Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, Fall has arrived over the past few days with the last 3 topping out in the mid 50s with some gusty winds. We received a fair amount of rain over the past few days and look to see some more early next week. Temps do look to warm up into the 60s and 70s by the end of the week so we shouldn’t panic yet about it getting too cold! Fishing has slowed down a bit, I think for a few reasons…less people are up fishing right now, and the big cold front and wind we have had have pushed fish into a neutral/negative mood. Water temps have dropped down in the low to mid 60s which is a big change from even a week ago, which can also have something to do with shutting the fish down.
Musky–The musky bite has gotten tough with the drop in water temps and wind and rain we have had. Bucktails can still work fished around and on structure, however with falling water temps and vegetation starting to die off, glide baits, jerk baits, and rubber baits will all produce fish as well. Live bait such as suckers will also start working as water temps drop.
Pike–Pike have been biting although not as hot as before. Spinner baits, small bucktails, and crank baits twitched through weeds should still land some pike in the net. Live baits such as small musky suckers or large walleye suckers can also work now when fished in these areas.
Walleye–I have not heard too much of a good walleye bite, but minnows and suckers should start to get good again with falling water temps and fish moving to fall feeding patterns. Deep edges of weeds or rocks should be holding fish and anglers should start fishing for walleye on those spots and adjust deeper or shallower as needed.
LMB–Bass have been active, topwater baits had been working, although fish should be pushing into cover such as weeds and timber. Spinner baits, suspending baits, and live bait will all catch largemouth right now. Work through weeds and around fallen trees or sunken timber.
SMB–Smallies will be holding on similar spots to walleye right now, and working deep baits can be key. Jigs and minnows, plastics, and crawlers can all work for smallies right now. Focus on those deep edges anywhere from 12-20 FOW.
Crappie/Bluegill/Perch–I really have not heard much on a panfish bite of any species lately. Crappie and perch should start to head towards deeper water and school up there, while gills will still hold to weeds/cover. Basin fish will most likely be caught with jig/minnow combos while cover fish will still be eating worms/crawlers and waxies.
That is all I have for this week’s report. Not many anglers up to get info from and the weather the past week kept most of those anglers from going out. I have heard of a few bears being harvested, but none in this direct area. I did hear a few shotgun blasts this morning so those folks must have been going after early goose or teal. Have a great weekend and we will talk soon.
Greg