Delavan Lake Fishing Report 5/11/14 through 5/18/14
Delavan Lake is warming nicely and the fishing is improving. What a difference a week makes. Largemouth bass fishing is on fire. And other species are turning on as well.
Largemouth bass are in pre-spawn mode and are aggressively hitting chrome/blue and chrome/black rattle traps. Look for the fish by the Lake Lawn Golf course or Viewcrest Bay. The water temperature is absolutely perfect at 52 degrees for the rattle trap bite. As the water warms, All Terrain Stiks in green pumpkin or root beer red flake will start to turn on.
Northern pike action has been very good if you can find the weeds. Most of the weeds are in Viewcrest or Highlands Bay. You want to slip bobber large golden shiners or small suckers beneath a Thill slip bobber with a 1/0 hook. Once you find the weeds you will find the fish. In years past, Browns Channel was the best, but it is lacking weeds right now.
Walleye fishing has been relatively slow. Most of the action is in 8-10 ft of water. You want to troll crankbaits during first light or at dusk. Husky Jerks or Shallow diving crankbaits are both working okay.
Crappie fishing has not picked up yet. Most of the action has been in Lake Lawn Lodge marina. The only issue is that you will be there with 100 other fishermen. Most of the fish are coming on slip bobber rigged minnows in about 3 ft of water. I spent a lot of time searching for the pre-spawn crappies last week and couldn’t find them outside of Lake Lawn.
Bluegill fishing has been slow for me. The only good action I had was also in Lake Lawn harbor. I checked multiple spots last week and couldn’t get a good consistent bite. I expect bluegill fishing to pick up within the next few days. They will still be in the shallows but will be in more locations. When you find them, use leaf worms or wax worms for the most action.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050