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