Minocqua Area Fishing Report
A big swing in the weather from highs of near 80 deg. last week, to rain, sleet and even some snow (today 5-12). Daily changes in temps, wind and cloud cover meant anglers needed to be on the move to find their quarry, especially walleye.
Walleye: Good. Day to day things are changing. The warmer days with cloud cover brings walleyes into shallow weeds to feed. #7 Floating Rapalas, #8 Husky Jerks, #7 Countdown Scatter Raps and small Rattlin Rouges worked just at emerging weed top levels and around flooded grasses in 2-6' of water producing. Jig and minnows also effective. Following cold fronts, move out to deeper water outside these shallow feeding areas. On deeper lakes lacking weeds, fish depths of 20-29' using chubs on 1/4oz jigs.
Crappies: Very Good- Good. After a week of laying in the shallows collecting some heat, lots of crappies have moved out for now. With returning warmth, these same fish should start to return, this time with spawning being the reason. In the shallows, long casts with tiny plastics or small minnows below small floats needed to not spook fish. Casting Charlie Bee jigs / spins and small paddle tail grubs working also.
Bluegills: Good. On warmer days, gills are in the shallows with crappies. Thunderbugs, small leeches or waxies. Even on cooler days, same baits but out in weeds of 6-8'.
Northern Pike: Good. Lots of small fish active. Most catches on live bait (chubs, suckers). Anglers using #3 Mepps Comets are reporting good action in 3-6' weedy flats.
Yellow Perch: Good- Fair. Not being targeted a lot, though some anglers catching nice lengthier perch, but releasing due to lack of weight. These fish haven't put on much weight after spawn, most likely, spent females.
Largemouth Bass: Good-Fair. During warmer weather last week, action good on stick baits (X-Raps, Husky Jerks, Rouges). As temps dropped anglers switching to more subtle presentations such as wacky worms on jig and plastic craws.
Today (5-12) is the low in temps for the week. As temps rise back into the 70's by weeks end, watch for big improvements in walleye, crappies and bluegill fishing.
Kurt
Island Sportshop
Minocqua, WI 54548