Lake Geneva Fishing report 7/18/16 through 7/25/16
Lake Geneva has been mediocre for fishing. The lake continues to be in the regular summer pattern. The most consistent bite has been northern pike or largemouth bass. The bigger fish are moving off the weedline to their deep summer haunts.
Northern Pike action has been best in Fontana on the break line in 27-31 ft of water. The best approach has been the standard lindy rig, ¾ oz walking sinker, 24 inch leader and a 1/0 hook. I’ve been trolling with the electric motor for the best success.
Largemouth bass fishing has been good by Abbey Springs or by Knollwood. The fish have been in the weeds in 12-14 ft of water or 22-24 ft of water outside the weedline. The best approach for the shallow fish has been Wacky rigging 4 inch green pumpkin Senkos or nightcrawlers. The deep fish can be caught while drop shotting 4 inch green pumpkin finesse worms or lindy rigging nightcrawlers. As the summer warms the fish will be more consistent in the deeper waters.
Smallmouth bass fishing has been difficult. The fish are actively chasing the pods of bait fish in the main lake basin. The best concentration of fish that I’ve found have been by Gage Marine or off of Black Point. The fish I’ve been catching have been in 14-16 ft of water. I’ve been either catching them on split shot rigged nightcrawlers or lindy rigs with a 1/8 oz. walking sinker and a 2 foot leader.
Bluegills have been pretty much everywhere in the 14-18 ft depth range. The biggest problem is that most of the fish are 3-4 inches and there are very few large fish to keep. The best bait has been ½ nightcrawler fished on a split shot rig.
Rock bass fishing has slowed a bit. The most success I’ve had catching them has been by Elgin Club or by Colemans Point. I’m fishing them off the weed flats in 15-17 ft of water. The best bait has been nightcrawlers fished on bottom.
Lake Trout action has been pretty consistent in the early morning hours in the main lake basin. The nickel/green or nickel/blue spoons fished on down riggers works the best. Use your depth finder to locate the aggressive fish.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050