Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report
A little rain and some warm weather and things are really starting to green-up around Central Wisconsin. Water temperatures on area lakes and rivers are hovering around that 70 degree mark and the fishing has been fantastic.
The big news this week is the opener of the Northern Zone musky fishing in Wisconsin. Thousands of anxious anglers will be taking to the water this weekend in search of ol’ greenback. With the way this spring has played out it should be a great opener. We have already been seeing signs of active muskies, but this past weeks warm-up should really get them moving. For anglers thinking about trying their luck at catching one of these mysterious fish I would suggest throwing smaller bucktails, twitch baits and medium sized jerkbaits. I would also suggest targeting areas of shallow water with weed and or weeds.
The walleye bite has really picked up and we are catching a lot of fish on jig and minnow combinations, but with the water temperatures warming up it is just about time to switch over to crawlers. Most of the walleyes have been in 6 to 10 feet of water holding on wood and rock structure.
This past week has also been very good for bass fishing. These aerobic bandits have been very aggressive this past week and just about any bait that you throw in their vicinity will be gulped-up. Jig and pig, crankbaits, small jerkbaits, and even top-water baits have all been producing this past week. Look for shoreline structure or rock and downed trees to all hold fish right now. Once you locate the appropriate structure, work you bait as close to the structure as you can, even right in it.
The crappie bite has started to slow down but we are still catching numbers of nice fish. The crappies are done spawning and have started moving off to their traditional summer haunts. Look for the crappies to be suspended in 12 to 16 feet of water right now. To find crappies try either spider-rigging or drift fishing with slip bobbers through some of the deeper areas of the lake until you find the school. Once you have located a school of fish make several passes through the area trying different depths until the fish move on.
The bluegills have started moving up shallow to start their annual spawning routine, and this is a great time to get kids into fishing. Bluegills are numerous and aggressive at this time of the year and will provide all-day long action and entertainment for young and old as well. When it comes to catching spawning bluegills it is not rocket science either. All you need is a hook, a bobber, and a worm. Set the hook about a foot below the bobber, bait it up with a worm, and toss it towards shoreline structure. I like fishing around docks, downed trees, and brush at this time of the year for bluegills as they will concentrate in these areas as they prepare to spawn.
This week, Crestliner kicked off National Safe Boating Week, May 21-27th. Brunswick Corporation and Crestliner Boats support National Safe Boating Week, May 21-27, by encouraging boaters to make safety their No. 1 concern in every aspect of being in and on the water. National Safe Boating Week kicked off this past weekend and our crew did too last Friday, May 20th, with Wear Your Life Jacket to Work Day. They plan to continue posting pictures throughout the week of people wearing their life jackets at work. Be sure to take photos of your crew wearing life jackets to work and share them on social media. Additionally, please share with your social media followers and beyond the attached sweepstakes, along with this link to enter: http://bit.ly/WinASafetyKit2016.
Have a great week and safe boating,
Phil Schweik
Licensed Wisconsin Hunting and Fishing Guide
Hooksetters Guide Service
Web: www.hooksetters.biz
Phone: 715-693-5843