Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report
It has been a very exciting week here in Central Wisconsin. We have had outstanding walleye and crappie fishing, along with a very good perch bite. In addition to the previously mentioned species the musky bite has really come into its own. Water temperatures are holding steady in the lower to mid-fifties which has some good fish moving, but we need the water temperatures to drop even more for the majority of the larger fish to become really active.
We have had great walleye, perch, and crappie fishing this past week by targeting transitioning fish that are moving along contour breaks in 10 to 14 feet of water. Most of the fish have been holding tight to the bottom (perch and walleyes) but the crappies are suspended anywhere from the bottom up to about 4 feet below the surface. To combat this type of situation we are running slip-bobbers set a different depths for the crappies and then jig fishing the bottom with lead-head jigs that are tipped with either a minnow or a plastic tail.
The sucker bite for muskies has really picked up with several of our clients boating really nice fish this past week. We also had very good action by working Suick’s and Mantas along deep weed edges. In addition to the action we have been having on live suckers and jerkbaits we caught some nice fish running Slippery Sam bucktails in the larger version called the Sumo Sam. This is a combination of a bucktail with a large rubber tail that gives off a very tantalizing thump and erratic action in the water. When running these types of baits I prefer to run my ERX 8’ heavy musky rod made by Elk River Rods out of Phillips Wisconsin. These are great rods that have excellent feel with plenty of backbone that will set the hook well. They get the job done.
Don’t forget… This is the time of the year for winterizing your boat and motor. Make a point of it to stop in and see the guys at Amherst Marine for all your boating and storage needs.
Just call Jerry or Jason at: 715-824-5635 they are the best!
Have a great week,
Phil Schweik
Hooksetters Guide Service
Web: www.hooksetters.biz
Phone: 715-693-5843