Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, a slight chance of rain this afternoon but the rest of the week looks great. Mid to upper 70s and sunshine. We have had some good rains the last few days and that has kept water temps in check. Most lakes are low 70s right now from what I am hearing. The fishing has been decent but slowed down quite a bit from a couple of weeks ago.
Musky–The musky bite has slowed down a bit, and anglers have been doing better on small baits. Bass sized baits and pull/pause baits seem to be working the best. Work weed beds and shallower water for musky right now.
Northern pike–Pike have also slowed down a little bit, but are also relating to weed beds and shallower water. Spinner baits and small bucktails have been working and should continue to do so.
Walleye–A few anglers have been finding walleye both in shallow weeds and in deep water……on the same lake system! Jigging with minnows up in the shallow weeds have produced fish as well as trolling crankbaits and bottom bouncers for deep fish. For shallow fish look for weeds/humps/ that top out at about 8-10 FOW and for deep fish get your baits down to 18-25 FOW.
LMB–I have not got much of a report on largemouth lately, but anglers should focus on emergent weeds such as lily pads and reeds. Casting frogs or other top water style baits such as buzz baits will entice strikes. For fish in deeper weeds, plastic worms wacky or Texas rigged would be a good choice.
SMB–Anglers have done okay jigging slightly deeper water for smallies. Walleye guys have also had success catching smallies while trolling/bottom bouncing baits. Look for fish in 15-20 FOW and work deeper weed/rock transitions.
Crappie/Bluegill/Perch–Beetle spins tossed out in shallow weed beds have still been working great to catch panfish of all sizes and species. Baits with black or black/chartreuse seem to work the best. Anglers can tip them with a minnow or piece of worm if they choose but its not necessary!
Not a great report this week but we are kind of in the dog days of summer as far as the bite goes. Have a great weekend/week and we will talk soon!
Greg