Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, it looks like we are in for a wet week. Chances of rain Sunday, Monday, Thursday and Friday. Temperatures look to be in the upper 60s and mid to low 70s moving forward which should help bring water temps up. Water temps have been holding in the low to mid 60s from what I am hearing. The fishing has been pretty good lately, but some warmer water will definitely help some species to get more predictable as far as a bite pattern goes.
Musky–The musky bite has been pretty slow to start the season to be honest. Lots of fish being seen, but a lot of lazy follows and neutral fish that aren’t aggressive towards baits. If the water temps warm up just a few degrees we should see fish getting more active and more patterned. Musky should be in and around shallow weeds chasing baitfish, and lures such as bucktails, glide baits, and dive and rise jerkbaits are good choices to throw right now.
Northern Pike–Hammer handle pike have been eating everything thrown in the water over the last couple of weeks and that probably won’t change. Anglers should do well throwing small inline spinners, hairpin style spinnerbaits, smaller crankbaits, and live bait such as walleye suckers in and around weedy bays or weed beds. Look for pike anywhere from 3-12 FOW in these areas.
Walleye–The walleye bite has been kind of hit or miss so far this season for many anglers, although we should start to see early summer patterns taking shape for walleye. Leeches may start to work better than say walleye suckers or minnows, but any live bait is a good choice. Anglers should find walleye off of deeper rocks or weed edges adjacent to deep water basins.
LMB–Largemouth have been somewhat active, but they too should get very active with warmer water temps. Right now anglers are finding largemouth in and around weed beds and catching fish suspended. Once the water warms up we should see topwater action take over and the bass bite get very good. Spinner baits, live bait such as nightcrawlers and minnows, and plastic worms are all great choices for largemouth right now.
SMB–Smallies have been active for anglers, and most of what I am hearing is that fish are off of deeper rock. Whether that be main lake reefs or points, anywhere weeds transition to rocks, or shorelines drop off to deep water from rocks seem to be holding fish. JIgging with leeches, and minnows or slip bobbering close to the bottom has been working best from what I understand.
Crappie/Bluegill/Perch–All of the panfish species seem to be holding to cover yet, mostly weeds on the lakes in our area. Some lakes may have shallower timber or deadfall that can hold panfish as well. Small jigs, tipped with waxies/plastics, chunks of nightcrawler, or crappie minnows can all work great right now. Run jig setups cast out alone and reeled back in or under a float. Look for fish anywhere from 3-10 FOW and fish in and around the structure.
Nothing too exciting going on as far as fishing goes right now, but that could change if the water warms up. Have a great weekend and we will talk soon.
Greg