Minocqua Area Fishing Report
Wind shifts and the random down pour have thrown a few curves at anglers this past week. Steady temps though have brought some stability to our fishing.
Smallmouth Bass: Good-Very good. Post spawn action has increased. Exceptional fish being caught and released as smallies putting on the feed bag after going without during spawn. Deeper running, crayfish patterned cranks during the day, as well as tubes and creature baits. We released a 21 7/8” fish along with several others in the 19 ½” to 21 ½” range the other day. It’s been a great time for big fish.
Largemouth Bass: Good-Very good. Many bigger bodies of water still not seeing bedding Largemouth. On these waters, pre-spawn bass on plastic craws, creature baits and jig/pig combos. On small to mid-sized lakes, use top water when calm enough. Chug bugs, Skitter Pops and X-rap pops have been working.
Walleye: Good. While weeds still key on many lakes, rock and wood are also showing signs of holding fish, especially on days of changing weather (from cloudy to clear). Crawlers and leeches are providing the best action, though minnows are still working up along shallow, wind blown weeds.
Bluegill: Good-very good. They are setting up to spawn soon. Small leeches and worms have been effective. Fly fisherman are having good success on Bimbo Skunk flys and poppers on warmer quieter evenings.
Perch: Good. Search out deep wood for the best sized perch. The crayfish molt is going on in many lakes and perch are feeding heavily on crayfish. Medium leeches, ½ crawlers, Gulp Alive leeches on 1/8 oz jigs on slip bobbers.
Northern pike: Good-very good. Action from larger fish is evident in reports of 32-43” pike being caught. Jig and chub combos accounting for most fish, but, swimbaits and #3 Mepps also working.
Musky: Good-very good. Still shallow as evidence of a 51” caught earlier in the week in 2-3’ of water. Twitch baits, gliders and bucktails are working best.
Crappies: Good. The best fishing has been around deep wood and boathouse pilings. Mini-mites, Tattle Tails tipped with small minnows or wax worm working best. On shallow lakes cast smallest Beetle Spin or Charlie Bee over weed tops.
For those targeting walleyes, keep your eyes open for mayfly hatches. Turtle Flambeau Flowage had a big one on 6/14. Current surface temps are 64-68 degrees.
Kurt
Island Sportshop
Minocqua, Wi. 54548