Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, we had some very sporadic rain throughout the area last week. Only about a 1/2″ at our house, but I have heard reports of more around other spots up here. Looks like we are in for a pretty hot week with very little rain if any in the forecast. Highs topping out at 89 tomorrow and dropping to the upper 70s by the end of the week. The fishing should get excellent with some stable weather and it has been getting better as this past week has gone one. Water temps are mid 70s right now and will probably climb a few degrees over the next few days.
Musky–The musky bite slowed down over the past week, but the water temps warming back up should get fish active. Bucktails and top water baits should be at the top of anglers lists to throw for musky right now. Anglers should be aware as water temps climb to handle fish minimally, if pics are not necessary keep the fish in the water, and if you don’t need to measure it, don’t!!
Pike–Pike have been actively hitting spinnerbaits, bucktails, and smaller crank baits right now. Target pike in and around weeds both shallow and deep.
Walleye–The walleye bite has been okay with anglers finding success on deeper rocks right now. Slowly dragging jigs, or lindy rig set ups with leeches or crawlers seem to be working.
LMB–Largemouth have been active and frogs and topwater baits are shining right now. Lily pads, reed beds, and other shallow emergent weeds are holding fish. For suspended fish spinnerbaits are tough to beat.
SMB–Smallies seem to be favoring plastics right now, whether that’s wacky rigged, drop shot, or ned rigged. Deeper rocks and transitions from hard to soft bottom are key.
Crappie–Crappie anglers have had success in the weeds for crappie right now, on both worms and minnows. Small jigs tipped with a tube skirt or small plastic and either a small piece of crawler or a minnow have crappie biting.
Bluegill/Perch–Anglers are finding gills and perch in and around those same weed beds as the crappie are occupying. Anglers should work worms more to target gills, while minnows and small leeches would be better for perch.
Steve, that is all I have for this week’s report. Looks to be a fantastic northwoods vacation week as far as weather goes! Have a great weekend and we will talk soon.
Greg