Fishing report November 15 2021

FISHING REPORT by Steve Suman

Musky:
Musky action is good as fish put on the feedbag and bulk up for winter. Look for fish along shorelines, on weed flats, and near structure in depths to 20 feet. Suckers on quick-strike rigs, as well as big plastics, jerkbaits, and bucktails, are all hooking fish, but be sure to drag a sucker while casting. Trolling big stickbaits and crankbaits also works well.

Walleye:
Walleye fishing is good once you locate them. Some fish are holding in deep water adjacent to weedy bays, but in the evening move into the shallower bays to feed on baitfish and panfish. Walleye suckers, fatheads, and small minnows, and slowly worked crankbaits and jerkbaits, are producing good catches.

Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is good to very good. Anglers can find fish on weeds and weedlines, in bays, and near concentrations of baitfish and panfish (i.e., food). Sucker minnows, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits all draw interest.

Largemouth/Smallmouth Bass:
Bass angler interest tends to cool down with the weather as much as it heats up during the summer months, but some anglers are continuing to pursue both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Look for fish along shorelines and near weeds, wood, brush, cribs, and any areas holding panfish. Best bass baits include walleye suckers, minnows, and crankbaits.

Crappie:
Crappie fishing is fair to good, with fish on shallow to mid-depth weeds, weedlines, weed flats, wood, brush, and cribs, and suspending over deep water and/or weeds. Crappie minnows, fatheads, plastics, and Gulp! baits are productive, but fish the baits slowly in the cold water.

Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is fair to good, though fish are currently somewhat slow to respond with the new cold water. Target bay areas containing weeds and structure, weed flats, and mid-depth, cribs, brush, and stumps. Waxies, worms, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks whatever you choose, move them slowly!