Fishing Report - 7/9/10

Muskie fishing in the Three Lakes and Eagle River area has remained excellent! water surface temps are ranging from 72 to 77 degrees and winds have been fairly calm. We have had lots of rain this season so water levels are up almost everywhere. Multiple muskie days and big fish catches have been happening with more frequency than ever before and so far the 2010 season is stacking up to be one of the best yet. The most consistent action has come fishing the deep weed edge anywhere from 8 to 14 feet deep. Bull dawgs and crankbaits such as Bucher's Depth Raider have been producing fish consistently. The suspended bite has also been good and has worked well when the shallow bite slows down. Most of the suspended muskies we have caught have been holding in the top ten feet of the water column so make sure you don't make the mistake of fishing "below" the fish by running your lures too deep.

This morning I was out for a half day guide trip with Ryan and Jane for muskies and the action was intense! Within the first 5 casts Ryan hooked into a solid mid-30's class muskie right near the boat on a bull dawg but the fish was able to throw the hooks. Shortly after that Jane nailed a good northern pike on a bucktail worked close to the weeds. We had some very nice follows to the boat on a variety of lures but no takers. Around 9 am Ryan set the hooks into a thick 40 inch muskie that came soaring out of the water and then went down deep for the remainder of the fight until she jumped again at boatside. We slid the giant net under her and got some great photos and video footage too and she was released to fight another day! Congratulations Ryan!

Largemouth bass action has been very good with the majority of fish being taken on the deep weed edge in depths of 10 to 14 feet. We have done out best when using a 5 inch worm rigged "texas" style with a 1/8th oz worm weight. We are catching good numbers and even getting a few in the 18 to 20 inch range!

Smallmouth bass fishing has just been OK lately. Fishing shallow rock and gravel structure has produced a few fish but the action has been spotty at best. We have been catching many smaller fish on the rocks along with an occasional "tanker." Right now I think a majority of the bass are suspending in relation to structure so live bait on slip bobbers and count-down crankbaits have been the best producers. Night fishing for smallies starting around sunset has also been producing good action and even a few lunker walleyes too!

Crappie and blue gill fishing has been excellent. Fishing cabbage weeds in depths of 5 to 10 feet deep with micro jigs has been the ticket. You will likely have to do some sorting if a fish fry is on the agenda but with time you will get the job done.

Earlier mornings have been producing the best action for all species but the last-light time period (the time when you can no longer see your lure) has also been key for triggering trophies or reluctant daytime followers.

Good luck and fish hard!

Chas Martin