Delavan Lake Fishing Report 7/23/17 through 7/30/17
Overall Delavan remains a bit slow. We are still dealing with high water from the excessive rains. I’ve been able to find some large schools of largemouth but not everyone has been that lucky. As the water recedes and the water clears, fishing should improve dramatically. As a rule when we have a lot of heavy rains, the fish will move from the deep water weed edge into the shallows of 5-6 ft of water. That is what is happening now.
The largemouth bass are positioned in the hard sand bottom openings of scattered weeds in 5-6 ft of water. Good locations are by Lake Lawn Lodge and Del Mar. The key is to cast to the weed openings and let the fish find the bait. There has been a secondary bite using top water lures. Chrome and blue chug bugs or white buzz baits are working well. The best time to try of them using top water baits is during no wind and overcast conditions.
Bluegills have been very slow. The high water has messed up the bite pretty effectively. The best success I’ve had has been in 10 ft of water using leaf worms and a small split shot rig. The locations vary but I’ve had some good luck near the Village Supper Club and Del Mar.
Some Northern Pike action has been happening in 17-19 ft of water. The best presentation has been lindy rigged medium suckers. You want to keep the bait just on the outside of the weed edge about 1-2 ft off bottom. The best locations have been by Willow Point and Belvidere Park.
Walleye action has been slow. The best location has been by the point on Assembly Park. You want to use a lindy rig with a chartreuse painted hook and a 24 inch leader. The best time to fish for them is first light. Try for them in 13-15 ft of water.
Crappies have started to suspend over the main lake basin. They are locating 5-10 ft down in 15-20 ft of water. The best way to locate them is when it’s still calm out and they are hitting bugs on the surface of the water. This is the best way to find an active school. The big schools I’ve seen in the last week were just west of the Yacht Club and by Willow Point.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 262-728-8063