Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, looks to be fantastic weather this weekend and the first part of the week. Mid to upper 70s to start with a big cold front coming Wednesday with a high of 48 and then 50s after that. I am not seeing any rain in the forecast, although we could use some desperately. Water levels are down on most lakes by probably a foot or more. The last I heard on the Chip was almost 3 feet down so be careful if you are fishing new waters. Water temps are staying in the low 50s and that shouldn’t change too much even with the warmer weather. It appears turnover has started on some lakes as well. Fishing has been pretty good and fish are definitely in a fall pattern now.
Musky–Musky action has been good, mostly on suckers fished through shallow weeds. Suicks, glide baits, and pull/pause or twitch baits have been working too. Look for fish anywhere from 5-10 FOW and take time fishing through areas.
Northern pike–Pike have been hitting musky baits as well, and those fish are in the same areas you would see musky. Shallow weed beds or weedy bays are great spots to start.
Walleye–The walleye bite has picked up some, with anglers finding them on deeper weed edges. Look for fish in 8-12 FOW depending on the lake and edge type. Walleye suckers cast out lightly and jigged back to the boat seems to be the ticket right now.
LMB–No report on a largemouth bite, although with these warmer days anglers could probably find fish using spinnerbaits or smaller crankbaits in and around weed beds.
SMB–Some anglers are finding smallies on deep edges in similar areas as the walleye. Work those same depths using jigs/plastics, suckers or baits like jigging raps, rippin raps, or any other vertical jigging bait.
Crappie–The last I have heard on a crappie bite was that they were still in shallower weed beds or on mid lake humps topped out with weeds. Look for fish anywhere from 4-8 FOW and use crappie minnows or plastics. As the water cools or turnsover, fish should stay shallow until we see some ice.
Bluegill/Perch–I have not had many anglers focusing on a panfish bite, but those fish should still too be up in shallow weeds. There is still good oxygen in the weeds and that will hold food for panfish and keep them there.
Have a great weekend and we will talk soon!
Greg