Fishing Report July 11

[Lundrunner]

Hi Jim,

I was out on Thursday on got about 20 smallies and a bonus walleye during the am wind. All smaller fish in the 12-16" range. All plastics. I couldn't get them to go on topwaters even though I spotted some fish crashing the surface. Saw some bigger fish int he schools but they seemed more intent on swimming than eating. Typical post-spawn action for me. Craws all over a couple reefs and the smallies were coughing them up. Combine that with the perch and bugs and there is no shortage of food on the ML buffet line.

Agreed on the greater viz this year. Even with the algae bloom, I can still see bottom in 6-7'. My sense of time may be warped after several years of high winds and green water, but this might be the clearest I've seen the lake in July since the early 2000's . . . which may explain why I also seem to be observing more loons than past years. Clear water and plenty of 4" perch. I had 3 adults around my kayak for about 15 minutes and saw another pair at the next reef.

Kurt

[Jim DaRosa]

Kurt,
I agree with your assessment of last weeks fishing.. our reports say the same things. Saw lots of fish few interested in eating. We too saw fish caughing up crawdads and a few slurping lake bugs.

The reason for the clear water still has me puzzled. I do know that in lake Erie, lake michigan, and lake hurron, the zebra mussles have definetely made those lakes clearer...wonder if it's the same reason on ML. I might have to call the DNR after they get back to work.