Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, some nasty thunderstorms came through last night and brought some wind, rain and crazy lightning. Our rain gauge is showing we got around 1″ of rain, and from what I saw from a few pics of downtown Hayward, lots of vendors lost tents. Very unfortunate downtown. It is supposed to get extremely hot today and tomorrow topping out in the mid 90s. Next week looks like it could be a wet one as well although we do get reprieve from the heat on Wednesday and Thursday with highs in the 60s and 70s. Fishing has picked up some for a few species, while others are still not cooperating.
Musky–The musky bite has been tough, with fish still favoring smaller baits from what I am gathering. Work weed beds and shallower rock flats with downsized bucktails, smaller minnow/crankbaits or even smaller rubber baits.
Pike–PIke action has been consistent and pike are still hammering almost all baits thrown their way. Spinnerbaits, inline spinners, crankbaits and live bait are all producing pike for anglers. Shallow weedy bays and weed beds are key to finding pike. Bass and walleye sized baits seem to be the size pike want right now.
Walleye–The walleye bite has been tough lately, and they are hunkered down in deep weeds or on deeper rock transitions. Leeches seem to be getting hot as the bait to use, and with this warm weather should be excellent moving forward. Simple jig/leech presentations vertically jigged over the side of the boat, or slip bobbers cast out with leeches towards bottom should produce fish.
LMB–Largemouth have gotten active again, and they are up in shallow weeds such as reed beds, lily pads, and fallen timber. Plastic worms, and even top water frogs should really start to get good with the hot weather and water warming up. Cast towards shorelines and get baits deep into weeds.
SMB–Smallmouth bass have been caught on deeper rocks off of main lake points, and reefs. Jigs/minnows, leeches or plastics will all work right now to catch smallies. Look for fish anywhere from 10-20 FOW off of these deeper rocks.
Crappie–The crappie bite has gotten much better over the past week and anglers are having success on crappie minnows under a bobber. I have heard some reports of fish suspended out over basins and others in the weeds. Target fish with baits anywhere from the 4-10 FOW range depending on the lake.
Bluegill/Perch–I have not heard too much on a bluegill or perch bite, but anglers should see success off of docks and shoreline areas with downed timber or sparse weeds. Nightcrawlers and leaf worms are great choices, as well as small jigs and plastic baits.
Fishing is picking up a little bit, but these thunderstorms may have fish in limbo. I hope everyone who enjoys Musky Fest the rest of the weekend is able to stay cool!! It’s going to be a hot one! Have a great weekend and we will talk soon.
Greg