Rice Lake Fishing Report 7-02-12
By Frank Zumpf, Local Outdoorsman
It’s been hot in the Rice Lake area and the fishing has been the same. The bass fishing has been good, with several clubs holding tournaments on Rice Lake. This has increased the boat traffic. I hope there will still be a place for the recreational fisherman and that safe boat handling and sportsmanship will prevail.
The walleyes have been slow as well as the northerns. My guess is that the hot weather has put them into deeper water for the time being.
The bluegills have been hanging at the 8-9 foot depth. It seems that they are taking anything that you put in front of them. I’ve been using a 1/32 jig and a one-inch minnow. Just cast it near the weeds and let it sink. Once it is down 3-4 feet, slowly reel it in. Watch your line—if it’s moving off to the side, set the hook as the fish has taken it on the way down. This has worked for both bluegills and crappies. You will feel the bluegill bite, but the crappie bite is lighter and you need to watch the line.
The musky fishing is starting to pick up. Best results have come early in the morning when fewer boats are on the lake. With the hot weather, try to land the fish quickly so you don’t stress it too much. One group spent so much time taking pictures that the fish was just about done before the release. If at all possible, let it go so several anglers can have the fun of catching that fish.