Lake Geneva Fishing Report 7/11/16 through 7/18/16
Lake Geneva fishing has been very good. The fish still remain in relatively shallow water. The best bite is in 12-16 ft of water. The thermocline is forming but is not yet complete.
Northern Pike action has been good in the 30-32 ft depth range. Look for them near the Fontana Beach or in Williams Bay. The best bait is medium suckers fished on a lindy rig. The leader length should be 18-24 inches.
Bluegill fishing has been good. The fish are starting to slide out on the deeper edge of the weedline. Look for the fish in 15-17 ft of water. The best location has been by Elgin club or the weed line in Trinkes Bay. The best approach is straight lining small leaf worms beneath the boat. You could use a small lindy rig, however the lighter weight goes into the weeds a lot easier.
Lake Trout fishing has been fantastic. The fish are in the main lake basin in the early mornings in 70-80 ft of water. They are being caught on peanut flies or nickel spoons. The best trolling speed is 1.2 to 1.5 mph. The biggest hassle has been the floating weeds from the water skiers. The weeds will follow your line all the way to the lure making the presentation off for catching fish.
Largemouth bass have not moved to the deep water yet. The most productive depth has been 12-14 ft of water. The best success has been by Lake Geneva Golf course or in Geneva Bay by piers 10-20. You can either drop shot green pumpkin finesse worms or use a small split shot rig with a 4 inch green pumpkin lizard.
Smallmouth bass fishing remains in fairly shallow water. The best depth is 14 ft. Look for the fish by Belvidere Park or by Elgin Club. They can be caught on 1/8 oz hair jigs in pink and white or fishing a split shot rigged nightcrawler on the bottom. As the water warms, the smallmouth bass will start to school around the pods of minnows.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050