Summer Fishing in Phelps

It looks like the weather is warming up and that should get things underwater moving again, with weeds growing and fish moving. Using jigs to crankbaits and a whole lot of baits in between will help for a while now.

Panfish:

Perch are in the weeds and using a slip bobber tipped with minnows or tossing a 1/8^th 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 up in the shallows on the warmer lakes; 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. Smallies are in and around the rocks and can be had by using small crankbaits and jerkbaits.

Northern:

Northerns 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 1/8^th oz. jigs tipped with crawlers or slip bobbers just over and around weeds. Try dragging crawlers or a leech on a Lindy rig.

Muskies:

Bucktails and jerkbaits are working, along with top water, these are your go to baits for a while now.

Free Fishing Seminars from Phelps Outdoors

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 8^th.  They begin at 6 pm 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.

Happy fishing!