Good morning, here is this weeks fishing report……
Musky–Musky fishing has still been pretty slow and a majority of the fish being caught are on smaller musky baits. Mostly inline spinners such as Mepps and Showgirls and bucktails in that smaller size range. Those baits move fast and cover water which is good to locate fish this time of year. If you get followed up on a bait like this and the fish doesn’t commit, come back at a later time and slow down and pick the area apart.
Northern pike–Haven’t heard much in the way of targeting northern but some are still being caught. Mostly smaller fish hitting walleye and bass rigs in and around the weed beds. Small crankbaits such as Rapalas, spinnerbaits, and just about any kind of live bait can work for catching northern.
Walleye–The walleye bite has slowed down big time, with fish scattering and not being in the same place twice. My guess would be fish are starting to push deeper towards summer basins as the water warms, or they are piling up in the thickest of weeds to hide from predators. Live bait is still the primary choice to target them with jumbo leeches under slip bobbers mainly getting the nod this time of year. Fatheads can still be productive as well, although they do not last too long in this warmer water.
Largemouth bass–The largemouth bite has still been pretty good with a lot of fish still coming on nightcrawlers underneath a bobber. With the water temps being where they are now, a topwater bite for largemouth should start happening very soon. Weedless frogs worked over and through lily pads is a great way to catch big largemouth and also one of the most exciting ways to fish for any species.
Smallmouth bass–The smallmouth bite has slowed down as well, and smallies should be pushing to deeper rocks and wood/structure off of main lake points or humps. Drop shotting or jigging with live bait are good choices.
Crappie–Crappie have scattered and most likely schooled back up in the deeper basins. Some smaller fish have still been caught in the weeds using bobbers and plain hooks tipped with crappie minnows. Don’t be afraid to move around to find crappie, and if you do find them spend some time weeding through the smaller fish to catch nicer ones.
Perch–The perch bite has been pretty good with a lot of folks catching piles of perch while crappie fishing. Look for weed beds and fish in the 7-10 FOW range with bobbers and miinnows to find nice perch.
Bluegill–Fish shore lines with sandy bottoms or shore lines with downed trees or weeds up tight to find nice bluegill. Chunks of nightcrawlers or leaf worms work well as well as waxies on small jigs underneath a bobber.
Greg