Central Wisconsin Outdoor report 5-22-2013
The lilacs are blooming and the crappies are biting. It is that time of the year again when the crappies have moved up to the shallows to begin their spawning ritual. Most fish will be suspended around shoreline timber and brush but a few will be located along side shallow stumps. To target these feisty panfish all you need is a bobber and a hook baited up with a small minnow. Toss it towards the structure and wait for the bobber to go down. Some savvy anglers are using ultra-light spinning gear and tossing Mini Mites ( a tiny jig with a worm like tail) right up to the structure and slowly working it back. This method can create fast and furious action when you get into them.
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| Cassie Schweik with a couple of nice crappies | A nice pile of crappies in the live well |
After a long drawn out spring the walleyes have moved to their summer destinations. Most fish can now be found holding around submerged wood or roaming the vast flats in search of food. To target the roaming predatory fish try long line trolling Husky Jerks and Shad Raps in 8 to 12 feet of water. Put a small split shot about 18 inches ahead of the bait to help get it down and to eliminate debris from hanging up on the lure. For the walleyes hunkered down in the brush and wood try weedless jigs by Rick Jaroch from Baitmaker tackle in Wisconsin Rapids rickjaroch@facebook.com These tiny weedless jigs will work their way into the brush and allow you the opportunity to get to the fish you normally wouldn't ever see. One note: Once you hook up with a walleye in the wood don't hesitate to haul it out immediately, any split second decision to wait and the fish will be tangled in the brush and you will be out of luck.
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| Terry Woldvogel with a couple of nice walleyes | Kyle from Arkansas with a nice walleye |
The action for bass has been very good this past week and anglers in search of action can count on these areal fish to be eagerly waiting for them. Most action has been from rocky shorelines in less than 4 feet of water by guys running crawfish imitating crankbaits, jigs tipped with plastics, and a few on top water baits.
Musky season is under way and a lot of people are anxious to hit the water in search of ol' greenback. For early season muskies try running small bucktails and twitch baits. A good bet for early season action is to target shallow weeds and rocks in less than 5 feet of water. Work your baits slowly and methodically as the water is still cold and fish can be very lethargic at this time of the year.
Have a great week,
Phil Schweik
Licensed Wisconsin Hunting & Fishing Guide
Hooksetters Guide Service www.hooksetters.biz
Ruttnut Guide Service www.ruttnut.com
Reed & Hoppe Wildlife Food Plots www.foodplotting.com