports Show
Just got back from the sports show. Amazing how much it has changed/gotten smaller over the years.
Didn't see much from the other local guides. There was some talk of heading up to the greener pastures of Green Bay, and I wonder how many guys have done that.
Stopped by to see the Viking Outpost booth. Viking is a fly-in outfitter in Red Lake, Ontario. I've been on multiple trips with Viking over the years. I recommend them if you're heading up that way.
Here's my son Shannon with Hugh. Check them out at www.vikingoutpost.com.
Cheers,
CT
Didn't see much from the other local guides. There was some talk of heading up to the greener pastures of Green Bay, and I wonder how many guys have done that.
Stopped by to see the Viking Outpost booth. Viking is a fly-in outfitter in Red Lake, Ontario. I've been on multiple trips with Viking over the years. I recommend them if you're heading up that way.
Cheers,
CT
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Open water!
Reports starting to appear on some of the forums from people fishing below the Dells Dam. Plenty of room to get the boat in there, but be careful, conditions can change very quickly this time of year.
Also hearing trickles of information about fishing at the Jefferson and Indianford Dams on the Rock River. Ice on the main river is still thick, but there's open water for shore fisherman below both dams.
John Gillespie filmed a show in the Milwaukee Harbor this week, imagine it will be a zoo out there this weekend.
Reminder: Gamefish season is closed on inland lakes until the first Saturday in May.
I'll have more for you next week as I hear back from the people who have been heading out.
CT
Also hearing trickles of information about fishing at the Jefferson and Indianford Dams on the Rock River. Ice on the main river is still thick, but there's open water for shore fisherman below both dams.
John Gillespie filmed a show in the Milwaukee Harbor this week, imagine it will be a zoo out there this weekend.
Reminder: Gamefish season is closed on inland lakes until the first Saturday in May.
I'll have more for you next week as I hear back from the people who have been heading out.
CT
Friday, March 1, 2013
Gamefish Season Closing/Spring Trout
Just some reminders...
Early season trout fishing starts tomorrow at 5am and runs through April 29th. As with anything trout fishing related there's a variety of different regulations depending on where you are in the state. You also need an inland trout stamp with your fishing license.
Info from the DNR is available here.
Also, if you're still out on the ice...remember that gamefish season closes after this weekend. Time to get into those marshy areas with big dead-bait and go for the biggest pike of the season.
Me...I'm itching for open water. Looking forward to a walleye run this spring. The rivers should be up, and I'm wishing for spring fishing.
Stay Tuned.
CT
Early season trout fishing starts tomorrow at 5am and runs through April 29th. As with anything trout fishing related there's a variety of different regulations depending on where you are in the state. You also need an inland trout stamp with your fishing license.
Info from the DNR is available here.
Also, if you're still out on the ice...remember that gamefish season closes after this weekend. Time to get into those marshy areas with big dead-bait and go for the biggest pike of the season.
Me...I'm itching for open water. Looking forward to a walleye run this spring. The rivers should be up, and I'm wishing for spring fishing.
Stay Tuned.
CT
Monday, February 18, 2013
Wisconsin DNR and Panfish
The DNR is starting to take panfish management more seriously...something that is overdue.
While many people believe panfish populations are fished out, with smaller overall fish. I believe the art of catching larger panfish has been lost over the last 15 years. In my experience people tend to fish too shallow and with far too big of bait to effectively catch panfish. (Using nightcrawlers to chase bluegills is like swatting a fly with a shotgun.)
Anyway, the DNR is launching an inquiry into panfish management options (which is how administrative agencies operate).
Note: There will be a discussion at the Madison Tackle Show this weekend. Given how the Madison area lakes are fished for panfish...there's sure to be some discussion of interest to readers of this blog.
More to come. Stay Tuned.
Cheers,
CT
While many people believe panfish populations are fished out, with smaller overall fish. I believe the art of catching larger panfish has been lost over the last 15 years. In my experience people tend to fish too shallow and with far too big of bait to effectively catch panfish. (Using nightcrawlers to chase bluegills is like swatting a fly with a shotgun.)
Anyway, the DNR is launching an inquiry into panfish management options (which is how administrative agencies operate).
- Info here.
- The Waukesha Meeting was yesterday... but a list of the others is here.
- If you want to contribute to the discussion...the online survey is available at this link.
Note: There will be a discussion at the Madison Tackle Show this weekend. Given how the Madison area lakes are fished for panfish...there's sure to be some discussion of interest to readers of this blog.
More to come. Stay Tuned.
Cheers,
CT
Sunday, February 10, 2013
Record Sturgeon and Big Bass
From the DNR:
- The 2013 spearing season is underway and already Peter Vander Weilen has added his name to the record books. On Saturday he registered an 80-inch, 179-pound fish, the sixth largest fish harvested on the Lake Winnebago System since the 1930s.
There's a great link here about some of the largest sturgeon taken by spearers.
And then there's this
- A 20+ pound largemouth bass was reported being taken in Texas. There's some debate about when and where it was caught....but does it really matter?!?
Cheers,
CT
Friday, February 8, 2013
Gone Fishin'
You may have noticed things have gotten a little slow around here, for that I apologize. Decided to take the rest of the ice season off this year for extra time when open water comes back around.
See you soon.
CT
See you soon.
CT
Thursday, January 17, 2013
Catching Up-Fishing Report 1-17-13
Well, old man winter is going to pay us a visit this year. He brought his cold temps, but so far has forgotten his pail of snow.
Fishing conditions have stabilized into a mid-winter pattern typical for our area, but there's places where the ice isn't the best so standard disclaimer: Spud your way out, use safety spikes or a PFD, and the buddy system.
Close to shore, and in protected areas, most ice reports have 4-6 or 5-7 inches of good ice. I've heard of some of the early freeze areas having as much as 8inches, but I've heard there's still some open water, especially in the deep open water zones. Just use some common sense.
Fishing has been a little slow, but results have been steady. Panfish and Pike are biting on our local lakes. If you're having trouble connecting with fish, try a little deeper than you would have in previous years...it seems like that was/is/ and will likely continue to be the trick.
Green weeds will hold panfish. Waxies, spikes and plastics will take aggressive biters at a variety of depths, but wigglers can really do the trick on the fish you can see on your camera/or electronics but won't bite. I like to go with three setups for pannies, each set up a little different until I find something that is working. For action: Try Moose, Forest, Garvin, Fowler, Lac Labelle and Kessus For Keepers: Okauchee, North, Pine, Lower Nashotah, Golden or Silver. Hottest tip of the last ten days: Middle Gen.
Walleye have been biting shiners roaches and suckers on tip ups, especially early in the morning. 12-15 FOW seems to be the magic number from the reports I got this week, but all of the people I heard this from were fishing areas with rock-weed transitions at that depth. One report, from a very trusted source, mentioned that his group was out with 12 rigs set up over a small area, and although only two of the holes were productive, the action was consistent for about 3 hours. If you're going to try for walleyes...I'd keep it to the basic spots. Nagawicka, Pine, North and Lac Labelle.
Pike are doing lots of things, and it doesn't seem like one approach has been better than others. I'd gotten reports of pike being taken shallow and deep. Flourocarbon rigs are the hot thing this year, and I never think it hurts to have some flash or a spinner on your setup. Deadbait is a personal favorite of mine, but large shiners are always a solid bet. Keesus, Moose, Nag, Okauchee and Golden have all reported some decent action recently.
Good luck, and don't forget about the Lunker's fisheree and meat auction (Pewaukee Lake) on the 19th.
Cheers,
CT
Fishing conditions have stabilized into a mid-winter pattern typical for our area, but there's places where the ice isn't the best so standard disclaimer: Spud your way out, use safety spikes or a PFD, and the buddy system.
Close to shore, and in protected areas, most ice reports have 4-6 or 5-7 inches of good ice. I've heard of some of the early freeze areas having as much as 8inches, but I've heard there's still some open water, especially in the deep open water zones. Just use some common sense.
Fishing has been a little slow, but results have been steady. Panfish and Pike are biting on our local lakes. If you're having trouble connecting with fish, try a little deeper than you would have in previous years...it seems like that was/is/ and will likely continue to be the trick.
Green weeds will hold panfish. Waxies, spikes and plastics will take aggressive biters at a variety of depths, but wigglers can really do the trick on the fish you can see on your camera/or electronics but won't bite. I like to go with three setups for pannies, each set up a little different until I find something that is working. For action: Try Moose, Forest, Garvin, Fowler, Lac Labelle and Kessus For Keepers: Okauchee, North, Pine, Lower Nashotah, Golden or Silver. Hottest tip of the last ten days: Middle Gen.
Walleye have been biting shiners roaches and suckers on tip ups, especially early in the morning. 12-15 FOW seems to be the magic number from the reports I got this week, but all of the people I heard this from were fishing areas with rock-weed transitions at that depth. One report, from a very trusted source, mentioned that his group was out with 12 rigs set up over a small area, and although only two of the holes were productive, the action was consistent for about 3 hours. If you're going to try for walleyes...I'd keep it to the basic spots. Nagawicka, Pine, North and Lac Labelle.
Pike are doing lots of things, and it doesn't seem like one approach has been better than others. I'd gotten reports of pike being taken shallow and deep. Flourocarbon rigs are the hot thing this year, and I never think it hurts to have some flash or a spinner on your setup. Deadbait is a personal favorite of mine, but large shiners are always a solid bet. Keesus, Moose, Nag, Okauchee and Golden have all reported some decent action recently.
Good luck, and don't forget about the Lunker's fisheree and meat auction (Pewaukee Lake) on the 19th.
Cheers,
CT
Saturday, December 29, 2012
Things are happening (12-29-12)
I'm just getting back to town from a family visit in Michigan. I'm returning to news that some of the smaller protected areas have as much as 4-5 inches of ice.
Stay safe, and take this info with a grain of salt. I haven't verified it personally.
Cheers,
CT
Stay safe, and take this info with a grain of salt. I haven't verified it personally.
Cheers,
CT
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