Minocqua Area Fishing Report
By Professional Guide Kurt Justice
Despite the warming weather for late August, fishing for some species has improved, though not in the areas and techniques usually used at this time.
Musky: Good: Musky have been active and providing some of the best reports as good numbers are being seen (if not always caught) and some big fish continue to get boated. Weedy lakes of less than 1,000 acres producing best. Surprisingly, small jerk baits (Smitys) have had extremely good results, more so than bucktails and topwater as of late. On the larger, deeper lakes, working rubber baits over open water where Ciscos are found has produced for anglers willing to put in the time on this method.
Crappies: Good. Weed tops in 8-14'. Look for beds close to deep water. Cast tiny tubes, twistertails, Charlie Bees and freshwater shrimp jigs to locate, then run slip-bobbers and minnows at weed tops to 1-2' below for best action.
Walleyes: Fair-Good. Typical gravel hump action off. Weed edges and firm bottoms off same deep weed edges giving up eyes on leeches and crawlers. Warmer weather has slowed minnow bite for now, should return after holiday weekend as temps cool.
Bluegills: Good. Suspending off deep weed edges. Gulp baits, worms, small leeches and 1" twister tails. Bigger gills also taking minnows meant for crappies.
Largemouth Bass: Fair-Good. Bite not what it was. Could be related to muskies moving into weed beds. Wacky worms and jig and pig combos pulling some fish out of pockets. Creature baits and beavers on heavy jigs also producing.
Pike: Fair-Good. Working chubs on jigs most productive as not as much chasing being done. As weather cools by weekends end, cast chatterbaits and Boonie baits over weed tops in 6-10'.
Smallmouth Bass: Fair. Still few reports as not as many anglers targeting these fish.
With temps expecting to hit near mid 90's by Thursday and staying in 80's through Saturday, watch as musky action increases with temps. Largemouth, bluegills should also improve. No telling what the heat will do to the walleye bite during the day, suspect to improve the night bite.
Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com