Planning a Fishing Trip to Phelps?
Check out these tips from a local fishing guide.
The season is underway.
Now that we have a couple of weeks under our belts, I hope you’ve found all your hot spots. Just a couple of reminders, it is still catch and release for Smallmouth Bass until June 17th and Muskie opens in the north zone May 27th.
Panfish:
Perch will be in the new weed growth; using a slip bobber tipped with minnows are the best bite right now. Crappies are starting to spawn on smaller darker lakes and will continue as the water warms in the larger lakes. Slip bobber rigs with hook and minnow or a jig and plastic should do the trick. If you find some warmer water in the bays or shallow flats, you might get into some bluegills too.
Northern:
Northerns will still be found around new weeds pitching jig and minnows or anything that moves should be a good bet.
Walleye:
These are going to be moving from post spawn areas and you will have to do a little searching. They will start going to the new weed growth, maybe the sand flats off the spawning areas but pitching 1/8th oz. jigs tipped with fathead minnows or slip bobbers just over and around will catch you a nice fish fry also.
Muskies:
They will be starting, in process, or finishing spawning depending on the lake water temps. Smaller baits this time of the year are your best baits to go to right now.
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!
Planning a trip North to check out the lakes for yourself? Visit our Business Directory online to find local dining and lodging options or give us a call at 715-545-3800 to order a hard copy of the Phelps Visitor Guide to be mailed to you. Need to brush up on the local fishing regulations? Visit the DNR online.
