Fishing Excellent as Water Temperatures Warm
Walleye fishing is changing as summer water temps are finally being reached with mid-lake basins topping 70 degrees. The late spring has dominated previous fishing patterns as weed growth remained below normal and water readings refused to climb much above 65...but that is all changing.
Walleyes are relating to main lake structures including reefs, humps, submerged points and drop-off edges. Jigging and bottom bouncing are suggested and big fish have been encountered on a daily basis in depths ranging from 16 to 25 feet. The weedline bite is quickly disappearing during daylight hours but is still a factor during the evening...if weeds are present.
The bite has remained fairly strong despite mayfly hatches within the last four days.
Weeds have been growing quickly in the last week...and where they were previously missing we are seeing them today. This will improve northern pike and muskie activity. While northerns have been hitting inline spinners, spinnerbaits and jerkbaits, muskie have been difficult. They are showing themselves by following but strikes have been rare. Again, in my experience this will improve as water readings remain in the 70's...but evening efforts are recommended, along with using downsized lures in the 6-inch size range.
Smallmouth bass are post-spawn and are grouped in small bunches on broken rock shorelines and tapering points. Plastics and crankbaits have been successful. Good sizes have been reported with good numbers of quality fish in the 17-to-inch size range.
Give us a call if interested in fishing this great region....
Russ Warye
