Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report
Things really heated up this past week with virtually non-stop action from all species. Water temperatures have steadied out in the mid-70 degree range and the fish have really been putting on the feed bag.
Musky fishing has been really good with early mornings and late afternoon/evening being the best time to be on the water. For the second week in a row top water baits have been by far the best producer for us with the Fat Bastard by Lake X Lures doing the bull’s share of the work when it comes to getting strikes. A lot of the fish have been in 5 to 10 feet of water holding tight to weeds along with some sort of current moving through the area.
The walleye bite has been very good with not only numbers of fish being caught but some really nice walleyes being taken as well. We are targeting water depths of 6 to 10 feet deep in and around wood structure. Using our electronics to find submerged structure has been key to us being successful.
If you are looking for action the crappie bite has been phenomenal this past week. Lots of good eating sized crappies in that 9 to 11 inch range have shown up along with a few in that 12 to 13 inch range. Most of the action is coming on slip bobbers slowly drifted along the old channel edges in the main lake in 12 to 16 feet of water. Just remember that the higher in the water column you run your bait the larger the crappies you will catch.
We have had an outstanding week catching big northern pike. I think the bite is the best I have ever seen. Big pike up to the mid 40 inch range have been showing up while we are out targeting walleyes and musky. Most of the pike have been in 4 to 8 feet of water holding in and around weedy structure.
Smallmouth bass action continues to be very good with some real giants caught this past week. Check out the photo of Mike Krieg with his 20+ inch smallmouth bass that fell to a Fat Bastard top water musky bait while working shoreline structure. Most of our regular action for bass has been by throwing crankbaits in and around shallow shoreline rocks.
Have a great week,
Phil Schweik
Hooksetters Guide Service
web: www.hooksetters.biz
Phone: 715-693-5843