Fishing Report

Good morning, good chances of rain most of this weekend and during the week and then colder temps look to stay after that.  Fishing has been good with big muskies really starting to put the feed bag on for winter.

Musky–Musky action has been solid with big fish hitting the net as we wind down the open water season.  Most fish are being caught on suckers hooked on quick strike rigs, and some are still being caught on artificials.  Big rubber and big crank baits get the nod this time of year and working them over rocks, humps, and windy points is key.  Look for structure holding baitfish and you should find musky close by.

Northern pike–Northern pike are still getting in on the live bait action as they are hitting suckers as well.  Big “gators” will also crush the same artificials that musky guys are throwing this time of year as well.  

Walleye–The walleye bite is picking up as we get closer to the end of open water season as well.  Fish will be related to shallow weeds, humps, points that drop off into deep water.  Jigging with live bait such as fatheads is still the most common approach although plastics and even walleye sized suckers will catch fish as well.  Work baits slowly and hop them back to the boat making sure to pause in between hops.  

Largemouth bass–Not much to offer this time of year for largemouth as they are not a prime target species this time of year.

Smallmouth bass–Look for smallies in relation to the walleye…..humps, points, shallow bars where baitfish have schooled up and target them there.  Working jigs, ned rigs, and even crankbaits will catch smallies and walleye right now. 

Crappie–Schools of crappie suspended out deep make for fun catching with good sizes right now.  Small jigging raps, puppet minnows and small heavy jigs tipped with crappie minnows will put limits of crappie in the boat until ice up!

Perch/Bluegill–Anywhere bluegill and perch can hide from predators right now is where they will be.  Look for the last remaining green weeds on the lake or shallow structure such as timber, bays, creek inlets with vegetation and so forth.  Small jigs tipped with plastics and waxies will still catch fish and should be good spots from now until first ice.

Lots of guys/gals will start hitting the woods pretty hard from now through gun season so if you are an avid angler, you will have a lot of water to yourself!  And you will also be on some of the biggest fish of the year as they are stocking up for winter so get out and enjoy it!  Anyone who is in the woods, good luck to you as well!

Greg

Good morning, great weather on tap for the next week to get things wrapped up outside.  Probably not such great weather for hunting/fishing.  I have always seemed to have my best days when the weather has been less than desirable!  Fishing has been pretty good over all and the musky bite continues to be solid.

Musky–The musky bite has been great and should continue as we still have stable weather for the next week or so.  Should only get better chances at bigger fish as the water keeps cooling and weather is good.  Most action is on suckers rigged on quick strike rigs, and I have heard some fish being taken on gliders as well.  Fish are relating to points, weeds, humps and edges.  

Northern pike– Northern pike are also hitting suckers pretty regularly right now as they don’t normally pass up an easy meal.  Northern can still be caught casting and using jerk baits, gliders, spinner baits and even bigger jigs with trailers will work well.  Fish any structure and pretty much anywhere in the water column to find Northern pike right now.

Walleye–Jigging for fall walleye is a top tactic and for good reason, it catches fish!  Jigs tipped with a fathead around weeds and rocks is the ticket.  Start shallow as bait fish will be up there hiding from predators.  If you aren’t finding them up shallow work deeper edges of weeds and points that drop off into deeper water.

Largemouth bass–Not much again this week to report on largemouth bass.  Targeting largemouth is not very common up here this time of year.  Spinner baits worked slower to get a little deeper and crank baits that get down in the water column are good choices to start with to find bass.  

Smallmouth bass–Smallies will be staging up in deeper water and using jigs tipped with minnows is a great way to fish them.  Jigs with plastics and deep running crank baits will catch active fish as well.  Look for deep water hard and soft bottom transitions occur.  

Crappie–Crappie will be schooling up in deep holes and basins in the lakes.  If you find them in these locations this time of year there is a good chance they will be there for first ice as well.  Small jigging raps and other style jigging baits work fantastic this time of year.  You don’t have to be super aggressive with the jigging as these baits are light enough just twitching will work fine.  Remember deep is relative on every lake you are on.  

Bluegill/Perch–Panfish should still be hiding up in green weeds.  Look for good green cabbage and milfoil that is not super thick and you will find good numbers of panfish.  Small jigs tipped with crappie minnows or plastics will still put fish in the boat.  Use them under a bobber or just jig them over the side of the boat with no float.  

I hope everyone gets out and enjoys the weather while it lasts!  Have a great weekend.

Greg