10/7/14 Minocqua Area Fishing Report
Well that gorgeous last weekend of September seems long ago... as the first weekend of October brought cold, wind and rain. Early morning temps in the low 30's barely hit 39-40 deg. for highs, lake temps fell from upper 50's /low 60's to lower to mid 50's. If there was a light to the cold weekend, its for those waiting for the musky/sucker bite to start....it's starting!
Musky: Fair-Good. After an off week, action is picking up as the cold snap got the "ski's" moving. Jointed crank and twitch baits have been hot. Nearly all fish not caught on suckers in my boat have been raised and or caught on jointed baits by Savage. Similar results from other guides on jointed Smity's and Shallow Raiders.
Crappies: Good-Very Good. Almost all reports from flowages. Deep wood of 14-19'. Medium fatheads on 1/8oz Thumper jigs or slip-floats. Big fish this week including a 14 7/8" slab (C&R). Lots of 11-13" fish.
Smallmouth Bass: Good. Most fish caught up in 6-10' weeds. Big fish of 17-20" and heavier preferring twitch or jerk baits such as X-Raps and Rattlin Rouges.
Northern Pike: Fair-Good. Large live bait is best. Some incidental catches on musky lures. Weeds as usual, always key. Watch for live weeds as some beds showing signs of dying back.
Walleye: Fair. Fishing slowed and conditions tough with either high or no wind. Deep water is best. Vertical jigging is best if boat control is possible.
Yellow Perch: Fair-Good. Most reports from flowages. Sizes very good (11-12 1/2") but numbers are few. Feeding heavily on crayfish, so 1/2 crawlers a top choice.
Largemouth Bass: Fair-Good. Action along deep weed beds using jig/pig combos, drop shotting minnow imitations.
Bluegill: No reports, most likely due to high wind and cold over the weekend.
With surface temps running 52-55 deg., sucker bite ratcheting up. Supply good. Chubs still limited in supply.
Kurt
Island Sports
715-356-4797