Dave Duwe’s Lake Geneva Report 5/25/14
The water is warming nicely and therefore the fishing is improving. The memorial weekend is showing an increase in boat traffic but the fishing pressure has not been that strong. The smallmouth bass are starting to move in to spawn and now is the best time to catch the nice smallies.
Smallmouth bass are scattered in 12-15 ft of water. The best location has been the spawning flats such as Belvidere Park, Elgin Club and the former Military Academy. There are 2 ways to approach the fish. The first is a 1/16 oz white hair jig or the second is a ½ oz football head jig with a rootbeer colored crayfish trailer. Within the next week, the fish will be solidly on the spawn and is the best time to catch them.
Largemouth bass have been active in Abbey Harbor or in Trinkes. I’ve been catching between 15 and 25 per trip. The best approach has been split shot rigged nightcrawlers or using split shot rigged Chompers in green pumpkin color. Look for the fish by the outwash of the motors, the fish seem to stage in the slightly deeper water.
Lake Trout fishing has started in the main lake basin. I had one outing so far and caught an 8 lb fish in 114 ft of water, 108 ft down. The fish was caught on a green evil eye spoon. We had several other hits but weren’t able to land them. One of my guide clients said he caught one 40 ft down, which inspired me to try for them, this is the earliest I’ve tried for them. They appear to be very tight to bottom.
Rock bass have started to move and become very aggressive. The best depth is the 10-12 ft range. Look for the most action by Linn Pier or by Belvidere Park. The best success has been on nightcrawlers and fat head minnows. I’ve been using a split shot and a single hook.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050