Some Okauchee Pics

Todd Lands Our First Good Fish Of the Day

Another Pre-spawn Female. Notice how far off the bank we are fishing.

Another Awesome Fish that Came on a Jigworm. Again, notice how far off the bank we are fishing.

Okauchee Trips 5-11-12

Tale of two days today.

Morning Run: Fished 8:30-1pmish. Tough bite, scratched out some LM and Pike by  mixing up presentations in areas adjacent to spawning areas. Nothing consistent about the bite: Some came on wacky-rigs, a couple more on skirted grubs, and a couple more on lipless crankbaits. I didn't see many bass cruising, but did see a mid 40's musky with a 14inch-ish bass sticking out of his mouth swimming around in upper Oconomowoc.

Switched gears about 1:30, made a move to jig worms on the open areas on the windy flats and jig and craws in close...big change. Started hitting fish almost immediately, and started seeing some quality fish as the afternoon wore on. Ended the day with several quality fish (17+ inches) including a monster thick, prespawn female LM in Tierney that was pushing 5lbs, just before we called it a day.

Caught some nice fish on a 6" jigworm with a 3/32 ounce head fishing around the scattered weeds. Casting the jigworm was the most consistent producer, especially when making some drifts on the windy flat areas in Stumpy, Whitigers, The Saddle and Icehouse. Got out of the wind in some areas between drifts, and went after the fish in the shallow grass with a Dewy Special Jig and a Yum Craw Pappy trailer, both in natural green colors.

Only thing consistent was that fish came out of areas where there were visible baitfish. No food=no fish today- a equation that was certainly true this morning, but especially true this afternoon. Better fish were away from shore, but close to scattered weeds. (Otherwise known as classic pre-spawn LM activity) Still only seeing a few beds. Warmest water was 68 when I pulled out, up from 58 this morning.

Windy, but an otherwise beautiful day. Set to be a great week ahead. Good Luck....

Cheers, CT

PS: Pictures when I can get them up.

Fishing Report 5-10-12

Finally seeing a batch of stable weather. The fishing is sure to pick up.

Reports have water temps ranging from between the high 50's to mid 60's on most area lakes, but weed growth is advanced for this time of year.

Panfish will  move into shallow areas, especially on warm, sunny afternoons. The bite can be really good, especially in the mid afternoon. Look for shallow, dark bottom bays with scattered weeds, woods or reeds. The fish may be very tight to shore, but don't overlook the first break into deeper water. 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, dillys, waxworms, spikes, or butterworms. For active bluegills, plastics will outperform live bait, and will usually help keep some of the smaller fish off your line. For crappies, tail hooked minnows, skirted grubs, road runners, or waxworms on an ice-fishing jig will really produce. (Try: Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Silver, Golden, School Section, Middle Geneesee or Nagawicka, and I'll point out that Ashippun is apparently the hot spot right now.

Largemouth are in various stages of the spawn. Lots of fish are still cruising the flats, while some males are up on the nests, especially in areas where the water is warmest. The bite has been inconsistent since Sunday's rain, but can be good at times. Look for LM in shallow areas with rock, sand or muck. Protected bays with wood laydowns or weeds will really concentrate fish. As the temperature warms up this week, look for more of the larger males to start making some nests around docks and other shoreline cover. Larger female fish will begin feeding on rockbars and around scattered weeds. You can use a variety of presentations to chase these fish. Flappers are a great option to find fish, before slowing down to make tighter presentations. Jig and chunks/ jig and craws/ jig and eels will catch less fish, but are a great way to catch a bigger fish, especially when fished tight to cover. Slower presentations like wacky worms, texas rigged lizards or tubes are all great for probing areas, but spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, and crawfish imitating shallow diving crankbaits will all catch fish right now. Using live bait? Leeches, nightcrawlers or large shiners are your best option. (Try Okauchee, Moose, Kessus, Golden, Silver, Fowler, Pine, and Nagawicka)

Smallmouth bass are starting to appear in rocky areas, cruising and foraging. Look for them in the usual early season spots, but don't be afraid to look for them as deep as 25 feet, where they will be feeding on schools of yellow perch. Spinnerbaits are a great way to cover water, tubes are a great way to look for fish around the dropoffs and on the shallow rockbars. Lindy rigging with large shiners can really produce some amazing fish this time of year. (Try Lac Labelle, Pine, Nagawicka, and Oconomowoc)

Walleye:  Look for walleyes in shallow water, around rocks or sand, or at the end of longer points especially early in the morning, and later in the evening. In the daylight hours, schools of fish will be cruising the sand flats in 8-15 feet of water. Live bait rigging, (Lindy rigs with small suckers!) jig and minnow or jig and leech combos, or trolling with shad or minnow imitators are your best approaches. (Try Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Nagawicka or Pine)

Northern pike were chasing bait fish around shallow weeds, especially near marshy areas, and will aggressively bite spinners, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits or live bait suspended around shallow weeds.(Try: Moose, Kessus, Okauchee, Fowler, School Section, Pretty and Nagawicka)

Musky fishing has been slow but steady for the guys putting in the time. Most fish are in 5-12 feet of water, and are biting on swimbaits, gliders, jerkbaits and bucktails. Remember to do your figure eights on every cast right now, as lots of anglers were reporting lazy follows this past weekend. Personally, I like to use smaller baits in a black and blue, or black and orange combination at this point in the year. (Try Okauchee, Garvin, Lac Labelle, Fowler and Pewaukee for Musky)

Catfish were starting to bite more aggressively on the Rock River. Look for them around wood on the bottom, or in the channel turns. Stink bait, cutbait or nightcrawlers were all producing.

Trout fishing was consistent on the stocked lakes and ponds around the area.

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There's a WABTA Tournament for bass on Pewaukee this weekend, and next weekend there are Musky Tournaments on Pewaukee (Saturday) and Okauchee (Sunday).

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The next two weeks will represent some great fishing.....get out there.

Cheers,
CT

Okauchee 5-10-12

Out today on Okauchee during the midday for a few hours. Picked up Frank, who was fishing at the launch from shore. Great guy and we had a fun, if less productive than hoped mid-day.

Moved around a bit looking for a consistent bite. Lots of little bass swimming in the shallows, saw a few on beds, but not as many as I would have thought. Lots of fish cruising still, very difficult to get them to bite.

Threw wacky, jig and chunk, texas rig and a worm rig I've been experimenting with. Best bite was on wacky, but got lots of bites where fish would only grab part of the worm.

Ended with 5 keeper sized bass 14-18in. Couple of females full of spawn, and probably had bites from another 9-10 fish, including a decent pike who took the trailer right off my jig.

Here's Frank with one of the bass.

Out again tomorrow with clients. Report to follow.

Cheers,
CT

Governor's Fishing Opener 2012

Governor Scott Walker met with similar success to his predecessors in the annual Governor's fishing opener again this year. Like last year: a Shutout.

Video here.

Next year: a Challenge to the Wisconsin Governor: I can help you to break this skunky streak.

Just Email me here we'll get you all fixed up.

Cheers,
CT

Opening Weekend

Got chased off the water this morning, just as we were starting to get bit...how was your opener?

Opening Weekend Resources-2012 Season

Here is my annual pre-opening weekend post. Look for an final update Friday, May 4th with weather and water conditions from around the area.

Need bait, equipment, or a fishing license? Do yourself a favor and buy from one of the locals.

Musky Mikes (Okauchee)

Dick Smith's (Delafield)

Smokey's  (Pewaukee)
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Taking a Kid Fishing this weekend? The DNR Suggests these spots:

Ashippun Lake Park
Location: In Oconomowoc, WI. Take Capitol Drive west to State Highway 16, go west on 16 to County Highway P, then take P north to County Highway K, go west on K to McMahon Road. Watch for "public access" sign.
Notes: Run by Waukesha County Parks. Park has picnic area, restrooms and shorefishing.

Denoon Lake
Location: Located on Crowbar Drive, south of Kelsey Drive. Go west from Highway Y.
Notes: Public park with ballfields, restrooms, picnic area and boat launch. Not much shorefishing, due to marshy area near shore.

Lac La Belle
Location: At the Fowler Lake Dam, on Highway 67, one-quarter mile north of State Highway 16 in the Oconomowoc, WI. Located just northeast of the beach and park on Lac La Belle. The beach and park are on Highway 16, just west of Highway 67.
Notes: Disabled accessible public fishing pier.

Little Muskego Lake
Location: Access from Idle Isle Park in Muskego, WI on the northeast side of Little Muskego Lake. Take Martin Drive to Hardtke Drive to the park.
Note: Idle Isle Park has a beach, picnic area, restrooms, accessible public fishing pier and boat launch.

Lower Phantom Lake
Location: In Phantom Glen Park in Mukwonago, WI. Take County Highway ES (Main Street) to Andrews Street, then go west into the park.
Notes: Public park with picnic area, restrooms, disabled accessible public fishing pier and boat ramp.

McKeaun Springs
Location: Trout pond located on the west side of Highway 67, between Piper Road and Road X. About 3 miles north of Eagle, WI.
Notes: No facilities, but there is a picnic area with restrooms just a short distance to the south. DNR manages as a children's trout fishing pond. Although it is officially category 3 (3 bag and 9 inch length), there is a voluntary regulation for adults to catch and release, and kids are allowed to keep one trout of any size. Designed to encourage adults to take kids out and teach them to trout fish.

Nagawicka Lake
Location: In Nagawaukee County Park. Take County Highway C, three-quarters of a mile north of Interstate 94 in Delafield, WI.
Notes: Public beach, picnic area, restrooms and concessions, camping, shorefishing and boat launch.

Nemahbin Lakes, Upper and Lower
Location: Southeast of Oconomowoc, WI, off of County Highway DR.
Notes: County owned access on frontage road between the two lakes, Highway DR. shorefishing on Upper Nemahbin from the road right-of-way. DNR owned carry-in site on Lower Nemahbin off Sugar Island Road.

Pewaukee Lake
Location: Village park in downtown Pewaukee, WI.
Notes: Public park with beach and public fishing pier. Can also access Pewaukee River just below the dam. On Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Pewaukee. Boat launch and shorefishing from county park and boat ramp at the west end, on Highway E.

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Local Shore Fishing Locations


Okauchee Lake: Shore fishing is available at the public boat landing. Take HWY 16 to the Sawyer Road exit. Turn left at the T-intersection, and drive through the town of Okauchee. At the clock tower, veer left and then go about a ¼ mile to Road T, which is a right hand turn. Free parking for cars is available.

Moose Lake: Shore and pier fishing is available at the Moose Lake Public Launch area. This launch has a nice park like area available to shore fisherman. The Launch area is just off Highway C, across from Cedar Bay road.

Lac La Belle: Public Fishing Pier Located in Memorial Park in downtown Oconomowoc.

Nashotah Park: Just off of the corner of HWY C and HWY R in Nashotah there is a park and ride. Across HWY R, there is a low fence that marks access to the Forest Lake area of Nashotah Park. Anglers have to hike down the hill, but the entire shoreline of the small lake is available for shore-fishing.

Fowler Lake: There is space for shore fishing by the Labelle/Fowler Dam, at the boat landing and in the Riverside Park. The lake is just off HWY 16 in Downtown Oconomowoc. The boat landing is behind city hall.

Nagawicka Lake: Two areas allow public shore fishing access. There is some space at the public launch in the County Park off of HWY 83 near Delafield. A second option allows you to access St John's Bay and a section of the Bark River. Take HWY C to where the Military Academy is. There is a small park just south of downtown Delafield on the east side of the road.

Pewaukee Lake: Located in Nagawaukee County Park on the west side of the lake. From I-94, north on State Highway 83 for 1/8 mile, east on County Highway DR 1 1/2 miles, north on County Highway E to park entrance. Park fee is charged. There is also a public fishing pier along the city strip near the beach on the east end.

Ottawa Lake: Located in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. From State Highway 67, west on County Highway ZZ for 1/3 mile to park entrance. State Park sticker required for entry.

Upper Genessee: Carry in boats and shore fishing are available. Parking is in a small gravel lot, just south of I-94, on the east side of HWY 67.

Paradise Springs: Located in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. From downtown Eagle, west 1 mile on State Highway 59 to County Highway N, north on N for about 1/2 mile to site. State Park sticker required for entry. Artificial lures only.

Lower Phantom Lake: Located in Phantom Glen Park. From County Highway ES, west on Andrews Street to park entrance.

Other Useful Links

Local Fishing Reports from Lake-Link.com

Becky Smith's handy list of shorefishing locations, boat ramps and boat rentals is online at at www.Dicksmithslivebait.com

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.

The DNR's 2012 Spring Fishing Forecast is available here.

The DNR's online license purchases avoid the wait opening morning.

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Fish Stocking


The complete stocking report is available from the DNR at the new database.
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Trout:

2012 Catchable Trout Stocking:Information available at this link.

Local Lakes with put and take trout this season include:
FOWLER LAKE: RAINBOW TROUT 1,263
LOWER GENESEE LAKE: BROOK TROUT 1,045
LOWER GENESEE LAKE: RAINBOW TROUT 1,263
LOWER NASHOTAH LAKE: RAINBOW TROUT 1,263
OTTAWA LAKE: RAINBOW TROUT 842
PARADISE SPRINGS HEADWATER POND: BROOK TROUT 300

Other Trout Stockings in
CALHOUN PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 200
DELAFIELD POND:  RAINBOW TROUT 200
FOX BROOK PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 3,100
HEYER PARK POND: NORTH RAINBOW TROUT 200
HEYER PARK POND: SOUTH RAINBOW TROUT 400
LANNON COUNTY PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 3,300
LEPPER POND: RAINBOW TROUT 400
LIONS PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 200
MINOOKA PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 1,200MUSKEGO PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 1,200
NIXON PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 200
REGAL PARK POND: RAINBOW TROUT 400
WOODFIELD PARK POND: NORTH RAINBOW TROUT 400
WOODFIELD PARK POND: SOUTH RAINBOW TROUT 400


Panfish:

Best Lakes For Panfish: Ashippun, Silver, Kessus Buelah, Golden, the Geneessee lakes, Lake Five, Okauchee (Bay Five, the Channel, Icehouse and Stumpy Bay), Garvin and the Nehmabins.


Bass:

Lindy or split shot rigs with nightcrawlers or suspending large shiners under slip bobbers are your best live bait options. Texas rigged plastic lizards, wacky worms and jigs with a chunk trailer will be good options if fished very slowly. Slow rolling spinnerbaits or ripping rattletraps around weedy cover could produce some reaction strikes. Smaller fish will be patrolling the shallows, but don't expect to see many fish on beds. Larger fish will be deeper than normal for the opener. Look for them around the ends of points that are near spawning areas.

Best lakes for largemouth: Okauchee, Silver, Nagawicka, Golden, Pine, Moose, Kessus, Pretty and School Section.

Smallmouth remain will be in deeper water for the most part, although a few have been seen making foraging runs into rocky areas during the middle part of the day on sunny afternoons. Look for them to be suspended in the water column in deep water near points and other rocky structure. Suspending Jerkbaits, swimbaits, slow rolled spinnerbaits or twister tail grubs are good options for chasing suspended smallmouths. If you can find some fish on the rocks, lindy rigging with leeches or nightcrawlers should do the trick.

Best lakes for smallmouth: Nagawicka, Lower Nehmabin, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac La Belle.


Walleye:

Bottom bouncers with spinner harnesses, lindy rigs and jigs will all catch walleyes. I'd consider using a mix of live bait in the form of nightcrawlers, leeches and small suckers. Look for walleyes to relate the edges of shallow water. I'd run live bait rigs to find fish, then fish an active area hard with crankbaits like a shad rap or floating rapalas.

Best lakes for walleye: Lac La Belle, Pewaukee, Pine and Oconomowoc.

Northern Pike:
This is prime time to chase pike with live bait. Use big bobbers and suspend large shiners and suckers around weed edges or near areas with visible panfish. Casting with lipless crankbaits or spinner baits, especially around shallow weeds on the flat areas can be dynamite.

Best lakes for pike: Forest, Emily, Moose, Golden, Nagawicka, Fowler, Lower Gennessee, Okauchee.


Musky:

 You never lose out by floating a sucker on a quick strike rig while casting. I'd stick to jerkbaits, gliders or small bucktails for the opener this year, and concentrate your efforts on any scattered weed clumps you can find. I'd plan on being methodical and be ready to make lots of casts to an area to get neutral fish to bite.

Best lakes for musky:Pewaukee, Lac La Belle, Fowler, Okauchee, Garvin and Oconomowoc.

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Good Luck out there!
CT

Fishing Report 4-27-12

Well gang, I wish I had better news. As I write this, I am watching the weatherman tell me there's a chance for snow again this weekend.

The cold nights have really put a damper on fishing in our area. Water in some places is back into the high 40's...and that's going to make for a tough bite for the opener next week.

For this last week before gamefish season, concentrate your efforts on the warmest water you can find. It is worth the effort to do a little searching, a few degree temperature difference can be critical. Areas with current are secondary options, but until we get a couple of warmer, sunny afternoons (expected for late next week) fish activity will be slow.

This doesn't mean fish can't be caught, just that you have to work for them. Remember when you were a kid and fishing was all about patience? It's like that again.

Fish tight to green weeds, wood laydowns or  other visible cover. Steep drops close to shore will concentrate fish, especially if there is cover nearby. Some panfish will be shallow, but most will be in green weeds in 6-12 fow. Live bait is probably your best approach, but tipped plastics could be the ticket later in the afternoon. Either way, keep your presentation tight to the cover you are fishing, and be ready to wait them out.

I'd stick to the smaller lakes, especially the darker bottom ones for the weekend. Sometimes with tough conditions like we have right now, they can really produce.


Good Luck.

PS. One last reminder, I'll be speaking at Musky Mikes on Saturday the 28th, at 11am.

Shameless Self Promotion/Ego Stroking Post

I was responding to some Private Messages on Lake-Link today, when I noticed that my picture was the front page fish "snap shot."

My first 10lb+ bass. I don't take enough pictures of the fish I catch, but I was and remain proud of that one.

See it here.


Cheers,
CT

Opening Weekend: The Preview

I'll be speaking at Musky Mikes, Saturday, April 28th at 11am as part of the shop's annual pre-opening weekend event.

I'll be talking about some strategies for opening weekend on the local lakes.

Drop by and say hello.

Cheers,
CT

Fishing Report 4-20-12

Well...frankly I wish I had more to report. With the quick return to early spring weather conditions, there has been a drop off in both fishing and the fish being caught.


Water temps are in the lower 50's on most lakes in our area. Some of the protected, dark bottomed bays are marginally warmer, but the reality is that the water has cooled off dramatically from earlier this year.

As the water has cooled, the fish have pulled out deeper. Rather than shallow weeds on a flat, focus your attention on sandgrass or weed edges in 8-12 FOW. The regular tricks will work, but the bite has been off.

Good Luck,
CT

Bob Riepenhoff

The former outdoor editor of the Journal Sentinel, Bob Riepenhoff has died.

Bob and I fished together many, many times over the years, and the first outdoors article I appeared in with Bob was when I taught him how to use a wacky worm for bass fishing the week before I got married. After our first trip together, we would fish for walleyes, bass, crappies, and bluegills on a variety of trips, some for the paper and some just for fun.

I have lots of funny stories about the time we spent in the boat together, but my best memory of Bob will always be the time I took him into the Oconomowoc River for bluegills. I was studying for an exam, and he was catching keeper sized gills as fast as he could get his line in the water. After a few hours of the fast action that beautiful spring day, he was giggling like a little kid.

He was a great guy, and he will be missed.

JS Online Story is here.

Fishing Report 4-13-2012

Friday the 13th.

Well the main news is that less people have been fishing, and less fish are being caught. The cooler weather has made the bite tougher than it has been. Water temps are back in the low 50's in most areas, although you may find some warmer water in protected bays or the smaller lakes.

Technique hasn't changed much, but depth has. Fish are still relating to shallow green weeds in dark bottom bays, but some fish have pulled back out to deeper water. I'd start shallow, and if you can't find active or big enough fish, move out to the next break, even as deep as 12 FOW.

Crappies will bite minnows suspended above them, but the best way to bait them right now is to use a much smaller aberdeen hook, and hook your minnow through the tail. Over the years I have found this to be a much better way to present a minnow to finicky fish, and I am continually surprised how many people fail to consider the use this little trick. If the bite is really tough...two waxworms on a very small hook can produce some bites. As always, fish tight to cover and keep the bait above the fish.

Bluegills are still using the weeds, but keepers have been harder to come by. I'd stay away from the bigger water and focus on small bays, or the smaller lakes. Areas with dark bottoms or reeds will concentrate fish.

Weather looks to be a bit unstable, so expect conditions to change over the weekend. Warm weather will probably turn the fish back on.

Questions...comments or concerns...email me.

Wisconsin DNR Conservation Congress Results

Are now posted. Check them out at this link.

A great tip

On rod transport from FLW Pro Scott Suggs


I agree with him, wish I would have thought of this before.

Hook and Look TV Show Season Five Episode 2

Finally caught the episode on dock fishing. I hope the whole episode ends up on line some day as it was that informative, especially for people in our area, where fishing docks/pontoons is a key strategy for bass fishing.

Here's a screen shot I took from the online preview:

 

I think this shot is telling. And much of the conclusions Kim and Danny Stricker make based on the observations reflect my own experience.

Look at the shadow, and the position of the bass in this picture. there is a defined ambush line along both sides of the pontoon above. Notice also the fish is towards the shoreline, rather than the back of the boat. This is a critical observation, one the hosts noted themselves.

When fishing docks/pontoons, I believe many people (and I'm guilty of this from time to time as well) fish around the outside edges of the piers. But if you look at this picture, the fish is in the center-back of the boat. You may be missing lots of fish by not fishing the sides, rather than just underneath the boats and docks. 

One other observation the show made that I thought was very interesting: In most, but not every case, there was only one larger bass under a pontoon or dock. If you think about your own experience, how often do you catch more than one fish off any particular dock on our lakes? I know of a couple docks that are usually multiple fish holders, but when I think about the docks I routinely catch fish off of, it is usually just one fish.

All food for thought.

Cheers,
CT

Thanks To Lunkers Unlimited/Kids Fishing Clinic

I just wanted to say a quick thank you to the board and members of Lunkers Unlimited. I attended the club's annual fishing garage sale in Hartland last night and cleaned out a bunch of extra gear while meeting some great people. A quality event that I will be in for every year.

The club's next event is part of the 28th annual Kids Fishing clinics which are going on around the state Saturday, April 14, 2012 From 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Lunkers Unlimited is hosting the event at Humboldt Park, 3000 S. Howell Ave, but there are many groups hosting events that day.

The event includes free fishing instruction for children 15 years and younger, taught by members of local fishing clubs; young children must be accompanied by an adult.

Clinics begin every hour from 9:00 am, with the last clinic starting at 2:00 pm.

Fishing equipment is available, but bring your own rod and reel if possible. There is a downloadable flyer for the event at the club website.

CT

Useful Links

Water gremlin has a new mobile and online app called the sinkerizer. available.

The Wisconsin DNR has published the 2012 fishing report. You can download the whole report from this link. The Southeastern District, which includes Waukesha County had this to say: (emphasis is mine)

WAUKESHA COUNTY

The northern pike forecast looks great for 2012 as a result of WDNR stocking efforts in recent years. Over 100,000 large fingerling northern pike averaging 9 inches were stocked in 18 different waters throughout Waukesha County. Stocked waters that received the large fingerlings included Ashippun, Big Muskego, Eagle Spring, Lac La-Belle, Keesus, Denoon, Little Muskego, Lower Nemahbin, Middle Genesee, Nagawicka, Oconomowoc, Ottowa, Phantoms, Pine, School Section, Scuppernong Creek Pond, Upper Nemahbin and the Oconomowoc River. Spring and fall netting and electrofishing surveys have shown an increase in catch rates indicating these stocked fish are doing very well. With four summers of growth behind the 2008 year class, these fish are just starting to become a quality size for anglers to enjoy.

Trophy-size smallmouth bass were observed on Oconomowoc Lake during a fall 2011 electrofishing survey, with a number of fish over the 20 inch mark. Fall electrofishing surveys indicate naturally reproducing walleye populations are present on Pine, Nagawicka, LaBelle and Oconomowoc lakes.

A Pewaukee Lake musky population estimate revealed an above average abundance with excellent trophy potential making it a premier musky fishing destination for the southeast metro area.

Naturally reproducing brown trout populations on Genesee Creek are doing very well as revealed by a 2011 stream survey. Twenty-six percent of the brown trout captured were over 9 inches and electrofishing survey catch rates were among the highest
recorded in recent history. Paradise Springs, Funk Creek, McKewn Springs and Lower Genesee Lake will be stocked this spring with legal sized yearling brook trout. Lower Genesee, Fowler, Lower Nashotah and Ottowa Lakes will once again provide
traditional rainbow trout angling opportunities.
                                                                    - Benjamin Heussner, fisheries biologist,

The Wisconsin DNR's 2012 Fishing Calender is available for download at this link.

Revised walleye limits from the lakes in the ceded territories is available at this link.

The 2011 Stocking information is included in an easy to use database: check it out here.

The DNR has also updated the boat launch and shore fishing access information links, which are now at  this page.

Cheers,
CT

Hook and Look TV Show

Kim and Danny Stricker's Hook and Look TV show (the most informative fishing show in my opinion) is skipping docks and pontoons this week.



Might be worth a watch. The preview alone shows how the fish relate to the shadow underneath the boat.

Okauchee Today 4-4-2012

Took my dissertation committee chair fishing today. It is spring break in Madison, and he was hoping to grab some fish for a fry.

Nice day. Out 9:30am-4pmish. Bite was very tough in the morning, but picked up dramatically around 1pm.

Targeted crappies for a bit, but after catching some scrappers, switched over to fishing for gills. Started catching some keepers right away, but again, the fish wouldn't swim more than about 12-18 inches to bite. If you put the bait on top of them, you'd get a bite, but if the fish had swim any distance...forget it.
Started out how I have been catching fish...DS panfish grub with waxies or gulp waxies. White has been the best grub color for me, but hot pink was also working some today. Tried about six colors during the day, but white and pink were clearly the best.

He was having a little trouble with the timing for a grub, so I hooked him up with a black ant and a gulp waxie, and he crushed fish all day on that setup. He did manage to catch a fish 23 casts in a row with that rig, so while most of the fish he was catching today were small, don't overlook downsizing even more if the bite is tough.

Garvin was the best over all, both the shelf on the north end and the weedflat/wood laydowns on the south end were productive. Caught most of our keepers there.

Fished the river mouth flat just south of the Crane's Nest. Lots of crappies, but they were all short. I'm sure there's some better fish in that area, but we didn't spend time to try and get them to bite. Caught the ones we caught while drifting north to south, and a drift sock would have worked great in that wind today as the best spot we found was less than 50 yards long.

Late this afternoon, we caught a handful off the sand in Icehouse and another batch in Tierney, but all but two were standard issue potato chip sized Okauchee gills.
 
Water temps are 48-50 in the main lake areas. Tierney was 56 at the mouth, but the water in front of the "pond" was over 60 degrees. Bay five and Icehouse were in the low 50's. North end of Garvin was mid 50's by late afternoon. Whitigers was 52-56, but we didn't fish there.

In all, well over a 150 mixed panfish today. Kept 12 for his dinner, but could have had at least another 12-15 keepers in the batch without crossing my minimum standards.

Cheers,
CT