Minocqua Area Fishing Report
Opening weekend arrived with cold overnight temps and North by North East winds playing against most angler’s hopes. Still, its opening weekend and we get to fish so who’s complaining??
Dropping night time temps and less than ideal wind direction pushed fish out of the shallows in most cases. But by working nearby depth, anglers reported some good Walleye and Crappie catches, if not by the speed and frequency they hoped for.
Walleye: Good – A few pre-dawn anglers found shallow active fish by casting 3” Swimbaits as well as #7 Floating Rapalas in waters of 5’ and less. And while a few other reports of shallow catches have trickled in, for the most part deeper water of 10-20’ was required to find fish willing to feed. Thoughts are the water temp doesn’t change as drastically at these depths so fish more comfortable. While most anglers reporting catches on Dace, Rainbow Chubs and large Fat Heads on jigs, finding mostly may fly larvae (wigglers) in the bellies of Sundays catch led me to use medium leeches on slip-bobbers in 15’ of water to procure Monday’s limit.
Crappies: Good-Fair – Wind and colder temps slowed this action, but some very nice 12-14” crappies caught in 15-18’ of water over the weekend. Not bunched up, so working several spots needed to catch a meals worth. Gapen Fresh Water Shrimp tipped with a small Crappie minnow.
Northern Pike: Fair – Not a lot of strong reports, most from anglers targeting shallow Walleyes and these tended to be smaller Pike. Jig and minnow, as well as Swimbaits and shallow running Stickbaits intended for Walleyes best.
Bluegill: Fair – While not very good Bluegill weather, a few big gills caught by anglers targeting Walleyes in deep wooded areas. As weather warms watch for this bite to get much better.
Largemouth Bass: Fair-Poor – No reports of anglers targeting Largemouth though a few incidental fish caught.
Early mornings have been tough with temps dipping to low 20’s by dawn. Highs in the low 60’s helping late afternoon and evening bites. While the spawn for Walleyes done on all but the largest lakes, some of the best Walleye fishing to come as shallows warm into mid 50’s and recovering Walleyes move in to feed in the shallows. Crappie, Bluegill and Bass fishermen will also see better fishing as these species will use the warming water to feed and help egg production.
Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com
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