Minocqua Area Fishing Report
Despite some cold nights (temps dipping into frost time) daily average temperatures have been a few degrees above normal, leaving the lakes cool downs in a holding pattern. Almost daily changes in the wind direction, more so temperature change, have been the deciding factor in angler’s success. The consistent water temps have actually helped anglers stay on good bite patterns… when wind allows.
Muskie: Good-Very Good. With water temps barely moving, good temperature range for continued feeding. Sucker quick strike rigs still accounting for a good number of fish. Spinner rigs (quick set) a good choice to add flash and vibration. Crank and twitch baits (Depth Raiders and Cranes) have actually out produced live bait in many boats reporting this past weekend.
Walleye: Good. Some days very good, some days not (winds from S.W. led to best bites) 3-4” minnows red tails, blacks, suckers and muds all producing well. On flowages where walleyes feeding on bullheads and frogs, muds have shown to be a preference. On deeper lakes it’s been hit or miss with deeper fish taking larger 4-6” minnows in 34-45’ of water.
Crappie: Good. Deep wood or cribs best. Medium fatheads on 1/16- 1/8 oz. jigs or white 2” twister tails. Big fish of 12-14” reported with good numbers by days end of searching.
Smallmouth Bass: Good. Relating to deep rocks or wood. Most fish being caught by walleye anglers using chubs. The few bass anglers reporting fish using 4” tubes in brown colors to mimic sculpin.
Northern Pike: Good. Most being caught by anglers targeting Musky or Walleye Feeding up for the coming cold.
Largemouth Bass, Yellow Perch, Bluegill: Few reports.
The consistent surface temps (48 to 54 degrees) have been nice for putting some bite patterns together. The forecast for snow / rain for Wed / Thurs (10/28 to 10/29) will cool waters down, but more highs in the 50’s come Friday andSaturday should level things back out.
Also, anglers reporting Whitefish staying deep outside traditional spawning areas being caught on Swedish Pimples.
Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sports