Fishing is Excellent!

Fishing is superb and the mayfly hatch has occurred. Walleye are at different depths but mid-lake basin structures are starting to produce. Reefs, humps, submerged islands and long, protruding
points are developing everyday. With the early spring, mayflies hatched in large numbers in the last week, instead of the typical first and second week of July. As the summer pattern develops walleye depth ranges will stabilize but today fish were taken from 6 feet to 28 feet. Jigs and live bait are taking fish with leeches and nightcrawlers best. Yellow perch are mixed in with walleye and jumbos are fairly common. Don't overlook weedlines as fish are still available, especially early and late in the day.
Smallmouth bass are still occupying rock shorelines but nesting is finished and many fish have moved slightly deeper during daylight hours. Grubs, tubes, 4-inch curl-tail worms, crankbaits and in-line spinners are doing well. Topwaters can be a factor during the evening hours.
Northern pike are using weedines as well as rock structures and the size range is great with good numbers in the protected slot. While weeds hold the greater numbers, rock humps will have a quality fish or two on them.
With water temps coming back to 70 degrees, muskie fishing will improve. A beautiful 46-incher was released yesterday on a medium-sized bucktail. However, muskies continue to follow...and often slowly and several feet behind the lure. Smaller lures are recommended with bucktails, minnow baits and 7-inch weighted Suicks good selections.

Russ Warye