Delavan Lake Fishing report 7/17/17 through 7/23/17
As most people already know, Delavan Lake received a tremendous amount of rain over the past week and all public access to the lake has been closed. This really limited the fishing for all but shore anglers or those lucky enough to live on the lake. The water level is the highest I have seen in 25 years. This amount of rain exceeded the rains of 2008. As of 7/16 the launches are still closed and we continue to wait for lake level to decrease. I was told that it could open as early as 7/18 but that is completely dependent on the lake level and could change. With the heavy rains, the clarity of the water has decreased substantially. This will make the bait presentation difficult for the fish to see.
Before the rains, fishing was pretty good on the deep water weed points for largemouth and smallmouth bass. The success was coming out of 15-18 ft of water just west of Browns Channel or near the old Boy Scout Camp. The best approach has been either drop shotting or fishing nightcrawlers. Medium suckers lindy rigged on bottom were also a good choice prior to the rains.
Bluegills were in the deep water just outside the weed edge. My best locations have been east of Browns Channel or in front of Del Mar subdivision. The best approach was a small split shot rig with a red painted hook tipped with a leaf worm.
The northern pike bite has been spotty for me all year. I’ve only been catching 1 or 2 per trip but I haven’t been fishing for them exclusively either. Medium suckers are producing most of the success. I’ve been finding them in 17 ft of water.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water (once we’re able to get back on!) For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 262-728-8063