Despite a significant weather system affecting the area last Monday & Tuesday, fishing has been solid due to consistent weather and warming water temperatures.
Many lakes are experiencing water temperatures in the low 60’s. Largemouth bass and crappies have been spawning with smallmouth bass beginning that process. Walleye anglers found fish more spread out this week as they beginning transitioning to primary drop offs (the area that first significantly increases in depth). Though shiner minnows are producing well, the leech and nightcrawler bite is good too. Depths of 8-12 feet have been best. Northern pike have recovered from spawning and bigger pike have been active. Though new weed growth is good habitat, the presence of masses of baitfish is even better, regardless of structure. Find schools of bait and you’ll find hungry pike. Panfish action has been very good in shallow water. New growth lily pads and remaining pencil reeds are the areas to concentrate upon. Largemouth bass have been in those same areas with some huge largemouth caught this week. Smallmouth bass have been cruising just outside of shallow flats as they prepare to spawn. In this next week they will come right up onto those flats. For people keeping bass to eat, remember, the smaller fish taste much better. Not only does a 20” bass taste very similar to the environment where it lives, that fish is about 20 years old and is a great candidate to catch, photograph and release.
Go Fish! Guide Service http://go-fish-guides.com
Jason Durham 218-252-2278