Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report
Wow, what an absolutely outstanding week for fishing. The musky bite was on-fire and action for walleyes and crappies was unbeatable. We even picked up some very nice northern pike and a few nice bass. Water temperatures are in the mid 50’s right now and it has really triggered a great fall feeding bonanza.
For you musky guys now is the time for you to be on the water. The fall bite has begun and action is as good as it is going to get. Large jerkbaits, crankbaits and rubber have all taken fish this past week as well as a few muskies still being caught on bucktails and top water baits. This past week also saw the start of the sucker bite. Now that the water temperatures are dropping into the mid to lower 50 degree range we have started running live suckers as bait and they have accounted for a few nice fish as well. Most of our action has been in 6 to 12 feet of water targeting current breaks and slack water areas off the Wisconsin River channel and by fishing main lake humps and windy points.
The walleye action has been fast and furious with good numbers of fish on every trip. Most of the walleyes are being caught right now by targeting water depths of 12 to 16 feet. We are looking for sharp breaking contours with structure and access to even deeper water.
Crappies are suspended right now and can be found anywhere from 2 to 10 feet off the bottom in 12 to 20 feet of water. Slip bobber rigs seem to work the best but a savvy angler can run a light 1/16th or 1/32nd ounce lead-head jig and let it slowly sink through the water column and do very well. I generally tip my jigs with small minnows or a tiny plastic tail like a twister tail or something similar. For you guys looking at trying this light jigging method I would suggest a light to medium-light jigging rod like the one that I use that is made by Elk River Rods. I run the 6’ 8” Medium-Light ERX walleye rod. It is light and sensitive enough to pick up those subtle bites and has enough backbone to set the hook properly.
Have a great week,
Phil Schweik
Hooksetters Guide Service
Web: www.hooksetters.biz
Home: 715-693-5843