Minocqua Area Fishing Report
A constant change from rain, to a day of sun, to more rain, to hail, a little sun, etc. etc...made for a difficult–to-follow fishing weekend. Despite being what it was, anglers reported pretty good fishing at times.
Crappies: Good-Very Good - Stages were all over the board as anglers were finding some on beds, yet others finished and some that may not come in due to the fluctuating temperatures. Once found the standard small Crappie minnow under a float scored well. Casting small jigs (1/80 – 1/64 oz) with tiny tubes or small swim tails on twisters working. Small #0 Mepps worked outside spawning areas where staging Crappies could be found, also effective for some big slabs.
Walleyes: Very Good-Good - Seems like daily shifts in location, sometimes by as little as 2 - 3’ depth increments. The changing weather has a lot to do with it. Minnows, leeches, as well as shallow running (4 – 6’) stickbaits also effective when Eyes up in shallows of 4 – 8’. Deeper water anglers using chubs in 18 – 25’. Most catches of “slot” fish (20 - 24”) but a few “eaters” (15 – 20”) being caught on Lindy rigs with chubs.
Northern Pike: Good – Swimbaits fished over 5 – 8’ weeds as well as spinnerbaits (Boonies, Booyah) working best. For the more laid back approach, the ol’ stand by 5 – 6” chub or sucker under a float always a good way to entice a bite or two.
Largemouth Bass: Good – Lots of shallow “Cruisers” on the sunny days. Smaller (3 – 3 ½”) swimbaits, shallow Shad Raps, #8 Husky Jerks and X-Raps. Not much for top water yet, but coming!
Bluegill: Good – Best on sunny, warming days in shallows of 4 – 8’. Mini mite jigs, wet flys behind clear casting floats and Thunderbugs threaded on a #6 Aberdeen hook. Worms and small leeches won’t be denied either!
Yellow Perch: Fair – Best reports were on warming days in flooded wood using medium leeches or ½ crawler.
Muskie: Fair – Some sightings on spinnerbaits, bucktails and small twitch, but few reports of hook ups.
Smallmouth Bass: Good – Catch and Release only but showing up in the shallows. Work X-Raps, Husky Jerks and Rattlin Rouges along gravel shore lines.
Water temps shot upward starting with last Thursday’s sun. Some Crappies moved in to spawn. Smallies setting up. Most lakes showing surface temps of 58 – 62 degrees. Cooler mid-week temps giving way to 70’s by week’s end.
Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com
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