Delavan Lake 5/19/19 through 5/26/19
This has been the hardest I have worked in May to catch fish I can remember. I’m not sure if it’s the weather or the tremendous amount of fishing pressure but every trip has been a struggle.
Crappies are in the weedlines in 8-10 ft of water. They aren’t really schooled very tight, I’ve been catching 2 or 3 from some of my good spots and then having to move to another spot. All of my success has been coming off of small purple or motor oil plastics fished on a 1/32 oz Arkie Jig. It’s good to see that there is a really nice age class of 12-13 inch crappies in the lake now. The best location is by Assembly Park or by Willow Point.
Largemouth bass are still in the shallow water, 3-5 ft. However, it’s hard to get those little rascals to bite. Most of the fish I have caught have either been on nightcrawlers or a Texas rigged or wacky rigged Senkos in green pumpkin color. I’ve been fishing the west end by the Highlands and Viewcrest. Hopefully with the warmer weather, the bass will really turn on.
Northern Pike are in 10-12 ft of water. The fish I’ve been catching are on the weedlines. I’ve been using Thill Big Fish slip-bobbers rigged with suckers. My best location has been by the Delavan Marina or by Browns Channel. I have not caught a real good one yet. The best fish this year was around 30 inches.
Bluegills are starting to spawn in 2-3 ft of water. On Sunday you could see them on beds throughout most of the shallow waters. Look for the sand bottoms with scattered weeds. The best bait is leaf worms fished on a small bobber. I’ve been fishing from Willow Point west in and around the boat docks.
Walleye fishing has been slow, which is typical for this time of year. With the cooler water, they can be anywhere throughout the lake. To fish them successfully, you would need to use a slip bobber fished with a fathead minnow. Try for them in Browns Channel or Willow Point.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050