Delavan Lake Fishing Report 9/24/17 through 10/1/17
With the exceptionally cool August, September has been exceptionally warm which has caused surface temperature fluctuations of 10-15 degrees. The fish don’t really know what pattern they should be following! We have some fall patterns working well but some of the summer patterns are being re-established.
Walleye fishing was improving with the cooler water but the heat wave is turning the fish off a bit. I’m still getting a few fish every trip but not the numbers I should be seeing for late September. The best bait is nightcrawlers fished on a lindy rig with a chartreuse hook. The best locations have been by 3 flags and concrete point. Look for the fish in 20-22 ft of water.
Largemouth bass have returned to their summer patterns. They are in the weed lines in 15-17 ft of water. Last week I caught several fish over 5 lbs. just west of the Yacht Club and by Willow Point. Split shot rigged nightcrawlers or drop shotting green pumpkin worms have been producing most of the action.
Bluegills have been a bit slow. My best location has been by Assembly Park and near Township Park in 10-12 ft of water. The fish are averaging 8-10 inches but the numbers aren’t that great. Other fishermen have said that the better success is coming out of 4 ft of water but I haven’t tried for them that shallow. I’ve been catching them on small split shots with a leaf worm floating throughout the water column, 6-12 inches off bottom is where they seem to strike.
Crappie fishing has been very good by 3 flags and by Browns Channel. The fish are in the weed line in 10-12 ft of water. Purple and pink mini-mites have been producing most of the action. Small fat heads are also a good choice.
Northern pike action has been slow. The best success has been drifting suckers in 17-20 ft of water by the old Boy Scout camp or by Willow Point. As the water cools the pike fishing will improve but this heat wave is really affecting the northern pike.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 262-728-8063