Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, I would say summer is finally here….for anyone who likes hot weather you will enjoy this week. Looks like mid 80s just about everyday with the only significant chance of rain on Monday. Slight chances Wednesday and Thursday but most of the storms lately have either missed us or not lasted very long if it hits us. The rains we have gotten have really helped keep the water temps in check, making it much easier on fragile fish (think Musky). It sounds like water temps are mostly in the high 70s right now on most of the lakes in the area.
Musky–The musky bite has picked back up a little bit this past week. Anglers are seeing multiple fish a day if they put the time in, and a few more have been added to the board. Smaller baits still seem to be working best and fish are in and around weeds. Look for fish in anywhere from 6-12 FOW.
Northern pike–Anglers are still doing well catching pike, mostly on spinnerbaits, rapalas, and small bucktails. These fish are also in and around shallow weed beds in anywhere from 4-12 FOW.
Walleye–Walleye have pushed into deeper water and anglers are doing well on jigs tipped with live bait such as leeches, fathead minnows, and walleye suckers. With ‘eyes being in that 15-20 FOW range, trolling crankbaits or lindy rigging/bottom bouncing set ups should work as well. Look for fish on those deep transitions of hard bottom to soft.
LMB–The largemouth bite has been consistent and these warm water temps have largemouth in shallow and around lily pads and other shallow weed beds. Poppers, buzzers, and frogs to catch these shallow fish. For any suspended fish, spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, and crankbaits or live bait will work.
SMB–Smallies are kind of mixed in the water column right now. A few anglers have found them deep, while others have found them around 8-12 FOW. Live bait such as crawlers have been working as well as jigs/plastics such as ned rigs.
Crappie–Crappie have been in shallow weed beds and anglers are doing well on minnows and small baits such as Beetle Spins. Look for fish anywhere from 6-10 FOW.
Bluegill/Perch–I have not heard much of a bluegill/perch bite, however with high water temps panfish should be shallow as well. Look for fish hiding in cover whether it be weeds/timber or cribs. Leaf worms and crawlers have been the ticket to get fish in the livewell.
Have a great weekend and we will talk soon.
Greg