Fishing in Hot Water
We are coming into the warmest water temps of the summer, I have found high 70’s to even the 80’s in some of the darker bays. When fighting fish, especially the ones you’re going to be releasing, please take care not to stress them out. There isn’t a lot of changes in the fish patterns on the area lakes I’ve been on.
Panfish:
Perch are in the weeds and using a slip bobber tipped with minnows or tossing a 1/8th oz. jig with a small minnow seems to be doing the job. Crappies are in the deeper weeds and around structure. Slip bobber rigs with a hook and minnow or a jig and plastic should do the trick. Bluegills are all over in the weeds. Slip bobber rigs baited with red worms or waxies will catch these. Remember we do have panfish regulations on a few of our lakes in the area.
Bass:
Largemouth can be found in the shallow weeds and around docks; they will be caught using top water and spinnerbaits and plastic worms at this time. Smallies are in and around the rocks and can be had by using small crankbaits and jerkbaits.
Northern:
Will be found in and around weeds pitching jig and minnows or small spinnerbaits and spoons like the Johnson Silver Minnow will get their attention.
Walleye:
We are casting 1/8th oz. jigs tipped with crawlers or slip bobber rigs just over and around weeds. Try dragging crawlers or a leech on a Lindy rig in the harder bottom areas of the lake.
Muskies:
Bucktails and jerkbaits are still working, along with top water and various rubber baits are all going to work for a while now.
Also, if you’re in the area, the Tuesday evening summer sessions of the Phelps Outdoors and Colin Crawford’s Guide Service “Fishing Tips & Techniques” have begun and go through August 8th. They begin at 6pm and are held in the Phelps School, lower commons (4451 Old School Rd.). The seminars are free of charge and open to the public for all ages and skill levels. They are a great way to find out what’s biting that week and the best way to catch them.
Selective harvest is the way to go. Colin Crawford’s Guide Service, crawfordfishing@gmail.com (715)891-2715. Website is www.crawfordfishing.com or you can also find Phelps Outdoors on Facebook. NPAA #94.
