Delavan Lake 4/16/12 through 4/22/12
By Dave Duwe
Overall the action on panfish has been a bit slow. There have been quite a few fish caught but the average size has been a bit on the small side. The water temperature has remained very constant at right around 50 degrees.
The crappies remain in the shallow weed flats in 5-6 ft of water. The best location is by Lake Lawn, Viewcrest Bay or in the channel by the boat launch. Most of the success has come on purple plastics fished beneath a float. The water is still very clear so long casts are a necessity. Last week, I caught a whole bunch of fish but the average size was only about 6 inches. The bigger fish tend to show up a little later in spring when they move to the weed line instead of the weed flats.
Bluegill fishing has been very good except for the average size of the fish. The average has been only about 6 inches. I prefer keeping fish when they are 7-8 inches. Most of the fish are being caught on ice jigs tipped with wax worms. The fish are located in 3-4 ft of water. I’ve been catching more fish in the channels than anywhere else. The bite by the outlet dam has slowed due to the heavy weed growth. Good success has also come in the channel by the boat launch.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050