Full report when I return.
Monday, March 28, 2011
Leaving in 5...For the Rock River
Conditions could be better, but I'm leaving in five minutes for the River.
Full report when I return.
Full report when I return.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Conditions are steady, water is cold.... almost time to fish the Rock River again.
But here's the key. There certainly are fish in the river, but with the water temp hovering so low after this cold snap, getting those fish to bite will be a challenge.
Drifting with jig/minnows? You'll need to slow down and hover over the break lines in the deeper holes, structure, current eddies or the shallower outside turns. Drifting at the current speed will probably be to fast for these fish.
Anchoring is always a better option when the water is high, fast and cold/ Try to position yourself at the upriver end of a deeper hole. You want to be right over the top of the grade into the deep part of the hole. Fish vertical with your three way rigs, use enough weight to keep your presentation just next to the boat, then reel up the slack so that your rod tip is just barely loaded. From there, its just a matter of line watching. You have a bite when you see your line stop moving in the current.
When I anchor on the Rock in these conditions, I use a very short leader to my weight. no more than 15 inches, but usually closer to six or eight. The leader to the hook is also short. I usually use a small red treble baited with a fathead or tuffy minnow. If the water is really dirty, like right now for example, I'll add a bead or two for color on the leader line just above the hook.
I'll run as many as three rods per person, and I'll check each one every five minutes by taking it out of the rod holder and lifting the weight off the bottom. When you pull the weight up, if there's a fish there, you will feel the resistance while the weight is loose. Immediately set the hook.
Until the water gets back up to 40 degree mark, the bite will likely be slow and light.. This method is fantastic for catching light biting walleyes in current.
Good Luck,
CT
Friday, March 25, 2011
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Ouch...AKA Condition Report For The Rock 3-24-2011
One reason I never gamble on fishing is that I live in Wisconsin. Mother nature has a way of setting things straight.
Water temperature: Plummeting
Current Increasing
Level Continues to Climb
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Check out Get Bit Baits
There's some neat looking tubes and grubs at Get Bit Baits.
I'll be getting some of this color tube for smallmouth fishing this year:
(Green Pumpkin Purple & Gold Finesse Tube Bait)
Get Bit Baits is a sponsor of the Wisconsin Badger Fishing Team. Drop by their site and say hello.
Cheers,
CT
I'll be getting some of this color tube for smallmouth fishing this year:
(Green Pumpkin Purple & Gold Finesse Tube Bait)
Get Bit Baits is a sponsor of the Wisconsin Badger Fishing Team. Drop by their site and say hello.
Cheers,
CT
Rock River Water Temp going back down....
But the flow is increasing quickly:
Water level predictions remain steady:
Stay tuned.
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Rock River-Mouth to Jefferson
Hey gang,
I don't want to say this, as I'm not much of gambling man, and especially as the weather turned south today, but based on the rising water, the moon phase and the water temperature, I would expect this weekend and early next week to be close to peak on the walleye run.
It always comes on so fast in Jefferson. When he was still around, Musky Mike and I would have the same conversation every year. As time has passed, I also seem to have a similar conversation with Becky Smith in most years. I know its a traditionally short run, and the spawning areas in the river are limited, but it really does move into prime time very quickly there.
Reports for the mouth suggest heavy fishing pressure, but with lots of anglers grabbing legal sized fish. That's a sure fire indication that the male fish are starting to move into the river in groups. If the reports I am seeing are accurate, the females will move in quickly and head for the spawning areas in the next 10-15 days.
It's time to hit the water.
I don't want to say this, as I'm not much of gambling man, and especially as the weather turned south today, but based on the rising water, the moon phase and the water temperature, I would expect this weekend and early next week to be close to peak on the walleye run.
It always comes on so fast in Jefferson. When he was still around, Musky Mike and I would have the same conversation every year. As time has passed, I also seem to have a similar conversation with Becky Smith in most years. I know its a traditionally short run, and the spawning areas in the river are limited, but it really does move into prime time very quickly there.
Reports for the mouth suggest heavy fishing pressure, but with lots of anglers grabbing legal sized fish. That's a sure fire indication that the male fish are starting to move into the river in groups. If the reports I am seeing are accurate, the females will move in quickly and head for the spawning areas in the next 10-15 days.
It's time to hit the water.
Rock River is on the Rise
The rain and snow melt is increasing the depth and flow of the river. Here's the USGS prediction graph from this morning:
That makes this a decent flood for this year. It's sure to be above the wall at the dam.
Water discharge, velocity and temperature in Ft Atkinson are available here :From the USGS
For your reference: 5 Celsius is approximately 41 Farenheit. 6 Celsisus =42.8. In my experience, the Rock River run really gets started when the water hits 44. White bass will move in when the water hits 50-55.
Water discharge, velocity and temperature in Ft Atkinson are available here :From the USGS
For your reference: 5 Celsius is approximately 41 Farenheit. 6 Celsisus =42.8. In my experience, the Rock River run really gets started when the water hits 44. White bass will move in when the water hits 50-55.
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Rock River Information
Greetings,
This time of year, I always get some requests for information on fishing the Rock River. It's only natural given that as the ice gives out, the Rock River is one of the closest fishing options. The fact that the walleye and whitebass are set to make their spring runs is just icing on the cake.
First off: Here's a blurb from the DNR's 2011 Fishing Report:
This time of year, I always get some requests for information on fishing the Rock River. It's only natural given that as the ice gives out, the Rock River is one of the closest fishing options. The fact that the walleye and whitebass are set to make their spring runs is just icing on the cake.
First off: Here's a blurb from the DNR's 2011 Fishing Report:
Rock River — Enjoy the simplicity and excitement of white bass fishing on the Rock River in northern Jefferson and Dodge counties in late April through early May. Boat launches in Fort Atkinson and Jefferson offer good access to the Rock and Crawfish rivers as this species moves upstream from Lake Koshkonong each spring. While angling for these plentiful fish, keep an eye out for tagged fish, part of an ongoing fish study aimed to evaluate the Jefferson dam fish passage effectiveness.
The fish passage serves to improve movement,reproduction and recruitment of fish species, such as sauger and walleye, by providing uninterrupted river access from the Indianford dam at Lake Koshkonong to the lower Watertown dam. Tags used in the study resemble two-inch, fluorescent pink pieces of spaghetti and are located near the base of the fish’s dorsal fin (the fin along the top of the back). Each tag contains a unique number that identifies the fish. Anglers should report tagged
fish, along with catch date and location, tag number, length, whether the fish was kept or released, and angler’s name and address to Laura.StremickThompson@wisconsin. gov or (920) 387-7876.
Anglers are asked to not remove tags from fish they release.
In 2009, underwater cameras were installed within the fish passage to monitor fish movement. To date, white bass, walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, bullhead species, bigmouth buffalo, white sucker, common carp and freshwater drum have been documented using the fish passage.
The public can access live streaming video from the cameras via www.biotactic.com, click on BRAVO, then select Node 6.
Next Some Fishing Report Links:
Water Resources Links:
Public Boat Launches:
Note, the launch at HWY 26 is blocked off. If you want to access the mouth area, there is a paid launch at a bar on Blackhawk Island.
Links to JSOnline Articles about Fishing the Rock River in Springtime:
Link to the fish passage camera:
Friday, March 18, 2011
Fishing Report 3-18-11
Greetings,
Spring is upon us, and river fishing is starting to pick up.
Fishing in the Dells appears to be hitting its stride. Walleye are coming out of both deep and shallow water, and anglers are reporting several periods of fish activity per day. If the bite is tough, try drifting with a split shot or lindy rig in place of a jig. Sometimes the subtle presentation is better.
Looking for a fish for the wall? The run has also started at Depere. It is still early by all accounts, so there's more fish rather than the big fish that will move in, but none the less, anglers are reporting consistent success. Jerkbaits, jig and minnow, and lindy rigs are all producing.
Closer to home, things are just getting started on the Rock River between Jefferson and the mouth. Anglers are starting to pick up a few fish at Blackhawk, as well as at the mouth of the Bark River. The Starpole hole has been producing some smaller fish, as well as the S turn. The water is below average levels for this time of year, but flows are steady. Watch your prop if moving through the Jefferson Rapids, or below the dam. I recommend anchoring with three way rigs, especially in areas with slack water adjacent to the holes.
Spring is upon us, and river fishing is starting to pick up.
Fishing in the Dells appears to be hitting its stride. Walleye are coming out of both deep and shallow water, and anglers are reporting several periods of fish activity per day. If the bite is tough, try drifting with a split shot or lindy rig in place of a jig. Sometimes the subtle presentation is better.
Looking for a fish for the wall? The run has also started at Depere. It is still early by all accounts, so there's more fish rather than the big fish that will move in, but none the less, anglers are reporting consistent success. Jerkbaits, jig and minnow, and lindy rigs are all producing.
Closer to home, things are just getting started on the Rock River between Jefferson and the mouth. Anglers are starting to pick up a few fish at Blackhawk, as well as at the mouth of the Bark River. The Starpole hole has been producing some smaller fish, as well as the S turn. The water is below average levels for this time of year, but flows are steady. Watch your prop if moving through the Jefferson Rapids, or below the dam. I recommend anchoring with three way rigs, especially in areas with slack water adjacent to the holes.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Spring 2011 Fishing Report
The DNR's 2011 Fishing Forecast is online.
I think the observation for Oconomowoc Lake is very interesting, and it certainly squares with what I have been seeing on the water there over the past few seasons.
Here's the text from Waukesha County:
WAUKESHA COUNTY
Nagawicka Lake — Nagawicka Lake was surveyed in 2010 and revealed a diverse gamefish population consisting of northern pike up to 39 inches, smallmouth bass up to 20 inches and many good-sized walleye
that averaged 19 inches. Largemouth bass are abundant with an average size of 14 inches with the largest fish caught being over 21 inches. The dominant forage base in Nagawicka is white suckers, which show strong annual migrations up the Bark River. The 2010 survey also showed a panfish population of bluegill and black crappie with impressive size structure.
Lower Genessee Lake — Lower Genessee Lake is a quiet little lake nestled a few miles from the interstate. It is tailored for small boats or canoes. Hang on to your fishing pole though, there are some really nice-sized pike lurking in these waters. Lower Genessee also has big bluegill with a few fish measured near the 10-inch mark during a 2010 survey. Lower Genesee is annually stocked with trout prior to openingday. Many of the trout stocked survive another year in this high-quality groundwater seepage lake.
Lower Phantom Lake — Lower Phantom Lake is a shallow lake connected to the Mukwonago River that sports a rich diversity of fish species. Longear sunfish and lake chubsuckers are just a few of the many rare species found in the Phantom lakes and the Mukwonago River. They are among the most diverse waterbodies in the state and have 58 documented fish species. Phantom lakes also have excellent largemouth bass fishing with a few fish over 18 inches. Northern pike populations are on the rise asare many area lakes thanks to a premium large fingerling product from DNR’s hatchery system.
Big Muskego Lake — This is a great place to take a kid fishing. The restrictive length and bag limits on all panfish and gamefish species do not allow much for harvest, but surely provide fast angling action. This
year brings a northern pike 40-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of one that are sure to provide some memorable angling opportunities for future generations. This lake tailors to the nature enthusiast providing abundant wildlife viewing and excellent water quality. Three deep fishing holes are found near waterfowl nesting islands along the lake’s east side.
Oconmowoc Lake — This is one of Waukesha County’s highest quality fisheries hosting superior angling opportunities for musky, walleye and smallmouth bass. A 2009 fall walleye stocking evaluation revealed excellent natural reproduction of this fine table fare. Walleye on Oconomowoc Lake have a special 18-inch minimum length limit and daily bag limit of three. In the spring, large musky may be seen near the public boat launch on the Oconomowoc River.
Pine Lake — Pine Lake provides the county’s best chance to land a trophy walleye. A 2009 fall survey showed excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass potential for anglers. In addition to the many gamefish,
Pine Lake also provides some awesome black crappie fishing.
Lac LaBelle — Lac LaBelle has the highest walleye abundance of all Waukesha County lakes because of its restrictive size and bag limit. There are only a few musky lurking in LaBelle, but the ones that do, are
big — averaging 42 inches as revealed by a 2009 survey. This unique waterbody is host to some large flathead catfish, which is a closed fishery year round. Giant buffalo fish are found in the spring near the outlet
of the lake near the physical carp barrier. Bowfishing for buffalo and carp on Lac LaBelle is a very popular practice due to cloudy water, creating a less spooky fish.
Pewaukee Lake — Pewaukee Lake is still Waukesha County’s premier musky water thanks to a successful stocking program. Pewaukee is scheduled for a comprehensive fisheries survey starting in 2011. The DNR will examine length, age, growth and abundance of all fish species including musky. The Milwaukee chapter of Musky Inc. is raising spring yearling musky to supplement the existing stocking program.
The whole report is online here: at the DNR website.
I think the observation for Oconomowoc Lake is very interesting, and it certainly squares with what I have been seeing on the water there over the past few seasons.
Here's the text from Waukesha County:
WAUKESHA COUNTY
Nagawicka Lake — Nagawicka Lake was surveyed in 2010 and revealed a diverse gamefish population consisting of northern pike up to 39 inches, smallmouth bass up to 20 inches and many good-sized walleye
that averaged 19 inches. Largemouth bass are abundant with an average size of 14 inches with the largest fish caught being over 21 inches. The dominant forage base in Nagawicka is white suckers, which show strong annual migrations up the Bark River. The 2010 survey also showed a panfish population of bluegill and black crappie with impressive size structure.
Lower Genessee Lake — Lower Genessee Lake is a quiet little lake nestled a few miles from the interstate. It is tailored for small boats or canoes. Hang on to your fishing pole though, there are some really nice-sized pike lurking in these waters. Lower Genessee also has big bluegill with a few fish measured near the 10-inch mark during a 2010 survey. Lower Genesee is annually stocked with trout prior to openingday. Many of the trout stocked survive another year in this high-quality groundwater seepage lake.
Lower Phantom Lake — Lower Phantom Lake is a shallow lake connected to the Mukwonago River that sports a rich diversity of fish species. Longear sunfish and lake chubsuckers are just a few of the many rare species found in the Phantom lakes and the Mukwonago River. They are among the most diverse waterbodies in the state and have 58 documented fish species. Phantom lakes also have excellent largemouth bass fishing with a few fish over 18 inches. Northern pike populations are on the rise asare many area lakes thanks to a premium large fingerling product from DNR’s hatchery system.
Big Muskego Lake — This is a great place to take a kid fishing. The restrictive length and bag limits on all panfish and gamefish species do not allow much for harvest, but surely provide fast angling action. This
year brings a northern pike 40-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of one that are sure to provide some memorable angling opportunities for future generations. This lake tailors to the nature enthusiast providing abundant wildlife viewing and excellent water quality. Three deep fishing holes are found near waterfowl nesting islands along the lake’s east side.
Oconmowoc Lake — This is one of Waukesha County’s highest quality fisheries hosting superior angling opportunities for musky, walleye and smallmouth bass. A 2009 fall walleye stocking evaluation revealed excellent natural reproduction of this fine table fare. Walleye on Oconomowoc Lake have a special 18-inch minimum length limit and daily bag limit of three. In the spring, large musky may be seen near the public boat launch on the Oconomowoc River.
Pine Lake — Pine Lake provides the county’s best chance to land a trophy walleye. A 2009 fall survey showed excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass potential for anglers. In addition to the many gamefish,
Pine Lake also provides some awesome black crappie fishing.
Lac LaBelle — Lac LaBelle has the highest walleye abundance of all Waukesha County lakes because of its restrictive size and bag limit. There are only a few musky lurking in LaBelle, but the ones that do, are
big — averaging 42 inches as revealed by a 2009 survey. This unique waterbody is host to some large flathead catfish, which is a closed fishery year round. Giant buffalo fish are found in the spring near the outlet
of the lake near the physical carp barrier. Bowfishing for buffalo and carp on Lac LaBelle is a very popular practice due to cloudy water, creating a less spooky fish.
Pewaukee Lake — Pewaukee Lake is still Waukesha County’s premier musky water thanks to a successful stocking program. Pewaukee is scheduled for a comprehensive fisheries survey starting in 2011. The DNR will examine length, age, growth and abundance of all fish species including musky. The Milwaukee chapter of Musky Inc. is raising spring yearling musky to supplement the existing stocking program.
The whole report is online here: at the DNR website.
WI DNR Spring Hearings:
Big changes brewing in the Spring DNR hearings. New rules for:
You can read up on the spring hearings at the DNR website here.
By the way, I'll be voting yes on these three provisions.
- Quick Strike Rigs
- Minimum Musky Size
- Changes to size/local bag limits on Walleye/Sauger
You can read up on the spring hearings at the DNR website here.
By the way, I'll be voting yes on these three provisions.
Monday, March 14, 2011
Let's hit the water....
...The rivers are opening up, and with this week's warm, sunny weather things will start happening quickly.
Early season trips are available at a discounted rate.
Email me for more information
CT
Early season trips are available at a discounted rate.
Email me for more information
CT
Friday, March 11, 2011
Fishing Report 3-11-11
Greetings,
Spring is upon us...at least in theory. As the local lakes are still iced in, but the rivers start to open up, fishing gets a little different.
Panfish are still being caught in shallow bays, and you can expect that pattern to stay solid as long as the ice does. I haven't been out, but 'd assume from the reports I'm hearing that the ice is okay for now, especially over shallow water, but as daytime temps warm up, and the days get longer, conditions will get worse, traditionally in very quick fashion. It's always a good idea to spud your way out and in.
Myself, I'm starting to turn my attention to the river fishing opportunities. Close to home, the Rock River is opening up, although the water is still very cold, and some of the launches between Jefferson and the mouth are iced in as of yet. I'd expect the warmer temps and the rain that's on the way to break that up quick. Stay tuned, I might be out as early as Wednesday of next week.
If you're ready for a drive, you have two open water options. First is the trophy fishery at De Pere. The piers are going in this weekend at the park apparently, and people who have headed out already report solid numbers of fish being caught.
Of course the other option is in the Dells. Anglers there are getting some nice keepers, plus a ton of slot fish already, and its only set to get better. The pattern appears to be shallow eddies for the keeper fish, as anglers fishing deep seem to be consistently reporting catching smaller males. Fishing pressure in the Dells is sure to increase over the next two weeks. If you're having trouble catching them on jig/minnow or jig and plastic combos try a split shot or lindy rig, which seems to be the ticket for pressured fish in the Dells. (Musky) Mike Kitchen showed me that years ago when he and I would go there together every spring, and I was amazed how well it would work.
Things are sure to pick up as soon as spring moves in and decides to stay awhile.
Cheers
CT
Spring is upon us...at least in theory. As the local lakes are still iced in, but the rivers start to open up, fishing gets a little different.
Panfish are still being caught in shallow bays, and you can expect that pattern to stay solid as long as the ice does. I haven't been out, but 'd assume from the reports I'm hearing that the ice is okay for now, especially over shallow water, but as daytime temps warm up, and the days get longer, conditions will get worse, traditionally in very quick fashion. It's always a good idea to spud your way out and in.
Myself, I'm starting to turn my attention to the river fishing opportunities. Close to home, the Rock River is opening up, although the water is still very cold, and some of the launches between Jefferson and the mouth are iced in as of yet. I'd expect the warmer temps and the rain that's on the way to break that up quick. Stay tuned, I might be out as early as Wednesday of next week.
If you're ready for a drive, you have two open water options. First is the trophy fishery at De Pere. The piers are going in this weekend at the park apparently, and people who have headed out already report solid numbers of fish being caught.
Of course the other option is in the Dells. Anglers there are getting some nice keepers, plus a ton of slot fish already, and its only set to get better. The pattern appears to be shallow eddies for the keeper fish, as anglers fishing deep seem to be consistently reporting catching smaller males. Fishing pressure in the Dells is sure to increase over the next two weeks. If you're having trouble catching them on jig/minnow or jig and plastic combos try a split shot or lindy rig, which seems to be the ticket for pressured fish in the Dells. (Musky) Mike Kitchen showed me that years ago when he and I would go there together every spring, and I was amazed how well it would work.
Things are sure to pick up as soon as spring moves in and decides to stay awhile.
Cheers
CT
Sunday, March 6, 2011
Gamefish Season Closes Tonight
Hey gang, just a few hours out from the close of gamefish season on most inland waters.
Here's something you can do to pass the time till the Rock River opens up for early walleye fishing.
Wolf River Cameras
The one a Freemont usually shows the most fish, but as the season moves along, you'll start to see a variety of species on them.
Check in later this week for a fishing report. Much will depend on whether we get rain or snow as the next big weather system moves through.
Cheers,
CT
Here's something you can do to pass the time till the Rock River opens up for early walleye fishing.
Wolf River Cameras
The one a Freemont usually shows the most fish, but as the season moves along, you'll start to see a variety of species on them.
Check in later this week for a fishing report. Much will depend on whether we get rain or snow as the next big weather system moves through.
Cheers,
CT
Monday, February 21, 2011
Fishing Report 2-21-11
Hey gang,
Our stretch of nice weather is over, but fret not... just 28 days until the start of spring.
First off, just some advice. Be careful on the ice. The warm weather, rain and high winds have made some of the open water areas a little sketchy, especially for vehicle traffic. While our area lakes are not Winnebago where three cars went through, it never hurts to be on the safe side.
As for the fishing, the first point to mention is that stretches of the river are opening up, and anglers are already hitting them, most notably in the Dells. Obviously its very early, but a few walleyes are already being caught.
Closer to home, we're moving to late winter conditions.
Pike have started moving into the marshy areas to get ready for the spawn. This is the time to chase your winter trophy. Focus on shallow flats, especially marshy areas (like the Crane's Nest on Okauchee, the North end of Golden Lake, the West side of Lower Nehmabin or the area just outside of the Kettle on Nag). While large shiners will still catch fish, now is the time to set up with dead bait. Running three tip-ups per guy, I like to do two with a live shiner and one with deadbait until I find out what's working. Typically bigger fish will come during a 2 hour stretch during the day, while the more aggressive, smaller "action" fish will bite throughout the day.
Panfish action has been slower, but steady. There's still a handful of guys getting some keepers out of shallow weeds, but the guys looking for and finding suspended fish in deep water are having better success. 12-16 feet over 20+ seems to be the magic combination this year, but deep water adjacent to structure is always your best option.
Good Luck, and be safe.
Cheers,
CT
Our stretch of nice weather is over, but fret not... just 28 days until the start of spring.
First off, just some advice. Be careful on the ice. The warm weather, rain and high winds have made some of the open water areas a little sketchy, especially for vehicle traffic. While our area lakes are not Winnebago where three cars went through, it never hurts to be on the safe side.
As for the fishing, the first point to mention is that stretches of the river are opening up, and anglers are already hitting them, most notably in the Dells. Obviously its very early, but a few walleyes are already being caught.
Closer to home, we're moving to late winter conditions.
Pike have started moving into the marshy areas to get ready for the spawn. This is the time to chase your winter trophy. Focus on shallow flats, especially marshy areas (like the Crane's Nest on Okauchee, the North end of Golden Lake, the West side of Lower Nehmabin or the area just outside of the Kettle on Nag). While large shiners will still catch fish, now is the time to set up with dead bait. Running three tip-ups per guy, I like to do two with a live shiner and one with deadbait until I find out what's working. Typically bigger fish will come during a 2 hour stretch during the day, while the more aggressive, smaller "action" fish will bite throughout the day.
Panfish action has been slower, but steady. There's still a handful of guys getting some keepers out of shallow weeds, but the guys looking for and finding suspended fish in deep water are having better success. 12-16 feet over 20+ seems to be the magic combination this year, but deep water adjacent to structure is always your best option.
Good Luck, and be safe.
Cheers,
CT
Friday, February 18, 2011
Open Water in the Dells
Lake Link's "Botch" from the River's Edge Resort is letting anglers know that the Wisconsin River at the Dells Dam is open, and anglers are starting to catch a few walleyes.
If you're ready to stash the ice fishing gear, and get the boat out, you have an opportunity to do so in the dells.Website Here-
Make sure to check out the river cam. Its early so Jig and Minnows are a solid bet, but as fishing pressure increases, start looking to lindy and split shot rigs.
Cheers
CT
If you're ready to stash the ice fishing gear, and get the boat out, you have an opportunity to do so in the dells.Website Here-
Make sure to check out the river cam. Its early so Jig and Minnows are a solid bet, but as fishing pressure increases, start looking to lindy and split shot rigs.
Cheers
CT
Monday, February 7, 2011
Fishing Report 2-7-11
Hey gang,
Fishing slowed down a little the past week to ten days, people are still having solid success, but the pressure from the fisherees made the bite a little tougher for many anglers.
Pike continue to bite in 6-10 feet, especially in areas with weed/sand transitions. Better pike are starting to stage in 10-15 feet adjacent to spawning areas. Live bait has been outperforming deadbait, especially when presented with a florocarbon leaders. After our next cold snap this week, look for pike to start to make a move to the marshy areas to prepare for the spawn. Smaller fish will go first, but the larger fish won't be far behind.
Crappie continue to bite early and late. The key the last week was to find current areas that were holding them. People I talked to said the bite would get hot for about 30 minutes and then drop off. Some nice bags were being taken in 12-15 feet of water adjacent to current areas. Look for suspended fish, and remember to fish just above them.
Bluegills continue to bite shallow, but the better fish are suspending in deeper water. You'll need to be mobile and use electronics to get at the suspended fish, but if you find a batch, hold on, the action can be great.
Walleye are biting in 8-12 and 18-22 feet over sand and gravel areas, the best bite has been just before sun-up.
Good Luck,
CT
Fishing slowed down a little the past week to ten days, people are still having solid success, but the pressure from the fisherees made the bite a little tougher for many anglers.
Pike continue to bite in 6-10 feet, especially in areas with weed/sand transitions. Better pike are starting to stage in 10-15 feet adjacent to spawning areas. Live bait has been outperforming deadbait, especially when presented with a florocarbon leaders. After our next cold snap this week, look for pike to start to make a move to the marshy areas to prepare for the spawn. Smaller fish will go first, but the larger fish won't be far behind.
Crappie continue to bite early and late. The key the last week was to find current areas that were holding them. People I talked to said the bite would get hot for about 30 minutes and then drop off. Some nice bags were being taken in 12-15 feet of water adjacent to current areas. Look for suspended fish, and remember to fish just above them.
Bluegills continue to bite shallow, but the better fish are suspending in deeper water. You'll need to be mobile and use electronics to get at the suspended fish, but if you find a batch, hold on, the action can be great.
Walleye are biting in 8-12 and 18-22 feet over sand and gravel areas, the best bite has been just before sun-up.
Good Luck,
CT
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Fishing Report 1-11-11
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.
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.
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
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