Opening Weekend

[Jason Sloan]

Thanks for the report Jake, looking forward to more of 'em from you throughout the 09 season!

Muskies: I'll let Mark give a report on here. He and Clay took 2nd at the Desert during the Saturday WMT with a 43+ inch fish. We had a few low 40" fish chasing hooked walleyes. The ski's aren't quite ready yet, but look for that to change with the rain and warmer nights forcasted for this week.

For the last 15 years I've seen some of the Northwood's largest summer muskies come in June, so any time on the water right now is good. GO BIG!!! Big Dawgs, Cranks, Suicks, Cowgirls, throw that stuff and hold on! Don't think spring small baits, think fall big baits and you might get a real tank in the next few weeks.

Walleyes: Great daytime bite going on right now. Lots of fish stacked between 3-12 feet of water relating to steep shorelines and wood. Fished 2 different lakes and had similar results on each. 1/16 oz. jigs tipped with minnows, crawlers or leeches produced bites. Lots of 14-19 inch walleyes on clear water mid-day. We are approaching the 'summer peak' period as defined by the old In-Fisherman calender, which means weed growth beginning to blossom/fish starting to binge due to water temps and calorie needs to recoup from spawning. Baitfish starting to stage off of shorelines with crappies/gills still shallow meaning fish can be anywhere. Reports of big walleyes taken over deep water from reliable sources. The big ones will be taken right now with large chubs fished off of deeper rocks, cranks suspended off of structure at dark. With mud flat insect hatches immenent look for crawler presentations and cranks to only get better. Best time of the year coming up for rowtrolling muskies/walleyes over the next month.

Big female smallmouth staging closer to spawning areas with the random fish on beds already. Jointed Shad Raps best right now, with tube jigs and mimic minnows doing great worked slow over located fish.

Tip: Bring the big three (minnows/leeches/crawlers) when targeting walleyes. Fish keying on all three and any given day or time of day/spot could produce better on any one.

Sorry for limited muskie info, but we're filming multi-species this year and right now is the best time of the summer for walleyes and bass. Don't fret, we'll have PLENTY of muskie information on the way for you in the coming weeks, MUSKIES ARE IN OUR BLOOD!!!

For a unique and educational fishing experience, don't forget to consider Badfish Guide Service during your Northwoods vacation. We cater to novices, families, and salty veterans the likes of Sig Hansen.

Thanks for stopping by, see you on the water!

JS