Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report
Open water fishing is off to a great start here in Central Wisconsin. Water temperatures are in the upper 30’s to lower 40 degree range and the water levels are perfect for the spring walleye run to begin. Turkey hunters are getting anxious with the spring season is only a few weeks, away and with near perfect conditions it should be a banner year.
Anglers looking at getting in on some fantastic early spring walleye fishing can hit up the Wisconsin River right now. This is the best time of the season for not only numbers of walleyes but your chance at getting a real trophy. Every spring walleyes head up the river to traditional spawning grounds. These areas may be below dams, downstream gravel runs, or eddies and current breaks that will all provide sufficient locations for spawning to take place. Walleyes will move into these location from now until the spawning actually takes place which is typically mid to late April. Typical tackle for spring walleyes is generally a medium-light to medium weight fishing rod in 6’6’’ to7’6” range that has been paired up with a medium spinning reel. Check out Elk River Rods for more information on some great options for fishing rods at: www.elkrivercustomrods.com I would then spool the reel up with 6 to 8 pound test line.
For spring walleye lures there are plenty of options but the number one choice is the lead head jig. Depending on depth and current flow most guys run between 1/8th and 1/4 ounce jigs. Some cases or locations will call for heavier or even lighter jigs but you can use your best judgement. You can tip these jigs with live bait like minnows or crawlers, but some guys like plastics, like twister tails, grub tails, or split tail minnows, which will often times work even better than live bait. For presentation work your jigs slowly on the bottom in a jigging style manner at targeted locations to find fish. This past week most of our fish were in 10 to 16 feet of water and we ran 1/8th ounce jigs tipped with fathead minnows.
Crankbaits are another great method to catching spring walleye. Either trolling or casting crankbaits can be a great tool when searching large areas of water for walleye. Crankbaits also work very well in super shallow water where jigs will get snagged up in the rocks. Crankbaits will glide effortlessly over rocks and snags and find fish where other options simply will not work.
Last but not least is the Wolf River Rig… This method involves running a three-way swivel down to two separate leader lines. One leader line goes to a weight and the other line goes to your bait. These rigs are set to run about a foot off the bottom in any type of current. They will keep your bait in the strike zone 100% of the time and are very efficient. Believe me when I say this - they work even when nothing else will.
With the 2016 spring turkey season right around the corner now is the time to get out and do your homework. What I mean by homework is you need to do your scouting. You cannot expect to go out on opening day to the same location you did last season and expect to be successful, it just isn’t going to happen. Well in some cases a few people might get lucky but things change and season openers change. To be consistently successful a hunter needs to get out and scout their hunting territory. You need to find out where the birds are roosting and where they are going to be in the morning. If you have these two location found you can put yourself in position to be successful when your season arrives. So before it is too late get out and check out your hunting areas, you may be surprised at what you find.
Have a great week,
Phil Schweik
Hooksetters Guide Service
Web: www.hooksetters.biz
Phone: 715-693-5843