Remember, its always fun to fish on a Sunday, but consider taking Mom with you this week.
There is a pair of Musky Tournaments on Pewaukee and both a Musky and WABTA Tournament on Okauchee this weekend. (Our Tournament Schedule Post is here)
And Okauchee fishing pressure has been very heavy the past week between opening weekend, Musky Mikes League and guys pre-fishing..I am hearing similar reports from Pewaukee. Fish are still biting, but you may need to downsize, or get away from the crowds and the usual spots.
Water temperatures vary greatly between main lake areas (in the low 60's) and protected bays (in the mid to high 60's) on most area lakes.Weed growth is way behind normal, which means if you find some good (ie green) weeds, it is worth the effort to fish them!
Musky fishing has been a bit below average for this time of year, but a solid shallow pattern has been working for anglers who put in the time and are making an effort to deliberately work structural elements. Look for fish on the shallow flats in 6-10 feet of water, or shallow areas with rock/sand transitions. A few fish are also using the first deep break in 12-18 feet of water. Gliders, swimbaits, bucktails and jerkbaits have all been consistent producers.
Best bets: Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Pewaukee, and Fowler.
Northern Pike have been using the areas where there is new weedgrowth. Anglers targeting bass have been catching a number of pike ranging from smaller snakes to quality 30+" fish. Some of the larger pike are using the deep weedlines in 12-18 feet. Spinnerbaits,small bucktails, lipless crankbaits, floating rapalas and buzzbaits will all catch fish in the shallow water when fished around submergent green weeds. Large shiners or small to medium sized suckers suspended underneath a float, longlined on a split shot rig, or fished deep on a slip-sinker setup are your best options for live bait.
Best Bets: Nagawicka, Golden, Okauchee, Fowler, Moose.
Walleye have been active in cycles that match our current weather patterns. On warmer, windy days they have been biting fairly well. Some fish are patrolling the shallows in the morning and evening hours, but the bulk of the fish are holding around rocky points and mid-depth weeds in 8-12 feet of water. With the cold front set to hit this weekend, the bite could be tough, and you'll need to go finessee to get bites consistently. Crankbaits like rapala shad raps are catching fish, but controlled drifting with live bait has been the best approach. Slow and steady will be the operative words.
Best Bets: Pine, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Lac Labelle, the Nehmabins and Fox Lake.
Largemouth Bass First wave spawning areas have fish on nests, and post spawn females nearby. Other areas still have schooling fish. Look for bass around shallow weeds, wood laydowns or docks. Rocky areas, especially points adjacent to deep water have been holding the most fish. Wacky worms, texas rigged lizards or stickbaits, lipless crankbaits, and jigs with a chunk or craw trailer have all been producing.
Best Bets: Okauchee, Golden, Keesus, Pine, Nagawicka, Buelah, Moose, Eagle Springs.
Smallmouth Bass Fish are patrolling the shallow bars in small schools a few times a day, especially on the warmer sunny days. Lots of fish are suspending in deeper water just off of shallow structure. Rocky/sand transition areas have been holding some fish that are foraging for craws. Suspending jerkbaits, tubes, wacky worms, swimbaits and lipless crankbaits in a crawfish pattern have all caught fish.
Best Bets: Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Pine, Nagawicka, Lower Nehmabin, Beaver.
Crappie Look for them around shallow cover in 2-8 feet of water. Tight-lining over deeper wood or weeds in 8-12 feet has also been effective on some lakes. Tail-hooked fatheads, plastics or hair jigs tipped with a waxworm and rosie reds are your best live bait options for crappies. Strike zones have been relatively small, so try to make accurate casts when setting up your presentations.
Best Bets: Pine, Okauchee, Kessus, Golden, Garvin, Ashippun, Lake Five.
Bluegills the better sized fish have still been coming from anglers targeting them in a little deeper water. Shallow fish will be near sandy bottom areas with scattered weed growth, but if you just want the kids to catch a few fish, try fishing around any piers that are in the water adjacent to deeper water (6-10 feet). If you want to target eating size gills, tightline vertically while drifting along weedlines in deeper water (as deep as 22 feet) or look for them on the end of sandy/gravel points in 12-15 feet of water. Plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes, panfish leeches or redworms are your best live bait options.
Best Bets: Golden, Silver, Garvin, Lower Nashotah, Forest, Upper and Lower Phantom, Ashippun, Upper Geneessee and Lake Five.
Catfish are being caught on the Rock River. Cutbait, stinkbait and nightcrawlers fished around the heads of the deeper holes has been producing some keepers. The area between Watertown and the Jefferson Dam has been red hot the last few weeks.
Trout Lower Nashotah, Fowler, Lower Geneessee and Paradise Springs-Look for these fish in the deeper water basin or deeper pools on the creeks. In the area lakes, they can be anywhere from just below the surface to 25 feet down over deeper water. Tightlining with minnows or redworms will catch fish when you find them.
Good Luck Out There.
Feel free to email me if you have questions.
Chris Terry
Thursday, May 10, 2018
Monday, May 7, 2018
Fishing Report (5-7-18) (Quickie Update)
Hearing some mixed reports about success on the opener. Overall, sounded fairly average for opening weekend.
I was out for a bit today chasing trout and met with a functional, but still pretty tough bite, but the bass and pike were feeding actively. If I'd have stuck it out, I could have putting something more solid together, but had a few mechanical issues, so I called it a day.
Water temps range greatly, shallow bays and dark bottom areas are in the low to mid 60's, but open water, main lake areas can be in the low to mid 50's.Weeds are non existent.
Panfish are suspending/hanging off the breaks suspended, especially the larger crappies, but you can get onto some decent sized fish in the 4-8 FOW range. Areas with green weeds will hold the most panfish, but there's not many of those around right now, so look for panfish around laydowns and docks that reach deeper water. Batches of nice gills are starting to school up around deeper docks right now. Keep it simple, small bobbers and small bait. Minnows for the crappies, but otherwise plastics tipped with waxies or spikes. Remember the biggest panfish are on the bottom of the school, so get that bait down to them.
Bass fishing will be on fire through thus weekend, but expect it to come in flurries of action as you make contact with schooled up fish on the forage run. The fishing should be fantastic for at least the next 10 days/two weeks. Some fish are up on the beds, but most of the larger fish are still chasing bait and craws at the last major structural elements outside of the spawning areas. Jig and pig, wacky, floating worms, soft jerkbaits, grubs, drop shot minnows and lipless crankbaits will produce depending on the day. I caught a couple on my new shaky head rig today when I couldn't get the trout to cooperate.
I'll check back later this week. Get out there, there's fish to be caught.
I was out for a bit today chasing trout and met with a functional, but still pretty tough bite, but the bass and pike were feeding actively. If I'd have stuck it out, I could have putting something more solid together, but had a few mechanical issues, so I called it a day.
Water temps range greatly, shallow bays and dark bottom areas are in the low to mid 60's, but open water, main lake areas can be in the low to mid 50's.Weeds are non existent.
Panfish are suspending/hanging off the breaks suspended, especially the larger crappies, but you can get onto some decent sized fish in the 4-8 FOW range. Areas with green weeds will hold the most panfish, but there's not many of those around right now, so look for panfish around laydowns and docks that reach deeper water. Batches of nice gills are starting to school up around deeper docks right now. Keep it simple, small bobbers and small bait. Minnows for the crappies, but otherwise plastics tipped with waxies or spikes. Remember the biggest panfish are on the bottom of the school, so get that bait down to them.
Bass fishing will be on fire through thus weekend, but expect it to come in flurries of action as you make contact with schooled up fish on the forage run. The fishing should be fantastic for at least the next 10 days/two weeks. Some fish are up on the beds, but most of the larger fish are still chasing bait and craws at the last major structural elements outside of the spawning areas. Jig and pig, wacky, floating worms, soft jerkbaits, grubs, drop shot minnows and lipless crankbaits will produce depending on the day. I caught a couple on my new shaky head rig today when I couldn't get the trout to cooperate.
I'll check back later this week. Get out there, there's fish to be caught.
Monday, April 30, 2018
2018 Fishing Opener Resources
Hey Gang,
We're just days away from the 2018 Gamefish Opener.
For now, here's what to expect when you hit the water for the opener.
1.) Water temps in the low to mid fifties. Some isolated bays may be approaching 60 degrees if the weather cooperates this week.
2.) Limited new growth of weeds, and you'll find that very few piers are in.
3.) I'd focus my efforts in the warmer parts of the day. You may need to make some adjustments throughout the weekend as conditions change.
4.) Live bait, fished slowly is going to be a great way to kick off the season. I'd fish for pike or walleye and wait until the weather stabilizes a bit if you want to target bass. Patterns are patterns for a reason.
Here's a preview from Fisheries at the DNR
The 2018 Fishing Report is here. Some Local Highlights:
The DNR maintains a database of printable lake maps online.
There's also a easy to use reference to find boat launches at the DNR Website.
We're just days away from the 2018 Gamefish Opener.
For now, here's what to expect when you hit the water for the opener.
1.) Water temps in the low to mid fifties. Some isolated bays may be approaching 60 degrees if the weather cooperates this week.
2.) Limited new growth of weeds, and you'll find that very few piers are in.
3.) I'd focus my efforts in the warmer parts of the day. You may need to make some adjustments throughout the weekend as conditions change.
4.) Live bait, fished slowly is going to be a great way to kick off the season. I'd fish for pike or walleye and wait until the weather stabilizes a bit if you want to target bass. Patterns are patterns for a reason.
Here's a preview from Fisheries at the DNR
The 2018 Fishing Report is here. Some Local Highlights:
The DNR maintains a database of printable lake maps online.
There's also a easy to use reference to find boat launches at the DNR Website.
Sunday, April 29, 2018
Local Tournament Schedule 2018
Tournaments on Our Local Waters: (Updated -5-10-18)
Pewaukee:
May 12th Musky
May 12th Musky (Yes there's two different ones the same day)
June 2nd Bass (Anglers Choice)
June 3rd Bass (Anglers Choice)
June 9th Bass (WABTA)
August 4th Multi-species (Lunkers Unlimited)
August 18th Bass (West Suburban Bass Anglers)
August 19th Bass (Anglers Choice)
October 14th Bass (Blackhawk Masters)
October 20th Musky (3 Charlies)
Oconomowoc:
May 12th Musky
June 23rd Bass (Anglers Unlimited)
June 24th Bas (Anglers Unlimited)
September 8th Bass (West Suburban Bass Anglers)
October 20th Multi-species (Lunkers Unlimited)
Okauchee:
May 5th: Bass (Whiskey Waters)
May 12th Musky
May 12th Bass (WABTA)
May 19th Bass (Anglers Choice)
June 2nd Bass (WABTA)
June 8th Bass (Whiskey Waters)
July 21st Bass (Whiskey Waters)
August 3rd bass (Whiskey Waters)
September 8th Bass (West Suburban Bass Anglers)
September 9th Bass (Anglers Choice)
October 6th Multi-species (Lunkers Unlimited)
Nagawicka:
June 3rd Bass (Kayak Bass League)
June 16th (WABTA)
Little Muskego:
May 20th Bass (Anglers Choice)
September 8th Bass (West Suburban Bass Anglers)
Tuesdays: Musky Mikes Tuesday Big Bass League (Okauchee) Shop site
Thursdays: Dick Smith's (Rotates between Nagawicka, Pewaukee and Okauchee)
Pewaukee:
May 12th Musky
May 12th Musky (Yes there's two different ones the same day)
June 2nd Bass (Anglers Choice)
June 3rd Bass (Anglers Choice)
June 9th Bass (WABTA)
August 4th Multi-species (Lunkers Unlimited)
August 18th Bass (West Suburban Bass Anglers)
August 19th Bass (Anglers Choice)
October 14th Bass (Blackhawk Masters)
October 20th Musky (3 Charlies)
Oconomowoc:
May 12th Musky
June 23rd Bass (Anglers Unlimited)
June 24th Bas (Anglers Unlimited)
September 8th Bass (West Suburban Bass Anglers)
October 20th Multi-species (Lunkers Unlimited)
Okauchee:
May 5th: Bass (Whiskey Waters)
May 12th Musky
May 12th Bass (WABTA)
May 19th Bass (Anglers Choice)
June 2nd Bass (WABTA)
June 8th Bass (Whiskey Waters)
July 21st Bass (Whiskey Waters)
August 3rd bass (Whiskey Waters)
September 8th Bass (West Suburban Bass Anglers)
September 9th Bass (Anglers Choice)
October 6th Multi-species (Lunkers Unlimited)
Nagawicka:
June 3rd Bass (Kayak Bass League)
June 16th (WABTA)
Little Muskego:
May 20th Bass (Anglers Choice)
September 8th Bass (West Suburban Bass Anglers)
Tuesdays: Musky Mikes Tuesday Big Bass League (Okauchee) Shop site
Thursdays: Dick Smith's (Rotates between Nagawicka, Pewaukee and Okauchee)
Friday, April 27, 2018
Fishing Report 4-27-18 (Back in Action)
Everybody,
This sudden burst of warm weather really had my email filled up with questions, so I guess its time to get our weekly reports back up. After all, I got the boat prepped yesterday.
Water temps are in the high 40's to low 50's. With the cooler nights, the water is not warming up quickly, but if we get some of the stable warm weather they are predicting, expect things to happen quicklu.
To rate it: fishing is a little below average for this time of year, but is set to get good very, very quickly.
Crappies are startting to get active in the usual early spots. Look for them in shallow, protected areas with a north bank, boat channels, near areas with reeds or wood laydowns or adjacent to current. Small minnows, tail hooked, and suspended under a bobber is the best way to catch crappies, but if the bite is tough, don't overlook waxworms on an icefishing jig or a small #10 or #12 red hook or ice fishing jig. I've heard from folks having mixed success on Okauchee, Oconomowoc, North, Pine, Garvin, Moose, Nag and Golden.
Bluegills are starting to move in, but it is still very early. Look for shallow, dark bottom bays with scattered weeds, woods or reeds. The fish may be very tight to shore. In areas with current, look for schools of fish in deeper holes and outside turns, even if these areas are very small. Remember the largest panfish will always be in the bottom of the school, so if you're catching fish, but they are small, try getting your bait a little deeper. Bluegills will hit on a variety of live bait, including redworms, waxworms and spikes. For active bluegills, plastics will outperform live bait, and will usually help keep some of the smaller fish off your line.
Walleyes, a few whitebass and some cats continue to bite on the Rock River in Jefferson. Fish are still being taken from shellbeds, rockpiles and in the channel swings. Three way rigs with live bait on a fly or casting with heavy jigs and plastics have both been producing. Look for whit bass at the mouths of feeder creeks or up the Crawfish and Bark Rivers. If you're on the main river, you may find some schools holding over shelves in slack water.
Gamefish opener is next weekend, and we'll have our usual preview post.
Note that: you can sign up for my fishing reports and have them delivered via email, as well as follow this blog. The links are in the column to the right. I'm going to try to do some new kinds of content this season, including some how to videos and maybe even some maps.
Finally, I have some openings in May, if you're interested in getting out...just email me.
To rate it: fishing is a little below average for this time of year, but is set to get good very, very quickly.
Crappies are startting to get active in the usual early spots. Look for them in shallow, protected areas with a north bank, boat channels, near areas with reeds or wood laydowns or adjacent to current. Small minnows, tail hooked, and suspended under a bobber is the best way to catch crappies, but if the bite is tough, don't overlook waxworms on an icefishing jig or a small #10 or #12 red hook or ice fishing jig. I've heard from folks having mixed success on Okauchee, Oconomowoc, North, Pine, Garvin, Moose, Nag and Golden.
Bluegills are starting to move in, but it is still very early. Look for shallow, dark bottom bays with scattered weeds, woods or reeds. The fish may be very tight to shore. In areas with current, look for schools of fish in deeper holes and outside turns, even if these areas are very small. Remember the largest panfish will always be in the bottom of the school, so if you're catching fish, but they are small, try getting your bait a little deeper. Bluegills will hit on a variety of live bait, including redworms, waxworms and spikes. For active bluegills, plastics will outperform live bait, and will usually help keep some of the smaller fish off your line.
Walleyes, a few whitebass and some cats continue to bite on the Rock River in Jefferson. Fish are still being taken from shellbeds, rockpiles and in the channel swings. Three way rigs with live bait on a fly or casting with heavy jigs and plastics have both been producing. Look for whit bass at the mouths of feeder creeks or up the Crawfish and Bark Rivers. If you're on the main river, you may find some schools holding over shelves in slack water.
Gamefish opener is next weekend, and we'll have our usual preview post.
Note that: you can sign up for my fishing reports and have them delivered via email, as well as follow this blog. The links are in the column to the right. I'm going to try to do some new kinds of content this season, including some how to videos and maybe even some maps.
Finally, I have some openings in May, if you're interested in getting out...just email me.
Monday, April 23, 2018
Checking in: April 22, 2018
Hey gang,
The semester's almost over, and its time to start thinking about fishing.
Around the area, fishing continues, but a little behind schedule for most years. It looks like the weather is about to stabilize, so expect things to get going pretty quickly.
Area lakes are starting to see panfish moving into the traditional spots. Most reports have them still a bit spooky, but especially on warm, sunny afternoons, you can expect to get on them. Look for dark bottom bays or protected areas with a north facing shoreline. Areas with current or boat channels can also be productive. Go small with your presentations until you find some active fish.
River fishing has dropped off a bit in recent weeks. Water is still fairly cold for late April, but flows have been inconsistent and that has limited fishing. Close to home the Rock River is still giving up mixed bags of Walleyes and Cats, but the whitebass run hasn't really gotten started yet.
We're just two weeks out from the opener, which looks to be a bit on the chilly side this year. If you're starting to prep, my suggestion....think about fishing for post-spawn pike or very early pre-spawn bass on the local lakes. This year will be a fair bit different condition wise than the last couple of opening weekends, and you should plan accordingly.
Can't wait to be back and to hit the water.
Cheers,
CT
The semester's almost over, and its time to start thinking about fishing.
Around the area, fishing continues, but a little behind schedule for most years. It looks like the weather is about to stabilize, so expect things to get going pretty quickly.
Area lakes are starting to see panfish moving into the traditional spots. Most reports have them still a bit spooky, but especially on warm, sunny afternoons, you can expect to get on them. Look for dark bottom bays or protected areas with a north facing shoreline. Areas with current or boat channels can also be productive. Go small with your presentations until you find some active fish.
River fishing has dropped off a bit in recent weeks. Water is still fairly cold for late April, but flows have been inconsistent and that has limited fishing. Close to home the Rock River is still giving up mixed bags of Walleyes and Cats, but the whitebass run hasn't really gotten started yet.
We're just two weeks out from the opener, which looks to be a bit on the chilly side this year. If you're starting to prep, my suggestion....think about fishing for post-spawn pike or very early pre-spawn bass on the local lakes. This year will be a fair bit different condition wise than the last couple of opening weekends, and you should plan accordingly.
Can't wait to be back and to hit the water.
Cheers,
CT
Wednesday, April 11, 2018
2018 Spring Hearings
The annual Wisconsin Conservation Congress Spring Hearings just occurred, and the results of the vote on the advisory questions is now available.
You can read about the process in an easy to understand flowchart that is available here, but the important part of a resolution is that it can start a revision in a specified regulation.
Some items of local note.
Item #1 was supported. Item 1 is a proposal to change the traditional season for bass fishing. The season would still prevent catch and keep between early March and early May, but would implement a catch and release season during the traditionally closed period.
Item #2 was also supported. Item 2 would establish alternate size and bag limits for permitted, catch-and-release bass fishing tournaments.
Items #6 and #7 were passed and are also of local note. Item 6 proposes an increase in minimum length for walleye, sauger and hybrids on Koshkonong Lake and the Rock River, and item 7 would close the spring season in the same waters: "Season closure for walleye, sauger and hybrids during standard closed season on Koshkonong Lake and the Rock River."
Item 28 passed and is also of interest: "Establish a statewide 12-inch size limit and a three-fish bag limit per day on largemouth bass."
Item 30, a proposal to increase bag limits for channel catfish on Beaver Dam Lake in Dodge County was also passed. "Increase daily bag from 10 to 25 on channel catfish on Beaver Dam Lake, Dodge County."
Stay tuned. Changes to size and bag limits for LM Bass, as well as new structures for tournament fishing appear to be on the way.
You can read about the process in an easy to understand flowchart that is available here, but the important part of a resolution is that it can start a revision in a specified regulation.
Some items of local note.
Item #1 was supported. Item 1 is a proposal to change the traditional season for bass fishing. The season would still prevent catch and keep between early March and early May, but would implement a catch and release season during the traditionally closed period.
Item #2 was also supported. Item 2 would establish alternate size and bag limits for permitted, catch-and-release bass fishing tournaments.
Items #6 and #7 were passed and are also of local note. Item 6 proposes an increase in minimum length for walleye, sauger and hybrids on Koshkonong Lake and the Rock River, and item 7 would close the spring season in the same waters: "Season closure for walleye, sauger and hybrids during standard closed season on Koshkonong Lake and the Rock River."
Item 28 passed and is also of interest: "Establish a statewide 12-inch size limit and a three-fish bag limit per day on largemouth bass."
Item 30, a proposal to increase bag limits for channel catfish on Beaver Dam Lake in Dodge County was also passed. "Increase daily bag from 10 to 25 on channel catfish on Beaver Dam Lake, Dodge County."
Stay tuned. Changes to size and bag limits for LM Bass, as well as new structures for tournament fishing appear to be on the way.
Tuesday, April 10, 2018
Trout Stocking 2018
You might not know it by the weather or the conditions on the lakes, but we are getting closer to opening day.
The WDNR has started the annual process of stocking lakes with trout. Locally the usual lakes are getting fish:
FOWLER LAKE: RAINBOW TROUT 1,523
LOWER GENESEE: LAKE BROOK TROUT 1,000 RAINBOW TROUT YEARLING 1,523 LOWER NASHOTAH LAKE: BROWN TROUT 1,900 RAINBOW TROUT 1,523
OTTAWA LAKE: RAINBOW TROUT 1,015
Lots of other ponds and creeks in Milwaukee, Waukesha and Dodge Counties are getting fish again this year. You can check out the press release here or go directly to the complete list of stocking here.
Its getting closer.
Talk to you soon.
The WDNR has started the annual process of stocking lakes with trout. Locally the usual lakes are getting fish:
FOWLER LAKE: RAINBOW TROUT 1,523
LOWER GENESEE: LAKE BROOK TROUT 1,000 RAINBOW TROUT YEARLING 1,523 LOWER NASHOTAH LAKE: BROWN TROUT 1,900 RAINBOW TROUT 1,523
OTTAWA LAKE: RAINBOW TROUT 1,015
Lots of other ponds and creeks in Milwaukee, Waukesha and Dodge Counties are getting fish again this year. You can check out the press release here or go directly to the complete list of stocking here.
Its getting closer.
Talk to you soon.
Tuesday, March 27, 2018
Local Fishing Report 3-27-18
Hey gang,
River runs are still in full gear, although the fishing can vary day to day depending on conditions. Early reports on whitebass are starting to trickle in.
Many local lakes are open. There's still some floating ice about, but you can start to target panfish along North facing shorelines, in protected areas with dark bottoms, boat channels, or areas with current.
Keep your presentation subtle, and if the bite is tough, downsize. You'll catch as many crappies with waxworms or spikes on a small red hook (#10 or #12) as minnows some days.
On warm afternoons, look for fish around reeds or laydowns, They'll be spooky, but catchable.
Talk to you soon.
CT
River runs are still in full gear, although the fishing can vary day to day depending on conditions. Early reports on whitebass are starting to trickle in.
Many local lakes are open. There's still some floating ice about, but you can start to target panfish along North facing shorelines, in protected areas with dark bottoms, boat channels, or areas with current.
Keep your presentation subtle, and if the bite is tough, downsize. You'll catch as many crappies with waxworms or spikes on a small red hook (#10 or #12) as minnows some days.
On warm afternoons, look for fish around reeds or laydowns, They'll be spooky, but catchable.
Talk to you soon.
CT
Monday, March 12, 2018
River Runs are....running
Lots of people were out this weekend, and it sounds like things are really happening on the rivers.
Rock River: Fish were being caught from the mouth at Blackhawk up to the dam at Jefferson. Sounds like there were some solid bags of keepers in the batch this weekend. Expect it to stay good as fish move in and head up to spawn.
Controlled drifts with jigs or 3 way rigs are always solid approaches on the Rock for the spring. You really want to concentrate on hard bottom spots, or areas where the main channel turns or changes direction. Deeper isn't always better (fish can be out of the channel) but a transition forms a pocket where fish will stack up.
My favorite stretches are in the S-Turn ditch, just down stream of the Jefferson Dam Launch,by the Star Pole and just downstream of the Fort Bridges, but there's no limit on areas that will hold fish. Just remember the water is still cold, and often a bite doesn't feel like much of anything other than just a little additional weight.
Good Luck.
CT
Rock River: Fish were being caught from the mouth at Blackhawk up to the dam at Jefferson. Sounds like there were some solid bags of keepers in the batch this weekend. Expect it to stay good as fish move in and head up to spawn.
Controlled drifts with jigs or 3 way rigs are always solid approaches on the Rock for the spring. You really want to concentrate on hard bottom spots, or areas where the main channel turns or changes direction. Deeper isn't always better (fish can be out of the channel) but a transition forms a pocket where fish will stack up.
My favorite stretches are in the S-Turn ditch, just down stream of the Jefferson Dam Launch,by the Star Pole and just downstream of the Fort Bridges, but there's no limit on areas that will hold fish. Just remember the water is still cold, and often a bite doesn't feel like much of anything other than just a little additional weight.
Good Luck.
CT
Friday, March 2, 2018
Lunkers Garage Sale
Always a great event...the Lunker's Garage Sale is just around the corner. I won't be able to attend this year, but don't let that stop you.
Thursday, March 1, 2018
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Back in action: 2018 Season
Everybody,
Time to get back at it. Fish are starting to be caught in the Dells and a few people checked in asking about the Rock River in Jefferson and Ft Atkinson.
In terms of the Rock River--Lake Link posts have the river open downstream of the dam, but still with some large ice flows. It won't be long now until things start to happen. Stable weather will really get things going
Water levels:
Fort can be tracked here.
Jefferson's graph is here.
Current and flow graphs are here.
Talk to you soon.
Cheers,
CT
PS An old Journal Sentinel piece on Spring Walleye Fishing on The Rock is Here.
Time to get back at it. Fish are starting to be caught in the Dells and a few people checked in asking about the Rock River in Jefferson and Ft Atkinson.
In terms of the Rock River--Lake Link posts have the river open downstream of the dam, but still with some large ice flows. It won't be long now until things start to happen. Stable weather will really get things going
Water levels:
Fort can be tracked here.
Jefferson's graph is here.
Current and flow graphs are here.
Talk to you soon.
Cheers,
CT
PS An old Journal Sentinel piece on Spring Walleye Fishing on The Rock is Here.
Friday, January 19, 2018
Free Fishing Weekend
This weekend (Jan 20-21st) is the annual winter DNR Free Fishing Weekend:
Information here: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/anglereducation/freefishingweekend.html
Lunker's Fisheree and Meat Raffle is this weekend as well (a great event): Flyer is available here
There's also events for kids in the local area including this one in Dousman on School Section Lake: https://www.facebook.com/events/211951262682243/?active_tab=about
Enjoy the weekend.
Cheers,
CT
Information here: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/anglereducation/freefishingweekend.html
Lunker's Fisheree and Meat Raffle is this weekend as well (a great event): Flyer is available here
There's also events for kids in the local area including this one in Dousman on School Section Lake: https://www.facebook.com/events/211951262682243/?active_tab=about
Enjoy the weekend.
Cheers,
CT
Wednesday, January 10, 2018
MCW Meeting Tonight!
Sorry for the short notice but: Musky Club of Wisconsin has a meeting tonight:
A reminder that the next MCW club meeting is tomorrow, January 10 at 7:30 PM, at Thunder Bay Grille. This is the annual business meeting. We will discuss the financials, have our club election and go over the events for 2018. If you have club questions, changes or something for the club to discuss, this is the meeting to attend.
We will need members to sign up for the two upcoming muskie expos.
Also, bring your renewal for club dues. Form can be found on the club website - http://www.muskiewi.org/membership_application.pdf
MCW is making some greats efforts on stocking in our local lakes.
MCW is making some greats efforts on stocking in our local lakes.
Sunday, January 7, 2018
Happy New Year
Lunkers Unlimited is holding it's 42nd Annual Fishoree and MEAT Raffles
Saturday January 20th at Curly's Waterfront bar on Pewaukee Lake.
Check in at 7:00 AM. No entrance fee! Cash prizes for all species.
Meat raffles start at 10:00 AM also Enter to win a ice shanty and our exclusive MEAT freezer.
Check out our web site for more info.
Sunday, September 24, 2017
Back to school..
Sorry gang, the beginning of the semester was a huge free time killer...
Cheers,
CT
Cheers,
CT
Saturday, September 9, 2017
Fishing Report 9-8-17
Well gang, it very quickly became Fall this past week. And as things go...so far, so good and while there's football and a bunch of hunting on the radar, remember some of the best fishing of the year awaits between now and the end of the season.
The cooler nights during the last week or so have started the annual water temperature drop. While daytime temps can be all over the place over the next six weeks, the overnight temps are really what matters moving forward. Warm, sunny days will pull fish onto the rocks, especially in the mid to late afternoons. The late algae blooms we had this season are clearing up quick as a result, and the baitfish numbers, which seemed to go up and down this year, are really starting to thin out as fish turn on for fall.
Bass fishing will remain really good for a couple weeks, then it will be time to put away the plastics and start fishing live bait for a trophy. Smallmouth typically go on a tear on our area lakes in the fall, and we're getting real close to that kickoff. For now... 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, especially for bigger fish. It is time to start using the biggest shiners you can find, or small suckers or chubs if you have to.
Walleye fishing is hasn't really started pick up on the area rivers. I'd expect that to change real soon. On the area lakes, the fish will be anywhere there's baitfish around weeds or rock/weed transition areas in 5-8 or 10-12 feet of water. Fishing cranks and stickbaits around weeds works well for active fish, and if you get one out of a patch of isolated weeds, fish through the area very methodically. Fishing just before the sun comes up or right after it goes down can be a solid bet, especially along shallow gravel/rock/sand transitions with some current on them.
Pike have been 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 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 hovering.
Musky fishing has started to pick up, but is sure to get really good over the next stretch. Enjoy the tree stand and/or your goose blind now, for soon will be 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 8-12 feet of water. As the water cools, they'll follow the ciscos in, and that's when things start to get really interesting.
Good Luck,
CT
Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Last Minute Availability
Hey gang,
I have a last minute opening for a trip on Sunday, September 10th.
Email me if you're interested.
I have a last minute opening for a trip on Sunday, September 10th.
Email me if you're interested.
Saturday, September 2, 2017
Labor Day Weekend Fishing Update 2017
Patterning fish remains inconsistent from day to day. Once you're on a solid bite, stick with it.
Conditions around the area are typical for the end of August. After this batch of cooler weather, weed growth is at summer peak and water temps are hovering around 70 degrees.
Panfish have really slowed down over the last ten days. Crappie and bluegill continue to bite along weedlines or suspended out over deep water. Plastics tipped with live bait, tail hooked minnows and leafworms fished vertically or with slip bobbers will produce, but you may have to put in a little time to find the keeping size fish. Evenings, especially both sides of dusk, have been better, as is typical for this time of year. If you're out with the kids and just need to catch some for "action" purposes, visually look for schools around the docks and fish for them with bobbers and small live bait.
Largemouth continue to run late summer patterns. On sunny days, look for them around docks or slop, or out on the weed edges. Topwater bite has been steady, especially in the morning. There's a batch of fish using weed clumps in mid-depth (6-12 FOW) water that will bite all day, but you have to fish very tight to cover, and very, very slow.
Smallmouth fishing has been spotty like it has been most of the season. You'll need to be ready to make some changes on the fly to stay on an active bite. Look for them around the edges of the rock bars or sand/rock transition areas early, but by mid-morning the fish will be deeper than you think they should be. Jigworms, grubs, minnowbaits, tubes (watermelon especially) and small crankbaits can be dynamite.
Walleye fishing: Some fish are coming out of 18-25 FOW, but finding some fish in the shallow weeds early and late in the day is your best bet. I'd jig tight to weed edges with the biggest leaches you can find, or lindy rig with small suckers. If you're out close to dark, you may be able to trigger some fish casting minnowbaits like rapalas, rouges or thundersticks over weed clumps.
Pike fishing has been slow, but steady. Lots of undersized fish are being caught in the shallow and mid-depth areas. There has been a little action early in the day on buzzbaits fished over shallow flats, and throwing reapers at deeper patches of weeds in the evenings (very common late summer patterns)...but the catch rates I'm seeing and hearing have not impressed me.
Musky: Still Early. Most anglers are reporting some lazy follows and undersized fish for the most part. Gliders, bulldogs and cow-girls have all produced in the past week, but most of the fish are mid-30's to low 40 inch fish. Unless this is your last weekend to get out, I wouldn't bother.
Good Luck, Be Safe and Enjoy the Holiday.
Cheers,
CT
Conditions around the area are typical for the end of August. After this batch of cooler weather, weed growth is at summer peak and water temps are hovering around 70 degrees.
Panfish have really slowed down over the last ten days. Crappie and bluegill continue to bite along weedlines or suspended out over deep water. Plastics tipped with live bait, tail hooked minnows and leafworms fished vertically or with slip bobbers will produce, but you may have to put in a little time to find the keeping size fish. Evenings, especially both sides of dusk, have been better, as is typical for this time of year. If you're out with the kids and just need to catch some for "action" purposes, visually look for schools around the docks and fish for them with bobbers and small live bait.
Largemouth continue to run late summer patterns. On sunny days, look for them around docks or slop, or out on the weed edges. Topwater bite has been steady, especially in the morning. There's a batch of fish using weed clumps in mid-depth (6-12 FOW) water that will bite all day, but you have to fish very tight to cover, and very, very slow.
Smallmouth fishing has been spotty like it has been most of the season. You'll need to be ready to make some changes on the fly to stay on an active bite. Look for them around the edges of the rock bars or sand/rock transition areas early, but by mid-morning the fish will be deeper than you think they should be. Jigworms, grubs, minnowbaits, tubes (watermelon especially) and small crankbaits can be dynamite.
Walleye fishing: Some fish are coming out of 18-25 FOW, but finding some fish in the shallow weeds early and late in the day is your best bet. I'd jig tight to weed edges with the biggest leaches you can find, or lindy rig with small suckers. If you're out close to dark, you may be able to trigger some fish casting minnowbaits like rapalas, rouges or thundersticks over weed clumps.
Pike fishing has been slow, but steady. Lots of undersized fish are being caught in the shallow and mid-depth areas. There has been a little action early in the day on buzzbaits fished over shallow flats, and throwing reapers at deeper patches of weeds in the evenings (very common late summer patterns)...but the catch rates I'm seeing and hearing have not impressed me.
Musky: Still Early. Most anglers are reporting some lazy follows and undersized fish for the most part. Gliders, bulldogs and cow-girls have all produced in the past week, but most of the fish are mid-30's to low 40 inch fish. Unless this is your last weekend to get out, I wouldn't bother.
Good Luck, Be Safe and Enjoy the Holiday.
Cheers,
CT
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