Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report
What a change in weather this past week, and not for the better if you are an outdoorsmen. At this time of the year, we as outdoorsmen are looking for cooler days and nights to not only bring down the water temperatures but to kick-star the fall rut. Right now our water temperatures are holding right around the 50 degree mark but it doesn’t look like it’s going to stay there. The upcoming forecast is for unseasonably warm, record temperature for the central Wisconsin area. Despite the conditions the fishing has been holding its own so far, and the big bucks are starting to move.
In spite of the warm weather we are experiencing right now, old man winter is right around the corner, and fish are instinctive about putting on their fall feeding binge. The bite has been good for walleye, crappie and musky. A lot of our action has been from deeper water (12 to 16 feet) with the walleyes and musky holding tight to the bottom and the crappies suspended at various levels of the water column.
For the walleyes we have been running 1/8th ounce lead-head jigs tipped with large plastics and/or medium sized sucker walleye minnows. The crappies are holding at different levels so it is important to try running baits suspended at various depths. The best way to do that is to watch your electronics to see where the fish are and run slip bobbers set at the correct depths. For muskies we have seen a dramatic increase in action with a lot of fish now coming on live suckers. We are still catching some nice fish on jerkbaits like Suick’s and Bulldawgs as well.
With the rut now kicking in hunters should focus their attention on transition areas and funnels between bedding and feeding grounds. Don’t be afraid to put in the extra hours too, as long days on the stand could lead you to the largest buck of your life.
Have a great week,
Phil Schweik
Hooksetters Guide Service
Web: www.hpooksetters.biz
Phone: 715-693-5843