Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report
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It was a good start to the northern Wisconsin musky opener last week. Quite a few nice muskies were caught with anglers reporting that they saw plenty of fish. Water temperatures remain in the mid-60 degree range but now with the recent rains this past week, water levels have risen dramatically and are at or near flood stage on some rivers and streams. With flood-like conditions anglers must look at alternative methods or secondary locations to be successful. I would start by looking at the main lake itself or backwater areas off the main river channel. From there I would target eddies’ and current breaks in the river or look for visual mud-lines where the clear water meats the stained run-off water. Despite the high water conditions the walleye bite has been pretty good. We had plenty of action this past week along with some big fish as well. Most of the walleyes were caught on jig and minnow combination but we also took several nice fish on crankbaits. We have been targeting areas in less than 5 feet of water with submerged brush that we have been finding on our locators using our side-imaging. The musky bite has been good this past week with several nice fish taken on bucktails, twitch baits and even a few nice fish on top-water baits. Most of the action has come on smaller baits being working in and around cover in shallow water. I know that when it comes to running smaller baits on traditional musky gear it can be trying at times. The “normal musky rods” were just not made to throw “small stuff “at all. That’s why I went to my friends at Elk River Rods www.elkrivercustomrods.comand had a custom musky rod made for me. This 7’6” beauty is absolutely what the doctor ordered. It is basically a bumped up bass-style flippin stick with a little more backbone. It is perfect for handling these types of baits. I have it paired up with an Abu Garcia Revo that is spooled with 50# test Cortland braid and let me tell you, it is a thing of beauty. The action for bass has been pretty good this past week with a lot of action on jigs tipped with tubes and or Berkley Gulp.. Most of the fish have been associated with wood and or rock structure in less than 5 feet of water. The panfish bite has been fantastic this past week with a lot of bluegills now on their beds. When the gills are on their beds a simple worm on a hook suspended below a bobber is all you need to catch these feisty panfish. Some anglers go after them with fly-fishing gear and have an absolute ball with tiny flies on light line. Look for the bluegills to be hanging around shoreline structure in less than 3 feet of water, most of the time you can actually see the bluegills when they are in these locations. By the way if anyone is looking for true Northwood’s locations for a summer vacation please check out these two great Eagle Riverdestinations. I have been at both of these great places and they are literally second to none. Have a great week, Phil Schweik |
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