Bait options

[Chicago Mark]

I was taught many years ago by guide Jack LaChance that you should use black tails in the spring and red tails during the summer and fall. I guess that's been pounded into my head for years...but now I think i am going to explore other, more available minnow options! Thanks for your help Mark.

[Rob Manthei]

For what it's worth.....

My favorite minnows vary from lake to lake....

the largest cisco based lakes excel with redtails...
darker water lakes do well with mud minnows and dace

It is tough to beat a large fathead or rainbow dace, some days there is a preference of the fish....problem is, with regulations and such, "REAL" rainbows will be tough to come by...VHS regulations have changed the way guys like Ray can trap.

I doubt(but hope) that we will have redtails for the weekend...cold weather hasn't allowed the bait dealers to get some in their traps.


Rob

[Chicago Mark]

Rob,
If I am not able to get the chubs I want, should I try a different minnow? I'll be on the cisco chain. Also is it too early to try leeches or crawlers? Thanks.

[Rob Manthei]

Fatheads and dace always work for me there....

[Mark Benson]

Mark:

Personally, I only have really musky fished up there, but I would think if you can't get chubs, that fats would work there... Wouldn't hurt to try those other baits if you can keep them alive for future trips, but I would think that this weekend is going to be all about the minnows...

Mark

[Chicago Mark]

Thanks for the info guys. Good luck to all, lets hope all of our livewells are full!


Mark