Lake Geneva Fishing Report 9/24/12 through 10/1/12
Recently with the high winds and cooler temperatures the fishing pressure on Lake Geneva has been almost non-existent. Remember that Lake Trout fishing concludes at the end of September until winter.
Lake Trout have been biting in 70-100 ft of water. They are being caught vertical jigging large Swedish pimples or Buzz Bombs. Chartreuse or chrome have been producing the most. Look for the fish by Yerkes Observatory or by Black Point. The fish are right on bottom.
Largemouth bass have been biting on nightcrawlers on a split shot rig in 13-15 ft of water. Look for the fish by Trinkes or by the Military Academy. I’ve been slowly drifting with the wind to find the active fish. Most of the fish have been on the small side, but if you keep moving you can catch numbers.
Smallmouth bass have moved shallower. They are now in the 15-17 ft depth range. They are aggressively hitting extra large fat heads, perch that are caught in the lake or nightcrawlers. The best approach has been lindy rigs with a 24 inch leader. I prefer using the smallest walking sinker that you can get away with. My “go to” weight is 1/8 oz.
Yellow perch with the cooling waters have moved shallow. They can be caught by Knollwood, Rainbow Point or Belvidere Park. I prefer anchoring in 10-12 ft of water. You want to use Thill slip bobbers tipped with crappie minnows. Position the bait about 1 ft off bottom. I’ve been fishing scattered weeds and sand. You will need to sort through a lot of fish to keep the bigger ones, but it is possible to catch a nice limit.
Bluegill fishing has been all right, the fish are starting to move shallow. The best location is by the Military Academy or in Williams Bay. They are biting on bobbers and leaf worms on a single hook. If you aren’t catching anything you need to move quite a bit to catch the active fish. Presently with the water temperature, the lake is fishing like it does in late April.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050.