Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, overnight temps are starting to dip pretty good, and we have a solid cold front to start the week with temps in the 60s. By the end of the week we get back up to the mid to upper 70s, however the nights look to be down in the 40s which should help us get more into a fall fishing pattern. We have a 50% chance of rain today, but the rest of the week looks dry. Water temps are still in the low 70s and from what I am hearing the fishing has reflected that.
Musky–The musky bite has still been good and fairly consistent on a smaller fast moving bait bite. Bucktails are still working and given the water temps still being so high, anglers should throw top water baits as well. Live bait will start to become effective with these cold fronts and cooler nights. Fish are still holding in and around the deep weed edges.
Northern Pike–Pike have still been active chasing spinner baits and bucktails in and around weed beds also. I have not heard much for any kind of size to the pike, but angles are seeing some action.
Walleye–Anglers are finding walleye in spots you would expect for a late summer pattern. Deep edges in 15-20 FOW using jigs/plastics or minnows seem to be working best. Trolling crankbaits could be good as well, as could bottom bouncers with crawler harnesses right now. That will change as the water starts to turnover and cool down.
LMB–I honestly have nothing to report on a largemouth bite, although a few have been caught here and there on smaller inline spinners and spinnerbatis. Just fish any green weeds you are still finding and you will most likely find bass.
SMB–Smallies should be in and around the same structure as walleye right now so if you find one, there is a good chance the other is nearby. You can probably also catch them on mostly the same style of bait right now.
Crappie–Crappie have still been sprinkled in the shallow weed beds and out deep in basins. Crappie minnows have been the ticket and should continue to be the best choice as water temps cool.
Bluegill/Perch–Panfish should still be relating to shallower weed beds right now and will continue to do so until the water really drops in temp. There is still great oxygen in the weeds and that will hold panfish. Leaf worms and waxies tipped on jig heads or hooks would make more sense than big chucks of crawlers right now.
That is all I got for a report for this week. Not a great one by any means but that is how it goes this time of year. Folks will probably be in town for Fall Fest and to enjoy some of the nice weather for this time of year. Have a great weekend and we will talk soon.
Greg