Fishing Report

Musky–Musky fishing has still been pretty slow and a majority of the fish being caught are on smaller musky baits.  Mostly inline spinners such as Mepps and Showgirls and bucktails in that smaller size range.  Those baits move fast and cover water which is good to locate fish this time of year.  If you get followed up on a bait like this and the fish doesn’t commit, come back at a later time and slow down and pick the area apart.

Northern pike–Haven’t heard much in the way of targeting northern but some are still being caught.  Mostly smaller fish hitting walleye and bass rigs in and around the weed beds.  Small crankbaits such as Rapalas, spinnerbaits, and just about any kind of live bait can work for catching northern.

Walleye–The walleye bite has slowed down big time, with fish scattering and not being in the same place twice.  My guess would be fish are starting to push deeper towards summer basins as the water warms, or they are piling up in the thickest of weeds to hide from predators.  Live bait is still the primary choice to target them with jumbo leeches under slip bobbers mainly getting the nod this time of year.  Fatheads can still be productive as well, although they do not last too long in this warmer water.

Largemouth bass–The largemouth bite has still been pretty good with a lot of fish still coming on nightcrawlers underneath a bobber.  With the water temps being where they are now, a topwater bite for largemouth should start happening very soon.  Weedless frogs worked over and through lily pads is a great way to catch big largemouth and also one of the most exciting ways to fish for any species.

Smallmouth bass–The smallmouth bite has slowed down as well, and smallies should be pushing to deeper rocks and wood/structure off of main lake points or humps.  Drop shotting or jigging with live bait are good choices.

Crappie–Crappie have scattered and most likely schooled back up in the deeper basins.  Some smaller fish have still been caught in the weeds using bobbers and plain hooks tipped with crappie minnows.  Don’t be afraid to move around to find crappie, and if you do find them spend some time weeding through the smaller fish to catch nicer ones.

Perch–The perch bite has been pretty good with a lot of folks catching piles of perch while crappie fishing.  Look for weed beds and fish in the 7-10 FOW range with bobbers and miinnows to find nice perch.

Bluegill–Fish shore lines with sandy bottoms or shore lines with downed trees or weeds up tight to find nice bluegill.  Chunks of nightcrawlers or leaf worms work well as well as waxies on small jigs underneath a bobber.

Greg

Musky–Tough bite on the musky fishing so far this year, but warmer stable weather should get fishing moving in the right direction.  All of the fish on the board here have been caught on bass/walleye sized baits both live and artificial.  Fish should still be in and around shallower structure and small inline spinners are a great way to find active fish.  If fish are following but not committing to faster baits, slow it down and size it down.  Glide baits, dive and risers such as a suick can be great to tempt negative/neutral fish into eating.

Northern pike–The pike bite has been good, with lots of reports of catching pike while walleye/bass/crappie fishing.  Look for fish in and around weed beds, points, bars and anywhere you are finding baitfish.  Spinner baits, crankbaits, and inline spinners all work great for catching northern pike.

Walleye–The walleye bite has been good all spring and continues to be.  Lots of fish being caught with leeches on plain hooks or small jig heads underneath slip bobbers. Walleye are relating to the deeper weed edges in the lakes in our area.

Largemouth bass–The largemouth bite has also been good thus far.  People finding fish in and around weed beds, shorelines with weeds/structure close, and kind of all over in the water column.  Most catches are still on live bait, mainly fatheads underneath bobbers while walleye fishing, with a fair amount getting caught on crawlers underneath bobbers as well.

Smallmouth bass–The smallie bite has been solid so far, with good size fish being caught and good numbers being caught also.  Most bites are coming on live bait such as leeches/fatheads under slip bobbers in and around structure.  Downed trees and wood has been holding fish is what I am told.

Crappie–Crappie are starting to scatter a bit and the bite has slowed down, but good fish are there if you can find them. Live bait (crappie minnows) is still the number one choice for targeting crappie, but you may have to search for them a bit to get on a good bite.  Crappie are using the deeper weed edges as they are starting to transition to their deeper water basins for summer.

Bluegill/Perch–Not a whole lot to report on the bluegill/perch bite…..Pretty standard stuff as far as targeting them goes, a plain hook under a bobber with a good chunk of nightcrawler will always catch fish.  Docks, sandy shores, and shallow weed edges will hold bluegill/perch all year long.

I hope everyone enjoys the nice weekend, fair temps and no rain should make for a good one!!

Greg