Greetings,
Here's what's happening around the area:
Thewater temperatures are in the mid to high 60's on most area lakes. Most of the Gamefish have spawned, and the panfish are starting to move up.
Musky have been fairly active on our local lakes the past few weeks, and quite a number of quality fish have been caught, especially on the windy days. A solid shallow pattern has been working for anglers who put in the time. Look for fish on the shallow weed flats in 6-10 feet of water. Scattered weedclumps with visible baitfish or panfish are high percentage areas right now. A few fish are also using the first deep break in 12-18 feet of water where green weeds have started. 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. On cooler days, especially those with a North or east wind, they have been fairly lethargic. 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. Crankbaits like rapala shad raps are catching fish as is controlled drifting with live bait. Slow and steady have been the operative words. A nightcrawler, leech or small sucker on a lindy rig or long lined split shot setup have been the most consistent producers. A few fish are being caught around weeds using jig and plastic or jig and minnow combinations.
Best Bets: Pine, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Lac Labelle, the Nehmabins and Fox Lake.
Largemouth Bass Fishing for bass has been spotty, and some days are much better than others. With the sunny, still days we had, the bite has dropped off a bit, but with some cooler weather and clouds, it's sure to pick up. 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, shakey heads, swimbaits, texas rigged lizards or stickbaits, lipless crankbaits, and jigs with a chunk or craw trailer have all been producing. Natural colors have been better than flash this season. Nightcralwers or large leeches on a lindy or split shot rig or large shiners under floats fished around piers or along rockbars have been catching a few nice fish.
Best Bets: Okauchee, Golden, Keesus, Pine, Nagawicka, Buelah, Moose.
Smallmouth Bass Fish are patrolling the shallow bars 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 who are foraging for craws. Suspending jerkbaits, tubes, wacky worms, swimbaits and lipless crankbaits in a crawfish pattern have all caught fish within the last ten days.
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.
Best Bets: Pine, Okauchee, Kessus, Golden, Garvin, Ashippun, Lake Five.
Bluegills are beginning to move into the shallow water on many area lakes, but 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. Panfish plumpers, 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 stocking was a sucess this year on out local waters, with rainbows and brook trout still available. Lower Nashotah, Fowler, Lower Geneessee and Paradise Springs all recieved fish, as did several of the county park ponds. A complete list of stocked waters is available from the Wisconsin DNR website. 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, redworms or panfish plumpers will catch fish when you find them.
Good Luck Out There.
Chris Terry
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Local Tip....
I have been out fishing several times the last two weeks, and I'm noticing a couple of things.
1.) Many (but not all) lakes have very limited weed growth
2.) There's lots of baitfish roaming around, but I'm not catching many bass near areas where they are.
Combined, that means just one thing.....the bass are foraging for crawfish.
It makes sense, given the weather we've had, and on lakes with weedgrowth that's behind schedule, the bass will relate to rock, gravel or sand/gravel areas. Crawfish are an excellent source of protein, something larger fish need after the spawn.
Consider using a skirted or spider grub on a leadhead jig. I like the Chompers brand, but there are many versions, including Kalins, Powerbait and Yum. I fish these baits on a 3/8oz leadlead, football or standup jig head.
Watermelon, green pumpkin or watermelon red are my three favorite colors, but rootbeer green and pumpkin are also great on our local lakes.
Fishing them is easy. Throw it out, let it sink to the bottom, and drag it very slowly back to the boat. After you cast it out, position yourself so that your rod and line are straight out from each other, in line essentially. Hold the rod out from yourself at about ten oclock high, and with line tight, lift the rod slowly to about a twelve oclock position. As you pull the bait along, it will catch on rocks, weeds and other obstructions. When you feel this happen, stop pulling and start shaking the rod ever so slighty. The bait will either bounce over the obstruction or chances are you will get a bite. If you loose contact with the weight of your jig, (the key is to always be in contact with it) make a hook setting motion.
Last point, and its key: Don't move the bait or the rod quickly, do as the Famous Charlie Brewer used to say, polish the rocks. I always tell people, you are fishing it slow enough, if you are fishing it half as fast as you think is slow enough.
Remember, when you land that big one, C-P-R for the future.
Good Luck,
CT
Friday, May 21, 2010
Fishing Report 5-21-2010
Well, I was out and about, and its time for another fishing report.
A couple of things about conditions. First, the water is still cool, with temps in the high fifties to low 60's. Weed growth is limited, and water clarity is above average. All in all, this can make for some tough fishing.
Bass are in a post spawn mode, and many fish are patrolling the shallow areas, foraging. They seem fairly active, but very spooky in the clear water. Slow fishing is key. Jig/chunk, wacky worms, texas rigs, and floating stickbaits are all great choices. Try Okauchee, Garvin, Fowler, Moose, Ashippun, School Section, Middle Genessee, Nehmabin and Nagawicka.
Northern Pike are using the shallow weeds that have popped up, and are feeding on small baitfish, especially juvenile bluegills. Cranks, lipless crankbaits, buzzbaits or spinnerbaits are all catching fish. Live bait options include suckers or large shiners. Moose, Kessus, Golden and Nag.
Musky have been active, and lots of fish are coming in. Pewaukee, Oconomowoc and Okauchee have all been consistent producers. Jerks, sliders, slammers and bucktails are all producing. A few fish have come on sucker rigs. Look for fish near shallow green weeds or along the breaks in 12-18 feet of water.
Walleye are schooled up, and patrolling the shallows on many lakes. Look for baitfish near obvious breaklines and fish hard. Walleyes are fairly spooky in the clear water, so keep your distance, and fish with split shot or light lindy rigs. Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle and Pine.
Panfish action has been hit or miss. The cooler water has not pulled the schools into the shallows in significant numbers. The best bites have been on the smaller lakes, especially the dark bottom ones. Bays on Okauchee, Forest, School Section, Golden, Ashippun and Nag.
Whitebass are still coming in to anglers who put in the time along the Rock River. The best action is between Fort Atkinson and the Jefferson Dam.
Good Luck
A couple of things about conditions. First, the water is still cool, with temps in the high fifties to low 60's. Weed growth is limited, and water clarity is above average. All in all, this can make for some tough fishing.
Bass are in a post spawn mode, and many fish are patrolling the shallow areas, foraging. They seem fairly active, but very spooky in the clear water. Slow fishing is key. Jig/chunk, wacky worms, texas rigs, and floating stickbaits are all great choices. Try Okauchee, Garvin, Fowler, Moose, Ashippun, School Section, Middle Genessee, Nehmabin and Nagawicka.
Northern Pike are using the shallow weeds that have popped up, and are feeding on small baitfish, especially juvenile bluegills. Cranks, lipless crankbaits, buzzbaits or spinnerbaits are all catching fish. Live bait options include suckers or large shiners. Moose, Kessus, Golden and Nag.
Musky have been active, and lots of fish are coming in. Pewaukee, Oconomowoc and Okauchee have all been consistent producers. Jerks, sliders, slammers and bucktails are all producing. A few fish have come on sucker rigs. Look for fish near shallow green weeds or along the breaks in 12-18 feet of water.
Walleye are schooled up, and patrolling the shallows on many lakes. Look for baitfish near obvious breaklines and fish hard. Walleyes are fairly spooky in the clear water, so keep your distance, and fish with split shot or light lindy rigs. Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle and Pine.
Panfish action has been hit or miss. The cooler water has not pulled the schools into the shallows in significant numbers. The best bites have been on the smaller lakes, especially the dark bottom ones. Bays on Okauchee, Forest, School Section, Golden, Ashippun and Nag.
Whitebass are still coming in to anglers who put in the time along the Rock River. The best action is between Fort Atkinson and the Jefferson Dam.
Good Luck
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Quickie Fishing Report 5-16-2010
Finally, some sunshine and stable weather.
Here's a quick update on local conditions.
Water temps are in the mid 50's to mid 60's on most area lakes. Weed growth is behind schedule for this time of year, especially on the clear water lakes.
Bass have spawned on many lakes, but a few fish are still protecting fry or nests. Lots of fish are patrolling the shallows, but they are on the smaller side. Plastics, crankbaits, and live bait have all been catching fish.
Pike are using shallow weeds and reedy areas and are chasing juvenile baitfish and panfish. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are all taking fish.
Musky are moving into transition areas. Fish are making foraging runs a couple times a day into the shallow water, but are holding and feeding on baitfish in 8-22 feet of water.
Tune in Wednesday for a full report.
Cheers
CT
Here's a quick update on local conditions.
Water temps are in the mid 50's to mid 60's on most area lakes. Weed growth is behind schedule for this time of year, especially on the clear water lakes.
Bass have spawned on many lakes, but a few fish are still protecting fry or nests. Lots of fish are patrolling the shallows, but they are on the smaller side. Plastics, crankbaits, and live bait have all been catching fish.
Pike are using shallow weeds and reedy areas and are chasing juvenile baitfish and panfish. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits are all taking fish.
Musky are moving into transition areas. Fish are making foraging runs a couple times a day into the shallow water, but are holding and feeding on baitfish in 8-22 feet of water.
Tune in Wednesday for a full report.
Cheers
CT
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Fishing Report 5/5/2010
Well gamefish season is off and running. Here's a quick rundown.
Bass are in a spawn to post spawn mode. A few fish are still nesting, but many have completed the process. Expect to see males cruising the shallows or defending fry, but the bigger fish will be moving out to the first or second break. Bass fishing is likely to be a hit or miss proposition for a week to 10 days on most area lakes.
Pike action was steady, with lots of smaller fish being reported. Not surprising. Look for pike in shallow weedy areas. Ratttletraps and spinner baits are great options right now, as is a smaller sucker underneath a float.
Musky action was steady, with several large fish reported. Lots of follows, especially from larger fish. look for them in 5-10 feet of water near weeds or adjacent to spawning areas. The action is sure to pick up after the next batch of weather moves through.
Walleyes were almost absent for the opener by most reports. A few fish are still being caught in Jefferson/Ft Atkinson, but the bite on the local lakes was reported as pretty slow. I'd dive it a week, but if you're out look for them on shallow weedy points, and expect them to feed in little spurts a couple times during the day.
Good Luck,
Chris
Bass are in a spawn to post spawn mode. A few fish are still nesting, but many have completed the process. Expect to see males cruising the shallows or defending fry, but the bigger fish will be moving out to the first or second break. Bass fishing is likely to be a hit or miss proposition for a week to 10 days on most area lakes.
Pike action was steady, with lots of smaller fish being reported. Not surprising. Look for pike in shallow weedy areas. Ratttletraps and spinner baits are great options right now, as is a smaller sucker underneath a float.
Musky action was steady, with several large fish reported. Lots of follows, especially from larger fish. look for them in 5-10 feet of water near weeds or adjacent to spawning areas. The action is sure to pick up after the next batch of weather moves through.
Walleyes were almost absent for the opener by most reports. A few fish are still being caught in Jefferson/Ft Atkinson, but the bite on the local lakes was reported as pretty slow. I'd dive it a week, but if you're out look for them on shallow weedy points, and expect them to feed in little spurts a couple times during the day.
Good Luck,
Chris
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Fishing Report 4-25-10
Well gang, the weekend weather kept most people off the water, but if you are heading out this week before the opener, here's what you can expect.
Water temps on most area lakes are in the mid to high 50's. There's not much higher than that, but some of the deeper, clear-water lakes are on the cooler end of the scale. Panfish continue to bite, especially on the warmer sunny afternoons. Bluegills are moving in the shallow bays, and crappies are using weed and wood in shallow water.
There's a significant number of largemouth bass in the shallows in a late-prespawn movement. I've seen several fish paired up on nests the last two times I was out. Typically this behavior is more common with water temperatures over 60 degrees, but there's no question the fish are moving in.
Remember: Inland Lakes are still closed for game-fish until Friday at Midnight.
Whitebass fishing on the Rock River has been spotty, but the rain should really get things going. Walleyes are moving back to the main lake, and guys putting in the time to troll for them are doing pretty good. Catfish action has been slow but steady, and with some warmer weather should really pick up.
Stay tuned.
CT
Water temps on most area lakes are in the mid to high 50's. There's not much higher than that, but some of the deeper, clear-water lakes are on the cooler end of the scale. Panfish continue to bite, especially on the warmer sunny afternoons. Bluegills are moving in the shallow bays, and crappies are using weed and wood in shallow water.
There's a significant number of largemouth bass in the shallows in a late-prespawn movement. I've seen several fish paired up on nests the last two times I was out. Typically this behavior is more common with water temperatures over 60 degrees, but there's no question the fish are moving in.
Remember: Inland Lakes are still closed for game-fish until Friday at Midnight.
Whitebass fishing on the Rock River has been spotty, but the rain should really get things going. Walleyes are moving back to the main lake, and guys putting in the time to troll for them are doing pretty good. Catfish action has been slow but steady, and with some warmer weather should really pick up.
Stay tuned.
CT
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Musky Mike's Grand Opening Event
....Is this Saturday, April 24th.
I'll be giving a brief talk on tackle selections for local lakes around 1:30pm.
Stop by and say hello.
I'll be giving a brief talk on tackle selections for local lakes around 1:30pm.
Stop by and say hello.
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Fishing Report 4/18/2010
Well its definitely transition time out there. The panfish are starting to stage and the bite has been variable along with the weather. Warmer, sunny days have been the best, but it's been windy, and most anglers have been fishing in protected areas, so the off shore and deeper structure bite has been largely untested.
Shallow bays, boat channels and pockets will all hold good panfish right now. Look for dark bottom areas along a north bank for the warmest water or sand and gravel areas adjacent to current. Some weeds or wood laydowns can really concentrate the fish in either location.
On windy days, make long drifts through likely areas, on calmer days anchor away from the weeds or wood, and make long casts towards it. The fish can be spooky.
As for bait, bluegills will go for waxies, spikes or plastics tipped with live bait. Crappies have been great on plastics and on tail-hooked small fathead minnows.
Key Lakes right now: Stumpy and Icehouse Bays on Okauchee, Kessus, Nagawicka, Golden and Silver.
Stay tuned open water is just a few weeks away.
CT
Shallow bays, boat channels and pockets will all hold good panfish right now. Look for dark bottom areas along a north bank for the warmest water or sand and gravel areas adjacent to current. Some weeds or wood laydowns can really concentrate the fish in either location.
On windy days, make long drifts through likely areas, on calmer days anchor away from the weeds or wood, and make long casts towards it. The fish can be spooky.
As for bait, bluegills will go for waxies, spikes or plastics tipped with live bait. Crappies have been great on plastics and on tail-hooked small fathead minnows.
Key Lakes right now: Stumpy and Icehouse Bays on Okauchee, Kessus, Nagawicka, Golden and Silver.
Stay tuned open water is just a few weeks away.
CT
Saturday, April 17, 2010
A plug for my friends at Viking Outposts
If you've ever considered a Fly-In fishing trip in Canada, I recommend Viking Outposts. I don't get paid to say that by the way, it is just a honest recommendation from a great bunch of folks up in Red Lake, Ontario.
The ice is going out early this year, and they have some openings for early season trips.
THIS YEAR, OPENING WEEK WILL BE THE BEST !!
Consider a last minute trip to
Night Hawk Lake: May 14-21
Orono Lake: May 14- 21
Viking Island Lodge: May 21-29
Dolphin Lake: May 22- 29
Telescope Lake: May 28-June 4
Of the ones on this list, I've fished Nighthawk and Orono on previous trips. Orono was my favorite of the lakes we have visited with them, but is also the longest plane ride from Red Lake. Nighthawk was a great lake, and my Dad caught his biggest Pike ever on the trip we took there.
More Information can be had at their website (Viking Outpost) or from their blog (Viking's Blog).
Cheers
CT
The ice is going out early this year, and they have some openings for early season trips.
THIS YEAR, OPENING WEEK WILL BE THE BEST !!
Consider a last minute trip to
Night Hawk Lake: May 14-21
Orono Lake: May 14- 21
Viking Island Lodge: May 21-29
Dolphin Lake: May 22- 29
Telescope Lake: May 28-June 4
Of the ones on this list, I've fished Nighthawk and Orono on previous trips. Orono was my favorite of the lakes we have visited with them, but is also the longest plane ride from Red Lake. Nighthawk was a great lake, and my Dad caught his biggest Pike ever on the trip we took there.
More Information can be had at their website (Viking Outpost) or from their blog (Viking's Blog).
Cheers
CT
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Sturgeon Spawning Information
From the DNR. Looks like they think the bulk of the activity will occur in the next couple days. Maps, history and some video are here.
Cheers
CT
Cheers
CT
Monday, April 12, 2010
Fishing Report 4-12-10
Well gang, spring is upon us, and with it comes the usual run of changing weather patterns.
River fishing has slowed down dramatically. Walleyes are still biting, but most of the action has been contained to small feeding windows or anglers who are putting the time in at night. For the Rock River, this is textbook post-spawn behavior. Some anglers are reporting catching a few whitebass, but it looks like the cooler weather has held off the bulk of the spring run for now. Stay Tuned.
Local lakes are in the mid 40's to low 50's. Warmer water in shallow, dark bottom bays or boat channels along the northern shorelines is where the action is right now. Look for green weeds, wood or sand/gravel transition areas, especially on the warmer, sunny afternoons for crappies and bluegills. Areas which have these conditions adjacent to areas with good current are excellent.
For Bluegills, wax worms, spikes, leaf worms or plastics tipped with live bait are great options. For crappies, try tailhooking a small fathead under a bobber, plastics tipped with waxies or spikes, crappie tubes or small hair jigs. Fish will be anywhere from 18 inches of water to 20 feet deep depending on water clarity and weather conditions.
Stay tuned, its only going to get better.
CT
River fishing has slowed down dramatically. Walleyes are still biting, but most of the action has been contained to small feeding windows or anglers who are putting the time in at night. For the Rock River, this is textbook post-spawn behavior. Some anglers are reporting catching a few whitebass, but it looks like the cooler weather has held off the bulk of the spring run for now. Stay Tuned.
Local lakes are in the mid 40's to low 50's. Warmer water in shallow, dark bottom bays or boat channels along the northern shorelines is where the action is right now. Look for green weeds, wood or sand/gravel transition areas, especially on the warmer, sunny afternoons for crappies and bluegills. Areas which have these conditions adjacent to areas with good current are excellent.
For Bluegills, wax worms, spikes, leaf worms or plastics tipped with live bait are great options. For crappies, try tailhooking a small fathead under a bobber, plastics tipped with waxies or spikes, crappie tubes or small hair jigs. Fish will be anywhere from 18 inches of water to 20 feet deep depending on water clarity and weather conditions.
Stay tuned, its only going to get better.
CT
Saturday, April 10, 2010
More Musky Video
Found this on Youtube.com. Taken a few days ago, from the bridge.
You might also check out the website for The Outdoor Scout, here.
CT
You might also check out the website for The Outdoor Scout, here.
CT
Monday, April 5, 2010
Spring Musky Video is up.
Kathy and Greg grabbed some video of the Muskies below the Oconomowoc River Dam. Check it out on the baitshop blog here.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Fishing Report 4-3-2010
Just an update on local conditions and fishing.
River runs are still in progress, but the walleyes are into the spawning phase. A few stragglers are still showing pre-spawn activity but by and large they are in the process of finishing the spawn. Expect to see some males hanging around for a bit, but its definitely time to start targeting white bass as they stage for their spawning runs. A little rain would really get things going, but the weather came up a little short today. Stay tuned.
Crappies and bluegills are actively biting on many area lakes, especially in the afternoon on the warmer sunny days. The high winds have been problematic, but if you're heading out, look for panfish in shallow, dark-bottom areas, especially if there are reeds or weeds left over from last season. Water temperatures are still low in the mainlake areas, but the shallow bays and boat channels are into the 50's in many protected areas. Go small when possible, waxworms and spikes on a very small hook or icefishing jig will catch as many fish as minnows most days. Mix it up, and be ready for anything.
We're less than a month away from the opener. Things will only get better.
River runs are still in progress, but the walleyes are into the spawning phase. A few stragglers are still showing pre-spawn activity but by and large they are in the process of finishing the spawn. Expect to see some males hanging around for a bit, but its definitely time to start targeting white bass as they stage for their spawning runs. A little rain would really get things going, but the weather came up a little short today. Stay tuned.
Crappies and bluegills are actively biting on many area lakes, especially in the afternoon on the warmer sunny days. The high winds have been problematic, but if you're heading out, look for panfish in shallow, dark-bottom areas, especially if there are reeds or weeds left over from last season. Water temperatures are still low in the mainlake areas, but the shallow bays and boat channels are into the 50's in many protected areas. Go small when possible, waxworms and spikes on a very small hook or icefishing jig will catch as many fish as minnows most days. Mix it up, and be ready for anything.
We're less than a month away from the opener. Things will only get better.
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Fishing Report 3-31-10
Fishing is picking up. Let's give you a quick rundown.
River fishing continues to be very productive. Walleyes are biting on the Fox River in Oshkosh and Depere, The Wolf River, the Wisconsin River and closer to home, on the Rock River.
Fish on the Rock River are moving in from the lake in large groups, and you can expect good action and keeper fish. Advice: use larger/jumbo fatheads or tuffy minnows when targeting fish. Nightcrawlers can help you target some bonus catfish as well. Look for the fish in the areas adjacent to the main current flow, or in the deeper holes near turns in the river. The S turn has been especially productive for keeper fish. Keep in mind the walleyes are about to spawn, but that the white bass will follow them into the river.
Local lakes are free of ice, and panfishing is happening. Crappie are staging in the shallow dark bottom bays, especially those with a north facing shoreline. Small fatheads, waxworms on ice fishing jigs, or plastics tipped with live bait will catch crappies now, especially on the warmer afternoons. On still days, anchor and cast, on windy days used controlled drifting to increase the number of fish you're bringing in.
Good Luck,
CT
River fishing continues to be very productive. Walleyes are biting on the Fox River in Oshkosh and Depere, The Wolf River, the Wisconsin River and closer to home, on the Rock River.
Fish on the Rock River are moving in from the lake in large groups, and you can expect good action and keeper fish. Advice: use larger/jumbo fatheads or tuffy minnows when targeting fish. Nightcrawlers can help you target some bonus catfish as well. Look for the fish in the areas adjacent to the main current flow, or in the deeper holes near turns in the river. The S turn has been especially productive for keeper fish. Keep in mind the walleyes are about to spawn, but that the white bass will follow them into the river.
Local lakes are free of ice, and panfishing is happening. Crappie are staging in the shallow dark bottom bays, especially those with a north facing shoreline. Small fatheads, waxworms on ice fishing jigs, or plastics tipped with live bait will catch crappies now, especially on the warmer afternoons. On still days, anchor and cast, on windy days used controlled drifting to increase the number of fish you're bringing in.
Good Luck,
CT
Monday, March 22, 2010
3-22-10 Fishing Report
The run is on in the Rock River. The water has crested the critical 42 degree temperature, and fish are moving in groups. The mouth has been the most consistent, but anglers in Jefferson and Fort are starting to see schools of fish.
Live bait, especially larger sized fatheads on a jig with stinger hook are catching the most fish. The typical rock-river patterns working especially well, orange or gold head with a chartruese body and/or live bait. Anchoring and fishing with three way-rigs or kytock setups works pretty well.
Look for slack water areas adjacent to the main current, that's where the lion's share of the fish are being caught.
It's only going to get better.
Stay tuned.
CT
Live bait, especially larger sized fatheads on a jig with stinger hook are catching the most fish. The typical rock-river patterns working especially well, orange or gold head with a chartruese body and/or live bait. Anchoring and fishing with three way-rigs or kytock setups works pretty well.
Look for slack water areas adjacent to the main current, that's where the lion's share of the fish are being caught.
It's only going to get better.
Stay tuned.
CT
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Open Water Opportunities
There's a ton of open water fishing just around the corner, but right now the Dells and Depere are both open and fish are being caught.
The Laker bite in the harbor is going strong as well.
This batch of rain is sure to get a few things started. If you're looking for some early season fishing, give me a call.
CT
The Laker bite in the harbor is going strong as well.
This batch of rain is sure to get a few things started. If you're looking for some early season fishing, give me a call.
CT
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