Delavan Lake through safe ice 10/29/12
As I was driving back from Lake Geneva on Sunday, it was quite apparent that the fishing season has all but ended. The boat launch that typically has 100-200 boats, had only 4 trailers there. I am suspending my fishing reports for now, until we have safe ice.
Walleye fishing has been very good either lindy rigging large fat head minnows or casting Rattle Traps in the 12-15 ft depth range. The best location has been by the main lake points, such as the Yacht Club, the concrete point and Willow Point. This time of year, the best success comes at night between 7 pm and midnight. You want to key on the evenings that have some wind and fish in the wind for the best success.
Northern pike action has been picking up. They have moved out of the deep water and are positioned on the weedlines in 15-17 ft of water. They can be readily caught using medium suckers fished on a lindy rig or Thill slip bobber. The best location is by Browns Channel or by the old Boy Scout Camp. Slowly trolling the medium suckers has been producing most of the action.
Crappie fishing has been improving. With the cooler water, the crappies have again moved on the weedlines in 15-16 ft of water. They are suspending ½ way to ¾ of the way down the water column. They can be caught on chartreuse or pink plastics. The best location has been by Browns Channel or west of the Yacht Club.
Largemouth bass have been tight to the bank in 2-3 ft of water. Again, the All Terrain or Senko bite has been producing most of the action. You want to use green pumpkin with metal flake for the best success. Look for the fish anywhere there is hard sand bottom. Good locations have been by the Oriental Boat house or by the Frank Lloyd Wright house by Browns Channel. Remember that due to the water temperature, a slow presentation is the best approach. I’ve been Texas rigging all of my stick baits this time of year as it appears that they prefer a more subtle presentation.
The bluegill fishing has been slow, I am unaware of any real good bites. I’ve been spending my time on Walleye or largemouth. Typically this time of year they are in the main lake basin in 30-40 ft of water, about 20 ft down. Use your fish finder to find the schools. A leaf worm or wax worm fished straight beneath the boat is the best approach.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050.