Wausau/North-Central WI Fishing Report 07/20/12

Big muskies have been on the prowl as of late. Prop-style topwater lures like the Sennett Pacemaker and Tyrant Crusader have been hot, as have Bulldawgs in both mag and super mag (pounder) sizes. The best casting action has been in the low-light and relative "cooler" periods of early morning and again in the evening. During the heat of mid-day, try casting deep holes and breaklines with Bulldawgs and deep-diving crankbaits like an Ernie as this will also produce fish. Bucktails are producing fish, but smaller models are performing over-sized options at this point. Double bladed offerings like the Esox Edge Lucky 7and single blade lures like Mepps' Musky and Giant Killers are all catching fish right now. Despite the above-average temperatures there are good numbers of fish available in ultra-shallow water, especially in areas with low boat traffic.

The slop bite for largemouth bass has been very good as well, spurred on I'm sure somewhat due to the scorching July temperatures we've been experiencing. The thick mats of vegetation provide not only ambush points, but shade and subsequent cooler temperatures for the fish residing beneath them. Texas-rigging a soft plastic presentation like a Trigger X Frog, Berkley Kicker Frog, or Mister Twister Hawg Frog on a Mustad Ultrapoint hook and fishing the bait over the "thick stuff" has been steadily producing some nice bass, even during mid-day hours.

For anglers not chasing muskies after dark or for those looking for a change of pace, channel catfish have been active nightly in good numbers. A simple slip sinker rig equipped with a Mustad Demon circle hook and baited with a piece of fresh cut bait is all you need for an evening of action. Fish deeper holes and cuts during the day, then re-position your boat as it gets dark in proximity to adjacent snags, blow-downs, points, and bays to find big cats as they slide up shallow under the cover of darkness.

Tight lines,