Fishing has had its ups and downs this year. Seems like nearly every year we say things like “it’s been weird this year” also typical sayings like “it’s been too cold, too hot, not enough weeds, too many weeds, water’s high or low” and a hundred other reasons why fish are not jumping in the boat at every cast. The truth of the matter is that every year IS different and the successful angler must learn to adapt to these changes. Now it’s true that some days are tougher than others and I can attest to that myself. Of course I’d like every excursion on the water to be great for my guests but sometimes you just get dealt crumby conditions. This is the time of year that we generally think of as “dog days” of summer but truth be told, this year we may not even have real “dog days”. Water temperatures in the area are at mid to upper 70’s and it won’t be long before those temps start dropping as we approach the slide toward early fall. In some situations fishing has picked up quite well these last few days and here’s what you can do to put the odds of a good outing in your favor.

First of all, don’t lock yourself into a particular species or style of fishing. If the perch are tough to come by, consider chasing crappies or bluegills. Same goes with walleyes. If you’re not willing to get up very early or stay out late, don’t beat your head against the wall trying to make fish bite during the bright sun. Go for the bass or pike that seem to love the warmth of the day. Maybe you always fish with crankbaits and spinners but the fish are not reacting. Consider a switch to a livebait presentation. Being able to adapt quickly to changing conditions is the key to putting more fish on the line.

Here’s what I’ve been experiencing and tips I get from fellow guides in the area. Please remember that different lakes may call for some differing situations so use these tips to adapt to your particular lake. As always, feel free to contact me directly and I’ll try my best to help you with some specific information.

Let’s start out with the panfish. Just about everything is very active during these warm summer days. Small bluegills and sunfish are abundant around shoreline weeds and structure. These provide great action for small kids who can catch fish all day with a basic hook, bobber, and chunk of worm. For the bigger bluegills and crappies look to the deeper weeds and sometimes in holes adjacent to weeds with a depth of 12 feet or more. They may be suspended anywhere from the bottom to half way up. A general rule of thumb when looking for these fish is to start a foot or so off the bottom and work up a foot or so at a time. During the evening the fish will start to come towards the surface as they munch on small bugs on the lake. I’m finding that small crappie minnows or small leeches work well on these fish. They will always go for a nightcrawler but more often than not you’ll have small fish chewing off little pieces of your crawler. I find the minnows or leeches help reduce the amount of little bait stealers that you have to contend with. I’ve also seem some perch showing up just off the dropoffs and near sandy or rocky points.

Bass have been just great lately. For largemouth I’m finding that my trusty little spinnerbaits in the weeds continue to produce the best for me. You can also have good success using plastic worms rigged weedless. Smallmouth are using the dropoffs near rocky shorelines and especially offshore bars. Crayfish imitators like tube jigs work well and so do deep running crankbaits or a jig tipped with a large to extra large leech.

Walleye are into the summer pattern. You will have best success during low light periods and they are also using submerged rock humps as prime feeding areas. During daylight hours you may find them in the deepest weed edges or on deep flats over areas of sandgrass. Crawlers, leeches, and minnows like chubs or suckers will be your best bait choices now.

Pike seem to be everywhere in the typical shallow weeds. They aren’t too finicky and anything flashy and moving will get their attention. The same spinnerbaits I use for bass have done well for me. Weedless spoons are another good choice along with spinners like a Mepps #4 or 5.

Muskies are being just like muskies. Very unpredictable. I’ve seen a pattern of finding fish in mid depth weeds and relating to rock humps on windy days. Another guide friend swears that they’re all real deep. Another guy is only catching them on surface baits while I’m having more success on bucktails and yet another fellow swears you have to use crankbaits. Here’s my take on the situation. We are seeing muskies in most all of the typical mid summer locations however they are showing up in very short “feeding windows” of time. If you’re at the right spot when those fish are ready to eat then you’re going to have some fun.  Unfortunately nobody can really predict the exact times that this will happen and even when it does the fish you’re after may have just gulped down a nice fat sucker or perch and is not interested in your bait. Here’s my suggestion. Consider your day to be a hunting expedition. Watch closely for follows or signs of a musky being present in an area. If you start having some activity like a couple follows in a relatively short period of time then start making a “milk run” to the locations you have seen fish during your hunting expedition. Cover the area quickly but thoroughly and if there’s no action move on to the next spot on your milk run. These feeding windows may only last for a portion of an hour so make the most of that time when action starts heating up. Watch for changing weather patterns or changing exposure to light to act as triggers to the feeding windows.

Hope some of this helps to explain what is going on in the area lakes. Remember to keep an open mind to changing tactics for whatever type of fish you’re targeting. Keep safe on the water and don’t forget your sunscreen and bug spray. Most of all have fun and come back often!

Don’t forget to listen in to the “Regular Fishin' for Regular Guys” radio program by going to my website on Sunday evenings at 7:00 pm. Click on the “listen live” icon and you’re connected to the latest fishing information in the northwoods. You’re invited to call in or e-mail the show with your questions or stop by Wild Eagle Resort in Eagle River to view the show live if you're in the area.

Pete Stoltman

Last Cast Guide Service

Regular Fishin’ for Regular Guys Outdoor Radio

715-542-4142

www.lastcastguideservice.com

pjs53@frontiernet.net