Fishing report 24 September 2022

Good morning, the weather pattern has definitely changed since last week!  This weekend looks to be 50/50 as far as precipitation goes.  Air temperatures look to be upper 50s to low 60s until next weekend and then a possible warm up.  Weather always affects fishing and this last week was no different.  It pretty much brought fishing to a halt around here!
 
Musky–The musky bite had been pretty consistent up until the overnight lows really started to drop.  The water is cooling down nicely now (currently mid 60s on most lakes) and the fish that are getting put on the musky board are as well.  The last few fish have come on Suicks and suckers so the bite is changing.  Slow down the presentations a bit and work spots a little longer.  Active fish may still hit baits like bucktails and it is always wise to throw those as they cover a lot of water, but also start throwing jerkbaits, gliders, topwaters, and start dabbling in live bait.  Focus should still be on weed edges and in weed beds or shallower structure.
 
Northern pike–Smaller floating crank/twitch baits have been getting most northern pikes’ attention lately.  Work these baits over the weed tops and on the deeper weed edges to get bit.  Live bait is always a good option for pike as well, with fatheads on jigs, or smaller walleye suckers/chubs getting hit by pike as well.
 
Walleye–The walleye bite has been a tough one lately.  Jigging the deep weed edges with a fathead minnow is a good place to start.  Also jigging raps are productive right now as long you aren’t working heavy wee cover. Rocky/sandy bottom would be better for baits like that.  Most times though pitching a jig out with live bait and working it back to the boat is going to get you bit.
 
Largemouth bass–Not much on a largemouth bite as of late.  They are still out there, just not getting targeted much this time of year.  If you are targeting them top water baits, jerk baits, crank baits and bladed jig baits are good choices.  Smaller bait fish will be  schooling up shallower and largemouth will follow.
 
Smallmouth bass–Crank baits and jigs worked towards bottom are great for targeting smallies right now.  Drop shots held just off bottom work great too. Focus on the deeper transitions from shallower rocks/sand where it goes out into the basin.  
 
Crappie–Crappie are in transition mode right now as well, and they are scattered throughout the water column.  In some lakes they will be relating to the deeper weed edges that transition into the basin.  Crappie will be schooled up hugging bottom so work baits close to bottom.  Slip bobbers with minnows or jigs with minnows and plastics are great options to get to deeper crappie.
 
Bluegill/Perch–The panfish bite is still consistent with crawlers under bobbers.  Nothing new in that aspect and doesn’t really change until we get to hard water.  
 
Hopefully the bite will get a little better with some stable weather here in the next 15 days.  Have a great weekend!
 
Greg

Fishing report 17 September 2022

Good morning, isn’t it always great when they get the weather wrong!?!? Haha, we got very little rain yesterday and it didn’t start until after dark, although we could use a good soaker rain as all of the lakes are pretty low.  The rest of the weekend looks pleasant, temps will be comfortable and the only chance of rain is late tonight.  While the weather has been better, the fishing has slowed down quite a bit.  Here is this weeks rundown…..

Musky–The musky action continues to be consistent with lots of fish being seen and a fair number hitting the net.  Bucktails have been good, as have top water baits.  Some fish are eyeing up jerk baits as well.  Musky are still relating to weeds and structure relatively shallow depending on what lake you are on.  Water levels are low, so some structure may hold fish shallower than you would think.

Northern Pike–The northern bite has still been good, mostly on bucktails and spinner baits.  Some things never change!!  They have also been blowing up smaller top water baits over weeds and around lily pads as well.  Look for weed beds with lots of baitfish dimpling the surface and there is a good chance a predator will be underneath/around them.

Walleye–I wish I had a better report for a walleye bite but I do not…….Jigs tipped with fat head minnows seem to still be the most popular way to go to target eyes’ right now.  I would start shallower than you think you need to and work deeper if need be.  Start out on rocks/wood/weeds and anywhere else that will hold bait fish and where the bigger fish will follow. Work the edges of the structure with the jig and minnow, and if they are not hitting that, slow down and go finesse with a drop shot tipped with crawler to help hook up with finicky fish.  

Largemouth bass–Largemouth action has still been good on live bait under a float and on smaller artificial baits as well.  Swim jigs with plastic trailers, spinner baits/buzz baits, and even smaller top water baits are still catching numbers of bass.  Again, focus should be working weed beds/edges and shore line weeds as well.

Smallmouth bass–Tube jigs, crank baits, jigs tipped with fatheads and anything worked toward bottom on deeper structure is a good place to start in your search for smallies.  I don’t have a lot in actual fish catch reports, but smallies should be holding in deeper water this time of year.  

Crappie–The crappie bite has probably slowed down the most of any fish lately.  I am hearing mixed things of some being out in the basins and some still being caught on weed edges that head towards the basin.  Crappie minnows on small jigs under slip floats seem to be producing best.  Use your electronics to find schools of fish and try to pick them apart once you do!

Bluegill/perch–Not much has changed in the way to fish for panfish.  Nightcrawlers underneath a float in and around docks/piers is pretty much the way to go.  If you are in the boat, focus on the shallow weed edges closest to shore or lay down timber on shorelines as well.  Panfish will hide out from predators in the shallow weeds and in the timber.  Small hair jigs tipped with waxies can still be a great option as well for panfish this time of year.

I know it’s not the report everyone wants to hear but, such is fishing!!!!  For other outdoor enthusiasts, a few of the hunting seasons are now underway as well.  Archery & Crossbow, Bear, fall Turkey, and youth Duck seasons all start today September 17th.  If you get out in the woods or on the water, good luck!!

Greg