Flambeau Flowage Fishing, Weather Starts Out Right
By Professional Guide Jerry “Jerkbait” Hartigan
Well, the opener is finally here and beautiful weather has arrived with it. This last week I was out four times and did good most of the time. Opening day we limited out on walleyes on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage with most of the fish coming off edges of the river channel in 7 to 10 feet of water. The average size was only about 15 inches, but we did get lots of fish. Jigs and minnows seemed to be the best bet, but we did sell lots of crawlers and leeches at our shop.
The early spring and warm water temps are causing people to try early summer patterns, which is a good idea. Smallmouth are up shallow in 3 to 5 feet hitting on minnows, leeches, and crankbaits. Wood flats and big rocks seemed to be holding most of the fish. Big perch are in shoreline wood and hitting crawlers. The water temperatures on the big lakes is just about 60 degrees and on the area smaller shallow lakes is already warm enough for the crappies to be in full spawn. Bluegills are starting to come in shallow.
We did pick up several muskies while walleye fishing that were really beat up from spawning. There are still some male musky splashing around in the shallows. With the very early warm weather it's hard for the fish to know what to do about spawning. I will be out on the water the rest of the weekend so I will let you know how things go.
For information on lodging, dining and more outdoors in the Mercer area, call the Mercer Area Chamber of Commerce at 715-476—2389 or connect at www.mercercc.com or contact Tina Brunell direct at info@mercercc.com.
Jerry Hartigan
Jerkbait Guide Service
Flambeau Flowage Sports
Info@flambeauflowagesport.com
715-476-2526