Turtle Flambeau Flowage Fishing Report 10-22-12
By Professional Guide Jerry “Jerkbait” Hartigan
Friday we started out trying some humps for smallmouth and bigger walleye. The only fish we caught was a smallie on a tube jig that was just under 20 inches. We moved to some river channels and started picking up some smaller walleyes in 18ft of water on 1/8th oz. jigs and minnows.
After jumping around a little we found one spot in about 20ft of water that seemed to have some active fish on it with a little size to them. One of the best ways that worked was vertical jigging very slowly or just using a dead stick with no action. I also picked up several fish on oddball jigs and gulp minnows.
Saturday we tried musky fishing and started using jerkbaits and Depth Raiders on deep shorelines. On the second spot I was telling my clients the story of how I got my beard stuck in my reel while setting the hook in this exact spot when a big musky swiped at a jerkbait and then came around and hit right at the boat. The fish was near 50 inches and started spinning and cartwheeling at boat side. As it was rolling it wrapped the line in its gill plates and cut the line. It sat at boat side for a few seconds and just as I started to make a swipe at it with the net it took off. I absolutely hate losing fish like that.
After one more spot I was called off the water so that ended the day. Tomorrow is walleye and smallmouth so we will see what happens.
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