Sea of Cortez Pacific Ocean

WEATHER: We had a hot week here in Cabo as our daytime highs were in the mid to high 90's and the nighttime lows only got down to 85 degrees. Our cloud cover varied as weather from the mainland appeared intermittently, ever few days a new cloud deck comes over and we get a bit muggy for a day. No rain here in town this week, but I bet there was some up in the mountains!

WATER: After a strange change in the water temperatures last week, we are back to about what we expect for this time of year. On the Sea of Cortez the water is a very consistent 88 degrees while the Pacific side as a band of cold water along the beach that reads as 83 degrees. The warm 88 degree water from the Cortez side has a finger running up the Pacific side across the San Jaime Bank and up to the western edge of the Golden Gate Bank. This finer of warm water extends out to almost the 1,000 fathom line, then the temperature drops to 83 degrees again. This week the swells have been small and the winds light so the fishing conditions have been fantastic!

BAIT: Caballito, Mullet and Sardines were the live bait available with the bigger baits at the usual $3 each and the Sardinas at $25 a scoop up in the Palmilla area.

FISHING:

BILLFISH: There are plenty of Striped Marlin being seen but not all of them have been hungry. A few boats have tossed baits to as many as 8 fish per trip and have been lucky to get three hooked up and released, for most boats just getting one released has been a reason for celebration. As far as the larger Marlin go, some Blacks are beginning to show up off the Gorda Banks and the Punta Gorda area and there have been Blue Marlin attacking lures both to the south of Cabo and around the warm water plume on the Pacific side. Most of these larger fish a=have been in the 200-300 pound class, but there have been reports of some in the magic 300+ category as well. Lures have been the best stuff to use on the Blue Marlin and the Black Marlin really like slow trolled live Skipjack.

YELLOWFIN TUNA: Strangely enough, Yellowfin Tuna have remained our fish of the week. I mean that because we have been seeing Purse Seiners setting on schools out here, and we are still catching some nice Tuna, in spite of them. There have been some very nice fish reported from the area of the Finger Banks, but that is a long haul for the fleet guys on a fingers crossed trip when there is good fishing closer to home. Boats fishing the Pacific side have been catching fish ranging from 10 to 100 pounds with most of them in the 20-30 pound class while trolling cedar plugs and feathers around porpoise and dolphin. The larger fish have been hooked on slow trolled live bait and live bait dropped back after hooking up to a trolled fish, but the very largest fish have been taken while fishing under a kite. We had clients this week who caught 5 Yellowfin between 30 and 60 pounds and several small one, the larger fish all coming from using the kite. Other boats working a bit farther out to the south reported larger fish over 100 pounds coming from under a kite.

DORADO: The Dorado bite did not change this week as there were still plenty of fish to be caught, you just had to be fishing the right areas get them. Almost all the big numbers were found within 2 miles of the beach on the Pacific side up past the Arcos area. Big numbers do not mean big fish though as most of these Dorado were in the 10 pound class with a few much smaller as well. The larger fish were found farther offshore, but were scattered, no concentrated, Boats that did well on the larger fish were looking for feeding frigate birds and running to them, tossing out live bait and slow trolling the area. Also, almost anything you found floating this week was likely to have fish under it. A few boats were able to get into small groups of Dorado averaging 25 pounds and catching 3 or 4 for the fish box.
WAHOO: Once again I did not hear of any Wahoo, but we are approaching the full moon and it is the right time of year, so I expect that to change this week.

INSHORE: Some Roosterfish as well as a scattering of Snapper and Grouper have kept most inshore anglers a little busy, but with the water conditions the way they are most of the Pangas are going offshore looking for the larger Dorado and some of those great Yellowfin Tuna.

FISH RECIPE: My recipe has been taking too much space so if you want to see it, check out my wordpress blog a little later in the week, or subscribe to the blog and you will receive an email as soon as I post it. This week I actually will be posting one since we finally got some Tuna to take home, a very nice piece from the 169 pound fish!

NOTES: I love having fresh Tuna to eat, yesterday I fixed some sushi and we pigged out, even the dog had some! Hopefully having the Tuna here is a situation that will stay the same for the next few months, it sure would be nice if they stayed in our area for the Tuna Tournament in November! This weeks report was written to the sound of techno-dancer music blasting from a neighbors outdoor speakers a block away, some kind of rave going on for the last two days. Noise pollution when it is that loud in a residential area! Oh well, it's off to the beach with the wife and puppy, home for a good breakfast and then a good sit down for a Sunday of football!! Don't forget all the victims of the terrorist act of 9/11 in your prayers today.

Until next week, tight lines!

Brule River Fly Fishing guides in Northern Wisconsin

Fly fishing the Brule River State Forest located in Northern Wisconsin contains all 44 miles of the world famous fly fishing river....Bois Brule River, one of the best known fly fishing rivers east of the Mississippi. For over one hundred years, the Bois Brule River has been known as an exceptional fly fishing trout stream. The Bois Brule River contains resident brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. Lake run brown trout and rainbow (steelhead) trout along with Coho and Chinook salmon migrate up the Bois Brule River annually from Lake Superior for fly fishing anglers to pursue.

The Bois Brule River itself has two distinct personalities. The upper river (the southern portion) flows through miles of coniferous bog and is fed by numerous springs. When the river crosses the Copper Range, it begins a fall of 328 feet in the eighteen miles to Lake Superior. Here, flashing cascades tumble over rocks and ledges and between steep river bluffs forested with aspen and balsam fir.

Fly Fishing the St. Louis River Minnesota

Enjoy a scenic fly fishing drift boat trip down the St. Louis River catching smallies on one of the top smallmouth bass waters in the Midwest.  We offer guided fly fishing float trips down the Upper St. Louis River in 2 or 3 person pontoon drift boats and a powered boat for the Lower St. Louis River and the Duluth Superior Harbor. The Upper St. Louis River is mostly carry down access, so the fishing is light compared to other high profile smallmouth bass rivers, but has an excellent smallmouth bass population for fly fishing.  The Lower St. Louis River also contains good populations of Muskellunge and Northern Pike as well as large smallmouth bass. The St. Louis River watershed is large, covering 3,650 square miles. Because the river has minimal shallow rapids that there is nearly always enough water for canoeing and other boating. The rapids in the upper part of the river are Class I or less. In the lower part of the river, from the Floodwood to Cloquet, rapids are Class I-III.

St. Louis River Water characteristics - Stream flow usually peaks in late April and falls throughout the summer. The river's flow is affected by the regulation of reservoirs on tributaries, particularly the Whiteface and Cloquet rivers. From U.S. Highway 53 to Cloquet the river falls 136 feet, an average of 1.5 feet per mile. The river varies in width from 75 to 600 feet.

St. Louis River Landscape - Parts of the St. Louis are wild; other are dotted with farms, homes or small towns. Cloquet is the most developed area. Though bluffs and wooded hills are common in the upper reaches, the middle section of river is flanked by low-lying woods and bogs. The watershed is bordered to the north by middle Precambrian ores of the Mesabi Iron Range. Underlying the St. Louis itself are mid-Precambrian argillite and graywacke. In its middle reaches the St. Louis flows across silts and clays that once formed the nearly level bed of glacial Lake Upham.

St. Louis Fish and wildlife - Walleye and northern pike are the principle game fish, though smallmouth bass are common from the mouth of the Whiteface River to Cloquet, and channel catfish from Floodwood to Brookston. Timber wolves, bobcats, lynx, beavers, otters, bald eagles and osprey are occasionally sighted. Big game includes moose, black bears and white-tailed deer.

Lake Michigan Fly Fishing Guides

Illinois has some wonderful fly fishing opportunities. Of course, Lake Michigan fly fishing reigns supreme, but there are also a number of lakes and rivers with some great angling action. Also, because of an active fishing program, many neighborhood ponds and waters in state parks are stocked and carefully managed. No matter what type of fish you want to catch on the fly, there’s an Illinois fly fishing guide ready to help. Trout Fishing in Illinois Illinois anglers have at their disposal the cold waters of Lake Michigan, home to many fish species. The state record rainbow trout (31 pounds, 7 ounces), brown trout (36 pounds, 11 ounces), brook trout (7 pounds, 5 ounces), lake trout (38 pounds, 4 ounces), and tiger trout (8 pounds, 12.5 ounces) were all caught in the huge lake. Lake Michigan fly fishing charters are readily available. The Illinois DNR stocks catchable-size rainbow trout in many lakes and small community ponds across the state. Some of these include Lake of the Woods, Axehead Lake, Siloam Springs State Park Lake, the campus pond at East Illinois University, Balleau Lake, Manners Park Pond, Mill Race Pond, Silver Lake, Mount Vernon Game Farm Pond, Sand Lake, Banana Lake, Wyman Lake, Lake Atwood, Jones Park Lake, and Washington Park Pond. Rivers and streams that receive trout are Kent Creek, Waddams Creek, Yellow Creek, Piscasaw Creek, Rock Creek, the Apple River, and Pine Creek.

Lake Michigan the Fishing Paradise

The winter blues are getting me down so I must reminisce about days gone by. My first thoughts go right to the Big water of Lake Michigan and April when the seasons changes are taking place. The warming temperatures are soothing my soul. The thought of the boats maiden voyage and the words fish on are bringing life back into these blue days of winter. I can picture pulling the lines from the boat and backing out of the slip as the anticipations are getting thicker and thicker. My first exposure of the year to the scents and rhythmic waves of our Great Lakes. As we go under the overpass and can see that even the Railroad Trestle is open, now I know this is a dream. No waiting today. As the pier comes into view I can see people fishing with the same anticipations I’m having. The smell enters my senses like pulling into the driveway and the wife has after a long day a field who just happens to be grilling steaks on the barby. It’s almost intoxicating. The winds are calm and the sun is heating up my face as I turn to look at one of the pier fisherman with a nice battle going. As the Throttle goes forward and the Bow of the boat gently raises from the water I feel the power at my hands and drop the hammer. As I make a portside turn and bring the boat parallel to shore the Sea gulls are diving into my prop wash so I bring the throttle back and bring it down to trolling speed. As I start setting the flatlines with Rapalas and Thin fins, before I can even get the first rod in the holder the words fish-on ring loud and clear from one of the other crew. A beautiful spring Coho will soon be at hand. The smell of salmon on my hands and in the boat, again bring a soothing feelings to my soul. Spring will be here soon and I needed these thoughts.

Castle Rock Lake

Castle Rock Lake encompasses approxomatly 16,600 acres with a maximum depth of 32 feet. The lake was formed in 1951 when the gates on the newly completed dam were closed. Castle Rock Lake is an impoundment of the Wisconsin River, or more commonly referred to as a flowage. Castle Rock Lake has an abundant population of walleye, white bass, perch and crappies, as well as good numbers of large mouth and small mouth bass, northern pike, musky.

Castle Rock Lake is located 30 minutes north of Wisconsin Dells and is bordered by Adams County on the east and Juneau County on the west. Numerous motels are adjacent to the lake as well as county and state parks, with camping sites available. Northern Bay Resort is located on the Adams County side and considered one of the finest family destinations, offering boating, swimming, golf, and more.


Types os fish in Castle Rock Lake



Musky, Muskie, & Muskellunge - Clear Muskie, Barred Muskie, Spotted Muskie, and Tiger Muskie, Northern Pike, Walleye & Sauger, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Strip Bass aka Strippers, Catfish, Sturgeon, Black Crappie & White Crappie, Panfish including; Bluegill, Pumpkinseed, Yellow perch, Yellow Bullhead and tons more…White Sucker, Carp, Bowfin, Dogfish

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Nawakwa Lake - Michigan

Nawakwa Lake (Sucker Lake) is located in Alger County, approximately 15 miles north of Seney and one mile east of M77.  Nawakwa Lake is the origin of the Sucker River which flows northerly, emptying into Lake Superior.  Tributaries of Nawakwa Lake include Sullivan Creek in the northwest corner and three small unnamed creeks.  The surrounding area is characterized by gentle rolling hills.  The immediate and surrounding vegetation consists mostly of mixed hardwood (birch, maple and beech), and mixed swamp types (hemlock, spruce, and cedar).  A bald eagle nest has been located on the 18-acre island for many years.  Very little development exists around the lake.  A sportsman's club (the Newton Club) owns considerable property on the west side.  Their caretaker has a house at the shore.  Another small group of cabins exists on the central east shoreline. Nawakwa Lake is 369 acres in size.  Its shoreline is very irregular, having 9 points and 9 bays.  The bottom varies from mud in the shallow north bay to sand, to gravel, to rocks and to pulpy peat in the deeper waters.  Although the lake has a maximum depth of 37 feet, 70% of the surface is less than 15 feet deep and sand bars and shallow reefs challenge navigation.  The water is stained brown and slightly turbid.  The pH was 7.6 and the MO alkalinity was 60ppm CaCO3 during a chemical survey in 1989.  Other past water chemistry data have indicated that the lake becomes strongly stratified in the summer and that oxygen deficits have occurred near the bottom.  Most of the littoral zone supports aquatic vegetation, which consists of Potomageton sp., Elodea sp., and lily pads.  Emergent vegetation consists of mostly bulrushes and cattails.   The public access at Nawakwa Lake was opened in 1966.  The access site is located on the Sucker Lake Road off of CR703, the Old Seney/Grand Marais Road.  The boat ramp is concrete and there is a courtesy pier.  However, there is not much parking area for vehicles and trailers, and boaters must use caution when exiting through the shallow narrows into the rest of the lake.

Smallmouth bass, walleyes, and bluegills were stocked from 1937 to 1942.  A general survey in 1966 showed that smallmouth bass, rock bass, pumpkinseed sunfish, bluegill, yellow perch, northern pike, bullheads, white suckers, and bluntnose minnows were fairly abundant in Nawakwa Lake.  Another survey in 1967 added walleyes to the species list.  Since 1976, the lake has been managed for cool water species: northern pike, walleyes, smallmouth bass, yellow perch and rock bass.  In 1981, a manual removal was conducted for suckers and bullheads, removing 1517 lbs (4.1 lbs/acre) of bullheads and 434 lbs (1.2 lbs/acre) of white suckers.  Walleye fry were stocked intermittently until 1990 to supplement natural reproduction.  Early records indicated good survival and recruitment of walleyes in Nawakwa Lake.  There was also evidence of natural reproduction.  

A 1989 netting survey revealed a species composition similar to the 1967 survey, with the deletion of smallmouth bass and bluegills.  Walleyes, northern pike, rock bass and brown bullhead dominated the 1989 survey catch both by number and by weight.  Growth analyses showed walleyes, pumpkinseed sunfish, and yellow perch to be growing near state average.  Nine year classes of walleyes were present, indicating excellent survival, recruitment and evidence of successful natural reproduction.  Walleyes ranged from 10-25 inches and had an average length of 16.6 inches.  Northern pike were represented by five year classes, ranging from 6-28 inches with an average length of 19.8 inches.  Pumpkinseed sunfish were represented by seven year classes, ranging from 2-8 inches with an average length of 6.9 inches.  Yellow perch were represented in the netting by three year classes.  Rock bass were not aged, but the length frequency (2-12 inches) and average length (8.6 inches) indicated a 

healthy population.  Brown bullheads dominated the survey catch, comprising 29% of the biomass.  However, the bullheads did not appear to be stunted.  They ranged in length from 3-16 inches with an average length of 13.0 inches.  White suckers represented only 8.4% of the catch biomass.  Suckers ranged in size from 14-22 inches, averaging 18.7 inches.

A 1994 netting survey found the same species composition as the 1989 survey.  However, the walleye growth rate had fallen more than 2.6 inches from that of 1989.  In addition, northern pike growth had fallen slightly from 1989.  Legal sized walleyes (15+ inches) comprised 69% of the survey, while only 4% of the pike captured were legal sized at 24+ inches.  Walleyes comprised 20% of the total catch biomass, while pike comprised 15%.  Suckers comprised 19% of the catch biomass, while bullheads comprised 40%.  Both sucker and bullhead percentages of the catch biomass had increased from the 1989 survey.   The Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR) conducted several nighttime boomshocking surveys during the 1990's, targeting fingerling walleyes.  Natural reproduction was shown to be so high during the early 1990's that the stocking program was cancelled.  Later surveys continued to document excellent numbers of fingerling walleyes.  Natural reproduction appeared to be easily capable of sustaining the walleye fishery.

The 2000 netting survey restored smallmouth bass to the lake's species list, but did not capture any pumpkinseeds.  There were good numbers of large pike, walleyes and rock bass.  Most sports fish species present in that survey had a large percentage of legal or acceptable sized fish.  For example, 96% of the walleyes captured were 15+ inches, 23% of the northern pike were 24+ inches, and 94% of the rock bass were 6+ inches (Table 1).  However, there was also a huge increase in bullhead numbers, comprising 66% of the catch biomass.  Even though more numerous and smaller than those of the 1989 and 1994 surveys, bullheads averaged 11.3 inches.  Once again, only a few small perch were captured.  Walleye abundance has apparently decreased since 1989, as indicated by the catch per effort (CPE, no. fish per net-night), which fell from 3.3 in 1989, to 2.2 in 1994, to 1.2 in 2000.  However, their growth rate had increased about 0.5 inches from 1994, to -2.3 inches.  The mortality estimate (Robson and Chapman 1961) using ages 6-13 was only 26%.  Ages 2-5 all experienced extremely low mortality rates.  Perhaps the relatively low walleye mortality rate and resultant increas of older walleyes in the lake had produced their slow growth by increasing competition for the available forage.  For comparison, other good walleye lakes in the area support mortalities of over 30%.

  

Northern pike CPE has remained quite uniform at roughly 2.5 over the years, but only 22% of pike captured in 2000 were smaller than 20 inches, while roughly another 23% were legal at 24+ inches . The larger pike were also older fish (Table 4).  Pike aged 4-9 had a mortality estimate of 69% (Table 3), but mortalities were only 1-20% for ages 1-3.  At age 4 when mortality increased, pike average size was 22.6 in, implying that angler harvest was a significant factor influencing their high mortality. Yellow perch CPE dropped from 3.3 in 1984 to 1.7 in 1989, to 0.1 in 1994, and was 0.4 in 2000.  This decline was probably the result of predatory control exerted by the bullhead, northern pike, and walleyes.  Even so, the growth rate for the much-reduced perch population was still slower than state average (Table 2).  Similar to the 1989 survey, all perch collected were smaller than 7 inches.  White sucker abundance was also less than in the previous study, quite low at only 6.6% of the total catch biomass.

The capture of two smallmouth bass in the 2000 netting survey was somewhat of a relief, as no 

smallmouth bass had been captured during either the 1989 or 1994 surveys.  Since several large smallmouth bass had been caught by anglers during recent years, their continual absence from netting surveys was disconcerting.  It can be assumed, however, that smallmouth bass are rare in this lake. The MDNR conducted a manual removal for bullheads during the spring of 2001.  However, the weather and prior commitments combined to produce a poor result.  The effort started when water was too warm, resulting in the removal of only 1,550 lbs (4.2 lbs/acre) of bullheads in 15 days.  For comparison, 1,974 lbs were removed during the normal 2000 netting survey.  An October 2001 walleye fingerling boomshocking survey captured 91 fingerlings, 21 yearlings, and 14 adults in only 1 mile of shoreline.  All of those fish were the result of natural reproduction. A walleye fingerling boomshocking survey was conducted in September 2004 after a long, cold, and wet spring season that was marginal for walleye spawning.  Compared with the 2001 survey results, fingerlings comprised only a small fraction of the catch.  The survey resulted in capture of 83 walleyes but only six fingerlings from 3-4 inches.  Age analyses verified that only the six smaller walleyes were young of the year.  The boomshocking effort resulted in capture of walleyes up to age 6.

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About Au Train Lake

Au Train, a French term meaning "at the shortcut or traverse" was one of the earliest sites visited by white men as they traveled along Lake Superior's south shore. The river was part of an ancient Indian route between Lakes Superior and Michigan. One of Alger County's oldest settlements, Au Train was first inhabited by white men in 1856 when William Cameron began hunting and trapping there. Rayel Whittlesey built a sawmill in 1882 and logging of Norway pine for dock pilings was begun. Later, choice white pine was hewed into squared timbers of shipment to England. By 1873 the Sault Str. Marie & Grand Island State Road Extension was completed to the village. A number of Ojibwa Indians lived in the area and they used the bluff just west of the village for a lookout and a fur pecking station. A field of corn was also planted at its base. The population of Au Train had a big increase in 1877 when a number of settlers moved from Bay Furnace near Munising when that Iron-making community was destroyed by fire. Among the new residents were the Bovans, Doucattes, Larmonds, Carriers and Reffruchinn's who built small cabins where the Alger-Smith Company had begun lumbering operations. Logging at the pine now began in earnest, and the Au Train River and its tributaries were filled with the big logs bound for mills there and in lower Michigan, Rock River, Marquette, and later, to Munising. The Detroit Mackinac & Marquette Railroad reached the village in 1881.

A school was built shortly which also served as the social, political and religious center of the community. In 1883 a post office was established. A high point in Au Train's history came in 1885 when the northern part of Schoolcraft County was organized as Alger County, with Au Train becoming the county seat. The next year a town site was platted and a shingle mill was built. A business district typical of a county seat and sawmill town soon developed. There were several stores, two hotels, saloons and the Au Train Alpha- the county's first newspaper. Commercial fishing became an important industry and the beautiful Au Train Lake and River attracted a growing number of tourists after advent of the railroad in 1881. Settlers began homesteads south of the village on Au Train Lake, the first taken out by Emma Neilson in 1885, with others by Charles Paulson and Alec McKinnen. One of the area's prominent early developers was Charles Schaffer of Marquette who was known as the "Charcoal King" because of his extensive activities throughout the region in the manufacture of charcoal for iron making. He platted the village and donated land for the courthouse and cemetery. Brownstone was quarried for miles west for building purposes, and it was used in the construction of the county's first jail in 1890.

After the turn-of-the-century, the Standard Tie Company began extensive logging  operations in the area, but by 1919 the last logs were boomed on the Au Train River, ending a colorful era.

In 1902, the county seat was moved to Munising, which was rapidly becoming the county's industrial and commercial center. During its long history, Au Train has been an important transit and step over point for both Indians and white men, a sawmill town county seat, commercial fishing port and resort center. Tourism and recreation now give the village its livelihood. With a picturesque location on Lake Superior, flanked by its winding river and skirting the beautiful shore of its inland lake, Au Train is still a busy village among the pines proud of its colorful history.

Wisconsin Walleye Fishing Tips

1. Back trolling with a slip-sinker rig is the best means of locating Walleye. Begin your fishing trip by using bait-fish, but always carry a few night crawlers or leeches. Sometimes when the fish are using heavy cover such as weeds, stumps, or boulders, it may be necessary to use a slip-bobber rig, which is most effective when fished with natural bait in snag-infested locations. Specialized jig heads which stand at a 45 degree angle when on the bottom and tipped with a large minnow, can produce fish when others fail.

2. When walleye are associated with aquatic vegetation, one of the best techniques for night-time fishing is long-lining with a minnow shaped floater-diver plug or a night crawler-leech on a harness. Let out 120 to 150 feet of line and troll the bait just above the weed line so it occasionally touches the plants. After dark cast crank-baits over shallow bars, land points and rock reefs for walleye.

3. When you get into mid-summer, one of the best places to focus on is the deepest part of the lake and the adjacent deep weedlines. This is by far the premium part of the lake where the food chain is most active this time of year. Walleyes use these areas to push bait into the bank and feed on them at the base of the weeds.

4. The deeper you are fishing, the longer a fishing rod you want for a good hookset. A longer rod is more flexible and provides better leverage. Walleyes are finicky in mid-summer, so use a 7-footer for bobber-fishing and deep rigging. If you are long-line trolling, running boards or lead-core fishing, you want a longer rod in the 8-foot range.

5. When the summer heat warms the water to its peak temperatures, usually in the high 70s, baitfish move from their preferred weedy locations into the cooler waters of the lake, making them easier to target. One of the best techniques is to troll the outside of these weeds, which is usually 15 to 20 feet deep.

Wisconsin Fishing Report

Crappie fishing is good. The best action during low light conditions, when they can be found around weeds in 6-10 feet of water. An Aberdeen hook baited with a small fathead minnow and suspended under a bobber has worked best. Casting a 1/32-ounce jig and 2-inch plastic combo also produce well. Bluegill fishing has been great, with many anglers having to "up-size" their bait to keep the small gills off their hook. Look for them around weeds in 6-18 feet of water. A small hook or jig baited with a waxworm, giant redworm or piece of night crawler has caught many fish. A slip-bobber rig, drop-shot rig or lindy rig is the best ways to present these baits. Bigger gills caught using a 1/32-ounce jig baited with a small fathead minnow, half night crawler or 2-inch plastic tail. Perch active around shallower sand/rock areas near scattered weed clumps. A fathead minnow, giant redworm or crab tail baited on a small jig suspended under a bobber has produced. Smallmouth bass action is good, with many big smallies being caught and released. Look for them around rocks or near breaks. Tube jigs, 5-inch grubs, wacky jigs, drop-shot rigs and spinner baits have produced. A red-tail chub, small sucker or night crawler fished on a lindy rig works great. Largemouth bass active around weeds in 5-15 feet of water. Spinner baits, crank baits, plastics, jig-and-chunk combos, golden shiners and night crawlers have produced.

Walleyes found around weed edges or rocks in 12-20 feet of water. A jig or live-bait rig baited with a night crawler, medium golden shiner, small sucker or jumbo fathead has worked well. At night, cast stick baits over the tops of weeds. Muskies most active around weed edges or breaks. Anglers have had success using spinner baits, plastic baits, glide baits and crank baits. Suckers on quick-strike rigs also enticed strikes. During early morning and evening, cast top-water baits over weed flats. Northern pike active along deeper weed lines. Soaking a medium sucker, chub or large golden shiner on a slip-sinker rig or slip-bobber rig has worked best. Casting crank baits, spinners and chatter baits have also produced.

Wisconsin Lakes

Wisconsin Lakes are known for Great Fishing and beautiful Lake Property.  Find information on Wisconsin Fishing, Wisconsin Lake Homes, Wisconsin Fishing Resorts, WI Fishing Reports, Wisconsin Fishing Guides and more.

Wisconsin may be known for great Cheese and Beer, but we also have a State covered with amazing lakes.  Most of our great lakes are located in Northern Wisconsin, which features the Minocqua Lakes, Hayward Lakes, Bayfield County Lakes and Door County Lakes.  Wisconsin Lakes are prime for Walleye Fishing, Northern Pike Fishing and Bass Fishing.  With incredible fishing lakes like: Lake Geneva, Castle Rock Lake, Lake Winnebago, Green Lake and the Great Lake Michigan, you are sure to catch your limit on these and most Wisconsin Lakes.  If you enjoy your stay at one of our fine Wisconsin Resorts, you may be interested in searching for Wisconsin Lake Homes and Lake Property for sale on one of your favorite WI Lakes.  There is also the opportunity to take a Wisconsin boat safety course to safely navigate the WI Lakes.  The Wisconsin Dells is also one of the most popular tourist and vacation destinations in the Midwest.  You can come to Wisconsin for the Cheese and Beer, but you will stay for the Beautiful Wisconsin Lakes.

Lake Michigan Chinook Salmon Fishing Tips

Big Chinook Salmon are a cold water species so look for them in temperatures below 45 degrees. The exception is when they come into spawn. At this point in their life temperature is not important. Keep your baits in 45-degree temperature and you will increase your odds on big fish. Chinook salmon in the twelve to seventeen pound class are a regular part of most trips. The big hogs over twenty five pounds are not as common as they used to be. It requires a special attitude on your part to target a wall hanger. Leadcore is another good choice. A weighted line with a fluorocarbon leader is attached to a planer board. The planer board is run well off to the side of the boat out of the travel path. Leadcore is graduated to allow five feet of depth for every color. Five colors will run lures approximately 25 feet down 10 colors fifty feet and so on. This allows you to fish any depth you want and is a killer for huge kings. Several methods are used for salmon trolling. Downriggers are a popular method to run tackle with many variations possible. In sunny conditions increase your downrigger leads to 100 feet or more. By running long leads you work water undisturbed by noise and turbulence of the boat.

Chinook live four and a half years and it makes sense that they will be the biggest at the end of their life cycle. These monsters will be the most aggressive and easiest to get in the months of July thru September. I have produced Kings over twenty pounds in April, although this is the exception to the rule.

Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan, the second largest Great Lake by volume with just under 1,180 cubic miles of water, is the only Great Lake entirely within the United States.  Approximately 118 miles wide and 307 miles long, Lake Michigan has more than 1,600 miles of shoreline. Averaging 279 feet in depth, the lake reaches 925 feet at its deepest point.  The northern tier of Lake Michigan is in the colder, less developed upper Great Lakes region, while its more temperate southern basin contains the Milwaukee and Chicago metropolitan areas. Lake Michigan is the 5th largest lake in the world. Almost 100 species of fish have been recorded in Lake Michigan, besides its world - class trout and salmon fisheries, the lake also supports substantial commercial whitefish, walleye, large and smallmouth bass, steelhead and yellow perch fisheries.  Lake Michigan Fishing Charters are your best and safest bet to enjoy an incredible Lake Michigan Fishing experience.