Southeast Wisconsin Fishing Report

What's happening....

2012-02-10T21:18:00.000-06:00

My son Shannon had a half day of school today, so we did what a father and son should do on a snowy day, we went to State Fair Park to the 20th Annual Milwaukee Muskie Expo.

Met and talked with lots of people. Saw a really innovative piece of boat hardware in the MACCCCS Inc Net Holder. It's not available yet, but the display and demo were impressive.

Lots of interesting tackle. Rollie and Hellen's have a huge booth again this year. Also got a chance to chat with Beaver from Jerry's Sport Service about a new boat. I'm considering upgrading to a Lund Impact, to expand my guiding options.

One of my favorite musky lure outfits, Thuja Lures wasn't at the show, but Charlie did send over some a picture of his new topwaters today. He's been working closely with the folks over at Smokey's to refine his process and colors. Check these out.....

I've had good success with Thuja topwaters on our local lakes, especially on Okauchee, Garvin and Oconomowoc Lakes. They are handcrafted wood designs, so they have some mass, but I like the size profile and the action on the ones I have, especially my Bog-Hog globe.

Stay warm and safe....open water is just around the corner.

Cheers,
CT

Ice Fishing this weekend (Fishing Report 2-3-12)

2012-02-03T11:36:00.000-06:00

Everyone,

Lots of jamborees this weekend, and ice conditions are getting pretty sketchy. Just be careful if you're heading out.

Panfish are biting a couple times a day in green weeds in 4-8 feet of water. Smaller seems to be the operative word for presentations this season.

Pike are still biting aggresively, especially the smaller fish. This is classic pre-spawn behavior. Look for them on the edges of weeds or adjacent to drop offs. Medium shiners or suckers will do the job for the aggressive fish, but dead bait is catching the larger fish. I recommend a 2-1 Livebait-deadbait spread on your tip ups.

I have heard the best reports from people on Okauchee, Moose (be super careful), Golden, Silver, Pretty and Forest. Nag has also been pretty active, as have the Nashotah and Genessee Lakes.

Open water fishing continues to be hot in the Milwaukee Harbor. Browns and Lakers are being caught by boat and shore anglers.

The Rock River is still iced in, but if you want to give the Wisconsin River a try, people heading out below the dam have been catching some quality fish. Last reports indicated the river was open from the dam to the cables, and that some nice pre-spawn fish were being caught out of slack water.

If you're heading out this weekend, feel free to call or email me for up to date info.

Good Luck. Be Safe and Cheers.
CT

Public Service Message---The Update

2012-02-01T19:26:00.000-06:00

Update (2-1-12): The folks at Lake-Link.Com are now rethinking the event on Delevan a bit.

New Details are available here.

I'd be real careful if heading out to any of the Jamborees scheduled for this weekend.

Public Service Message

2012-01-31T08:12:00.000-06:00

Lake Link.com's Jamboree is this weekend. With the weather being as unseasonal as it has been, lots of anglers are asking about ice conditions on Delevan.

Here's a post they put up this morning.

Cheers,
CT

PS. Dave Duwe knows his stuff, but after a couple of days in the 50 degree range, there's no way I'd be heading out there. Be safe.

Shaky Ice Conditions

2012-01-30T15:49:00.000-06:00

It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when ice fishing. Lots of people are pressing their luck right now and men and gear are going through.

Madison area lakes are being declared unsafe by the DNR, and UW-Madison has warned students about fishing in the area in front of the student union.

Closer to home, atv riders went through on Okauchee last night. Temperatures this week are projected to be in the mid 40's at times, so there's going to be movement in the ice that's there.

Stay safe if you're heading out.

Cheers,
CT

Fishing Report 1-20-12

2012-01-20T08:29:00.000-06:00

Here's some info from Greg at Musky Mikes. Looks like most people are hitting the smaller lakes. Becky Smith's report at her shop's page from earlier this week (dated 1-18-12) says pretty much the same thing.

My info isn't much different. Because of ice conditions before the freeze this week, most people have been out in the protected areas/shallow bays/small lakes. Now that we've had a solid deep freeze, expect to see some movement to bigger water.

Stay safe. The snow is covering up some sketchy ice. Standard rules apply: PFD, Buddy System and spud bar use.

Here's what I got in over the last two-three days. Getting a little more specific info this week.

Okauchee: Icehouse has between 3-8 inches. Pike have been very good along the south shore cut, just past the drop off. A few larger pike have come off the deeper water around the sandbar-roadbed area at the mouth. A few crappies are in the deeper hole just inside the bay. Bluegill action has been spotty.

Okauchee: Bay Five Ice goes from solid to sketchy, especially in areas where the current is directly flowing in and off of the main channel. Pike have been very active, but smaller. Bluegills are biting a couple times a day, and stacked up over the larger brushpiles/wood laydowns. No word on crappies.

Golden: Pike are active on the south end. Ice on North end was shifting some, and a little thin in spots. Panfish would bit if you could find them, but the larger schools of keepers are suspending off the deep weed edge areas in 15 FOW.

Silver: Lots of people have been out, but reports have been a little thin in terms of action. Smaller gills and a few undersize pike. One guy I talked with, who is a pretty reliable source said he couldn't keep the bass off his tip-up minnows the other day, but he never caught one over 12 inches.

Kessus: Other than reports of a monster pike (it gets a little bigger each time I hear a different person talk about it now-it went from a 36" to a 41" in a matter of minutes) that have been making the rounds, bluegills seem to be the hot action on Kessus. Shallow ends of the bays and the marshy area have been productive.

Nagawicka: Kettle...I know its been busy, but none of the people I have talked with have been out there. Becky's people at Dick Smiths or Greg at Musky Mikes will have better information.

Ashippun: Always a winter sleeper, Ashippun has been providing some decent action for pike. Ice reports are that it goes from solid to thin in a matter of feet, so be careful, but look for pike in the reedy area near the launch. Gills and crappies have been out deep and on the bottom.

Good Luck...and be safe...
CT

PS...scroll down for a special offer for this year's open water season.

2012 Bookings -Special Pre-Season Pricing

2012-01-18T16:04:00.000-06:00

I like to use this blog to share information with local fisherman, but part of that process is the guiding that I do.

I'm currently looking ahead to this open water season, and while I have several trips booked with my year to year regulars, I'd like to take this opportunity to extend a special deal to anyone interested in a fishing trip with me during the open water season.

If you book a date with me for this season before March 15th, I'll take you on a half day trip in April-September (5-6 hours) for just $200. The trip will be a multispecies outing on a body of water we agree on, and you have to send me a check or paypal me a deposit to hold your day.

I'll entertain specific requests for individually, but I'd like to think of these trips as a "fishing lesson" as much as a guided outing. Don't mistake my intentions, we'll catch fish when we go, just like anytime you fish with me.

Other guides in our area specialize in taking you out to catch fish their way, (typically slow trolling with live bait) but I recognize that the real service I can provide you with is to teach you how to catch fish on our local lakes. That's a little different than what most guides do when you are out with them. But the best service I have provided to clients in the past, whether on the water or in the baitshop has been to share my knowledge with people in order to help them improve their own skill sets.

If you're interested in booking one of these trips at the special price (about 20% off last years rate), email me or give me a call.

Cheers,
CT

Fishing and Ice Update 1-13-12

2012-01-13T09:28:00.001-06:00

Not much new to report, but before I get to it, just a word of caution about the ice. Last nights snow is going to cover up some questionable ice. It will be colder now (no more 60 degree days in January) so the ice will firm up, especially during the cold overnights, but until we've had a little more of this seasonal weather, continue to be careful.

One of the most common places people go through is near the shore where people are entering or leaving the ice. These places get alot of foot traffic, and can be soft even with surrounding ice being plenty safe. I went through one year as the last guy in line after a group walking off all used the same spot to exit. Take it from me, going through is not only scary and dangerous, but a cold and wet walk back sucks big time.

In terms of fishing, I'd stick to the smaller bodies of water. Bluegills seem to be moving a bit, so be ready to be portable, but shallow bays with green weeds will have active fish. Bay Five and just off the sandbar in Ice House have been giving up some keepers, as well as Forest, the west cut on Moose, Silver, Golden (South Flat), Middle Geneesee and School Section. Lots of people have been talking about the Kettle on Nag, but it's been hit or miss by the sound of it. Gills love teardrop jigs with waxies or spikes, but wigglers on a tiny hook can really grab some short biters. I'd try to fish just above the weeds, but consider using a spring bobber for light biters.

Crappie are moving into areas adjacent to current. This is a seasonal pattern for winter crappies here. Look for shallow depressions or holes just off the main current area. Green weeds or shallow sand grass will pull them in, but fish attractors, stumps or laydowns will likely have some active fish. I heard some good words about crappie on Golden and Okauchee, but it sounded like the hotspots the last week were Lower Nehmabin and Upper Nashotah.

As for pike, tipups with medium sized live bait (shiners or suckers) will generate the most action. Deeper areas of weed flats will be holding some fish, as well as the first break line into deep water. You might also find some yellow perch in the same areas. Be careful as you head over deeper water, but that's where the big girls are hiding right now. Smelt works awesome this time of year, but when you put your spread out, try both live and dead bait as some days the fish prefer one over the other. I usally try to go 2-1 favoring live bait per three tipups and then adjust as the fish tell me what they want.

Walleye were biting great in the Dells, but you'll need the boat if you're heading up that way. A few fish are also being caught off the walls along the open water areas of the Rock River in Jefferson and Ft Atkinson. Closer to home, the nearshore areas of Lac Labelle and the shallow flats off the park on
Fowler both gave up some fish according to my sources.

Speaking of the boat, Ben Kueng is still guiding in the Milwaukee Harbor area. It sounds like the fishing has been pretty good, although I don't know how long it will be that way. If you're interested in heading out with him, there's a link to his website on the right hand column. That's fun fishing out there for sure, but I don't guide out there. He's a great guy, and make sure you tell him I sent you his way.

If the cold sticks around, expect things to get very good over the next week to 10 days. More people will be out, and better info comes in then.
.
Good Luck and Be Safe,
CT

Update: Looks like Becky Smith just did an update at her report as well. You can check it out here.

Fishing Report 1-7-2012 (Yes I'm Back)

2012-01-07T14:10:00.000-06:00

Sorry I have been away. I'm back, and thanks for sticking with me.

Well its pretty nice outside, and that has put a little damper on the fishing. Don't get me wrong, the fish are biting just fine, its just that the ice conditions have been very spotty on area lakes.

Several lakes have people out, but I would still exercise some extra caution if you're ice fishing locally. PFD, the buddy system and a spud bar are all excellent tools you should be using. Stay away from deep water, and especially from moving water/current areas that look a little sketchy.

Fox, Nagawicka and the Genesse Lakes have been pretty active.

Panfish are biting a couple times a day. On high pressure days, the fish are suspending over bottom structure or fish attractors. You'll need electronics to fish these effectively. On the low pressure days, the fish have been tight to the bottom. Smaller jig, bigger bait presentation is always good for early ice, and it seems to be working right now. Watch for light bites, and vary your jigging stroke till you find the right move to trigger the bite. Then repeat.

Pike are biting, but it seems like the most active fish have been smaller, more aggressive fish. This is typical of this time of year, as smaller buck male pike go on an early pre-spawn feeding binge. If you're using a tip up and consistently catching smaller pike, move out just a little bit deeper and set back up. Shallow water and green weeds will get you some action, but the larger pike are probably still using the first deep break and the sandgrass. The closer we get to spring, the closer you should move to shallow marshy areas.

Walleye have been biting, but in a feeding window in the evening. I'm not sure about a morning feeding window, but everyone I have spoken with (ie the other guides and the network of old fisherman I stay in contact with) has been talking about an evening bite. According to information I'm hearing, 8-12 and 12-15 feet (where there is safe ice) has been on fire. Go big with your bait though, it seems like the larger shiners have been better than suckers or smaller shiners.

More as it comes in. I suggest checking with the local shops for ice conditions on a daily basis until our weather decides to catch up with the season.

Cheers
CT

Success

2011-12-16T13:09:00.000-06:00

I successfully defended my dissertation yesterday.

Fishing reports will resume next week.

Cheers
Dr. Christopher Terry, PhD

Gone Fishin'....

2011-12-08T15:58:00.000-06:00

Well, not really.

As many of you know, I'm a candidate for a PhD at UW-Madison. I've been doing graduate work in Communication Law and Policy for several years, and I'm nearly done. In fact, one week from today, I will defend my dissertation, and assuming everything goes as planned, I will be Dr. Christopher Terry by this time next week.

I apologize for the lack of reports, I've just been crazy busy with everything involved with this major, no epic life event. I'll get back on the horse in a week or two, until then...stay safe.

Cheers,
CT

Big Fish Time: Fishing Report 11-12-11

2011-11-12T10:47:00.000-06:00

It is, as they say, on.

Lots of big muskies are being caught. Look for them in weeds in 6-15 feet.You can catch them throwing big cranks, jerkbaits, bulldogs or bucktails, but the biggest suckers are cathing the most fish. Okauchee has been red hot. Pewaukee has been touch and go, but on when its on. Garvin and Oconomowoc are giving up steady action. Lac Labelle and Fowler have been slower, but a few fish are still being caught.

Smallmouth fishing has been exceptional this fall. Long lining with live bait on slip sinker or split shot rigs has been the most effective, but a few nice smallies are coming in on big white-deep-diving crankbaits at the end of mainlake points.

River Walleye fishing has been great on the Wisconsin, Fox, Wolf and Rock Rivers. Close to home, Jefferson and Ft Atkinson are giving up a mixed bag of walleyes and whitebass, but the river is very low, so watch your lower unit.

Good Luck,
CT

Fishing Report 10-26-11

2011-10-26T09:15:00.000-05:00

Halloween is near, time to trick a musky with a huge sucker on a quick strike rig.

A few of the lakes are showing turnover signs, but the water is starting to clear up a bit. Cooler nights ahead will finish the process.

Musky Fishing continues to be good. White continues to be a hot color, with perch patterns close behind. Some of the guides are reporting consistent action, with the majority of fish being taken while floating suckers on quick strike rigs. Pewaukee is going steady, but the bigger fish haven't turned on as of yet. Slower action on Okauchee, Fowler, Lac Labelle, on Oconomowoc. Garvin has given up a few fish since the cooler weather set in, and they have all come on the south weed-flat drop-off.

Fall Smallmouth fishing is in full gear. Drifting with live bait on a split shot rig is producing, as is cranking open water structure with white or chartreuse crankbaits or spinners. Oconomowoc, Pine and Nag are all happening right now, as are the lakes in the Madison chain. Deep, but still green weeds is the pattern. Fish are coming as deep as 30 feet on live bait.

Pike fishing is about average for this time of year. Spinners, crankbaits, stickbaits and live bait rigs are all producing at different times. The better fish are coming from the rivers or smaller lakes, like Ashippun, School Section, Pretty and Lower Genessee. Golden is usually pretty good about this time of year, but I haven't heard anything specific.

Walleye are biting on the Rock, Wisconsin and Fox Rivers, but the action has been inconsistent. Low water is hampering the bite, although a decent number of larger walleyes are being reported. Slow drifts with live bait, especially larger fatheads or small suckers have been the most productive. Slow and steady wins the race.

Good Luck, and continue to check in with your local bait shop for changes to day to day conditions.

Cheers,
CT

Now...its time (Fishing Report 10-20-11)

2011-10-20T09:05:00.000-05:00

Well gang,

I was really enjoying our fall weather, but it was making fishing a little complicated. With the dramatic shift in the weather over the last couple of days, things get simpler.

First off, live bait. If you're fishing for bass, pike or walleye, plastics, cranks and spinners will work, but now is really the time to make the switch to using oversized live bait. Big shiners(if you can get them) or small suckers. I like both lindy and split shot rigs as a presentation. Catching a drift while long lining live bait is a surefire tactic. Look for deep water adjacent to shallow structure. If the fish aren't on top of the bars, look for them in deep water just off the shallow stuff. The downwind side of points, where deeper water touches the long edge of a point will really concentrate fish.

The other advice I have this time of year to focus your attention on the bigger lakes. I much prefer to fish Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Nag and Lac Labelle this time of year. One there's no boat traffic, but two there's also more big fish to chase. My fall sleeper lakes are Pretty and Lower Genessee, both of which have huge pike.

Musky fishing has been slow and steady, but the cooler weather will turn things on quick. The water has been hovering in the low 60 degree range, but expect that to change quickly as the nights get cool. Now is the time to bust out the preposterously large jerkbaits, "pounder" bulldogs and the huge cowgirls you keep in your box. And if you're going out, never leave the dock without a sucker on a quick strike or lift-off rig. Now is when the sucker bite will really pick up. Don't be afraid to ask for the biggest ones in the tank at Mikes, Dick Smiths or Smokey's when you drop in.

Look for musky in what's left of the weeds. If you see ciscos popping up, you're in the money zone, but look for weeds along rock bars and drops for some action. On sunny days, you will find a few musky patrolling the rock or sand shallows to feed on yellow perch.

Pewaukee has been slow, Okauchee even slower, Oconomowoc and Lac Labelle have been Okay. I heard of two high 40 inchers out of North Lake and a solid 46 out of Fowler. I'm sure all the lakes will turn on with the rain and cooler temps.

Good Luck, and be safe.
CT

Fishing Report 10-12-11

2011-10-12T10:09:00.000-05:00

Just a quikie today, conditions are about to change and I'll have a full report up for the weekend.

Musky are moving, but many fish are still holding in 12-18 FOW. Fish are coming a bit shallower on Pewaukee by most reports, and deeper on Fowler, Lac Labelle and Oconomowoc.

Okauchee has been the most consistent according to the information I am getting, and lots of fish are being moved off the rocky areas near the Party and the North East Island. A couple of people seeing reported a large fish (50 inch class) moving around on the flats in Stumpy Bay on the warmer, but cloudy afternoons the last week.

Walleye fishing is still slow on the Rock River between Jefferson and Blackhawk Island, but a few whitebass and catfish are being caught. The Wisconsin River in the Dells has seen activity pick up, but the warm temperatures are holding up the usual fall fishing. Local lakes have been giving up a few walleyes, but reports from Labelle, Nagawicka, Pine and Oconomowoc all report spotty fishing.

Pike have been slow, but the smaller lakes like School Section, Pretty, Lower Genessee and Ashippun have been producing.

Crappies are on the fall bite. Look for them along green weed edges in 8-15 FOW.

Water is in the low 60's on all area lakes. I'll check in after the weather with updated conditions.

Fishing Report 10-3-11

2011-10-03T20:49:00.000-05:00

If you're thinking about heading out for a last go of it, this looks like the week to do it. The weatherman is calling for a period of stable weather, with decent afternoon daytime temperatures. The fish will be feeding, of that, you can be sure.

Concentrate on shallow structure that is adjacent to deep water. Rocks, gravel and sand that are shallow, but close to deeper drops will really pull in fish right now. Baitfish will be moving to the rocks, and the perch and juvenile bluegills will follow them in. Bass, Pike and Walleye will be right behind.

Here's what I would do. In the morning, fish tight to weed clumps, flipping or pitching, or using one of my favorite fall baits for fishing tight to cover, a buzzbait. You'll be able to grab a mixed bag of gamefish doing this. As the sun comes up, start moving off the sand/weed areas and looking for fish in rock/sand transition areas. Swimbaits, grubs and tubes are awesome for picking fish off the rocks, but if the action is a little faster go with a spinnerbait or a lipless crankbait.

If you're musky fishing, look for fish starting on the deep weed edges in 10-12 FOW. Casting with gliders, bucktails, cowgirls or jerkbaits can really produce, but we're really getting into sucker fishing season now, and you should always have one out. As the day goes on, start looking for fish to move into weed pockets to forage, and don't be afraid to look for fish in shallow water.

Around the area, Okauchee and Pewaukee have been outproducing Oconomowoc and Lac Labelle, but everything should be rolling this week.

Bass fishing has been good on Pine, Nag, Okauchee, Forest (yes Forest) The Genessee Lakes, Pretty, Golden and Silver.

Pike have been biting on Kessus, Nag, Ashippun and Pretty.

Walleye Fishing has been steady on Pine, slow on Lac Labelle, and about average on Oconomowoc. A few fish are being caught in the Dells, as well as the Rock River, but reports have been sketchy as more people are in their duck blinds or tree stands than fishing right now. No word yet on Fall whitebass, but stay tuned.

I apologize for the late post. I filed a report at the regular time, and I didn't notice that Blogger had spit it out. If you're ever looking for up to date info, just shoot me an email or give me a call, and I'll tell you what I can.

Cheers,
CT

PS. Congrats to the Badger Fishing Team who took second in the Big Ten Tournament over the weekend.

Fishing Report 9-23-11

2011-09-23T08:13:00.000-05:00

Well gang the Musky are biting and the days are getting short. It is fall.

Water temps are in the low to mid 60's. The weeds are still very green, and thick on most lakes. Fishing is picking up as the water cools.

Bass and pike continue to relate to shallow weeds. Weeds on shallow flats are being used by active fish a couple times a day to feed and as ambush points. There's lots of baitfish and small bluegills swimming in the 3-8 foot depths, and the bass are feeding heavily on this batch of fish. Floating minnow baits or lipless crankbaits are catching these fish. On cooler, cloudy days, fishing tight to the weed clumps with shallow crankbaits, spinnerbaits and buzzbaits can be very good. Bigger fish can be caught flipping and pitching jigs to weed edges.

Musky are moving from the deeper water and are holding on the weedlines, but a great place to connect with a fish is an area where you find the combination of weeds and rock, near where deep and shallow water converge (ie points and bars that stretch out to deep water) Some nice fish are being moved off very shallow along rocks with visible baitfish. As the daytime temps continue to cool down, expect the action to pick up dramatically. Gliders, swimbaits, bucktails and suckers on a quick strike rig have all been producing. Gold blades continue to produce for me this season.

Bluegills are starting to pile up in weedy areas in 6-12 feet of water. Plastics tipped with wax worms are your best bets. Be ready to move in or out depending on conditions, but keepers will be a couple feet above the edges of deep structure. Expect the crappie to move in as the water temperature continues to drop, if it stays cool this weekend, areas with current will see some schools of nice crappies move in.

Walleye are moving shallow in the morning and the evenings. Minnowbaits, shiners or suckers, or spinner harnesses have been producing. The Rock River is still low, but I'm starting to hear that it is giving up some walleyes, especially in the Blackhawk Island/mouth area.

Good Luck,
CT

Fishing Report 9-16-2011

2011-09-16T08:36:00.000-05:00

Well gang, if you've looked out your window, you may have noticed that conditions are rapidly changing. The warm days and cooler nights are forcing fall conditions into play. This makes giving you up to date information on fishing conditions a little tougher than normal.

Ahead of the cold front, water temps were in the mid 70's, this morning, some of the shallow water was in the high 60's and giving off heat. And while the days will be sunny and warm, the nighttime conditions are going to be increasingly cooler.

Look for fish to move into shallow areas a couple time per day to feed. Unless chasing walleyes on deeper structure, or suspended crappies, I'd move into the 12-15 foot depth, and work my way shallower from there. Typically, rock/sand transition areas are where I do the best this time of year. I'd also consider moving from plastics to live bait or crankbaits. I'll still use plastics this time of year, but I move away from smaller finessee jig or wackyworms, to big jig/chunk combos, skirted grubs and flukes. Moving around to find active fish is always key this time of year, your best clue that you're in the right spot will be the presence of visible schools of baitfish.

For now, look for panfish to move out of the deeper water and up to the ends of points. Bluegills will be around the end of shallow points that border much deep water. Drops that go rapidly from 6-8 to 12-15 FOW can really concentrate active fish. Crappie continue to suspend along weedlines, but they will move in tighter to shallow weed clumps as fall continues. Lakes like Pine, Lac Labelle and Oconomowoc with fishable perch populations will see that bite turn on over the next for weeks.

Bass will start feeding heavily over the next few weeks. Traditional techniques like wacky and jig worms will catch fish, but consider moving toward faster presentations like spinner and crankbaits. Wide wobbling shallow runners, or shad rap style, white, shad or baby bass colored crankbaits are fantastic options this time of year. Look at shallow weed/rock or weed/sand transition areas first, then move up onto the rockbars and fish them hard. Larger minnows or small suckers will outproduce nightcrawlers this time of year.

Walleye: The bite maybe tough, but slow trolling with live bait rigs is the superior daytime option for local lakes right now. Split shot or lindy rigs pulled around the edge of shallow structure, or drifted across sand flats will produce, but expect the bite to be a little spotty at times.

Musky: As the water temps cool, activity will pick up. For now, casting over the weed edges is probably the best option, but don't over look isolated pieces of shallow rock structure where active fish will come into forage, especially in the later afternoons. Now is certainly the time to drag a sucker while casting, and remember to do a figure 8 on EVERY cast.

Check back in this week, I'll post something after the cold front goes through.

Cheers,
CT

Shameless Self Promotion Post

2011-09-09T13:04:00.000-05:00

I have a select set of weekday and weekend openings for guided fall fishing trips for bass, walleye and/or musky.

If you're interested in one of these openings, please contact me via email for a special rate on half and full day trips.

Cheers,
CT

Fishing Report 9-9-2011

2011-09-09T08:38:00.000-05:00

Fall is upon us. Fishing will be great for the next 4-6 weeks.

Look to shift your fishing hours with the shorter days. Often the best bite is in the middle of the afternoon.

The water is in the low 70's on most lakes in our area. Weeds are still green for the most part and the fall algae blooms are starting to clear up. There are schools of bait in both deep and shallow water, both of which are drawing attention from the gamefish right now.

Largemouth are holding along clumps of weeds on the shallow flats, with a few still chasing bait along the deeper weed edges. Smallmouth are relating to weed clumps near or adjacent to rocky and sandy areas with a drop off. The deeper fish will bite best when they make a move into the nearby shallow water, typically something they will start to do a couple times a day. When the water and air temperatures begin to cool down even more, a good number of fish will use shallow rocky areas that get some direct sunlight in the early afternoons.

Your best lure options right now are wacky worms, large jigworms, skirted grubs, jig/chunk, texas rigged plastics or lipless crankbaits. Smaller, wide wobbling crankbaits can also produce. Wacky worms and skirted grubs are great around the rocks. Jigworms, texas rigs and jig/trailers are great around the scattered weeds. Lipless crankbaits are great in both areas. Browns, greens, orange or black are usally the best colors for plastics (pretty much as they are all year) but white, shad, bluegill or silver colored crankbaits can really produce during the September stretch. (PS I love small, shallow running white crankbaits this time of year)

Walleye: Stick with live bait unless fishing over submerged weeds in the evening when you should consider throwing minnow-baits like rapalas and rouges. Look for walleyes in the sandgrass or along breaks in the weeds in 10-15 feet. Some fish will be deeper or shallower on our local lakes, but the best approach to locating fish is to slowly troll with a slip-sinker or lindy rig with a big minnow. As the nights stay cool and bring down the water temperatures, fish may start to move shallow during the evenings, and look for these fish in weeds in 6-8 FOW.

Northern: Have turned on recently, and have been caught in solid numbers. For bigger fish try crankbaits in bluegill, perch or white/shad color patterns. Hot N Tots, wiggle warts and the rapala deep divers are my favorites for trolling, while Norman D-22's or lipless crankbaits are better options for casting. (Again, white or a natural pattern with some white and green are my absolute go to crankbaits this time of year)

Musky: The fish are starting to make fall transitions, but the action was still a little slow. I'd expect that to make a rapid change after this week's cooler weather. Most fish are being reported from 10-15 feet of water.

Good Luck
CT

Fishing Report 9-1-2011

2011-09-01T09:23:00.000-05:00

Welcome to September.

Fishing is going strong overall, but day to day there have been challenges. This is typically a period of unstable weather, which makes patterning fish hard from day to day.

Panfish have really slowed down over the last two weeks. Crappie and bluegill continue to bite along weedlines or suspended out over deep water. Plastics tipped with live bait, tail hooked minnows and leafworms fished vertically or with slip bobbers will produce, but you may have to put in a little time to find the keeping size fish. Evenings have been better, as is typical for this time of year.

Largemouth continue to run late summer patterns. On the hot sunny days, look for them around docks or slop, or out deep. On the cooler cloudy days, look for active fish in sand/rock or rock/weed transitions in 4-8 feet. Topwater bite will be good, especially early in the morning.

Smallmouth fishing has been spotty. If you can find some active fish, you can do well, but making that connection can be a tough nut to crack. Look for them around the edges of the shallow structure like rock bars or sand/rock transition areas. The fish will be deeper than you think they should be in most cases. Jigworms, grubs, minnowbaits and small white crankbaits can be dynamite.

Pike fishing has been slow, but steady. Lots of undersized fish are being caught in the shallow and mid-depth areas. I'd consider moving out deeper and using live bait on a slip sinker rig, trying to connect with active fish in 18-22 or 22-25 feet of water.

Musky are getting more active, but anglers are still reporting lots of lazy follows. Gliders, bulldogs and cow-girls have all produced in the past week, but most of the fish are mid-30's to low 40 inch fish. AS the water begins to cool, the action will pick up considerably.

Good Luck,
CT

Fishing Report 8-19-11

2011-08-19T09:37:00.000-05:00

Hey gang,

I have been out quite a bit lately, and I've hit every one of the lakes I regularly guide on over the past two weeks. The signs point to an early and cool fall, and the fish are already making moves towards late summer-early fall patterns. That might not sound like a big deal, but the action is at least a couple of weeks ahead of the "traditional schedule."

The water is in the mid 70's on most lakes in our area. The most important factor right now, other than bright sun, is the quantity of baitfish. Huge schools of bait are running at, or just below the surface in both deep and shallow water, both of which are drawing attention from the gamefish right now.

Largemouth are holding along clumps of weeds on the shallow weed flats. Others are still hanging along the deeper weed edges. The majority of the fish are being caught out of 6-10 FOW, deeper fish are coming as deep as 25 FOW. Jigs, small crankbaits, texas rigs and wacky are all catching shallow fish. Swimbaits, deep running crankbaits and drop shotting are the hot bites for deep water.

Smallmouth are relating to weed clumps near or adjacent to rocky and sandy areas with a drop off. The deeper fish will bite best when they make a move into the nearby shallow water, typically something they will start to do a couple times a day. When the water and air temperatures begin to cool down some more, fish will use rocky areas in the early afternoons.If you can't find fish on top of shallow structure, look for them to suspend in deeper water nearby.

Walleye: Stick with live bait unless fishing over submerged weeds in the evening when you should consider throwing minnow-baits like rapalas and rouges. Look for walleyes to be in the sandgrass or in breaks in the weeds as deep as 35 FOW during the day. Some fish will be deeper or shallower on our local lakes, but the best approach to locating fish is to slowly troll with a slip-sinker or lindy rig with a big minnow or small sucker.

Northern: Most northern caught this time of year are caught while targeting other species, especially bass and musky. But they can still be caught and in good numbers. For bigger fish, try Deep diving crankbaits in bluegill, perch or white/shad color patterns. Hot N Tots, wiggle warts and the rapala deep divers are my favorites for trolling, while Norman D-22's or lipless crankbaits are better options for casting.Get adjacent to the deep weedlines, and get your baits at close to the defined edge as possible.

Musky: The fish are starting to make the transition, but the action is still a little slow. I'd expect that to make a rapid change after this week. Most fish are being reported from 10-15 feet of water but the shallow bite shouldn't be overlooked. Casting bucktails, gliders, swimbaits or jerkbaits all will draw some attention, but don't forget to keep a sucker or two out on a quick-strike rig. Many fish that follow a bait to the boat will turn on for the sucker hanging nearby.

-----
Around the area:

Okauchee: Bass fishing is great, with lots of nice fish coming in. Shallow and deep patterns are producing. Musky fishing has been slow, but as fish start to come into the shallows to feed, it is likely to pick up. Pike fishing has been average, the deep weedlines have been the best, especially in Stumpy and just off the north flat.

Oconomowc: Bite is very good early and late, but action can be slow on the bright sunny days. Look for fish a little deeper than normal. Smallmouth and Largemouth action has been very good, pike has been good, but lots of smaller fish are being caught. Musky are feeding in the shallows, but lots of lazy follows continue to be reported. Walleyes are very deep, look for them in the sandgrass between 18-22 FOW, but as deep as 35 FOW.

Garvin: Panfish has been good, pike slow, musky has been great.

Silver: Bass fishing has been very good, and some keeper sized fish are being caught. Panfish have been slow.

Golden: Bass and pike have been very good early and late, with a drop off around 10am. Panfish are schooled up and suspended in deeper water. Crappie are biting along the weedlines.

Moose: Pike fishing has been fantastic. Live bait rigs trolled just off the breaks has really been producing, especially with shiners. (Not fatheads!)

Good Luck
CT

Next Local Fishing Report will be posted on 8-27-11, but drop by for reports from my trip up north.

Huge Tiger Musky Caught in Minnesota

2011-08-17T16:40:00.000-05:00

Check this fish out:

48.5" x 28.5"

More Pictures at www.thenextbite.com

Fish Pictures

2011-08-14T20:45:00.000-05:00

I frequently hear from readers of this site that I don't post enough pictures of the fish I'm catching with people.

Fair enough: Here are Kristen and Matt Weir, with two of the more than 30 bass we caught on a half day trip last week.

Cheers,
CT

Fishing Report 8-11-11

2011-08-11T21:00:00.000-05:00

First, a reminder about Musky Mikes Northern Pike Tournament on Sunday on Okauchee. Information is available here.

Fishing is picking up as the cooler weather has set in. I have done a bunch of trips over the last 10 days and the gamefish activity is getting much better. The best bites are the early and late feeding periods, but with a little work, you can have steady action all day long. It's been a tough year in terms of bigger fish, but the last couple of trips we've really been catching some nice fish, in addition to solid numbers of smaller ones.

Panfish activity is still happening in the deep water. Look for them in 20+ FOW, and suspended about half way down. Areas where a deep weedline touches a deeper drop-off (like a deep point for example) are really holding some nice schools of fish. Tightlining with live bait, or slip bobbers is you best approach, and night fishing with lighted slip bobbers has really been a solid (but not to often talked about) way to get a limit of nice keepers. Plastics tipped with live bait, leeches or leafworms all seem to be the meat the bluegills are after. Crappies are suspending over deep structure, live cribs, and slip bobbers with tailed hooked minnows is producing.

Largemouth bass action has gotten red hot over the last two weeks, but there is hot and cold streaks throughout the day. Look for feeding periods from just before sun-up until about 9:30, and then again from about 4pm to just after dark. The fish are actively chasing bait during these periods, and can be caught on grubs, ringworms, flapper grubs, and jigworms. Topwater action can be had, but the bait they are chasing is on the small side, so go with a small pop-r, skitter pop or something similar. After the initial feeding, look for fish to get tight to shallow cover, docks or weed edges, and then chase them down with wacky, tubes, and jig/craw combos. On bright sunny days, the slop bite has been producing, but personally I'm only catching smaller fish out of the slop right now. Best bite has been on shallow weedflats with scattered cover, where you can visibly see baitfish schooled up and swimming around. Today I caught fish at essentially every depth between 18 inches and 22 feet.

Smallmouth action has been a little slower by most reports. They are still biting, but like the largemouths there's periods of time during the day f active feeding. The crayfish are not in full molt yet, and when that starts expect the smallie action to go gangbusters for 10 days-2weeks. Right now you can catch some smallies on the flats and mainlake structure, especially along the drop-off edges, or suspended off the breaks in deep water. Tubes, wacky, grubs and soft jerkbaits are all producing the shallow fish, while suspending jerkbaits and crankbaits are catching the deeper fish.

Northern action has been slow, but I haven't been actively targeting them, so take that with a grain of salt. Look for them on deep weedlines, or suspended in very deep water. If you're fishing the tournament, I'd go with a slip sinker rig, with a florocarbon leader, and drag sucker or big shiners (the biggest you can find) along the first break off the deep weedline.

Musky action has been slow and steady, and the best action has been on Oconomowoc and Fowler. Look for fish to be in 15-22 foot of water. A few fish are foraging and eating juvenile perch, especially in the morning, and shallow rockbars, points or shorelines with easy access to deep water have some fish making feeding runs.

Good Luck,
Cheers.

CT

Fishing Report 8-4-2011

2011-08-04T09:45:00.000-05:00

Its a nice cool morning as I write this today. If this weather stabilizes some, expect fish activity to pick up. Right now water temp is as high as 87 degrees, practically a stir fry. The hot days we've been having mean that mornings and evenings, have been the periods of time of active fish feeding.

Anglers are still catching a mixed bag of largemouths, and there were some monsters taken in the Okauchee tournament on Sunday. Deep weedlines in 12-18 FOW, deep sand flats in 22-28 FOW, piers-especially with rock or sand underneath, slop and shallow bars near deep water are all holding fish at various points during the day. I'm not saying its gospel, but I would fish shallow early, and then move out to deeper structure as the sun gets up.

Texas rigs, slow rolled, spinnerbaits and crankbaits are your best options for catching the deeper fish. 10 inch power worms in black, red-shad and motoroil have been very good, as has swimming a heavy jig. Wacky, jigworms, pre-rigged worms, tubes, grubs and small crankbaits are catching fish out of the shallow water. Flipping the slop on florida rigged plastic craws isn't catching many fish, but the ones coming in have been top end for size. Personally, I continue to catch a nice batch of fish on flapper grubs fished over mid-depth weedflats in 8-12 FOW, including more than 30 caught in three hours in a little free fishing time after a guide trip this week.

Smallmouth are definitely suspending just off the structure in the deeper water. As the crayfish begin to molt over the next 15 days, expect to start seeing wolfpack groups foraging in the shallow rocks, or rock/sand transition areas. Right now, continue to fish a bit deeper, using tubes, wacky, skirted grubs and jigworms. If the bite is tough, downsize a bit. A wacky rig with a french fry in place of a senko style bait can be just the magic you need at this point in the season, and was a solid producer for me the last week.

Musky fishing slowed down with the last batch of hot weather. And let's not lie about it, this has been a tough season for musky overall. Trolling deep with big cranks and jerkbaits is still the primary pattern producing fish, but a few fish are being taken on topwaters, again early and late in the day. Gliders fished fast along turns in the deep weedlines has also been productive. Speed trolling with shortlines has been catching a few smaller (35-40inch) fish that have moved in on the shallow weedlines.

Walleye fishing has been very tough. I'd go with slip bobbers, with leeches, fished over weed edges or deep sand flats with grass. At night, back troll with suckers on lindy/slip sinker rigs in 18-22 fow, targeting areas with healthy sandgrass. Longlining spinner harnesses around structure at the depth of the thermocline will also usually produce both day an night. You might find fish as deep as 35 FOW. For now, I'd continue to target other fish, but if the days cool off, the activity should pick up quickly.

Bluegills are in summer patterns. Look for them to suspend along the weedlines or out over deeper water. 12-18 feet deep over much deeper water is a great starting point. Drifting along the deep edges with bait suspended vertically is a solid presentation option. I caught several keepers this week out of weed clumps at the end of mainlake structure.

Okauchee: If you're going out, bass are on the piers, in the slop and on the weed edges in 8-12 feet. Musky are feeding in the shallows in the morning, and then moving out to 18-22 feet. Pike have been very active in 15-22 FOW.

Garvin: Great spot for panfish. Look for the sunken wood in 10-15 feet or suspended around the springs in the deep part of the basin. Bass are using the shallow flat on the south end and the weedline turns. Pike have come off the deep weedlines on the northwest and north east corners, and suspending over the deeper water.

Forest: Panfish and pike have been biting. Live bait over the deep holes on slip bobbers for panfish, inline spinners for the pike, bass have biting on leeches and large fatheads under bobbers, or on slip sinker rigs.

Oconomowoc: Mornings have been best, but a steady bite has been going all day. Fish are deeper than normal for this time of year. Bass are holding on the obvious structural breaks and suspending off the deep ends of the mainlake points. Largemouths are still more active than smallmouth. Northern pike are coming for those anglers who are back or slow trolling with slip sinkers baited with small suckers. No report on Musky, which means the fishing was dead during the last stretch of hot weather.

Fowler: Small panfish are biting, a few LM were caught in the river and out of the deep slop. Pike are on the weedlines, a few trout were caught over the main part of the basin.

Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing was slow on weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks and drop-offs in 10-18 FOW. Lots of fish are suspending about 15-18 feet down over the deepest water. Musky have moved out to suspend over deep water in the main basin, and fishing was at a standstill for them. Smallmouth have been active in the sand and rock areas in 6-10 and 15-22 FOW.

Moose: Bass and pike continue to bite, and action has been best in the morning. Target the breaks and weed clumps in shallow water with crankbaits or spinners. Backtrolling with small suckers on a slip sinker rigs around the first major drop to deep water will produce if plastics or spinnerbaits aren't working.

Ashipunn: Bass and pike has been steady action. Concentrate on the visible weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles with spinners or plastics. Panfish are suspending in the deep part of the basin, about 15-18 foot down.

Golden: Bluegills are in deep water, suspending over the deep part of the basin, but holding close to weed edges and the major structure. Typically, bass have been on a deeper weedline bite. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines and on buzzbaits fished through the weedy areas.

Silver: Bass can be caught using plastics around the weed clumps in 4-15 feet or around piers and boat lifts. Crappies have been suspending over the east cribs, and keeper bluegills are holding in the deep sandgrass in 18-25 FOW. Water is very warm, and surprisingly cloudy with a heavy algae bloom right now.

Nagawicka: Largemouths are average, and in summer patterns so look to catch them off boat docks, in the slop and along the shallow weed edges. Pike have been average, especially on crankbaits or buzzbaits fished over weed edges at either end of the lake. No report on walleyes.

Pewaukee:Musky fishing is picking up, especially for the guides who have been trolling. Bass fishing has been very good.

Lower and Middle Genessee: Panfish have moved to the deeper water. Lindy rigging with live bait, especially dillys or leafworms or slip bobbering with plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes has been very good for panfish. Night fishing is in full steam on Middle.

If you've got specific questions: Feel free to email me.

Good Luck Out There,
CT

Great Photo of Okauchee Lake Tie-Up

2011-08-03T13:34:00.000-05:00

Pike vs Duck

2011-07-28T21:19:00.000-05:00

Check out this video:

Fishing Report 7-28-11

2011-07-28T16:43:00.000-05:00

Well gang, as the weather has stabilized, so has the fishing. If you're heading out, you can expect the fishing to be fairly typical for summertime on our area lakes.

A couple of activity notes: This weekend is the Okauchee Lake Tie-up (Saturday) and there's a bass tournament on Sunday.

As for the fishing, morning and evenings, not surprisingly, have been the best times to be on the water. Anglers are catching a mixed bag of largemouths. Deep weedlines in 12-18 FOW, piers-especially with rock or sand underneath, slop and shallow bars near deep water are all holding fish. Texas rigs, slow rolled, spinnerbaits and crankbaits are catching the deeper fish. Wacky, jigworms, pre-rigged worms and small crankbaits are catching fish out of the shallow water. A few nice fish have come out of the smaller lakes flipping (rather than topwater fishing) the slop on florida rigged plastic craws. Personally, I continue to catch a nice batch of fish on flappers fished over/in holes on mid-depth weedflats in 6-8 FOW.

Smallmouth fishing has been slow and steady this season. I think the warm temperatures have pushed the baitfish out, and many smallmouth are suspending just off the structure in the deeper water. As the crayfish begin to molt, expect to start seeing wolfpack groups foraging in the shallow rocks, or rock/sand transition areas. Right now, fish just a bit deeper than normal, using tubes, wacky and jigworms. If the bite is tough, downsize a bit. A wacky rig with a french fry in place of a senko style bait can be just the magic you need at this point in the season.

Musky fishing has been on fire since the weather cooled off. Trolling deep with big cranks and jerkbaits has been the primary pattern, but a few fish are being taken on topwaters, again early and late in the day. Gliders fished fast along turns in the deep weedlines has also been productive.

Walleye fishing has remained slow since the oppresive heat we've been experiencing started. Slip bobbers, with leeches, fished over weeds is usually a pretty good daytime presentation this time of year,. At night, back troll with suckers on lindy/slip sinker rigs in 18-22 fow, targeting areas with healty sandgrass. Longlining spinner harnesses around structure at the depth of the thermocline will also usually produce both day an night. For now, I'd target other fish.

Bluegills are doing their summer thing. Look for them to suspend along the weedlines or out over deeper water. 12-18 feet deep over much deeper water is a great starting point. Drifting along the deep edges with bait suspended vertically is a solid presentation option. I've continued to catch some quality gills in the 8-15 feet depth on a couple of the smaller lakes. (See Below)

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Okauchee: Boats, Boats and more boats will be the story on Okauchee this weekend. If you're going out, bass are on the piers, in the slop and on the weed edges in 8-12 feet. Musky are feeding in the shallows in the morning, and then moving out to 18-22 feet.

Garvin: Great spot for panfish. Look for the sunken wood in 10-15 feet. Bass are using the shallow flat on the south end and the weedline turns. Pike have come off the deep weedlines on the northwest and north east corners, and suspending over the deeper water.

Forest: Panfish and pike have been biting. Live bait over the deep holes on slip bobbers for panfish, inline spinners for the pike.

Oconomowoc: Mornings and evenings have been best. Bass are holding on the obvious structural breaks and suspending off the deep ends of the mainlake points. Largemouths are still more active than smallmouth. Northern pike has been better than average for anglers with small suckers catching the majority of the fish. Musky fishing was picking up, but lots of fish are still doing lazy follows, and lots of people are reporting that they are seeing fish over the tops of weeds chasing juvenile gills.

Fowler: Small panfish are biting, a few LM were caught in the river and out of the deep slop. Pike are on the weedlines.

Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing was steady, but a little slow on weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks and drop-offs in 10-18 FOW. Musky have moved out to suspend over deep water in the main basin. White bass have been stealing lots of bait from walleye and panfisherman.

Moose: Bass and pike continue to bite, and action has been good. Target the breaks and weed clumps in shallow water with crankbaits or spinners. Backtrolling with small suckers on a slip sinker rigs around the first major drop to deep water has been a hot tactic, especially in low light conditions.

Ashipunn: Bass and pike have been good. Best bet on Ashipunn is to concentrate on the visible weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles with spinners or plastics. Panfish are suspending in the deep part of the basin, about 18 foot down.

Golden: Bluegills are in deep water, suspending over the deep part of the basin, but holding close to weed edges and the major structure. Typically, bass have been biting best on q deeper weedline bite. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines and on spinnerbaits fished through the weedy areas.

Silver: Bass can be caught using plastics around the weed clumps in 4-15 feet or around piers and boat lifts. Crappies have been suspending over the east cribs, and keeper bluegills are holding in the deep sandgrass in 18-25 FOW.

Nagawicka: Largemouths are average, and in summer patterns so look to catch them off boat docks, in the slop and along the shallow weed edges. Pike have been average, especially on crankbaits or buzzbaits fished over weed edges at either end of the lake. No report on walleyes.

Pewaukee:Musky fishing is picking up, especially for the guides who have been trolling. Bass fishing has been very good.

Lower and Middle Genessee: Panfish have moved to the deeper water. Lindy rigging with live bait, especially dillys or leafworms or slip bobbering with plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes has been very good for panfish. Night fishing is in full steam on Middle.

If you've got specific questions: Feel free to email me.

Good Luck Out There,
CT

Musky Mikes Okauchee Lake Pike Tournament

2011-07-28T10:07:00.000-05:00

Musky Mikes is having a Northern Pike Tournament on Okauchee Lake

This is something many people have asked about doing over the years.

Rules and entry form here.

My friends at Viking Outposts have some openings

2011-07-22T08:26:00.000-05:00

If you have the opportunity to go fishing in Ontario, I highly recommend the fly-in experience. It will be a week you won't forget.

If you're looking for a great outfitter, Viking Outposts (www.vikingoutpost.com) gets a recommendation from me.

I have fished their outposts over the years, and every time is a trip to remember. You leave from Red Lake, and spend a week fishing a lake for walleye, perch and pike by yourself. On one trip, my dad and I caught more than 1000 gamefish in a week of fishing.

They have some late season openings, starting today.

Domain Lake July 22-29
Viking Island July 23-30

Rheaume Lake July 21- August 4
Dolphin Lake August 6- 13
Telescope Lake August 12-19

Contact them:

Craig and Roseanne 1-807-727-3461 Hugh 1-807-727-2262 Enid 1-807-727-0321

Fishing Report:7-22-11

2011-07-21T21:41:00.000-05:00

Hope you survived the heatwave intact. That was a rough run.

Despite the heat, bass fishing has remained fairly consistent. There's an early bite happening on most lakes up until about 9:30am. The fish are then moving into the weeds, under piers or into the slop. They can be targeted around overhanging cover or weededges adjacent to deeper water.

The bite is picking up again around 3:30 and remains fairly consistent until dark. Fish are being taken in shallow water on wacky worms, (white has been a hot color) tubes, skirted grubs and shakey head worms. Deeper fish are coming on jigworms, texas rigged plastics or jigs with a craw or chunk trailer. Live bait, chubs, leeches or crawlers on a slip sinker or lindy rig have also been catching some fish as deep as 25 FOW on the clear water lakes.

Northern pike continue to bite. As is typical for this point in the season, shallow fish are still being caught on spinnerbaits, buzzbaits and lipless crankbaits around shallow weed clumps on the flats in 5-10FOW. Deeper fish are being taken using live bait, chubs and/or shiners, long lined on slip-sinker rigs. Trolling deep-diving crankbaits in natural or metalic (ie shiny) patterns like the rapala DT, hot n tots, or wiggle warts around the weed edges has also been producing some fish. 18-22 FOW seems to be the hot zone for pike right now.

Walleye fishing has dropped off substantially with the heat, expect the bite to pick back up as the sun gives way to some clouds, and more importantly, some wind. The heat and sunshine are one thing, but the lack of wind during this hot streak has really pushed the walleye to low light activity cycles, and people's catch rates have dropped off. If you're going to look for them, I'd start by trolling small minnow baits around the ends of deep points and midlake bars trying to find some suspended fish, or back troll (slowly) around deep weededges in 18-22 fow with live bait.

Catfishing on the Rock and Fox has been very good, but most of the fish that are being caught are a little smaller. You want a meal...its a great option, if you're looking to do battle with a monster, you might want to wait a bit. Cutbait has been outproducing stink bait or nightcrawlers according to my sources.

Musky fishing has picked up a bit, especially early and late when people have been putting in the time. Most of the fish are being caught while trolling deep edges and over deep flat structure in 22-45 fow, but a few are still coming on topwater during low light periods, especially very early in the morning. Look for them around deep water structure, especially the deep end of long points.

Good Luck.

Cheers,
CT

Fishing Report 7-15-2011

2011-07-14T19:01:00.000-05:00

Hey gang, the fishing has been tough with the warmer weather, but better on the cooler and cloudy days. Its the time of the year where early morning fishing is usually the best. Traditional mid-summer patterns are what's happening on the lakes right now.

Panfish have moved to deep water. They can be a little tricky to find, but if you can get on some, you won't believe the size and quantity of panfish you can pull out of deeper water. My best suggestion for you is to drive slowly just off the weedlines and the deep edges of points with your electronics on. Panfish typically school up over 18-28 FOW and about 6-12 feet down. They'll look like a cloud on your graph. Use slip bobbers or tightline vertically with leeches, plastics tipped with waxies/spikes or pieces of nightcrawler to target these fish on a drift.

Largemouth Bass are running three of their usual summer patterns. On sunny, warmer days the piers and the slop are producing. Smoke colored flappers are catching tons of fish either skipped or worked slowly along the weedlines Wacky worms, tubes and shakey heads are producing around the piers, while rats, scum frogs, strike king or zoom frogs are pulling them out of the slop. Deeper fish have schooled up on the weedlines and the end of points. Texas rigs, drop shots, crankbaits and swim baits are catching these fish. The fish on the weed flats are being taken on topwater, especially early in the evening as the sun sets. Buzzbaits, poppers and spooks are all catching fish.

Smallmouth bass have been a little harder to come by since the heat wave. Look for the fish that have been holding deeper to move to shallow rocky areas on cooler mornings and just before dark. Skirted grubs, tubes, grubs and jigworms. Having trouble finding fish? Use crankbaits (lipless or shallow divers) as search baits to find schools of fish. Silver and blue or gold with a black back will be the best color combo for the next little bit.

Walleye fishing is slow but steady. Fish are using weeds in 18-22 feet on most lakes. Jigs tipped with live bait or lindy rigs are catching fish, but the better fish are coming at night by anglers trolling with stickbaits, shad raps or bottom bouncers.

Northern pike fishing has been great on the weedflats and target larger fish with live bait along the deep weedlines. Lots of smaller pike can be caught throwing spinner or buzzbaits around clumps of shallow weeds, while the bigger fish are coming on shiners or suckers on slip sinker rigged trolled very slowly on the outside edges.

Musky fishing has been tied to the weather recently. The cloudy days are producing, the hot sunny days have been slower. Some fish are being caught off deep structure or while trolling. A few are being caught on topwaters near the deep weed edges on the larger flats. Crankbaits are producing the trolling fish, jerkbaits and soft plastics are catching the casting fish. Walk the dog and prop baits have been the better topwater options lately.

If you're looking for info on a specific lake, feel free to email me.

Good Luck,
CT

Fishing Report: July 7, 2011

2011-07-07T08:09:00.000-05:00

Hey gang,

The holiday weekend and the hot weather has slowed fishing down substantially the last week to 10 days. As temperatures cool off, expect the activity from both anglers and fish to pick up. Remember, the photo cycle is shrinking, but that the sun is at its most direct over the next couple of weeks. You can really increase your success by fishing early mornings, evenings and if you can stand the bugs, at night.

Panfish Looking for action? Small panfish can be caught in shallow water using a small hook, bobber and live bait, especially around docks or swim platforms. The better sized fish are being caught out of the deeper water by anglers drifting and fishing vertically. Look for gills to be suspending about 10-12 feet down over 18-25 FOW or 12-18 over 30-45 FOW. If you're on a deep school, but not catching keepers, get your bait down a little deeper. Crappie are suspending over deep water, and along weed edges, and the activity has been steady by anglers who find the schools.

Largemouth bass continue to run traditional summer patterns. Look for them in inside weed edges in 4-6 FOW and the outside edges in 8-15 FOW. These fish can be caught on a variety of tackle, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, texas rigged wacky Worms, Shakey heads, skirted grubs and tubes. Piers are holding more fish with the hot sunny days, and the slop has been pretty good. Looking for some real fun? Topwaters are still catching fish over the weedflats in 5-12 feet right now, but only consistently before and at first light, and the topwater bite drops off substantially by 8am.

Smallmouth bass fishing was pretty average this past week. Fish are using rocky points and bars especially early and later in the day. Most fish are holding on the deep side of breaks or suspending off mainlake structure, coming in briefly to forage. Skirted grubs, twister tails, tubes, wacky worms, shakey heads, lipless crankbaits, jerkbaits or floating rapalas are your best tackle options, but live bait like leeches and small suckers has been working for the people backtrolling deep sand in 18-25 feet.

Walleye fishing has been very slow with the heat. Anglers putting in time are catching a few fish. Fish continue to be caught along outside weed edges or off deeper flats with sandgrass. Slip bobbers or split shot rigs with live bait or suckers, backtrolled on lindy or a slip-sinker rig has been producing the larger fish. Fishing over the tops of weed clumps near breaklines with floating rapala minnows is grabbing a few as well.

Pike fishing has been a little below average with lots of smaller pike being reported. Active fish are using the shallow weedflats to feed on small baitfish, including a massive bloom in juvenile panfish. Fish with willow leaf spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, small bucktails or buzzbaits tight to scattered weedclumps in 4-8 FOW. Larger pike were hard to come by according to most reports, but if you want to chase them, try the weedline in 12-18 feet of water and fish with suckers or large shiners on a slip sinker rig or troll with deep diving crankbaits as close to the weedline as you can without getting hung up.

Musky fishing remains slow overall, on the bright sunny days, target suspended fish out over deeper on smaller lipless crankbaits, gliders and bucktails. A few fish have been caught off the weedline on larger swimbaits. Anglers continue to report lots of lazy follows, so keep a sucker out.

Lake By Lake:

Okauchee: Boats, Boats and more boats was the major report this week. Bass are on the piers, in the slop and on the weed edges in 8-12 feet. Musky are feeding in the shallows in the morning, and then moving out to 18-22 feet. Nothing substantial to report on panfish, but look for them over deeper water.

Garvin: Great spot for panfish lately with some nice keepers. Look for the sunken wood in 10-15 feet. Musky are still using the treeline break and suspending off the south drop. Based on my advice, a 47 incher was caught last week. Bass are using the shallow flat on the south end. Pike are on the deep weedlines on the northwest and north east corners, and suspending over the deeper water.

Forest: Panfish and pike have been biting. Live bait over the deep holes on slip bobbers for panfish, inline spinners for the pike. Lots of pressure as anglers moved to non-motorized waters for the holiday.

Oconomowoc: Fishing has slowed down with the bright sun and heat. Mornings and evenings have been best. Bass are holding on the obvious structural breaks and suspending off the deep ends of the mainlake points. Northern pike and walleye fishing has been best for anglers using small suckers catching the majority of the fish, pike was better than walleye during the day. Musky fishing was slow, but lots of fish are still doing lazy follows, and lots of people are reporting that they are seeing fish in shallow water chasing juvenile gills.

Fowler: Small panfish are biting, a few LM were caught in the river and out of the deep slop. Pike are on the weedlines. No report on Musky.

Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing is moving toward its typical summer pace. Weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks are holding fish as are drop-offs in 10-18 FOW. Musky have moved out to suspend over deep water in the main basin. White bass have been stealing lots of bait from walleye and panfisherman. Expect traffic to be heavy the next couple weeks as John Gillespie's TV show was on the lake this past week.

Moose: Bass and pike continue to bite, and action has been unbelievable by most reports. Target the breaks and weed clumps in shallow water with crankbaits or spinners. Backtrolling with small suckers on a slip sinker rigs around the first major drop to deep water has been a hot tactic, especially in low light conditions. Mornings have been better according to my source.

Ashipunn: Bass and pike have been biting, and the action is close to average for this time of year. Best bet on Ashipunn is to concentrate on the visible weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles with spinners or plastics.

Golden: Bluegills are moving out to deeper water, suspending over the deep part of the basin, but holding close to weed edges adjacent to deeper water. Bass have been biting best in the morning, but a deeper weedline bite has been picking up. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines and on spinnerbaits fished through the weedy areas.

Silver: Bass can be caught using plastics around the weed clumps in 4-15 feet or around piers and boat lifts. Crappies have been suspending over the east cribs, and keeper bluegills are holding in the deep sandgrass in 12-18 FOW.

Nagawicka: Largemouths are average, and in summer patterns so look to catch them off boat docks, in the slop and along the shallow weed edges. One report has the gills still spawning, but in the deeper sand. Pike have been average, especially on crankbaits or buzzbaits fished over weed edges at either end of the lake. No report on walleyes.

Pewaukee: Boats, Boats Boats and surface weeds. Not much fishing news due to the holiday. Give in a week or two.

Lower and Middle Genessee: Panfish have moved to the deeper water with sandgrass, and largemouths are being caught around shallow to mid depth weeds. Lindy rigging with live bait, especially dillys or leafworms has been very good for both bass and panfish. Night fishing is really picking up on Middle.

Rock River: the Catfish bite has been slow at night. Trollers on Lake Koshkonong are catching walleyes and pike pulling harnesses or shad raps around 1.6-2.2 mph. Whites are biting in the main lake, but on trollers going much faster. Perch are in the deepest part of the basin, and some nice ones are being caught.

If you've got specific questions: Feel free to email me.

Good Luck, and stay safe this weekend.

Cheers,
CT

Thanks to OFC

2011-07-05T22:37:00.000-05:00

Just gave a fun talk to members of the Okauchee Fishing Club. I wanted to take a minute and say thanks to the members for having me.

If you want more info on the club or their upcoming meetings check out their website: OFCFISH.com

Cheers,
CT

Holiday Weekend Fishing Report-2011

2011-06-30T07:45:00.001-05:00

The big 4th of July weekend is here. Expect lots and lots of boats to be on the water.Your best bet during weekends like this is to get an early start as you can get some serious fishing in before most of the ski boats and pleasure craft hit the water.

A few of the smaller area lakes have been slow no wake due to high water. Make sure to check the signs at the launches for the latest restriction notices.

Panfish have moved to their summer patterns. If you want to entertain the kids, plenty of small panfish can be caught in shallow water using a small hook, bobber and live bait, especially around docks or swim platforms. The better sized fish are being caught out of the deeper water, where they are suspending about 10-12 feet down over 18-25 feet of water.

Largemouth bass are relating to the weed edges in both 4-6 (inside edge) and 8-15 feet (outside edge). Morning and evening fishing has been much better than daytime, and with the hot temperatures this weekend, that will be doubly true. Fish can be caught on a variety of tackle, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, texas rigged wacky Worms, Shakey heads, skirted grubs and tubes. Topwater poppers, spooks and buzzbaits are catching fish over the weedflats in 5-12 feet right now, but only consistently before and at first light, and the topwater bite drops off substantially by 7:30am.

Smallmouth bass fishing has stayed slow this past week, but there are lots of fish using rocky points and bars especially early and later in the day. Most fish are holding on the deep side of breaks or suspending off mainlake structure, coming in briefly to forage. Skirted grubs, twister tails, tubes, wacky worms, shakey heads, lipless crankbaits, jerkbaits or floating rapalas are your best tackle options, but live bait like leeches and small suckers might be the ticket this weekend.

Walleye fishing has been slow during the daytime this past week, but anglers putting in time in the very early mornings or late evenings are catching a few fish. Fish continue to be caught along outside weed edges or off deeper flats with sandgrass. Slip bobbers or split shot rigs with live bait or suckers, backtrolled on lindy or a slip-sinker rig has been producing the larger fish.Fishing over the tops of weed clumps near breaklines with floating rapala minnows is grabbing a few as well.

Pike fishing has been average. Smaller pike are using the shallow weedflats to feed on small minnows and fry. Fish with spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, small bucktails or buzzbaits tight to scattered weedclumps in 4-10 FOW. Looking for something bigger? Move out to the weedline in 12-18 feet of water and fish with suckers or large shiners on a slip sinker rig or troll with deep diving crankbaits as close to the weedline as you can without getting hung up.

Musky fishing is still slow overall, but there have been some positive reports of some very large fish, including two 50+ inchers (One on Okauchee and one on La Belle) in the last ten days. On the bright sunny days, target suspended fish out over deeper on smaller lipless crankbaits and bucktails. A few fish have been caught off the weedline on larger swimbaits. Anglers continue to report lots of lazy follows.

Lake By Lake:

Okauchee: Weed growth has finally caught up. Bass are working regular summer patterns. A few larger fish are still feeding on juvenile bluegills in 2-6 and 8-12 feet of water. Pike fishing has been good, with most fish still being caught on spinners in 6-10 FOW. Musky fishing has been slow, but anglers are starting to see more agressive fish, especially along the breaks in 12-18 feet, and a handful using shallow weed/rock transition areas.

Garvin: Great spot to get away from the Okauchee boats this weekend. Lots of panfish are holding on the shelves with sunken wood in 10-15 feet. Musky are using the treeline break and suspending off the south drop. Bass are using the shallow flats on the double c's and the south flat. Pike are on the deep weedlines on the northwest and north east corners.

Forest: Panfish and pike have been biting. Live bait over the deep holes on slip bobbers for panfish, inline spinners for the pike.

Oconomowoc: Fishing has been above average overall. Bass are holding on the obvious structural breaks. Northern pike and walleye fishing has been best for anglers using small suckers catching the majority of the fish. Musky fishing was slow, but lots of fish are being seen doing lazy follows.

Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing is moving toward its typical summer pace. Weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks are holding fish as are drop-offs in 10-18 FOW. Musky have moved out to suspend over deep water in the main basin. Topwaters have been the hot lure, with a 52 inch fish caught on the edge of the flagpole flat. Panfish and whitebass remain active but very slow for keepers.

Moose: Bass and pike continue to bite, and action has been way above average. Target the breaks and weed clumps in shallow water with crankbaits or spinners. Backtrolling with small suckers on a slip sinker rigs around the first major drop to deep water has been a hot tactic, especially in low light conditions.

Ashipunn: Bass and pike have been biting, and the action is close to or just below average. Best bet on Ashipunn is to concentrate on the visible weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles with spinners or plastics.

Golden: Bluegills are done spawning, you may see a few stragglers, but the fish are moving out to deeper water. Bass have been biting best in the morning but are still running on the small side. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines and on spinnerbaits fished through the weedy areas.

Silver: Bass can be caught using plastics around the weed clumps in 4-15 feet or around piers and boat lifts. Crappies have been suspending over the east cribs, and keeper bluegills are holding in the deep sandgrass in 12-18 FOW.

Nagawicka: Largemouths are average, and in summer patterns so look to catch them off boat docks, in the slop and along the shallow weed edges. Pike have been average, especially on crankbaits or buzzbaits fished over weed edges at either end of the lake. Panfish are suspending 12-18 over 30+ feet of water.

Pewaukee: Musky fishing continues to be inconsistent. Trolling the edges of the deep basin is producing a few fish in the high 30 to low 40 inch class. Bass has been the hot bite, try flipping or large texas rigged worms where the weed line breaks or is irregular in 8-12 FOW.

Lower and Middle Genessee: Panfish have moved to the deeper water with sandgrass, and largemouths are being caught around shallow to mid depth weeds. Lindy rigging with live bait, especially dillys or leafworms has been very good for both bass and panfish.

Rock River: the Catfish bite has been average at night, and a handful of whitebass are still being caught near the S turn and downstream of Fort Atkinson. Trollers on Lake Koshkonong are catching walleyes pulling harnesses or shad raps around 1.6-2.2 mph.

If you've got specific questions: Feel free to email me.

Last but not least, I'll be speaking about fishing a spot on spot technique, focusing on Okauchee and Oconomowoc Lakes, at the Okauchee Lake Fish Club, Tuesday July 5th. 7pm at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 1800 S. 92nd Street. Guest fee is $5

Good Luck, and stay safe this weekend.

Cheers,
CT

Fishing Report :6-22-11

2011-06-22T19:07:00.000-05:00

Around the Area:

The bluegills are almost done spawning. Better panfish are being caught out of the deeper sand and suspended over deeper water.

Bass are working traditional summer patterns, but the weather is making patterning fish difficult from day to day. Docks, rockbars, slop, scattered weeds on flats and the deep weedlines have all been producing. The best bite for largemouth has been weed edges in 6-12 feet of water. Slop bite is picking up steam on many of the smaller lakes. The topwater bite has been steady, but most topwater fish are being caught before 8am on sunny mornings. Pop-R's with an orange or red belly have been producing some nice schooling fish and Redfins and jointed rapalas are catching some nice smallies.

Musky fishing continues to be very inconsistent. Some days have been very good, some have been absolutely void of fish, with very little, or any pattern to the days. The most active fish have come on deep divers, gliders and large tubes fished along the deepest weedlines you can find. 18 FOW seems to be magic this year.A few are being caught on topwaters, especially on Okauchee and Lac Labelle.

Walleye action has pretty good with the cloudy/rainy weather. The fish are coming a little deeper since last week. Leeches under slip bobbers are catching fish in 12-15 feet, especially around weed/rock transition areas. Suckers fished on a split shot rig have been taking some better fish, especially in the late evenings. Weededges and sand grass are the areas to key on, especially in 15-22 feet of water. Lake Koshkonong has a hot bite going on in the main basin in 4-6 feet. Pulling harnesses or cranks has been giving up a mixed bag of walleyes, pike and whitebass. Most walleye action is coming at less than 2mph when trolling.

Pike action was better the last week. Fish the weed flats and outside edges with spinners or live bait. Smaller, wide wobbling crankbaits, buzzbaits and lipless crankbaits are really producing for the action seekers. Reapers, inline spinners and large jerkbaits are catching some better fish, but the action has still been slow.

Lake By Lake:

Okauchee: Weed growth is close to seasonal in many areas of the lake. Bass are into their summer patterns. A few larger fish are still feeding on spawning bluegills in 2-6 and 8-12 feet of water. Pike fishing has been steady, with most fish being caught on spinners in 6-10 FOW. Musky fishing has been slow, but anglers are starting to see more agressive fish, especially along the breaks in 12-18 feet.

Oconomowoc: Bass are moving on the breaks, and the smallmouth action is getting better. Northern pike fishing has been very good, especially on live bait. Walleye fishing has been best along major structure in the early mornings and late evenings, with split shot and lindy rigged leeches and small suckers catching the majority of the fish. Slip bobbering around weeds in 15-22 FOW has been producing a few fish as well. Musky fishing was better than average last week, with several low to mid 40's fish being caught. The hot area was the north east corner of the big lake, between the mouth and the saddle. Panfish should finish spawning this week, but a few keepers are still being caught along the breaks in the smalller lake.

Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing is moving toward its typical summer pace. Weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks have fish on them as do drop-offs in 10-18 foot along the channel edge. Musky have been chasing, but seem to have moved out to suspend over deep water in the main basin. Topwaters are catching some stragglers on the flagpole flat and North Rockpile. Panfish and whitebass remain very slow for keepers.

Moose: Bass and pike have been biting great. Hit the breaks and weed clumps in shallow water with crankbaits or spinners. Backtrolling with small suckers on a slip sinker rigs around the first major drop to deep water has been very, very good by all reports.

Ashipunn: Bass and pike have been biting, but the action is below average, with lots of undersize fish (especially pike). Best bet is concentrate on the visible weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles. Early morning buzzbait fishing has been catching a mixed bag of pike and bass in the morning and evenings, while twister tail grubs and texas rigs are better midday options. Look for schools of fish suspended over deeper water, and try and get them with deep diving crankbaits

Golden: Bluegills are done spawning, you may see a few stragglers, but the fish are moving out to deeper water. Bass have been biting best in the morning but are still running on the small side. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines and on spinnerbaits fished through the weedy areas.

Silver: Water remains gin clear, especially on the east end. Weed growth has really taken off as the milfoil has entered the lake, and bass can be caught using plastics around the weed clumps in 4-15 feet. Crappies are suspending over the cribs, bluegills are holding in the deep sandgrass in 15-22 FOW.

Nagawicka: Largemouths are being caught off the docks, in the slop and along the shallow weed edges. Pike have been biting great, especially on crankbaits or buzzbaits fished over weed edges at either end of the lake. Walleyes are using rock/weed transition areas in 15-22 FOW, leeches on a split shot rig have been catching a few.

Pewaukee: Musky fishing has been inconsistent, but a few more fish are being seen. Bass continue to bite very well, especially in areas where the weed line breaks or is irregular in 8-12 foot.

Middle Genessee: Panfish have moved to the deeper water, lots of smaller largemouths are being caught around shallow to mid depth weeds. Live bait has been very good for both bass and panfish.

Rock River: the Catfish bite has been very good, and a few whitebass are still being caught near the S turn and downstream of Fort Atkinson.

If you've got specific questions: Feel free to email me.

Cheers,
CT

Awesome Fishing Weather

2011-06-20T11:11:00.000-05:00

I wish I was out, but my dissertation is going to be keeping me busy this week. This weather is unbelievable fishing weather, and is near perfect conditions for this time of year.

Typically, with the cooler temps you'll need to fish tighter to cover. Dock fishing can be fantastic, as can probing rock-weed transition areas with a skirted grub on a leadhead jig.

One tip though....If you head out, don't hesitate to try topwater fishing, especially over flats in 5-8 feet of water. Bass, Pike and Muskies will all feed agressively, and if they see bait breaking the surface, they are sure to come to the party.

Catch one for me.

Cheers,
CT

LureNet.Com Father's Day Fishing Story

2011-06-17T15:50:00.000-05:00

For Father's Day Lurenet.com had a contest where you could send in a story about fishing with your dad. My dad and I have spent a great deal of time together fishing, and it was hard to pick just one story.

I chose to write about the biggest pike my dad has ever caught, and my entry was included in the winners of the contest.

You can check it out: here.

Happy Father's Day,
CT

Fishing Report 6-17-2011

2011-06-17T14:04:00.000-05:00

Heading out for Father's Day weekend? It should be good.

Nagawicka and Okauchee have bass tournaments this weekend.

Around the Area:

The Bluegills are still spawning for the most part, and better panfish are still being caught out of the deeper sand. Look for them shallow, but if you want some better sized keepers, find sand/gravel areas in 8-15 feet, and fish for them vertically with light lindy or split shot rigs baited with panfish leeches.

Bass are settling into their summer patterns, anglers are catching fish both out of both shallow (2-6 FOW) and deep water (10-15 FOW). Docks, rockbars, slop, scattered weeds on flats and the deep weedlines all have active fish. Largemouth have been active on most area lakes on weed edges in 6-12 feet of water. Piers have been very good during the brightest parts of the day, and the slop bite is picking up as the weeds fill in. The topwater bit has been good, but most topwater fish are being caught before 8am over flat areas adjacent to deep water, especially areas with small patches of weeds. Pop-R's with an orange or red belly have been producing some nice schooling fish.

Muskies fishing has been very inconsistent. Struggling to find them in shallow water, many anglers have started trolling for them in deeper water. The most active fish have come on deep divers and tubes fished along the deepest weedlines you can find. 18 FOW seems to be magic this year.

Walleye action has been above average. Leeches under slip bobbers are catching fish in 8-15 feet, especially around weed/rock transition areas. Suckers fished on a split shot rig have been taking some better fish, especially in the late evenings. Weededges and sand grass are the areas to key on, especially in 10-15 feet of water. Lake Koshkonong has a hot bite going on in the main basin in 4-6 feet. Pulling harnesses or cranks has been giving up a mixed bag of walleyes, pike and whitebass. Most walleye action is coming at less than 2mph when trolling.

Pike action has been slow and steady. Fish the weed flats and outside edges with spinners or live bait. Smaller, wide wobbling crankbaits, buzzbaits and lipless crankbaits are really producing for the action seekers. Reapers and large jerkbaits are catching some better fish, but the action has been very slow.

Lake By Lake:

Okauchee: Weed growth is making a move to catch up. Bass are moving into summer patterns. Larger fish are still feeding on spawning bluegills in 2-12 feet of water. Pike fishing has been steady, with most fish being caught on spinners in 6-10 FOW. Musky fishing has been slow, but anglers are starting to see more agressive fish, especially along the breaks in 12-18 feet.

Oconomowoc: Bass are moving on the breaks, and as has been the case this season, far more largemouth than smallmouth are being caught. Northern pike fishing has been very good, especially on live bait. Walleye fishing has been best along major structure in the early mornings and late evenings, with split shot and lindy rigged leeches and small suckers catching the majority of the fish. Slip bobbering around weeds in 10-18 FOW has been producing a few fish as well. Musky fishing is picking up. Panfish continue to finish spawning along the breaks and in the sand as deep as 15 feet.

Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing is moving toward its typical summer pace. Weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks have fish on them. Musky have been chasing, but seem to have moved out to suspend over deep water in the main basin. Panfish and whitebass are still very slow.

Moose: Has been one of the big surprises of the season. Bass and pike are biting great. Hit the breaks and weed clumps in shallow water with crankbaits or spinners.

Ashipunn: Bass and pike have been okay, but not great. As is common, lots of undersize fish are being caught right now. If you're heading out, your best play will be to concentrate on the visible weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles. Early morning buzzbait fishing has been catching a mixed bag of pike and bass in the morning and evenings, while twister tail grubs and texas rigs are better midday options.

Golden: Bluegills are almost done spawning. Better sized gills have been coming from 10-15 feet, in sandy areas adjacent to where gills are spawning in the shallows. Bass have been biting throughout the day, but are still running on the small side. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing, especially early and late. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines and on spinnerbaits fished through the weedy areas on the mid-lake flat.

Silver: No change from the midweek report. Water is gin clear, especially on the east end. Bluegills are still spawning in 6-15 feet, look for open sandy patches (and the Silver Lake "tell"), especially on the west end. Weed growth has really taken off as the milfoil has entered the lake, and bass can be caught using plastics around the weed clumps in 4-15 feet. Crappies are suspending over the cribs.

Nagawicka: Largemouths are being caught off the docks, in the slop and along the shallow weed edges. Smallmouth are holding just off the rocky breaks, but coming in shallow to feed. Pike have been very agressive, especially on crankbaits or buzzbaits fished over weed edges at either end of the lake. Bluegills are spawning, but reports have been mixed on size and catch rates.

Pewaukee: Musky fishing has been slow by most reports I have seen. Bass fishing has been the hot bite this year, with lots of bass being taken on plastics or jig and trailer combos flipped into holes in shallow weed patches. A few gills are being caught on the east end, out of the shallow water.

Rock River: the Catfish bit is picking up, and a few whitebass are still being caught near the S turn.

If you've got specific questions: Feel free to email me.

Happy Father's Day
CT

Fishing Report 6-14-2011

2011-06-14T21:31:00.000-05:00

Looks like the weather is finally settling down, and I'm getting alot of emails about specific lakes. So a here's a quickie report on local lakes.

Okauchee: Weed growth catching up, but still behind schedule. Bass are off their beds, and many fish are still protecting fry. Larger fish are feeding on spawning bluegills in2-12 feet of water. Pike fishing has been slow and steady, with most fish being caught on spinners in 6-10 feet around sctattered weed clumps. Musky fishing has been slow, but anglers are starting to see more agressive fish, especially along the breaks in 12-18 feet. Crappies are done spawning, and are suspending over deeper water, but bluegills continue to spawn in the shallows.

Oconomowoc: Bass are moving on the breaks, but more largemouth than smallmouth are being caught. Northern pike fishing has been red hot, especially on live bait. Walleye fishing has been best along major structure in the early mornings and late evenings, with split shot and lindy rigged leeches and small suckers catching the majority of the fish. Musky fishing is slow, but lots of follows are being reported, especially along the east shore of the bigger lake. Panfish are spawning along the breaks and in the sand as deep as 15 feet.

Lac Labelle: Walleye fishing is picking back up after a lake-fly hatch slow down. Weed edges along the 8-12 foot breaks are holding fish. Musky have been actively chasing, especially topwaters fished early in the morning...I know of at least one 45+ inch fish caught this way in the last three days. Panfish and whitebass have been slow....carp hunters I have spoken with are reporting mixed success....lots of fish, but they are running small.

Moose: Bass and pike are active and biting along the breaks and weed clumps in shallow water. Bluegills are spawning, but nearly done. Look for better gills in 8-12 feet, away from the shallow spawners.

Ashipunn: Bass and pike have been slow and steady, with lots of undersize fish being caught. Concentrate on the weed patches, and work them from a variety of angles to trigger strikes. Early morning buzzbait fishing has been producing, as have twister tail grubs and texas rigs.

Golden: Bluegills are spawning in most areas of the lake. Better sized gills have been coming from 10-15 feet, in sandy areas adjacent to where gills are spawning in the shallows. Bass have been active, but mostly undersized. Topwaters, plastics and spinners are all producing, especially early and late. Pike have been biting, especially on small suckers fished along the deep weedlines.

Silver: Typical summer conditions for Silver. Water is gin clear, especially on the east end. Bluegills are spawning in 6-15 feet, look for open sandy patches, especially on the west end. Weed growth has really taken off as the milfoil has entered the lake, and bass can be caught using plastics around the weed clumps in 4-15 feet. Some pike have been biting deep diving crankbaits off the major break lines by the reedy point and off the boy scout camp area.

Nagawicka: Bass fishing is steady. Largemouths are on the docks, in the slop and along the shallow weed edges. Smallmouth are using the rocky and sandy shorelines, holding just off the break, but coming in to feed. Pike have been very agressive, especially on wide wobbling shallow crankbaits or buzzbaits fished over weed edges. Bluegills are spawning, but reports have been mixed on size and catch rates. I haven't heard anything about walleyes this past week to 10 days.

Pewaukee: Wed growth is hampering fishing efforts, and musky fishing has been slow by most reports. Bass fishing has been the hot bite this year, with lots of bass being taken on plastics or jig and trailer combos flipped into holes in shallow weed patches.

That's the information I have for right now. I'll get another report up for the weekend, but if you like this format better than how I usually do it, let me know by adding a comment to this post, or by emailing me here.

Cheers,
CT

Fishing Report 6-10-11

2011-06-10T15:21:00.001-05:00

Wow...this weather is something else.

Conditions: Right now most lakes are in the low to mid 70's. Weed growth is still behind, but is picking up, especially the milfoil. Water remains high on most lakes, and with cooler temps moving through, these conditions will continue. Be sure to double check boards at the launch for possible slow-no-wake restrictions, especially on smaller lakes.

Bluegills are on their beds. Current areas and spawning areas (like sandy or gravel areas) will hold the most fish. Smaller gills spawn up shallow, but if you're looking for nice gills, try 8-12 feet of water. Leeches on a split short rig are the best way to chase these larger pannies, but Waxworms, butterworms, redworms and plastics are taking fish. (Try Okauchee, Garvin, Golden Nagawicka, Forest, Middle Genessee, Ashipunn, Pretty and Lower Nashotah)

Crappie fishing has been hit or miss. A few crappies are being caught over deeper water near mainlake structure, and you can still find a few spawning crappies are in shallow bays near weeds, wood laydowns or reeds. Minnows, hooked through the tail on a small hook (#8 or #10), waxworms and plastics have all been taking fish. . (Try: Okauchee, Garvin, Moose, Kessus, Nagawicka, Golden and Pine.)

Largemouth Bass are in the full-on post spawn period. A few fish are still spawning, but not many. The weather extremes this week really shut down the fishing. Topwaters (Pop R, Redfins and #11 Floating Rapalas) and crankbaits (Norman Baby N's, wiggle warts and rattletraps) are catching fish over open water areas, especially weed patches on the mid-depth flats in 6-12 feet of water. With the cold, the fish have moved tighter to cover in 3-8 feet of water. Plastics: Texas rigged lizards, tube jigs skirted grubs, and wacky worms are all cartching fish, as always, if the bite is tough, try a jigworm. Live bait on slip sinker rigs are catching a few fish for anglers making solid drifts over productive areas. (Try: Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pine, Kessus, Nagawicka, Moose, Silver, School Section, Pretty, Golden or Emily)

Smallmouth Bass was still slow as fish finish their post-spawn pattern. Minnowbaits, like size 11 or 13 floating rapalas are actually a great way to catch these fish. Keep it simple, black and silver or chartruese and white are the best. If it warms up this weekend and the early part of next week, look for them on sand/rock transition areas and target them with tubes, skirted grubs or twister tails. (Try: Oconomwoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Nagawicka, Beaver or the Bark and Oconomwoc Rivers.)

Walleye fishing went south with the weather this week. Fish are still using shallow weeds and weed edges in 6-12 feet. Slip Bobbers, jigging with live bait or drifting with lindy rigs have been productive, especially when using small suckers or leeches for bait. In the evening, a few anglers are still catching fish by working rapala minnow baits over isolated weed clumps on mainlake points and humps, but this bite also dropped off with the weather changes this past week. (Try: Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Nagawicka, North, Pine and Fox)

Northern Pike fishing was steady, and pike seem to be a using water that's a little deeper this season. The best way to catch pike is a small sucker or medium to large shiner on a slip sinker rig with a flourocarbon leader. Drift along the deeper edges of the weeds you can find in 6-12 feet and you'll find some fish. Lipless crankbaits, buzzbaits and spinner baits are also producing. (Try: Okauchee, Kessus, Garvin, Nagawicka, Pine, Moose, Fowler, Golden, School Section, Emily)

Musky fishing was very slow. Anglers continue to report lots of lazy follows, so figure eights are an absolute necessity, and having a sucker out on a quick strike rig is always a good idea. (Try: Okauchee, North, Pewaukee, Fowler and Lac Labelle)

Around the area: Fishing on the Rock River, anglers are still catching some whitebass, walleyes and catfish between the Jefferson Dam in and the mouth at the Indianford Dam.

Trout fishing in the stocked lakes and ponds continues to be a great way to catch some keepers. The local ponds, Lower Genessee, Ottawa and Lower Nashotah continue to give up fish.

As always, if you'd like to talk about some specific tips or want an up to date report, just email me.

Cheers,
CT

Mobile Upgrades

2011-06-08T05:40:00.000-05:00

Just FYI, I have added the settings for mobile devices, in case you ever need to check in while on the go.

Cheers,
CT

Oconomowoc Lake 6-5-11

2011-06-06T10:03:00.000-05:00

Out today looking for bass 5am-11:30am.

Struggled for the first hour. Tried some topwaters and raised several nice fish over a point, but struck out on getting any in the boat. Switched to plastics and started picking a few off about a half hour after sunrise.

Worked obvious structural stuff, then moved to secondary spots, and really got on a hot pattern.
Ended with more than 25 bass, 8 of which were smallmouth. Incredible fishing today, but very precise approach was required for the bigger fish. Saw five musky in 8-10 feet and a couple more in the river.

Gills have moved up to spawn, lots of bass in the shallows chasing bait, and when the wind was down and we could see into the deep water, we saw walleyes all over the deeper sandy points. Lake flies still hatching out, but getting towards the end of that madness. Weeds starting, but way behind for early June. Baitfish everywhere.

Fishing Report 6-1-2011

2011-06-01T08:05:00.001-05:00

June Already?

The water on most area lakes remains cooler than average. Right now most lakes are in the low to mid 60's with a few of the bays in the mid to high 60's. Weed growth is way behind. Water is also high on most lakes, and with cooler temps on the way, you can likely expect these conditions to continue. Be sure to double check boards at the launch for possible slow-no-wake restrictions, especially on the smaller lakes.

Bluegills are still making the move into shallower water. Current areas and spawning areas (like sandy or gravel areas) will hold the most fish, but lots of panfish continue to suspend over deeper water. Waxworms, butterworms, redworms and plastics are taking fish, but bigger gills have been hard to come by in any significant number. (Try Okauchee, Garvin, Golden Nagawicka, Upper and Middle Genessee, School Section, Ashipunn, Pretty and Lower Nashotah)

Crappie fishing has been hit or miss, with little in-between. While a few crappies are being caught over deeper water near mainlake structure, some of the early spawning crappies are in shallow bays near weeds, wood laydowns or reeds. Minnows, hooked through the tail on a small hook (#8 or #10), waxworms and plastics have all been taking fish. . (Try: Okauchee, Garvin, Moose, Kessus, Nagawicka, Golden, Silver, and Pine.)

Largemouth Bass Fishing remains steady, with the warmer days producing some quality bags of fish. A few fish are still spawning, but a few fish are starting to move into an early summer pattern, with lots of different areas and techniques producing. On cloudy days, topwater and crankbaits are catching fish over open water areas, especially weed patches on the mid-depth flats in 6-12 feet of water. On sunny days, especially those with lots of wind, fish are tighter to cover or using shallow rock bars in 3-8 feet of water. Plastics: flipped, skipped, pitched, wacky or texas rigged are great ways to target these fish. Don't over look twister tail or skirted grubs, and if the bite is tough, try a jigworm. Live bait on slip sinker rigs are catching a few fish for anglers making solid drifts over productive areas. (Try: Okauchee -has WABTA Bass tournament on Sunday), Pine, Kessus, Nagawicka, Moose, Silver, School Section, Pretty, Golden or Emily)

Smallmouth Bass fishing dropped off this past week as many fish moved into a post-spawn pattern. Many anglers reported seeing small schools of fish moving in the shallow water, but couldn't get them to bite. In my experience that's classic post-spawn smallie activity for our area lakes. Minnowbaits, like size 11 or 13 floating rapalas are actually a great way to catch these fish. Keep it simple, black and silver or chartruese and white are the best options. If we get a couple of cloudy, cooler days this week, look for fish to be cruising the edges of Rockbars and points, and target them with tubes, skirted grubs or twister tails. (Try: Oconomwoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Nagawicka, Beaver or the Bark and Oconomwoc Rivers.)

Walleye fishing is picking back up. Fish are still using shallow weeds and weed edges in 6-12 feet. Slip Bobbers, jigging with live bait or drifting with lindy rigs/ spinner harnesses has been productive. Fish have been most active in the early morning. In the evening, a few anglers are still catching fish by working rapala minnow baits over isolated weed clumps on mainlake points and humps. (Try: Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Nagawicka, North, Pine, Druid and Fox)

Northern Pike fishing picked up a little bit last week. It has been slow and steady, but the pike seem to be a little deeper this year. The number one way to catch pike right now is a small sucker or medium to large shiner on a slip sinker rig with a flourocarbon leader. Drift along the deeper edges of the weeds you can find in 6-12 feet and you'll find some fish. Lipless crankbaits, buzzbaits and spinner baits are also producing. (Try: Okauchee, Kessus, Garvin, Nagawicka, Pine, Moose, Fowler, Golden, School Section, Emily)

Musky fishing was slow last week. The larger fish have started to move out to the breaks, but there's still a solid number of fish patrolling the shallow water, feeding on schooled up panfish. The holiday boat traffic has been keeping some people off Pewaukee the last week, but anglers who have ventured out have reported mixed success. Anglers continue to report lots of lazy follows, so figure eights are an absolute necessity, and having a sucker out on a quick strike rig is a good idea. (Try: Okauchee, North, Pewaukee, Fowler and Lac Labelle)

Around the area: Fishing on the Rock River, anglers are still catching some whitebass, walleyes and catfish between the Jefferson Dam in and the mouth at the Indianford Dam.

Trout fishing in the stocked lakes and ponds continues to be a great way to catch some keepers. The local ponds, Lower Genessee, Ottawa and Lower Nashotah continue to give up fish.

As always, if you'd like to talk about some specific tips or want an up to date report, just email me.

Cheers,
CT

Pewaukee Pro Mac Musky Tournament Results

2011-05-26T15:03:00.001-05:00

I have gotten lots of emails from people about the Pewaukee Pro-Mac Musky Tournament.

From the Pro-Mac Website:

The Professional Muskie Angler Circuit™ (Pro-MAC™) open its inaugural season on Pewaukee Lake Saturday,May 21st with a one day qualifier, the same location where it will finish the year with the Invitational Championship and the largest cash prize ever for a muskie tournament series finally. A full field of teams and ideal fishing conditions weren't enough to make the reluctant resident muskies to bite as there would be only eight legal fish registered for the tilt.

The first team to score on a muskie for the contest, and the team that forever will own the distinction of being the first to ever register a muskie during a Pro-MAC™ event, would be tallied by Rob Kahl and Chad Peterson with a 36.25" muskie at 7:08am. By 9:38am, Scott Gagliano and Brian Kastner would be done fishing for the day when they scored their second muskie for the contest, a 36.50 incher to add to their earlier fish of 37 inches at 9:02am. At 10:52am, the duo of Scott Lewandowski and Marcus Malyuk would land a 34.50" muskie to get on the board, however they weren't done for the day as they would be the last team to register a muskie for the event at 2:48pm with a 39.75 incher eclipsing the leaders by three quarters of an inch to win the event. The father and son team of Frank and James Formolo would tally a 39" muskie at 12:10pm finishing in 4th place. Capturing third place with a 39.50 incher would be Doug and Don Grant when they scored at 1:03pm. Aaron Berg and Chris Loeffler would join in on the action with a muskie of 34 inches at 1:42pm.

You can read their whole post, and see pictures of the fish at the Pro-Mac website:here

DNR Spring Hearings: The Results

2011-05-26T12:54:00.000-05:00

Changes afoot for Musky Size Limits: From Paul Smith at JSonline

Madison - Wisconsin anglers will see the musky minimum length limit increased to 40 inches....

As a result of the regulation, about 600 Wisconsin waters will have the 40-inch minimum for musky in 2012, while 20 special waters will have a 28-inch minimum and 20 others will have 45- or 50-inch minimums.

In other fisheries regulations, the board approved a rule that will require anglers to use a quick-strike rig or circle hooks when using 8-inch or longer minnows for bait.

Also:

Although it received support from 57% of the voters, the DNR did not advance a proposal for an 18-inch minimum length and daily bag limit of three fish for walleye in southern Wisconsin.
Staggs said seven of 19 affected counties voted against the proposal and he'd prefer to keep working to find regulations that meet the walleye management objectives of southern Wisconsin and gain broader public support.

Memorial Day Weekend Preview-Fishing Report 5-26-11

2011-05-26T08:20:00.001-05:00

Well...its gotten hard to pattern fish around our area. Maybe in June consistent weather will return.

Overall, water temps are back in the Mid 50's in Main Lake areas, while some bays are in the Low to Mid 60's. Weedgrowth is far behind normal for this time of the season, and Mayflies are finishing the hatch on a couple of area lakes.

Bluegills are starting to congregate in shallower water. A few nests were starting to appear before the cold snap, but not in any significant number. Look for them in 4-10 feet of water, and be ready to move shallower as the temperatures warm up. Current areas and spawning areas (like sandy or gravel areas) will have fish nearby. Waxworms, butterworms, redworms and plastics are taking fish, but bigger gills have been hard to come by in any significant number. (Try Okauchee, Garvin (hot!), Nagawicka, Upper and Middle Genessee, School Section, Ashipunn, Pretty, Phantom and Lower Nashotah)

Crappie fishing, typically an early spring in our area, continues to be one of the best bites. Most crappies are in shallow bays near weeds, wood laydowns or reeds. Some fish are still spawning (you can tell by how black the fish turn this time of year). Minnows, hooked through the tail on a small hook (#8 or #10), waxworms and plastics have all been taking fish. With the temperature set to warm back up for the holiday weekend, expect crappies to be very active on area lakes. (Try: Okauchee (especially the North Flat, Bay Five and the Crane's Nest), Garvin (North End and Wood Laydowns), Kessus, Nagawicka (Channels), Golden, Silver, and Pine.

Largemouth bass are in the middle of trying to spawn, the rapid weather changes has delayed this process this season. Anglers are catching fish targeting them in shallow water, but a few fish are still being caught off mainlake points and transition areas (prespawn structure). This is time to catch and release bigger fish, but on warm afternoons, the action could be good. Shallow water presentations like jig and chunk or craw, wacky, texas rigged lizards, spinnerbaits or lipless crankbaits will all catch fish right now. Live bait, nightcrawlers, leeches or small suckers are your best bet. (Try: Okauchee, Lake Five, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Kessu Nagawicka, Silver, School Section, Golden, Fox or Emily)

Smallmouth bass have been active, and a few anglers are reporting nests on many area lakes. Rock structure, scattered weeds on sand and major points are all holding fish. Expect them to be a little spooky, especially in the shallow water on sunny days. Skirted grubs, jigworms, jig and craws, tubes, and soft jerkbaits are all catching fish. Go natural with your color choices this weekend, and please catch and release smallmouths so they can finish the spawning ritual. (Try: Oconomwoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Nagawicka, Pewaukee, Lower Nashotah and the Nemahbin Lakes.)

Walleye has been the hot bite of the season with the cooler temperatures, with some very nice eyes being caught in 8-12 feet of water. Slip bobbers, Jig and minnow, jig and leech, and split shot rigs with nightcrawlers or small suckers have been the best way to target eyes. In the evening, a few anglers are catching fish by working rapala minnow baits over weed clumps. This weekend should be red hot for walleyes, especially in the evenings. (Try: Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Nagawicka, North, Pine and Fox)

Northern Pike fishing has picked up with the unstable weather. Spinnerbaits, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits, or suspending jerkbaits (like Husky Jerks or Rouges) are catching fish around shallow weed clumps, or at the edges of coves and marshy areas. If chasing pike with live bait, look for them in 6-12 feet, using small suckers or large shiners on a slip sinker rig. (Try: Okauchee, Kessus, Garvin, Nagawicka, Pine, Fowler, Golden, School Section, Emily)

Musky Fishing has been slow and steady. A few fish are still paired up finishing the spawning ritual. There are lots of fish in the shallow water, but the most consistent action has been coming in 12-18 feet around mainlake structure. Gliders, jerkbaits, swimbaits and bucktails have been productive, but many anglers continue to describe lots of lazy follows, so having a sucker out on a quickstrike rig is a great idea, and figure eights are required on every cast. Gold seems to be the color of the season, but white has also been catching a few. (Try: Okauchee, Pewaukee, Fowler and Lac Labelle)

Around the area: Fishing on the Rock River has slowed down, but anglers are still catching a few whitebass south of Ft Atkinson, and catfish between the Jefferson Dam in and the mouth. The action has been slow, and water conditions have been high. Trolling for Walleyes on Koshkonong has been consistent, pulling crankbaits between 2-3.5mph over flats.

Trout fishing in the stocked lakes and ponds continues to be good. The weather has slowed down the pressure on these fish this season, and Lower Genessee, Ottawa and Lower Nashotah continue to give up fish.

If you're in town for the holiday and want to talk some more specific tips, email or call me.

Have a great holiday weekend.
Cheers,
CT

Quick Tips: Cold Front Conditions

2011-05-23T08:09:00.000-05:00

Well, after a beautiful weekend, we're looking at a sustained cold front moving through.

A couple of things to remember:

1.)Fish will still bite under cold front conditions

2.)Slower presentations, or live bait will work best

3.) Toothy fish, like pike and muskie bite better than bass or walleye

4.) Fish tight to cover.

Good Luck,
CT

Fishing Report 5-19-11

2011-05-19T10:06:00.000-05:00

Fishing Report: Water Cold, Fish Biting.

This late developing spring has kept water much cooler than average this year, but the weatherman says the temps will start to come up this weekend.

Overall, fishing is our area is consistent, but you might have to change up what you're doing to catch fish. High water conditions and water temps in the mid 50's to low 60's, mean it is prime time for shallow water fishing.

Musky have been active, but many anglers are reporting lazy follows. Look for them in shallow protected areas with scattered weeds growth. The active fish are feeding and patrolling in the shallow weed flats, rock points and sandy areas. Natural colors, like perch or shiner, or straight black have been working, bot gold seems to be this spring's hot color. Lots of nice fish are being seen, although substantially less are being caught. Until the water gets a little warmer, be ready to work an area and make repeated casts to fishy looking spots. Figure eights are critical right now, so make sure to be doing them. Pewaukee, has a full-field musky tournament this weeekend, but is giving up fish. Okauchee has been active with lots of fish being seen on lazy follows. Oconomowoc, Folwer and Lac Labelle, have steady action reported, although the number of reports is down for this time of year.

Northern pike are doing many of the same things that the musky are doing, they are just out a little deeper. Look for weeds in 6-10 feet of water, then fish them hard with spinner or buzzbaits. A small sucker or large golden shiner on a slip sinker rig will also produce. Lipless crankbaits, in a silver and blue or gold and black combination are catching lots of fish. Try: Okauchee, Moose (on fire!), Fowler, Kessus, Nagawicka, Emily, Fox and Golden.

Bass fishing is setup to be great for this weekend. The perfect water temperatures for a pre-spawn bite means trophy fishing opportunities await you this weekend. Look for bass in shallow water near weeds or wood laydowns. The piers, especially with wood posts, will hold fish as well. Wacky worms, tube baits jig and chunks, floating worms, and large texas rigged plastics are all great options, but also consider shallow running crankbaits or buzzbaits. For live bait, nightcrawlers on a split shot rig or large shiners under a float/bobber are the best options. All area lakes will have active largemouth bass this weekend, but focus your attention on the really good ones: Okauchee, Moose, Golden, Silver, Pine, Nagawicka, Garvin and Lower Nehmabin.-Remember, the spawning period is critical, so please catch, photo and release bass.

Walleye: Lots of lakes are starting to see mayfly hatches this week, which usually turns walleye fishing off for a bit. If you want to try for them, look for walleyes on mid depth structure or in the shallow weeds.You can catch walleyes on crankbaits, but this is prime season for live bait presentations. Jig and minnow, jig and leech, or lindy rigs with nightcrawlers or leeches can produce, especially early and late in the day. Trolling with bottom bouncers or lindy's can help you to locate fish. Try Pine, Lac Labelle, Fox, and Oconomowoc lakes. A slow but reliable stream of information indicates that Nagawicka walleyes have been biting recently, in 8-12 feet of water.

Trout: Stocked trout are still available on some area lakes and many area ponds. You need an inland trout stamp to fish for or possess these trout, but they can be taken easily on live bait (minnows or redworms) or with small in-line spinners. Look for them in the deepest holes of the smaller lakes. Watch your electronics, if you see a school of fish suspended, chances are that these are the trout. Slip bobber or vertically tight line just above them. Fowler, Lower Nashotah, Ottawa and Lower Genessee offer your best opportunities for boat fishing.

Panfish: Crappie action continues to be good on many area lakes. Look for fish to start to move into the reeds or onto shallow wood this weekend if the weather stabilizes. Until then, look for schools of crappies in the shallow, dark bottomed bays or boat channels near green weeds. Tailhooked minnows below a bobber will always produce, but keep a second rod rigged with a plastic tipped with a waxworm or spike out. Some days the plastic/grub combo has been outproducing the minnows, especially for larger fish. Bluegills are starting to come in shallow, but a good number of fish are still in water as deep as 15 feet. If this weather stays consistent, the bluegills will start moving in to stage for the spawn, but this hasn't happened in any significant number as of yet. Try School Section, Nag, Okauchee, Fowler, Ashippun, Pretty or Silver.

In the wider area, whitebass fishing on the Rock River continues in both Jefferson and Ft Atkinson, as well as on the Wolf and Fox rivers. Walleye fishing in the Dells has been pretty good, despite the weather. Catfish are really turning on for shore fisherman targeting them along the Rock River.

Should be a good week ahead.

Cheers,
CT

Fishing Report 5-12-11

2011-05-12T05:49:00.000-05:00

Hey gang, not much new on the radar for this weekend....but things are happening around the area. The weather is providing substantial challenges to consistent fishing with windy and unstable conditions, but the springtime bite is on none the less.

Trout is still the hottest bite going for anglers fishing the stocked lakes, but Rock River fishing continues, as does early season bass, walleye and musky fishing. Locally, most fish have moved shallow, following the baitfish into the protected coves and backwater areas, but alot of action is happening in shallow flat areas away from the banks in 5-8 feet of water.

Panfish are appearing in greater numbers in shallow areas, especially in the afternoon. Look for shallow, dark bottom bays and boat channels with scattered weeds, woods or reeds. 2-8 Feet has been the key depths. Bluegills will hit on a variety of live bait, including redworms, dillys, waxworms, spikes, or butterworms. For crappies, tail hooked minnows, skirted grubs, road runners, or waxworms on an ice-fishing jig can really produce. (Try: Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Ashippun, Silver, Golden, School Section or Nagawicka)

Largemouth are in active, although more male fish are being caught right now. Look for them in shallow bays with wood laydowns or weeds. You can use a variety of presentations to chase these fish. Jig and chunks will catch less fish, but are a great way to catch a bigger fish. Slower presentations like wacky worms, texas rigged lizards or tubes are traditional presentations, but don't overlook spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, and crawfish imitating shallow diving crankbaits. Using live bait? Leeches, nightcrawlers or large shiners are your best options. (Try Okauchee, Moose, Kessus, Golden, Silver, Fowler, Pine, and Nagawicka)

Smallmouth bass are running rocky areas, foraging. Spinnerbaits are catching a bunch of the ealry agressive fish this year. If you're goin more finesse, tubes are always a great option to use on the shallow rockbars. Backtrolling while Lindy rigging with large shiners is working in deeper water. (Try Lac Labelle, Pine, Nagawicka, and Oconomowoc)

Walleye are still being caught in smaller numbers by anglers fishing the Rock River in Jefferson and Watertwon, as well as the Wolf, Wisconsin and Fox Rivers around the state. Locally, look for walleyes in shallow water, around rocks or sand, especially early in the morning, and later in the evening. In the daylight hours, schools of fish will be cruising the sand flats in 8-15 feet of water. Live bait rigging, (Lindy rigs with small suckers are the local's best approach!) jig and minnow or jig and leech combos, or trolling with shad or minnow imitators are your best approaches. (Try Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Nagawicka, Fox or Pine)

Northern Pike are still using shallow water in weedy or marshy areas, and will aggressively bite spinners, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits or live bait suspended around shallow weeds.(Try: Moose, Kessus, Okauchee, Fowler, School Section, Lake Emily, Fox and Nagawicka)

Musky fishing was slow, but with lots of follows reported. Many anglers are reporting finding fish in 5-12 feet of water, and chasing swimbaits, gliders, jerkbaits and bucktails. Remember to do your figure eights on every cast right now.(Try Okauchee, Garvin, (Give Garvin a try this time of year, you might be surprised how many fish are in there) Fowler and Pewaukee)

Catfish were starting to bite more aggressively on the Rock River. Look for them around wood on the bottom, or in the channel turns. Stink bait, cutbait or nightcrawlers were all producing, but cutbait seems to be hot right now. Up the Crawfish, Jefferson from the S turn to the Rapids, and South of Fort Atkinson but above the VFW were the spots reporting active cats.

Trout fishing continues to provide fast on the stocked lakes and ponds around area. Lower Geneesse is on fire right now, as is typical for this point in the season. Look for schools of fish to be moving around in the deep part of the basin there. Minnows, redworms or chunks of corn suspended beneath a slip bobber will catch fish.

Fishing Report 5-9-11

2011-05-09T08:15:00.000-05:00

Got a bunch of reports in by email last night, seems like opening weekend was pretty good for most folks. If this weather stabilizes, the fishing is sure to pick up.

Panfish will quickly move to shallow areas, especially on warm, sunny afternoons. The bite can be really good, especially in the mid afternoon. Look for shallow, dark bottom bays with scattered weeds, woods or reeds. The fish may be very tight to shore. In areas with current, look for schools of fish in deeper holes and outside turns, even if these areas are very small. Remember the largest panfish will always be in the bottom of the school, so if you're catching fish, but they are small, try getting your bait a little deeper. Bluegills will hit on a variety of live bait, including redworms, dillys, waxworms, spikes, or butterworms. For active bluegills, plastics will outperform live bait, and will usually help keep some of the smaller fish off your line. For crappies, tail hooked minnows, skirted grubs, road runners, or waxworms on an ice-fishing jig will really produce. (Try: Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac Labelle, Ashippun, Silver, Golden, School Section or Nagawicka)

Largemouth are in active pre-spawn feeding mode. Look for them in shallow areas with rock, sand or muck. Protected bays with wood laydowns or weeds will really concentrate fish. As the temperature warms up this week, look for the males to start making some nests around docks and other shoreline cover. Larger female fish will be actively feeding on rockbars and around scattered weeds. You can use a variety of presentations to chase these fish. Jig and chunks will catch less fish, but are a great way to catch a bigger fish. Slower presentations like wacky worms, texas rigged lizards or tubes are all great for probing areas, but spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits, and crawfish imitating shallow diving crankbaits will all catch fish right now. Using live bait? Leeches, nightcrawlers or large shiners are your best option. (Try Okauchee, Moose, Kessus, Golden, Silver, Fowler, Pine, and Nagawicka)

Smallmouth bass are running rocky areas, foraging. Look for them in the usual early season spots, but don't be afraid to look for them as deep as 25feet, where they will be feeding on schools of yellow perch. Spinnerbaits are a great way to cover water, tubes are a great way to look for fish around the dropoffs and on the shallow rockbars. Lindy rigging with large shiners can really produce some amazing fish this time of year. (Try Lac Labelle, Pine, Nagawicka, and Oconomowoc)

Walleye are still being caught in smaller numbers by anglers fishing the Rock River in Jefferson, as well as the Wolf, Wisconsin and Fox Rivers around the state. Locally reports were mixed, lots of people were catching fish, but the action was about average. Expect that to change this week as fish really start the feeding cycle. Look for walleyes in shallow water, around rocks or sand, especially early in the morning, and later in the evening. In the daylight hours, schools of fish will be cruising the sand flats in 8-15 feet of water. Live bait rigging, (Lindy rigs with small suckers!) jig and minnow or jig and leech combos, or trolling with shad or minnow imitators are your best approaches. (Try Oconomowoc, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Nagawicka or Pine)

Northern pike were a little slower over the weekend than I would have expected, I think anglers were targeting bass and walleyes rather than pike. Pike are all over shallow water, especially near marshy areas, and will aggressively bite spinners, buzzbaits, lipless crankbaits or live bait suspended around shallow weeds.(Try: Moose, Kessus, Okauchee, Fowler, School Section, Lake Emily and Nagawicka)

Musky fishing was steady for the opener. Most fish are in 5-12 feet of water, and are biting on swimbaits, gliders, jerkbaits and bucktails. A handful of decent fish were taken on suckers as well. Remember to do your figure eights on every cast right now, as lots of anglers were reporting lazy follows this past weekend. Personally, I like to use smaller baits in a black and blue, or black and orange combination at this point in the year. (Try Okauchee, Garvin, Lac Labelle and Pewaukee for Musky)

Catfish were starting to bite more aggressively on the Rock River. Look for them around wood on the bottom, or in the channel turns. Stink bait, cutbait or nightcrawlers were all producing.

Trout fishing was fast and furious on the stocked lakes and ponds around area.

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The next two weeks will represent some great fishing.....get out and get to it.

Cheers,
CT

Weather and Water Conditions for the Opener

2011-05-06T07:05:00.000-05:00

Weather forecast:

Saturday: Light rain showers likely. Highs in the upper 50s. East winds 5 to 10 mph. Chance of showers 60 percent.

Water Conditions:

Most local lakes have water temperatures in the low 50s. Open water areas on many lakes are reported to be in the high 40's. While not unprecedented for opening day, that is much cooler than normal. Weed growth is far behind average this year.

Predictions
The shallow dark bottom bays will be where most of the action is on Saturday. Live bait will be key. Targeting Musky, Pike and Walleye will be more productive than chasing bass. Sunday's weather looks a little better, and if the sun comes out, the later afternoon bite could really pick up.

Good Luck,
CT

Crazy Video: Carp Hunting

2011-05-05T09:30:00.000-05:00

Peoria Carp Hunters: Carp Spearing To the Extreme!

Opening Weekend Resources

2011-05-02T10:08:00.000-05:00

Here is my annual pre-opening weekend post. Look for an final update Friday with weather and water conditions from around the area.

This spring has been especially wet and cool. With water temps hovering in the 50's on most area lakes, the operative words will be slow and methodical. Live bait rigging will be a great option for gamefish during the opener. Slow rolling spinnerbaits or bucktails or burning lipless crankbaits will be great options for exploring weedy areas and drop offs.

Need bait, equipment, or a fishing license? Do yourself a favor and buy from one of the locals.

Musky Mikes (Okauchee)

Dick Smith's (Delafield)

Smokey's (Pewaukee)
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Taking a Kid Fishing this weekend? The DNR Suggests these spots:

Ashippun Lake Park
Location: In Oconomowoc, WI. Take Capitol Drive west to State Highway 16, go west on 16 to County Highway P, then take P north to County Highway K, go west on K to McMahon Road. Watch for "public access" sign.
Notes: Run by Waukesha County Parks. Park has picnic area, restrooms and shorefishing.

Denoon Lake
Location: Located on Crowbar Drive, south of Kelsey Drive. Go west from Highway Y.
Notes: Public park with ballfields, restrooms, picnic area and boat launch. Not much shorefishing, due to marshy area near shore.

Lac La Belle
Location: At the Fowler Lake Dam, on Highway 67, one-quarter mile north of State Highway 16 in the Oconomowoc, WI. Located just northeast of the beach and park on Lac La Belle. The beach and park are on Highway 16, just west of Highway 67.
Notes: Disabled accessible public fishing pier.

Little Muskego Lake
Location: Access from Idle Isle Park in Muskego, WI on the northeast side of Little Muskego Lake. Take Martin Drive to Hardtke Drive to the park.
Note: Idle Isle Park has a beach, picnic area, restrooms, accessible public fishing pier and boat launch.

Lower Phantom Lake
Location: In Phantom Glen Park in Mukwonago, WI. Take County Highway ES (Main Street) to Andrews Street, then go west into the park.
Notes: Public park with picnic area, restrooms, disabled accessible public fishing pier and boat ramp.

McKeaun Springs
Location: Trout pond located on the west side of Highway 67, between Piper Road and Road X. About 3 miles north of Eagle, WI.
Notes: No facilities, but there is a picnic area with restrooms just a short distance to the south. DNR manages as a children's trout fishing pond. Although it is officially category 3 (3 bag and 9 inch length), there is a voluntary regulation for adults to catch and release, and kids are allowed to keep one trout of any size. Designed to encourage adults to take kids out and teach them to trout fish.

Nagawicka Lake
Location: In Nagawaukee County Park. Take County Highway C, three-quarters of a mile north of Interstate 94 in Delafield, WI.
Notes: Public beach, picnic area, restrooms and concessions, camping, shorefishing and boat launch.

Nemahbin Lakes, Upper and Lower
Location: Southeast of Oconomowoc, WI, off of County Highway DR.
Notes: County owned access on frontage road between the two lakes, Highway DR. shorefishing on Upper Nemahbin from the road right-of-way. DNR owned carry-in site on Lower Nemahbin off Sugar Island Road.

Pewaukee Lake
Location: Village park in downtown Pewaukee, WI.
Notes: Public park with beach and public fishing pier. Can also access Pewaukee River just below the dam. On Wisconsin Avenue in downtown Pewaukee. Boat launch and shorefishing from county park and boat ramp at the west end, on Highway E.

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Local Shorefishing Locations

· Okauchee Lake: Shore fishing is available at the public boat landing. Take HWY 16 to the Sawyer Road exit. Turn left at the T-intersection, and drive through the town of Okauchee. At the clock tower, veer left and then go about a ¼ mile to Road T, which is a right hand turn. Free parking for cars is available.

· Moose Lake: Shore and pier fishing is available at the Moose Lake Public Launch area. This launch has been improved over the last few years and a nice park like area is available to shore fisherman. The Launch area is just off Highway C, across from Cedar Bay road.

· Lac La Belle: Public Fishing Pier Located in Memorial Park in downtown Oconomowoc.

· Nashotah Park: Just off of the corner of HWY C and HWY R in Nashotah there is a park and ride. Across HWY R, there is a low fence that marks access to the Forest Lake area of Nashotah Park. Anglers have to hike down the hill, but the entire shoreline of the small lake is available for shore-fishing.

· Fowler Lake: There is space for shore fishing by the Labelle/Fowler Dam, at the boat landing and in the Riverside Park. The lake is just off HWY 16 in Downtown Oconomowoc. The boat landing is behind city hall.

· Nagawicka Lake: Two areas allow public shore fishing access. There is some space at the public launch in the County Park off of HWY 83 near Delafield. A second option allows you to access St John's Bay and a section of the Bark River. Take HWY C to where the Military Academy is. There is a small park just south of downtown Delafield on the east side of the road.

· Pewaukee Lake: Located in Nagawaukee County Park on the west side of the lake. From I-94, north on State Highway 83 for 1/8 mile, east on County Highway DR 1 1/2 miles, north on County Highway E to park entrance. Park fee is charged. There is also a public fishing pier along the city strip near the beach on the east end.

·Ottawa Lake: Located in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. From State Highway 67, west on County Highway ZZ for 1/3 mile to park entrance. State Park sticker required for entry.

· Paradise Springs: Located in the Southern Unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest. From downtown Eagle, west 1 mile on State Highway 59 to County Highway N, north on N for about 1/2 mile to site. State Park sticker required for entry. Artificial lures only.

·Lower Phantom Lake: Located in Phantom Glen Park. From County Highway ES, west on Andrews Street to park entrance.

Other Useful Links

Local Fishing Reports from Lake-Link.com

Becky Smith's handy list of shorefishing locations, boat ramps and boat rentals is online at at www.Dicksmithslivebait.com

The DNR maintains a database of printable lake maps online.

There's also a easy to use reference to find boat launches at the DNR Website.

The DNR's 2011 Spring Fishing Forecast is here.

The DNR's online license purchases avoid the wait opening morning.

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River Fishing:

Whitebass are currently running in Jefferson on the Rock River. Around the state, whites are also in big runs on the Fox, Wolf and Wisconsin Rivers.

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Trout:
Check out this post on local trout stocking numbers.

The complete report is available from the DNR Website

Panfish:

Crappies and Bluegills remain in shallow water, and the bite has been steady in the afternoons. Primarily the schools are relating to weed clumps in shallow water. Newer, green weeds, reeds or small wood laydowns are attracting the most fish right now. For crappies try small fuzzy jigs tipped with waxworms, small fatheads or rosie reds. Bluegills have been biting on plastics tipped with waxworms or spikes, as well as redworms, leafworms or pieces of nightcrawler.

Best Lakes For Panfish: Ashippun, Silver, Kessus Buelah, Golden, the Geneessee lakes, Lake Five, Okauchee (Bay Five, the Channel, Icehouse and Stumpy Bay), Garvin and the Nehmabins.

Bass:

Largemouth are in a prespawn pattern. Small schools of them are chasing baitfish in the shallow water. For the best action look for LM to be along the first drop offs or at the edges of shallow bays. Later in the day they may move to the backs of spawning coves. Lindy or split shot rigs with nightcrawlers or suspending large shiners under slip bobbers are your best live bait options. Texas rigged plastic lizards, wacky worms and jigs with a chunk trailer will be good options if fished very slowly. Slow rolling spinnerbaits or ripping rattletraps around weedy cover could produce some reaction strikes.

Best lakes for largemouth: Okauchee, Silver, Nagawicka, Golden, Pine, Moose, Kessus, Pretty and School Section.

Smallmouth remain in deeper water for the most part, although a few have been seen making foraging runs into rocky areas during the middle part of the day. Look for them to be suspended in the water column in deep water near points and other rocky structure. Suspending Jerkbaits, swimbaits, slow rolled spinnerbaits or twister tail grubs are good options for chasing suspended smallmouths. If you can find some fish on the rocks, lindy rigging with leeches or nightcrawlers should do the trick.

Best lakes for smallmouth:Nagawicka, Lower Nehmabin, Oconomowoc, Pine, Lac La Belle.

Walleye: Many walleyes have been seen roaming shallow flats chasing baitfish. This indicates typical post-spawn behavior patterns, which matches the water temperatures on local lakes. Bottom bouncers with spinner harnesses, lindy rigs and jigs will all catch these fish. I'd consider using a mix of live bait in the form of nightcrawlers, leeches and small suckers. Look for walleyes to relate the edges of shallow water. I'd run live bait rigs to find fish, then fish an active area hard with crankbaits like a shad rap or floating rapalas.

Best lakes for walleye: Lac La Belle, Pewaukee, Pine and Oconomowoc. A few fish are still being caught on the Rock and Crawfish Rivers.

Northern: Pike are past their post spawn blues and are starting to feed aggressively. Small pike are all over shallow water and you can expect the big pike to be relating to the first break. This is prime time to chase pike with live bait. Use big bobbers and suspend large shiners and suckers around weed edges or near areas with visible panfish. Casting with lipless crankbaits or spinner baits, especially around shallow weeds on the flat areas can be dynamite.

Best lakes for pike: Forest, Emily, Moose, Golden, Nagawicka, Fowler, Lower Gennessee, Okauchee.

Musky: Lots of fish have been seen recovering from the spawn, but the fish that seem to be chasing active baitfish are relating to green weed growth in mid-depth water. You never lose out by floating a sucker on a quick strike rig while casting. I'd stick to jerkbaits, gliders or small bucktails for the opener this year, and concentrate your efforts on any scattered weed clumps you can find. I'd plan on being methodical and be ready to make lots of casts to an area to get neutral fish to bite.

Best lakes for musky:Pewaukee, Lac La Belle, Fowler, Okauchee, Garvin and Oconomowoc.

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Good Luck out there!
CT

Early season predictions from the DNR

2011-04-30T21:51:00.000-05:00

Southeastern Wisconsin Fish Supervisor Randy Schumacher reports that more cold and rainy days are forecast before the opener, "and that's good because northern pike which will be done spawning will be active and spawning, largemouth bass will be very active still, congregating over dark organic bottoms on north side of lakes to warm themselves up for spawning. Generally they'll be in shallow waters. The best time to fish for largemouth is probably in the middle of the day. If you're going for largemouth bass, there's no point in going early in the morning unless you need to get a spot at the boat landing. Otherwise, large female bass are still feeding to help mature their eggs. As far as our recent surveys go, we caught a 51.5 inch musky in Pewaukee Lake, so we're really happy to see strong populations there. There's a good walleye population in Pewaukee as well. It's showing once again it’s a lake for everybody -- good largemouth bass, good crappie, bluegills. We're also netting on big Elkhart in Sheboygan County and found a good walleye population there as well, which was good news because we hadn't surveyed for years there and we worried the population may have gone down.”

Link to the whole report is online here.

Local Trout Stocking

2011-04-30T21:48:00.000-05:00

The numbers for this year's trout stocking are out.

On the local lakes:

FOWLER LAKE
        BROWN TROUT 954
        RAINBOW TROUT 1,491

LANNON COUNTY PARK POND
         RAINBOW TROUT        3,500

LOWER GENESEE LAKE
         BROOK TROUT 1,685
   BROWN TROUT 1,273
   RAINBOW TROUT 1,491

LOWER NASHOTAH LAKE
          BROWN TROUT 1,273
          RAINBOW TROUT 1,491

OTTAWA LAKE
          BROWN TROUT 636
          RAINBOW TROUT 994

The full report is available here: from the DNR.

Fishing Report 4-27-11

2011-04-27T11:44:00.000-05:00

Rain, rain and more rain has been on the menu lately. The days, especially the afternoons have stayed cool and cloudy, and as a result, the water is not warming up quickly.

Fish are biting though. It's hard to get an accurate picture, as not that many guys are putting in the time on the water, but fishing is has been at least average for this time of year.

Crappies are active in the usual early spots. Look for them in shallow, protected areas with a north bank. Dark bottom areas with green weeds are especially good right now, but sandy areas near reeds will also produce. Small minnows, tail hooked, and suspended under a bobber is the best way to catch crappies, but if the bite is tough, don't overlook waxworms on an icefishing jig as an option.
Bay 5, Stumpy and Icehouse Bays, The Crane's Nest and the Channel on Okauchee are always great areas, as are Garvin (North end) Kessus, Golden, Pine (Both Ends) Moose, Fowler, Lac Labelle and the boat channels on Nagawicka.

Walleyes and Whitebass continue to bite on the Rock River in Jefferson. The spawning runs are done for the most part, but fish are still being taken from shellbeds, rockpiles and in the channel swings. Jig and minnow, or jig and plastics (including ringworms) have been the best baits this year. The fish should be getting ready to make the transition out to the lake soon, so this is likely your last chance to head down there for some action.

Reminder: Gamefish season is still closed this weekend, it opens at 12am, May 7th.

You can sign up for my fishing reports and have them delivered via email, as well as follow this blog. The links are in the column to the right.

Good Luck
Chris

Big Head Carp caught in St Croix at Prescott

2011-04-21T13:23:00.001-05:00

The state's western border is under attack: From Paul Smith at JSOnline:

A commercial fisherman netting for buffalo and common carp caught the 27-pound bighead just north of the St. Croix's confluence with the Mississippi River and contacted the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

Full story is here.

Spring?!? Fishing Report 4-20-11

2011-04-20T08:09:00.000-05:00

We'll the weather isn't cooperating, and fishing has slowed down some.

On the rivers, white bass are in the late stages of their spring run. On the Rock River look for them at the mouths of feeder creeks or up the Crawfish and Bark Rivers. If you're on the main rivers, you may find some schools holding over shelves in slack water, but most of the fish are up the creeks and rivers.

The walleye bite has slowed down substantially, typical for extended periods of cooler weather and the post spawn period. The stretch of river between Watertown and the area above the Jefferson dam appears to be the most consistent, and then the best fishing has been around dusk. Large minnow imitators and jerkbaits are catching the most fish.

Local lakes had crappie moving into the shallows before the cold snap. There are still schools of fish hanging in the dark bottom shallow areas, but with the cooler temps, getting them to bite can be challenging. Fishing slow with waxworms on an icefishing jig can be a good way to chase finicky crappies. Once we get some warmer afternoons, tail hooked minnows suspended above the fish will be the best approach.

Stay Tuned,
CT

Fishing Report 4-13-11

2011-04-13T09:37:00.000-05:00

Well, we've been doing it piece by piece for a bit, but it is time to get back to full on fishing reports now. Remember, I won't be posting these at the Musky Mikes Blog anymore, you'll have to come here to get them, but when I post the report, I'll put a link up at the shop's blog.

River fishing continues. On the Rock River, the walleye bite has slowed down, but lots of people are still getting keepers. The water is warming up, and the better bite seems to be in the late afternoon in shallow water near rocks or shell beds. Controlled drifting wih jig and plastic combinations, or anchoring just up stream from the hard bottom structure and running three ways with live bait seem to be the most consistent approaches.

The walleye bite is slowing down, but the whitebass bite continues to be very good. Jig and twister, jig and minnow, small inline spinners, small reflective minnow baits or small lipless crankbaits are all solid options for chasing whitebass. Look for shelves or areas with incoming water off the main channel. Fish may be back in the creeks pretty far by now, just work an area until you start getting bit, and adjust in or out as necessary. The mouths of the Bark and Crawfish River, the area just south of downtown Ft Atkinson, and the Jefferson Dam have all been producing fish. White, white and pink or gold have been the best colors this season, although a blue and white combo is a long time favorite of mine.

Closer to home, the area lakes are all open. Water temps are still in the low 40's, and many anglers are reporting that the water is cloudy. Crappie are being caught in 2-4 and 6-8 feet of water in dark bottom areas. Look for them in shallow bays with a northern bank, boat channels or marshy areas. Areas with green weeds, wood laydowns or reeds will concentrate fish. Early on I like to use waxworms or spikes on a small red hook, tailed hooked fathead minnows and as the water warms, I'll start to use plastics, all suspended under a bobber. The bit will be light, so make sure your weight makes your bobber stand straight and gets and keeps your bait down. One trick with crappies is to keep your bait just above them, they like to feed "up." Lower Nehmabin, Pine, Nagawicka, Fowler, Lac Labelle, Golden, Garvin and Stumpy, Ice House and Bay Five on Okauchee are all traditional hotspots for early spring crappies.

I'm always happy to help and provide some tips, shoot me an email or a call if you have questions.

Be safe and have fun out there.
Cheers,
CT

Local lakes are open-Panfish Fishing to Begin

2011-04-11T21:36:00.000-05:00

A quick check around the area says that all local lakes are open.

Crappie and bluegills will start to make their way to shallow, dark bottom areas on our local lakes. Most reports have water conditions as "dirty" on most lakes, especially Okauchee. But fish will still migrate towards shallow bays, boat channels, and marshy areas with dark or sandy bottoms. Sunny afternoons with a south or southwest wind will provide the best action until the water warms up.

Remember: North facing areas will be marginally warmer, and fish tend to congregate in these areas early on. Current, in the form of a creek channel, or river area will help as well.

For now, look for green weeds in shallow protected bays with a northern bank. Concentrate your efforts on the patches of weeds, using live bait suspended under a bobber. Keep you bait just above the weeds, and any visible fish that you see. I like to use waxworms or spikes on a small red hook, small/crappie sized fatheads-hooked in the tail, underneath a pencil bobber with just a split shot or two to keep the bait down. Once the water gets a little warmer, and crests 52-55 degrees, I'll start using plastics heavily, but for now, I'd stay with the live bait for a couple of weeks.

CT

White Bass-Rock River

2011-04-09T09:05:00.000-05:00

Managed to play a little hooky and get out to the river for a few hours on Friday.

The walleye bite was slow, but the white bass were biting like crazy.

Jig and twister, jig and minnow and small spinners, casting above small underwater shelves off the main channel.

People at the mouth of the Bark River were getting fish, as were people targeting slack water and eddies south of Ft Atkinson. Most of the people we saw fishing from shore were getting a few at least.

Cheers
CT

Rock River Update/fishing report 4-8-11

2011-04-08T05:58:00.000-05:00

Well here we go:

Area Lakes:
There's still skim ice on several local lakes, expect the rain and warm temperatures this weekend to do away with the last remnants. Crappie fishing should get started very quickly, focus on dark bottom bays, boat channels, and shallow areas with green weeds, especially along the northern banks. Ashippun, School Section and Golden always turn on early, as well as sections of Okauchee (The Channel, Stumpy Bay and Icehouse Bay), the North end of Pine Lake and Nag (boat channels). Don't over look Lac Labelle or Fowler for crappies.

Musky are starting to appear in large numbers below the Oconomowoc River Dam. Take your polarized lenses over and check them out. The folks over at Musky Mike's assure me that the video is forthcoming.

Around the state:
Walleye runs are in full gear in the Dells, on the Wolf and at Depere. White bass are starting to appear.

Closer to home, the conditions on the Rock River are really hot. Becky from Dick Smith's says it has been one of the best years in awhile (that might have something to do with the fact that this is the first year in several where the flooding wasn't close to what one might describe as biblical).

Current is steady. with the water temperature rising.

Good luck, have fun and be safe.

Cheers,
CT

Muskies below the dam...

2011-04-06T09:55:00.001-05:00

The fish are starting to appear below the Oconomowoc River dam. Head over there and check it out. Musky Mikes will do some video again this year, and I'll make sure to post it asap.

Rock River Update 4-5-11

2011-04-05T07:29:00.000-05:00

Things should really start picking up as the weather stabilizes this week. If you're fishing there, expect to start to see some whitebass moving into the river soon.

I'll be back later this week with a full report, including conditions on the local lakes.

Rock River Condition Update 4-1-11, Primetime for Fishing for Walleyes

2011-04-01T07:49:00.000-05:00

It is on.

Start looking for fish in current breaks, over small rocky areas, or in the inside turns along the main channel where eddies form. Current breaks that are formed by downed timber can be unbelievable.

Jig and plastic or jig and minnows will produce. The Water remains high, but the current is steady, and just about right for good drifting.

This weekend, with this batch of rain coming through today, will make for perfect fishing conditions. Look for feeding activity to happen in spurts throughout the day this weekend.

Blackhawk Island has been the most productive, but the anglers up river have been doing very well, especially those willing to work for fish.

Next on the menu: White Bass on the rivers, and crappies on local lakes.

Good Luck,
CT

Now its time...Hit the Rock River for Walleye Fishing

2011-03-30T08:07:00.000-05:00

Things will happen quickly now. Expect the bite to pick up as the weather stays stable.

Water temp is getting close to the magic number, and while the water remains relatively high, the current speed is dropping making for good drifting/vertical jigging conditions.

Conditions Stabilizing on the Rock River

2011-03-29T07:19:00.000-05:00

Things are looking better.

Temperature creeping back up.

The water is still high, but the fast current is starting to drop off to a good speed for drifting.

Rock River Fishing Today 3-28-11

2011-03-28T18:31:00.000-05:00

Got out for a few hours today to give it a go. Nice sunny day....amazing how much sun your skin can get after a winter here.

Launched at Kmart, fished the downriver hole. Went with anchors and three ways, then did a drift jigging. It was a tough day. The water is cold, high and fast as advertised. Marked plenty of fish on the sidefinder, and had bunch of short bites, but other than some sheephead action, it was a slow day.

Not much happening in the handful of other boats we saw either.

Water was 34.2 degrees at launch around 10:30, just pushing 34.9 when we pulled out at 4:00.

Need some warmer days, and we need the nightime temps to quit dropping so low.

Stay Tuned.

Leaving in 5...For the Rock River

2011-03-28T07:27:00.000-05:00

Conditions could be better, but I'm leaving in five minutes for the River.
Full report when I return.

Conditions are steady, water is cold.... almost time to fish the Rock River again.

2011-03-27T05:27:00.000-05:00

But here's the key. There certainly are fish in the river, but with the water temp hovering so low after this cold snap, getting those fish to bite will be a challenge.

Drifting with jig/minnows? You'll need to slow down and hover over the break lines in the deeper holes, structure, current eddies or the shallower outside turns. Drifting at the current speed will probably be to fast for these fish.

Anchoring is always a better option when the water is high, fast and cold/ Try to position yourself at the upriver end of a deeper hole. You want to be right over the top of the grade into the deep part of the hole. Fish vertical with your three way rigs, use enough weight to keep your presentation just next to the boat, then reel up the slack so that your rod tip is just barely loaded. From there, its just a matter of line watching. You have a bite when you see your line stop moving in the current.

When I anchor on the Rock in these conditions, I use a very short leader to my weight. no more than 15 inches, but usually closer to six or eight. The leader to the hook is also short. I usually use a small red treble baited with a fathead or tuffy minnow. If the water is really dirty, like right now for example, I'll add a bead or two for color on the leader line just above the hook.

I'll run as many as three rods per person, and I'll check each one every five minutes by taking it out of the rod holder and lifting the weight off the bottom. When you pull the weight up, if there's a fish there, you will feel the resistance while the weight is loose. Immediately set the hook.

Until the water gets back up to 40 degree mark, the bite will likely be slow and light.. This method is fantastic for catching light biting walleyes in current.

Good Luck,
CT

Conditions are leveling off

2011-03-25T14:24:00.000-05:00

Water's cold, high and and fast. Time to anchor and fish three ways.

Ouch...AKA Condition Report For The Rock 3-24-2011

2011-03-24T07:32:00.000-05:00

One reason I never gamble on fishing is that I live in Wisconsin. Mother nature has a way of setting things straight.

Water temperature: Plummeting

Current Increasing

Level Continues to Climb

Check out Get Bit Baits

2011-03-23T21:58:00.000-05:00

There's some neat looking tubes and grubs at Get Bit Baits.

I'll be getting some of this color tube for smallmouth fishing this year:

(Green Pumpkin Purple & Gold Finesse Tube Bait)

Get Bit Baits is a sponsor of the Wisconsin Badger Fishing Team. Drop by their site and say hello.

Cheers,
CT

Rock River Water Temp going back down....

2011-03-23T07:33:00.001-05:00

This might slow things down a little.....

But the flow is increasing quickly:

Water level predictions remain steady:

Stay tuned.

Rock River-Mouth to Jefferson

2011-03-22T21:24:00.000-05:00

Hey gang,

I don't want to say this, as I'm not much of gambling man, and especially as the weather turned south today, but based on the rising water, the moon phase and the water temperature, I would expect this weekend and early next week to be close to peak on the walleye run.

It always comes on so fast in Jefferson. When he was still around, Musky Mike and I would have the same conversation every year. As time has passed, I also seem to have a similar conversation with Becky Smith in most years. I know its a traditionally short run, and the spawning areas in the river are limited, but it really does move into prime time very quickly there.

Reports for the mouth suggest heavy fishing pressure, but with lots of anglers grabbing legal sized fish. That's a sure fire indication that the male fish are starting to move into the river in groups. If the reports I am seeing are accurate, the females will move in quickly and head for the spawning areas in the next 10-15 days.

It's time to hit the water.

Rock River is on the Rise

2011-03-22T09:55:00.001-05:00

The rain and snow melt is increasing the depth and flow of the river. Here's the USGS prediction graph from this morning:

That makes this a decent flood for this year. It's sure to be above the wall at the dam.

Water discharge, velocity and temperature in Ft Atkinson are available here :From the USGS

For your reference: 5 Celsius is approximately 41 Farenheit. 6 Celsisus =42.8. In my experience, the Rock River run really gets started when the water hits 44. White bass will move in when the water hits 50-55.

Rock River Information

2011-03-20T11:55:00.001-05:00

Greetings,

This time of year, I always get some requests for information on fishing the Rock River. It's only natural given that as the ice gives out, the Rock River is one of the closest fishing options. The fact that the walleye and whitebass are set to make their spring runs is just icing on the cake.

First off: Here's a blurb from the DNR's 2011 Fishing Report:

Rock River — Enjoy the simplicity and excitement of white bass fishing on the Rock River in northern Jefferson and Dodge counties in late April through early May. Boat launches in Fort Atkinson and Jefferson offer good access to the Rock and Crawfish rivers as this species moves upstream from Lake Koshkonong each spring. While angling for these plentiful fish, keep an eye out for tagged fish, part of an ongoing fish study aimed to evaluate the Jefferson dam fish passage effectiveness.

The fish passage serves to improve movement,reproduction and recruitment of fish species, such as sauger and walleye, by providing uninterrupted river access from the Indianford dam at Lake Koshkonong to the lower Watertown dam. Tags used in the study resemble two-inch, fluorescent pink pieces of spaghetti and are located near the base of the fish’s dorsal fin (the fin along the top of the back). Each tag contains a unique number that identifies the fish. Anglers should report tagged

fish, along with catch date and location, tag number, length, whether the fish was kept or released, and angler’s name and address to Laura.StremickThompson@wisconsin. gov or (920) 387-7876.

Anglers are asked to not remove tags from fish they release.

In 2009, underwater cameras were installed within the fish passage to monitor fish movement. To date, white bass, walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, bullhead species, bigmouth buffalo, white sucker, common carp and freshwater drum have been documented using the fish passage.

The public can access live streaming video from the cameras via www.biotactic.com, click on BRAVO, then select Node 6.

Next Some Fishing Report Links:

Lake-Link: Jefferson Dam Thread

Lake-Link: Watertown Dam Thread

Lake-Link: Blackhawk Island Area Thread

Water Resources Links:

USGS Data For Ft Atkinson

River status at Jefferson

River status at Ft Atkinson

Rock-Kosh Lake District

Public Boat Launches:

Riverview Drive (At Jefferson Dam)

K-Mart

Water Street

Note, the launch at HWY 26 is blocked off. If you want to access the mouth area, there is a paid launch at a bar on Blackhawk Island.

Links to JSOnline Articles about Fishing the Rock River in Springtime:

St Patricks Day in 2009

Early April 2008

Link to the fish passage camera:

At the Jefferson Dam

Fishing Report 3-18-11

2011-03-18T10:57:00.000-05:00

Greetings,

Spring is upon us, and river fishing is starting to pick up.

Fishing in the Dells appears to be hitting its stride. Walleye are coming out of both deep and shallow water, and anglers are reporting several periods of fish activity per day. If the bite is tough, try drifting with a split shot or lindy rig in place of a jig. Sometimes the subtle presentation is better.

Looking for a fish for the wall? The run has also started at Depere. It is still early by all accounts, so there's more fish rather than the big fish that will move in, but none the less, anglers are reporting consistent success. Jerkbaits, jig and minnow, and lindy rigs are all producing.

Closer to home, things are just getting started on the Rock River between Jefferson and the mouth. Anglers are starting to pick up a few fish at Blackhawk, as well as at the mouth of the Bark River. The Starpole hole has been producing some smaller fish, as well as the S turn. The water is below average levels for this time of year, but flows are steady. Watch your prop if moving through the Jefferson Rapids, or below the dam. I recommend anchoring with three way rigs, especially in areas with slack water adjacent to the holes.

Spring 2011 Fishing Report

2011-03-16T19:20:00.000-05:00

The DNR's 2011 Fishing Forecast is online.

I think the observation for Oconomowoc Lake is very interesting, and it certainly squares with what I have been seeing on the water there over the past few seasons.

Here's the text from Waukesha County:

WAUKESHA COUNTY

Nagawicka Lake — Nagawicka Lake was surveyed in 2010 and revealed a diverse gamefish population consisting of northern pike up to 39 inches, smallmouth bass up to 20 inches and many good-sized walleye
that averaged 19 inches. Largemouth bass are abundant with an average size of 14 inches with the largest fish caught being over 21 inches. The dominant forage base in Nagawicka is white suckers, which show strong annual migrations up the Bark River. The 2010 survey also showed a panfish population of bluegill and black crappie with impressive size structure.

Lower Genessee Lake — Lower Genessee Lake is a quiet little lake nestled a few miles from the interstate. It is tailored for small boats or canoes. Hang on to your fishing pole though, there are some really nice-sized pike lurking in these waters. Lower Genessee also has big bluegill with a few fish measured near the 10-inch mark during a 2010 survey. Lower Genesee is annually stocked with trout prior to openingday. Many of the trout stocked survive another year in this high-quality groundwater seepage lake.

Lower Phantom Lake — Lower Phantom Lake is a shallow lake connected to the Mukwonago River that sports a rich diversity of fish species. Longear sunfish and lake chubsuckers are just a few of the many rare species found in the Phantom lakes and the Mukwonago River. They are among the most diverse waterbodies in the state and have 58 documented fish species. Phantom lakes also have excellent largemouth bass fishing with a few fish over 18 inches. Northern pike populations are on the rise asare many area lakes thanks to a premium large fingerling product from DNR’s hatchery system.

Big Muskego Lake — This is a great place to take a kid fishing. The restrictive length and bag limits on all panfish and gamefish species do not allow much for harvest, but surely provide fast angling action. This
year brings a northern pike 40-inch minimum length limit and a daily bag limit of one that are sure to provide some memorable angling opportunities for future generations. This lake tailors to the nature enthusiast providing abundant wildlife viewing and excellent water quality. Three deep fishing holes are found near waterfowl nesting islands along the lake’s east side.

Oconmowoc Lake — This is one of Waukesha County’s highest quality fisheries hosting superior angling opportunities for musky, walleye and smallmouth bass. A 2009 fall walleye stocking evaluation revealed excellent natural reproduction of this fine table fare. Walleye on Oconomowoc Lake have a special 18-inch minimum length limit and daily bag limit of three. In the spring, large musky may be seen near the public boat launch on the Oconomowoc River.

Pine Lake — Pine Lake provides the county’s best chance to land a trophy walleye. A 2009 fall survey showed excellent largemouth and smallmouth bass potential for anglers. In addition to the many gamefish,
Pine Lake also provides some awesome black crappie fishing.

Lac LaBelle — Lac LaBelle has the highest walleye abundance of all Waukesha County lakes because of its restrictive size and bag limit. There are only a few musky lurking in LaBelle, but the ones that do, are
big — averaging 42 inches as revealed by a 2009 survey. This unique waterbody is host to some large flathead catfish, which is a closed fishery year round. Giant buffalo fish are found in the spring near the outlet
of the lake near the physical carp barrier. Bowfishing for buffalo and carp on Lac LaBelle is a very popular practice due to cloudy water, creating a less spooky fish.

Pewaukee Lake — Pewaukee Lake is still Waukesha County’s premier musky water thanks to a successful stocking program. Pewaukee is scheduled for a comprehensive fisheries survey starting in 2011. The DNR will examine length, age, growth and abundance of all fish species including musky. The Milwaukee chapter of Musky Inc. is raising spring yearling musky to supplement the existing stocking program.

The whole report is online here: at the DNR website.

WI DNR Spring Hearings:

2011-03-16T18:41:00.001-05:00

Big changes brewing in the Spring DNR hearings. New rules for:

Quick Strike Rigs
Minimum Musky Size
Changes to size/local bag limits on Walleye/Sauger

You can read up on the spring hearings at the DNR website here.

By the way, I'll be voting yes on these three provisions.

Let's hit the water....

2011-03-14T10:51:00.000-05:00

...The rivers are opening up, and with this week's warm, sunny weather things will start happening quickly.

Early season trips are available at a discounted rate.

Email me for more information

CT

Fishing Report 3-11-11

2011-03-11T07:49:00.000-06:00

Greetings,

Spring is upon us...at least in theory. As the local lakes are still iced in, but the rivers start to open up, fishing gets a little different.

Panfish are still being caught in shallow bays, and you can expect that pattern to stay solid as long as the ice does. I haven't been out, but 'd assume from the reports I'm hearing that the ice is okay for now, especially over shallow water, but as daytime temps warm up, and the days get longer, conditions will get worse, traditionally in very quick fashion. It's always a good idea to spud your way out and in.

Myself, I'm starting to turn my attention to the river fishing opportunities. Close to home, the Rock River is opening up, although the water is still very cold, and some of the launches between Jefferson and the mouth are iced in as of yet. I'd expect the warmer temps and the rain that's on the way to break that up quick. Stay tuned, I might be out as early as Wednesday of next week.

If you're ready for a drive, you have two open water options. First is the trophy fishery at De Pere. The piers are going in this weekend at the park apparently, and people who have headed out already report solid numbers of fish being caught.

Of course the other option is in the Dells. Anglers there are getting some nice keepers, plus a ton of slot fish already, and its only set to get better. The pattern appears to be shallow eddies for the keeper fish, as anglers fishing deep seem to be consistently reporting catching smaller males. Fishing pressure in the Dells is sure to increase over the next two weeks. If you're having trouble catching them on jig/minnow or jig and plastic combos try a split shot or lindy rig, which seems to be the ticket for pressured fish in the Dells. (Musky) Mike Kitchen showed me that years ago when he and I would go there together every spring, and I was amazed how well it would work.

Things are sure to pick up as soon as spring moves in and decides to stay awhile.

Cheers
CT

Gamefish Season Closes Tonight

2011-03-06T20:00:00.000-06:00

Hey gang, just a few hours out from the close of gamefish season on most inland waters.

Here's something you can do to pass the time till the Rock River opens up for early walleye fishing.

Wolf River Cameras

The one a Freemont usually shows the most fish, but as the season moves along, you'll start to see a variety of species on them.

Check in later this week for a fishing report. Much will depend on whether we get rain or snow as the next big weather system moves through.

Cheers,
CT

Fishing Report 2-21-11

2011-02-21T09:16:00.000-06:00

Hey gang,

Our stretch of nice weather is over, but fret not... just 28 days until the start of spring.

First off, just some advice. Be careful on the ice. The warm weather, rain and high winds have made some of the open water areas a little sketchy, especially for vehicle traffic. While our area lakes are not Winnebago where three cars went through, it never hurts to be on the safe side.

As for the fishing, the first point to mention is that stretches of the river are opening up, and anglers are already hitting them, most notably in the Dells. Obviously its very early, but a few walleyes are already being caught.

Closer to home, we're moving to late winter conditions.

Pike have started moving into the marshy areas to get ready for the spawn. This is the time to chase your winter trophy. Focus on shallow flats, especially marshy areas (like the Crane's Nest on Okauchee, the North end of Golden Lake, the West side of Lower Nehmabin or the area just outside of the Kettle on Nag). While large shiners will still catch fish, now is the time to set up with dead bait. Running three tip-ups per guy, I like to do two with a live shiner and one with deadbait until I find out what's working. Typically bigger fish will come during a 2 hour stretch during the day, while the more aggressive, smaller "action" fish will bite throughout the day.

Panfish action has been slower, but steady. There's still a handful of guys getting some keepers out of shallow weeds, but the guys looking for and finding suspended fish in deep water are having better success. 12-16 feet over 20+ seems to be the magic combination this year, but deep water adjacent to structure is always your best option.

Good Luck, and be safe.

Cheers,
CT

Open Water in the Dells

2011-02-18T15:25:00.000-06:00

Lake Link's "Botch" from the River's Edge Resort is letting anglers know that the Wisconsin River at the Dells Dam is open, and anglers are starting to catch a few walleyes.

If you're ready to stash the ice fishing gear, and get the boat out, you have an opportunity to do so in the dells.Website Here-

Make sure to check out the river cam. Its early so Jig and Minnows are a solid bet, but as fishing pressure increases, start looking to lindy and split shot rigs.

Cheers
CT

Fishing Report 2-7-11

2011-02-07T07:53:00.000-06:00

Hey gang,

Fishing slowed down a little the past week to ten days, people are still having solid success, but the pressure from the fisherees made the bite a little tougher for many anglers.

Pike continue to bite in 6-10 feet, especially in areas with weed/sand transitions. Better pike are starting to stage in 10-15 feet adjacent to spawning areas. Live bait has been outperforming deadbait, especially when presented with a florocarbon leaders. After our next cold snap this week, look for pike to start to make a move to the marshy areas to prepare for the spawn. Smaller fish will go first, but the larger fish won't be far behind.

Crappie continue to bite early and late. The key the last week was to find current areas that were holding them. People I talked to said the bite would get hot for about 30 minutes and then drop off. Some nice bags were being taken in 12-15 feet of water adjacent to current areas. Look for suspended fish, and remember to fish just above them.

Bluegills continue to bite shallow, but the better fish are suspending in deeper water. You'll need to be mobile and use electronics to get at the suspended fish, but if you find a batch, hold on, the action can be great.

Walleye are biting in 8-12 and 18-22 feet over sand and gravel areas, the best bite has been just before sun-up.

Good Luck,
CT

Fishing Report 1-11-11

2011-01-11T10:09:00.001-06:00

It seems like the big fish bite is picking up. I don't know if that's actually true, the weather has meant more people on the ice, or some combination of both. But either way, IT IS ON.

Panfish are still being taken in shallow water, but the better sized fish are starting to come from out deeper. Anglers who have ventured out and searched for deeper water schools are catching nice bags of fish. You'll need to do a little searching, and electronics will certainly help with catching the fish. Wigglers seem to be the hot bait, but fish are being taken on waxies, mousies and plastics. Okauchee, Forest, Garvin, Kessus, Fowler, Middle and Lower Genessee, Golden, Silver and School Section have all been very, very good for Panfish.

Walleye fishing has picked up dramatically. Jigging is taking a few fish, but tip-ups with a floro or mono leader, spinner and red treble baited with a golden shiner is producing. Shallow rocks in 6-10 feet are producing during low light hours, deep water structure in 18-25 feet is producing during the day time. Labelle is giving some steady action, Fox, Pine, Pewaukee and Oconomowoc are giving up the keepers.

Northern pike fishing has been pretty solid and steady. Lots of guys are picking up fish, with more than a handful of 30+ inchers reported, but snakes in the 15-25 inch category have been biting aggresively. Deadbait, shiners and suckers have all been good the last few days. Watch for fish to start to make a move in the next 2 weeks, but for now, shallow weedy areas near where people are getting panfish is a great place to setup a spread of tip ups. Icehouse, Stumpy Bay and the Crane's Nest areas on Okauchee have been active, as has Nagawicka, Fowler, Lac Labelle, Garvin, Kessus and Golden.

1-6-11

2011-01-06T08:12:00.000-06:00

Ice fishing continues to be steady and consistent, for ice fishing anyway.

Bluegills are being caught in shallow weeds in 6-8 and 12-15 feet of water, although anglers are finding them suspended in deeper water on a few lakes. Live bait on a tear drop, ratfinkee or similar has been producing. Pinks, Greens and purples are the hot colors, but don't overlook my favorite, blue.

Crappies have been biting in spurts early and late. The mid afternoon bite, which was red hot for a couple of weeks has dropped off. Fish will suspend over deeper water structure, in the tops of mid depth weeds 5-10 feet or in areas with current flow. Tail hooked minnows on a very small red or green hook, waxies and wigglers have all been productive. Watch for light biters.

Pike continue to relate to weed beds in 8-15 feet. The best areas are adjacent to where panfish are being caught, especially for the larger fish. Kessus, Okauchee, Moose and Fowler have been very productive, especially in weedy transition areas adjacent to deep water. Large bait catches bigger fish, but consider using heavy florocarbon leaders (in place of steel) for spooky fish, especially as more anglers start hitting the lakes for jamborees.

Walleye have been hit or miss by most accounts. The lakes with good populations have had some action, but with most anglers targeting panfish, reports have been inconsistent. The anglers who are catching fish are doing so out of sandy areas in 10-15 feet, and close to dark.

Good Luck and be safe,
CT

Holiday Ice Fishing Update

2010-12-31T23:02:00.001-06:00

Ice Fishing is now in full swing on area lakes. Ice depths vary greatly, and some of the mainlake areas over deeper water still have thin ice, especially on the larger lakes. Always exercise caution. Anglers are reporting between 4-10 inches in the bays and protected areas.

Panfish are biting on a variety of plastics, live bait and jig combos. Look for green weeds between 4 and 12 feet of water. Bluegills will likely be nearby, and can be taken on jigging rods throughout the day, but expect action to go through cycles as the fish turn on and off.

Crappies are relating to current areas, or areas with scattered bottom cover adjacent to current. A teardrop jig with a tail hooked small fathead is always a solid bet for crappies, but don't over look a very small red hook tipped with a wiggler, waxworm or spike, and remember, crappies feed up, so keep your presentation just above them when possible.

Pike are biting in full swing. Tipups with live bait or smelt are the biggest producers, and most of the fish are coming at/ or near the mouths of bays and backwaters. Lots of smaller pike are being caught, but a few are starting to come in over 35 inches. Large live bait, either medium suckers, large shiners or smelt are producing the bigger fish. If you just want some action, smaller pike in the 20-25 inch range are actively biting on medium shiners, especially over the roadbed or gravel drop off areas.

Good Luck, and be safe. I'll see you in 2011.

CT

Wintertime

2010-12-12T09:02:00.002-06:00

Things slow down around here for wintertime, but I'll be posting periodic fishing reports when ice conditions stabilize.

If you're looking for a date for next season, now is a great time to lock in.

See you in a bit,

Cheers
CT

Fall Fishing is in Full Swing (Fishing Report 11-8-10)

2010-11-08T10:55:00.001-06:00

The warm days and cool nights are making for some great action. If you can get out of the treestand, and let the ducks alone for a bit that is.

Musky fishing on area lakes has been very good. Fish are being taken on bucktails, gliders and jerkbaits as well as large suckers on quickstrike rigs. Bigger fish have been a little slow, but lots of high 30's to mid 40 inch fish are being caught right now. Pewaukee, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Okauchee and North Lake have all been giving up some nice fish.

Fall walleye fishing has been hit or miss, but anglers are getting into some nicer fish. Drfiting with jigs and live fatheads has been producing along sections of the Rock River, especially in the afternoons. Lindy rigs or jig and minnow combos are also producing in the Dells. Local lakes are getting less action from anglers, but drifting weed flats with shiners or small suckers on split shot rigs has been producing some better fish. Kessus, Lac Labelle and Oconomowoc have been active.

Crappie fishing has leveled off, but if you are willing to put in the time, you can catch some nice bags of fish. They are starting to stage near current areas and coves (areas where they spend the winter) but are still in a little deeper water adjacent to winter holes. Anglers chasing them are reporting lots of bluegills mixed in, which is classic pre-winter staging for our area lakes. Focus on lakes with streams, or creeks for the best action.

Good Luck,
CT

Fishing Report 10-13-10

2010-10-13T08:27:00.000-05:00

Well gang, its fall. And while many people are populating their treestands or chasing ducks, some of the better fishing of the year is starting to happen.

The late season warmer weather has kept water temperatures between the high 50's to low 60's on most lakes. On Saturday, mainlake areas on Okauchee were reading as high as 66 in the late afternoon.

Musky and pike are using the outside weed edges. Spinners, bucktails, jerkbaits, gliders and crankbaits are catching fish. The sucker bite has been on and off with the weather, but sucker fishing on Okauchee and Pewaukee has been more consistent than on Oconomowoc, Fowler or Lac Labelle. For now, focus your attention on the deepest weeds you can find, especially smaller points and humps adjacent to deep water. 12-18 feet seems to be magic right now, (ie the deep weed edges) but a few fish are coming out of 6-8 feet of water, especially around rock/weed transition areas. Remember to do your figure eights...and on every cast.

Bass fishing was on fire during this spell of warmer weather. Crankbaits and live bait produced the most consistently, but anglers targeting largemouth in shallow water found a very good bite in 4-10 feet of water around rocks and sand. A few larger fish were caught by anglers flipping heavy cover on the smaller lakes with standing reeds. (Watch out for duck hunters!)

Smallmouth are using rock bars and points in 4-8 feet of water, or are in weeds in 8-12 feet. Live bait, especially smaller suckers, dragged slowly on a slip sinker or split shot rig can be very very productive. Labelle, Pine, Nag, Oconomowoc and North Lake have all been hot for smallies.

Panfish have moved into a fall pattern. They are stacking up around main-lake points in 10-18 feet of water, or hanging tight to weed clumps in 8-12 feet of water. Vertical fishing is the best for the deeper fish, especially drifting through areas. Slip bobbers are a better option for the weed fish.

River fishing has been slow with the high water, but conditions are stabilizing. Expect the whitebass and walleye fishing to pick up later this week.

CT

Fishing Report 10-6-10

2010-10-06T08:19:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay, there's just been alot going on, including my trip with the Wisconsin Badger Fishing Team to fish Lake St Clair in the Big Ten Championship. My partner and I had the fourth place weight overall, bringing in the only limit of the tournament, and the Wisconsin team finished fourth overall.

As for local conditions, things are really starting to pick up. Water temps are in the high fifties to low 60's on most lakes, and the fish are getting very active.

Start looking for musky in 12-18 feet of water. Points with weeds at the end of them at this depth can really concentrate fish. Casting bucktails, gliders, sliders or jerkbaits can be really effective, but don't forget to keep a the sucker on a quick strike rig.

Some advice: The weeds to grew deeper this year than is typical for our area. Likewise, a fair number of fish are being caught in deeper water than is typical for this time of year. Trolling has been producing, especially in areas with baitfish in 18-25 feet of water. Good use of your electronics is essential right now. Look for the bite to move shallower and into the available green weeds, but don't over look rock bars adjacent to mid depth weeds, especially on warmer sunny afternoons, as fish will move up to warm up and digest food.

As for bass fishing, Largemouth and Smallmouth can still be caught tight to shallow cover or weedlines, especially in areas with rocky, sand or gravel bottoms. Now is the time to chase down a trophy sized fish with live bait. Slip-sinker or split shot rigs with walleye suckers or large shiners drifted or trolled very slowly around the deep edges of structure can surprise you. If you find fish, you'll very likely be over a good school of them. fish that area hard, and pay attention to your electronics. Subtle bottom changes will concentrate fish.

Walleye fishing has been slow, but is starting to pick up in the Dells and along the Jefferson Dam to Blackhawk Island stretch of the Rock River. Water has been falling throughout the river systems from the highs we saw a few weeks ago, so make sure to watch your prop, and look for fish in the current, in the shallow water near deeper holes. On warmer days, the fish will likely be actively feeding, rather than holding in the deep water. Jig and Minnow, Lindy rigs or jig and twister are good producers.

No word on fall whitebass as of yet, but expect to hear something in my next report.

CT

Off to fish....

2010-09-30T07:59:00.002-05:00

with the University of Wisconsin Fishing Team in the Big Ten Shootout.

A report and pictures when I return.

CT

Fishing Update 9-27-10

2010-09-27T11:33:00.000-05:00

Well gang, I'm afraid I don't have much to report this week. Last week's high winds kept many anglers off the water and the rest were headed for tree stands.

Look for an update mid-week.

Cheers

CT

Fishing Update 9-17-10

2010-09-17T08:46:00.000-05:00

Hey gang,

So far, so good. The fall is starting to set in, and as guys start hitting their treestands, remember some of the best fishing of the year is between now and the end of the season.

The cooler nights the last ten days or so have really changed the conditions on local lakes. Water temps have dropped significantly, and are in the low to mid 60's on most lakes. The algae blooms are clearing up, and the baitfish schools are starting to thin out as fish put on the feedbag.

Bass fishing will remain steady for a couple weeks, then it will be time to put away the plastics and start fishing live bait for a trophy. Smallmouth go on a tear on our area lakes in the fall, and we're just on the front side of this. Expect the fish to make a couple foraging runs a day, but if you're having trouble connecting with active fish, look for the in the deep water, adjacent to the shallow structure. Plastics, cranks and jigs will work, but as the days get shorter, live bait becomes a better option.

Walleye fishing is starting to pick up on the area rivers, although fishing the area lakes has been slower than average for this time of year. I'd expect that to change real soon, but for now the Fox, Rock, and Wolf Rivers, especially in the mouth's of the those rivers has been consistent. Anglers are reporting some amazing action in Green Bay if you're looking for the weekend trip. On the area lakes, the fish will be anywhere there's baitfish around weeds or rock/weed transition areas in 8-12 or 15-22 feet of water. If you tag one, fish through the area very methodically.

Pike fishing has been steady, but with less guys heading out, appears to be a bit slower. Pike will remain active in 10-22 feet of water along weed edges, points or sand/gravel transition areas. Spinners are always a solid option for pike, but as the water cools I usually switch back to crankbaits, especially lipless crankbaits in a gold or silver pattern or wide wobbling deep divers in natural or red/white patterns. Jerkbaits can really shine right now, especially suspenders worked around weed clumps where there are visible baitfish.

Musky fishing has been consistent, and is set to get really good. Now is the time to start working for this years trophy. Gliders, bucktails and jerkbaits are all solid options for casting, and remember to keep a sucker out on a quick strike rig for lazy followers. Right now, look for the them to be using weeds in 12-15 feet of water or rocks in 6-12 feet of water. As the water cools, they'll move to follow the ciscos in, and that's when things start getting really interesting.

Good Luck,
CT

Fishing Report 9-10-10

2010-09-10T13:22:00.000-05:00

Hey gang,

The water is in the upper 60's to low 70's on most lakes in our area. Weeds are still green and the algae blooms are starting to clear. The baitfish population appears to have grown substantially with the flooding this season, (just like in 2008) and there are large schools of baitfish moving around.

Largemouth bass are patrolling and ambushing along clumps of weeds on the shallow weed flats and along mid depth structure. A few are still hanging along the deeper weed edges along mainlake and secondary points. Smallmouth are relating to weed clumps near or adjacent to rocky and sandy areas with a drop off. The deeper fish will bite best when they make a move into the nearby shallow water. Expect to start to see the fish get active a couple of times a day for short periods of time. When the water and air temperatures begin to cool down some more, the fish will start will use rocky areas especially in the early afternoons.

Your best lure options right now are wacky worms, large jigworms, skirted grubs, jig/chunk, texas rigged plastics or lipless crankbaits. Smaller, wide wobbling crankbaits can also produce. I know that's alot of options, but narrow it down. Wacky worms and skirted grubs are great around the rocks. Jigworms, texas rigs and ji/trailers are great around the scattered weeds. Lipless crankbaits are great in both areas. Browns, greens, orange or balcks are usally the best colors for plastics (pretty much as they are all year) but white or silver crankbaits can be very good this time of year.

Walleye: Live bait is the key unless fishing at night when minnow shaped crankbaits really can shine. Look for walleyes to be in the sandgrass or in breaks in the weeds in 10-15 feet. Some fish will be deeper or shallower on our local lakes, but the best all around approach is a slip-sinker or lindy rig with a big minnow or small sucker. Nightcrawlers will still produce as well, especially when trolled very slowly on spinner harnesses tight to the first weedline breaks. Lac Labelle and Pine usually get really going in the fall when the water gets down to around 60 degrees.

Northern: Most northern caught this time of year are caught while targeting other species, especially bass and musky. But they can still be caught and in good numbers. With the water still pretty warm (in relative terms) I'd consider slow trolling the best option, followed closely by slow rolling an inline spinnerbait. Deep diving crankbaits in bluegill, perch or white/shad color patterns can work wonders right now when trolled along the deep weedlines. I typically break out my trays of Hot N Tots and wiggle warts for trolling, while I'll use Norman D-22, Bagleys or a lipless crankbait when casting. Drifting with medium suckers on a slip sinker rig, like you might consider for walleye fishing right now, can also produce.

Musky: Now through the end of the season is the time, pure and simple. If you want to have your best shot at a musky or even a trophy musky get into your boat and plan on spending some time there. The next six to eight weeks will be prime-time. For now, focus your attention in 6-12 and 12-18 feet of water. Casting bucktails, gliders, swimbaits or especially jerkbaits can work, but consider starting to keep a sucker or two set out on a quick-strike rig. Many fish that follow in lazily on a casting approach will turn on for the sucker hanging nearby, especially as the water temperatures cool.

Good Luck,
CT

Labor Day Weekend Fishing Preview

2010-09-03T09:53:00.001-05:00

Well gang, it looks to be a nice, if a bit cooler, weekend to wrap up summer.

The cooler weather means its time to break out the live bait. Lindy, split shot and slip sinker rigs really shine under this type of conditions. Larger sized shiners, nightcrawlers and small suckers are your best options for gamefish. Unless you're going for panfish, leave the fatheads at home this weekend.

On area lakes, bass fishing has been hot and cold depending on the conditions. Windy days are dramatically better than still days. Fish are using the weedlines in 10-15 feet of water, points and off shore structure in 6-10 feet of water, as well as the piers and the slop. Shallow fish can be taken on jigworms, skirted grubs, tubes or jig/chunk combos. Deeper fish are being taken on crankbaits, live bait rigs and by flipping the weededges with a heavy jig. The morning and evening is producing a topwater bite, especially over shallow flats with scattered weeds. Okauchee, School Section, Ashippun, Golden, Nagawicka, Pine, Silver, Moose and Kessus have been the most consistent, but the bite has been pretty much the same from all of the area lakes.

Walleye fishing has been fair overall, but much better in the low light hours. Small jigs with live bait, or lindy rigs have been the best producers. A few fish are still being caught on spinner harness/bottom bouncer combos while trolling. Evening hours is the time to be fishing minnow baits around weeds. Pine, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Lac Labelle and Lake Koshkonong have all been giving up walleyes.

Northern Pike continue to bite in the shallows. Buzzbaits, spinnerbaits, shallow diving square billed or lipless crankbaits are the best ways of catching these fish. Larger fish are still using the weedlines and are moving onto some deeper rocks and can be targeted with inline spinners, or using live bait like larger chubs, shiners or small suckers on a slip sinker rig. Vertically jigging structure in 22-28 feet with a jig/repear tail combo has caught a handful of nice fish, but the pattern has been inconsistent overall. Try Okauchee, Golden, Nagawicka Pine, Fowler,, Kessus, Pretty and Moose Lake for pike.

Musky fishing has been slow, but is sure to pick up with the cooler weather this weekend. Look for fish on or adjacent to mainlake structure that has easy access to deep water. Topwaters have still been catching a few fish, especiallyin the morning. Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Pewaukee, Lac Labelle, and Fowler are all producing to one degree or another right now.

Panfish are still using deeper water, suspending 12-16 feet down over deeper water, and drfiters have been picking up some nice keepers. Some anglers are reporting some decent gills in weedy areas as shallow as eight feet, but most people out have reported the most consistent action along the weedlines in 12-18 feet of water. Tightlining with panfish leeches, leaf worms, or plastic/wax worm combos all have been productive.

Good Luck and Cheers,
CT