Minocqua Area Fishing Report
Despite beautiful weather, the opener of the 2015 gamefish season was not as wonderful as we hoped. At least we had open water for the opener and some walleyes did get caught, just not in the overall numbers or by as many anglers as expected.
Walleyes: Fair. Some anglers found good success, but as a whole a lot of time went into not a lot of fish for an opening weekend. Walleyes were very scattered, some lakes found walleyes shallow. Casting #8 X-Raps on windward shorelines produced good catches where the combination of wave action and new emerging weeds helped walleyes take advantage of small perch. First breaks, in depths of 10-13’ were also good places to find walleyes recovering from the spawn using 1/8oz jigs and Dace minnows.
Crappies: Good-Very Good. Though most anglers were targeting walleyes, those in the pursuit of panfish did well. Crappies were being found either very shallow (1-3’) in warm, protected bays or out in 10-12’ depths, staging – waiting for waters to warm enough to consider spawning. Small minnows below slip-floats are catching their fair share. Anglers opting for no live bait have found success using VMC Nymphs and Wingdings as well as Cubby’s Mini-mites. The more subtle action of these jigs seems to be preferred with the cooler water over more active plastics such as twister tails. Nice fish of 10-13” being caught.
Bluegills: Good to fair. Most action taking place in shallows as gills are taking advantage of warm water. Waxies on small jigs below tiny floats on long cast. With thunderbugs and small leeches available try these bluegill favorites also.
Perch: Fair. Seeing some nice, but, thin spawned out fish in 6-8’ weeds taking jig/minnow meant for walleyes.
Pike: Fair. Surprisingly slow. Most reports of small fish on jig and minnow.
Largemouth: Fair. Same as pike, not being targeted much, but, some incidental catches.
Water temps vary from lows of 44 degrees on big deep lakes to highs near 60 degrees on small, shallow lakes. High skies and lots of sun have not helped walleye anglers. Lots of walleyes still seem to be in the transition of recovery from spawn. The expected hot bite either hasn’t happened yet of we may have missed it on some lakes. The upcoming weather of midweek should help.
Kurt
Island Sportshop
Minocqua, WI 54548