Turtle Flambeau Fishing Report 10-09-12
By Professional Guide Jerry Hartigan
Yesterday the rod locker and all the other compartments were frozen shut, so it was definitely a cold start.
The first spot we hit was a hump that came up from 14ft to about 5ft. The first rod I grabbed had a 1/8 oz. jig on it so I put on a fathead minnow and dropped it over the side of the boat as I began getting everything else ready. Within 30 seconds I yelled to my client to grab the rod as it was about to go over the side. After a nice fight we had an 18 inch smallie in the boat for a picture and quick release. We managed to get a few more fish of that spot, but they would only hit slip bobbers with redtails or vertical jigging.
“Guide Jerry Hartigan’s daughter Caitlin with a 17-inch spread, 172-1/2 pound buck taken during the youth deer hunt.”
The next few spots were 16 foot to 18foot river channels and they had lots of walleye up to about 18 inches. We caught many fish and released them all.
By that time the wind was so cold we had to move to some sheltered spots which only produced small walleye. We had to call it a half day so we could get out of the cold. The weather is supposed to stay cold and windy, but this time of year the fishing just gets better.
On another note, last night we took my 11 year old twins out for the youth deer hunt and my daughter Caitlin got a beautiful 8 pointer with a 17 inch spread that weighed 172 1/2 lbs. I'm happy if I even see a deer.
For information on lodging, dining or entertainment in Iron County connect with Jenni Kallas at www.ironcountywi.com or 715-561-2922 or the Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce at www.hurleywi.com or 715-561-4334.
Jerry Hartigan
Jerkbait Guide Service
info@flambeauflowagesport.com