Lake Geneva 5/20/13 through 5/27/13
This spring has been very cold so the lake is still about 2 weeks behind schedule. With the cold water temperatures the overall fishing has been on the tough side. The best bite still remains largemouth bass in the shallows.
Largemouth bass fishing has been average. The active fish are being caught in Trinkes or in Geneva Bay. The fish I was catching in the Abbey are starting to disperse with the warming waters in the harbor. The best approach has been a jig worm with a Yum Houdini worm. Green pumpkin or watermelon are the best colors.
Bluegill fishing has been okay. The best location is near the piers by the Riviera or over by the Abbey Harbor. You want to fish small red worms or wax worms fished on a bobber. Look for the fish in 3-4 ft of water. They have not spawned yet and it will be another 10 days or so before they do.
Smallmouth bass fishing has been improving. They have not yet spawned and they are hanging around the bait fish in the lake. They are suspended outside the weed flats in location such as the Military Academy or Elgin Club. The best bait remains white hair jigs or a split shot rigged fat head minnow. The suspended bass are about 5-10 ft down in 15 ft of water.
Rock bass fishing has been slow due to the colder water. The best place to catch them is by the Military Academy or Belvidere Park. The best approach is a split shot rigged minnow or some small crappie jigs. Look for the fish in 12-13 ft of water. In a few weeks, they will literally be everywhere.
Yellow Perch remain in the shallows. The best location is by Knollwood and Belvidere Park. Look for the fish in 6-7 ft of water. The best approach is slip bobber rigged minnows. You want to locate your bait about 1 to 1 ½ ft above bottom.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050