Minocqua Area Fishing Report 5-29-13
Had to be on a Holiday Weekend when fishing shut down around here! After a few weeks of excellent walleye, very good pike, crappie fishing, east by southeast winds moved in bringing cold and dropping water temperatures by 6 to 8 degrees on average and pretty much shutting down most of our hot action.
Musky: Good. The one bright spot. Reports of good musky action using twitch baits and small cranks in shallows on the smaller to mid-sized lakes where musky have finished spawning. Most reports were of 34-40” fish, probably mostly males, but a few upper 40”ers including one 48”er caught.
Pike: From poor to Good. Started out poor, but action as of this morning is very good. Lots of fish taking jig/minnow combos in green weeds in 6-8’ key. If no green, no fish.
Crappies: From poor to fair and improving. Cold pushed fish deeper, but as temps gradually move back to 60 degrees, crappies moving back up to stage. Once temps hit 63 degrees and up, watch for bedding to begin.
Smallmouth Bass: Poor-Good. As this species settled into new temp, action picked up on crawfish patterned crankbaits. They are starting to stage prior to holding up to spawning areas, should also be receptive to tubes and creature baits.
Walleye: Poor-Improving. After having the door slam shut with cold, we saw some signs of improvement with gradual temperature rise. Today walleye bite actually good despite continuing east/southeast wind. Jig/minnow best under cooler temps, though signs of insect and leeches in walleye’s stomachs.
Largemouth Bass: Poor-Fair. Picking up. Some large bass in the 18-20” range. Most caught targeting walleyes on chubs.
Perch/Bluegill: Poor to Fair. Few reports with recent colder temps.
Musky, crappie and smallmouth anglers should watch for a change of wind and increase in temperature to improve these fisheries. Crappies should really take off. Pike, walleye and panfish will improve also with a change in wind direction.
The first annual Great Rock Bass Fishing Tournament will be held on Minocqua on June 15. This benefits the northwoods wildlife center. Rock bass will be used to feed Raptor Residents there. For more info go to www.northwoodswildlifecenter.org
Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com