Fishing Report

Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, looks to be fantastic weather this weekend and the first part of the week.  Mid to upper 70s to start with a big cold front coming Wednesday with a high of 48 and then 50s after that.  I am not seeing any rain in the forecast, although we could use some desperately. Water levels are down on most lakes by probably a foot or more.  The last I heard on the Chip was almost 3 feet down so be careful if you are fishing new waters.  Water temps are staying in the low 50s and that shouldn’t change too much even with the warmer weather.  It appears turnover has started on some lakes as well.  Fishing has been pretty good and fish are definitely in a fall pattern now. 

Musky–Musky action has been good, mostly on suckers fished through shallow weeds.  Suicks, glide baits, and pull/pause or twitch baits have been working too.  Look for fish anywhere from 5-10 FOW and take time fishing through areas.

Northern pike–Pike have been hitting musky baits as well, and those fish are in the same areas you would see musky.  Shallow weed beds or weedy bays are great spots to start.

Walleye–The walleye bite has picked up some, with anglers finding them on deeper weed edges.  Look for fish in 8-12 FOW depending on the lake and edge type.  Walleye suckers cast out lightly and jigged back to the boat seems to be the ticket right now.

LMB–No report on a largemouth bite, although with these warmer days anglers could probably find fish using spinnerbaits or smaller crankbaits in and around weed beds.

SMB–Some anglers are finding smallies on deep edges in similar areas as the walleye.  Work those same depths using jigs/plastics, suckers or baits like jigging raps, rippin raps, or any other vertical jigging bait.

Crappie–The last I have heard on a crappie bite was that they were still in shallower weed beds or on mid lake humps topped out with weeds.  Look for fish anywhere from 4-8 FOW and use crappie minnows or plastics.  As the water cools or turnsover, fish should stay shallow until we see some ice.

Bluegill/Perch–I have not had many anglers focusing on a panfish bite, but those fish should still too be up in shallow weeds.  There is still good oxygen in the weeds and that will hold food for panfish and keep them there.  

Have a great weekend and we will talk soon!

Greg

Good afternoon from the Quiet Lakes, cool nights and some strong winds have brought lake temps down considerably. I was seeing 62 most of the day today and have heard reports of some spots down to 60 on some nearby lakes.  Another windy day with possible rain and thunderstorms tomorrow afternoon, with winds out of the South from 20-30mph with guts up to 45mph.  That is going to make fishing specific spots tough no doubt.  Fishing is still in a late summer pattern, however with lake temps dropping the fall feed should start very soon.  Lakes will also be turning over shortly which could make fishing tough.  

Musky–The musky bite has picked up some, mostly fish on live bait actively.  We had 5 follows today on bucktails, but fish turning off as soon as they see the boat.  We did find those fish in shallow weeds and that is where the fish seem to be relating for both artificial and live bait bites.  I have heard reports of other fish hitting glide baits and dive and rise baits right now as well.  

Northern pike–We did manage to put three small pike in the boat today, all of those fish came on a small bucktail in shallow weeds.  

Walleye–The walleye bite has been tough lately and I honestly do not have much to report on any significant bite.  A few anglers are finding walleye in deeper water and jigging blade baits or Rippin Raps on deep rock ledges.  Deep is relative from lake to lake and fish could be anywhere from 12 to 30 FOW.

LMB–Live bait such as fathead minnows or walleye suckers are doing a good job of catching largemouth right now.  Look for those fish in 8-10 FOW and fish weed edges.  

SMB–Anglers that are finding the walleye on deep rocks are also finding smallies in those same areas.  Look for fish on deep rock ledges and use baits that get down to the bottom and are jigged aggressively.  

Crappie/Bluegill/Perch–Not much to report on any kind of panfish bite.  A few anglers are still using crawlers and leaf worms because the temps have been so warm, but I have not gotten word on any kind of bite.  My best guess is fish are still shallow, as I have seen there are still very green weeds yet in the lakes.  

Lots going on this weekend with the Muskies Inc tournament, Cranberry Fest in Stone Lake and I think Apple Fest up in Bayfield.  Have a great weekend and we will talk soon.

Greg