Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, HOT and DRY would be how I would describe the weather to start the month of June. Temperatures hovering right around 80 degrees for at least the next 15 days and overnight lows staying in the 50s will not help with keeping rising water temps in check. I do see some rain forecasted Thursday, but the last two significant chances pretty much missed us, so I won’t hold my breath on that forecast. Water temps have skyrocketed over the past week, as most lakes have gone from the upper 50s/low 60s to now the upper 60s/low 70s. While this fast warm up is good for some fish species getting more active, I have a feeling some species will shut down or get harder to find once water temps push into the mid 70s.
Musky–The musky bite has picked up a little bit, and anglers are still doing well catching musky on smaller bass/walleye sized baits. WIth water temps warming, musky should start chasing bucktails and faster moving/larger baits. Anglers should find musky in and around emerging weeds and rocky/weedy points or bays. As water temps and air temps rise, musky anglers should be aware of not keeping fish out of the water too long……have tools, camera, and measuring devices ready if needed as to keep fish in the water as much as possible.
Northern pike–Pike have been active and that trend should continue as water temps rise. Recently, anglers have had success mostly on live bait such as bigger minnows. Artificial baits such as Mepps, spinnerbaits, and jerk/minnow baits such as Rapalas. Anglers should focus heavily on weeds for pike right now. Shallow or deep weed beds or weedy bays will be holding pike from now until ice up!
Walleye–The walleye bite has been good and anglers are reporting the walleye are “where they should be”. Haha not to be too vague, but on most lakes that will be related to slightly deeper rocky/sand bottoms or deep weed edges. Anglers are having success on minnows such as fatheads and XL fatheads, although leeches and crawlers will really be the hot bite as the water temps keep coming up. Look for walleye anywhere from 8-15 FOW depending on the lake and structure you fish.
LMB–Largemouth thrive in warm water and the bite is currently reflecting the warming water temps. Anglers are finding largemouth up shallow and already on beds. Dropping wacky/texas rigged plastic worms into beds will trigger strikes from big largemouth defending their beds. It is a fun way to sight fish for shallow bass. Other options include spinnerbaits worked through shallow weeds and even top water baits such as Zara spooks and frogs will start working now.
SMB–A few walleye anglers have caught some smallies on the same deeper weed/rock edges as they were seeing walleye. Smallies will be pushing shallower and can start hitting top water baits as water temps continue to climb. For deep/suspended fish, jig/plastic or live bait combos are an excellent choice. Smallies may be tougher to catch right now as they are probably close to or actively spawning on most lakes now.
Crappie–The crappie bite has been great lately as they are in fairly shallow weeds and schooled up spawning. Small jigs or plain hooks and minnows rigged under a float are tried and true ways to catch crappie right now. Look for crappie anywhere from 4-10 FOW right now and try to find some good cabbage weeds they use for cover.
Perch–Anglers have found some perch mixed in with the crappie lately. The same jig and minnow combos have been working to catch nice perch. As water temps rise anglers may find leeches to be equally effective for perch in and around the same areas they are catching them now.
Bluegill–Bluegill have been in shallow weeds lately and I am hearing some anglers are starting to see beds along sandy shorelines or around docks. Chunks of night crawlers or leaf worms on plain hooks or small jigs are great choices for gills right now.
That is all I have for this week’s report. We aren’t even out of May yet but it already feels as if we are in the full summer swing. Swimming/tubing/rafting in the lakes won’t be far off and if the weather holds we will have bath water by July. Have a great weekend and we will talk soon.
Greg