Good morning from the Northwoods, dry conditions continue today, but tomorrow looks to bring some much needed rain with a 70% chance. Then hot and dry the rest of the week with the only other possibility of precipitation coming the following week. We did have a couple of cold fronts and strong north winds this past week, which has brought the lake temps back down to a more normal level for this time of year. Lakes are dropping quickly with the lack of rain however so anglers should take notice if fishing around rocks or other structures that could damage props or trolling motors. The fishing has remained pretty good overall despite these changing conditions.
Musky–The musky bite has picked up over the last week, and most fish are being taken on small baits right now. I have heard reports of fish hitting small bucktails, bass sized spinner baits and a couple on a jig/minnow combo while walleye fishing. Look for fish in and around weed beds, and some skinny water as I have also heard reports of anglers kayaking some of the rivers and doing very well on musky using top water baits as well.
Northern pike–Pike have remained active and most are coming also on smaller bucktails and spinner baits. Quite a few anglers have also been catching them on crankbaits fished in and out of cover as well.
Walleye–The walleye bite right now still seems to fish holding on the deep weed edges and most anglers are catching them on simple set ups such as a jig tipped with a leech or a slip bobber and a leech. If anglers don’t like dealing with leeches, fathead minnows are another great option right now.
Largemouth bass–The largemouth bite has been as hot as the weather lately and doesn’t look to slow down anytime soon. Anglers are catching them on everything from nightcrawlers to spinnerbaits to topwater baits. They seem to be in pretty shallow water and inhaling frogs right now. Fish shallow weeds, especially lily pads and reeds.
Smallmouth bass–The smallmouth bite has been good with anglers working structure with ned rigs. Sounds like fish are on hard bottoms that transition into the basins. My guess would be any kind of baits worked close to bottom should be good right now. Drop shots, ned rigs, and even jig heads with tubes on them will all produce.
Crappie–The crappie bite has been pretty consistent lately with anglers finding fish in 6-10 FOW and fishing weed beds. Live bait seems to be working the best from what I am hearing.
Bluegill/Perch–The panfish bite has been hot lately although you have to weed through a bunch of small fish to get some good ones. Most anglers are doing well on leaf worms for panfish right now. Sounds like a simple hook and worm is the way to go for bluegill and perch. Fish are still in shallow and will be focused on shoreline with structure such as docks/trees/and any other stuff hanging down into the water column.
Things will be getting busy in town this week with Musky Fest next weekend. Weather looks good for that so it should be a good turnout. Have a great weekend and we will talk soon!
Greg