Rice Lake Fishing Report 7-09-12
By Frank Zumpf
I had another fisherman ask me how I could fish in the hot weather this week. This started a conversation about the quality of fish for the table in warm weather. I contend that there is no difference summer or winter—you just have to take a few more precautions in the summer.
If I am going to keep any fish I go out in the early morning or later in the afternoon. I avoid the hot sun beating down on the boat. Mornings and late afternoons are also better for fishing because other people enjoying the lake (jet-skis and power boats) are fewer. I put a couple of frozen half-gallon milk jugs of water in my live well when I go. When I have fish to clean I ice them down for a while before I start. I use an electric fillet knife and when the fish are cold it makes short work of them.
Jordan Marsh with Marsh Outdoors with a beautiful Rice Lake area walleye
The fishing has been good this week. The northerns have been active as well as the muskies. Try surface baits early in the morning and gliders or swim baits later in the day. One of the spots that are producing is the channel just off “Fireworks Island” on Rice Lake.
Panfish have been taking Mighty Mite jigs off the cribs. This is a line-watching proposition. I have switched to a brightly colored line to make keeping track of it easier.
If you want to try something different, try wading down the Red Cedar River for small mouth bass. All you need are a pair of tennis shoes and a spinning rod. Cast a Mepps spinner or a rooster tail into the current. Take some water along in a daypack to enjoy the day and beat the heat.
For lodging, dining, entertainment and more outdoor information in the Rice Lake area, connect with Rice Lake Tourism at www.ricelaketourism.com or 715-234-8888. Contact Director Nicky Repka at nicky@ricelaketourism.com.