Delavan Lake Fishing Report 5/4/14 through 5/11/14
Delavan Lake Opening Day was May 3rd. It was substantially less busy than the past few years. The fishing is better than I recall from last year even though the water temperature is very cold. Most of the action on the lake is coming off of a minnow bait. Lakeside Bait and Tackle has a good selection.
Northern Pike action is good in the shallow waters. Look for them in 6-8 ft of water. The best location is in Viewcrest or the Highlands Channel. The best approach is casting white spinner baits or Thill big fish slip bobbers with large golden shiners. Keep the bait about 1 ft above the weed growth.
With the colder water temperature, largemouth bass are aggressively hitting minnows either fished under a slip bobber or on a split shot rig. The best depth for the largemouth is 6-8 ft of water. The best location is by the inlet channel or Highlands Bay.
Bluegills can be caught by the outlet dam as well as Highlands and Viewcrest channel. The best approach is small ice jigs tipped with leaf worms or wax worms.
With the colder than normal water temperature, the only walleyes that are being caught are in the shallows. The inlet channel or by Browns Channel at first light are your best bets. With the later spring, the best success is on small crankbaits in either a perch or crappie pattern. You want to troll the crankbaits in 5-6 ft of water.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050