Memorial Day Fishing

If you're taking some time out of this weekend to go fishing, here's some help.

First, on the tabs on the right, I added a list of shore fishing areas for those of you who are boat "challenged." I don't recommend one over any of the others, but I have caught some decent fish from the Lac Labelle shore fishing areas.

Here's a rundown on what's happening on the local waters.

Panfish: Crappie spanwing is in the final stages, but there are bluegills on their nests in the shallows. They can be easily caught. Look for shallow sandy or gravel banks in 2-6 feet of water. Leave the nightcrawlers at home, take waxworms, panfish plumpers or small leeches. If you're going after bigger panfish (like eating size ones) try the bottom of sandy dropoffs in 8-15 feet of water. Garvin, Silver and Lower Genessee are my absolute favorite local lakes for this kind of fishing.

Bass: The Largemouths and Smallmouths are in the postspawn. They can be caught, but they tend to be scattered and on the prowl. They can be anywhere from 2 feet to 40 feet deep right now. If you see gills spawning, there's usually a few bass around. I'd throw shallow diving crankbaits, rattletraps, and topwaters for hardbaits. Wacky worms and twister tail grubs are your all around best bets for soft plastics. Shiners, small suckers or nightcrawlers round out your primary live bait options for bass. There's a tournament on Okauchee on Saturday, but bass have been giving up some steady action on most area lakes.

Northern Pike: Use shiners or suckers with circle hooks near the shallow weedbeds. If you are casting, try buzzbaits, rattletraps or inline spinners. Watch for isolated clumps or transitions from weed type to another as key areas. If there's any baitfish around one of these spots, work it a bunch. Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Fowler and Lac Labelle have been giving up pike.

Walleye: Evening and Night fishing has been where the best action has been. Pine, Nagawicka and Oconomowoc have given up some better fish locally. Lac Labelle is your best daytime option for Walleyes. Use leeches, walleye suckers or nightcrawlers on splitshot or lindy rigs around weeds. I'd start in 15-18 feet of water and work my way shallower to find fish. Some of the guides have been using leeches under slip bobbers effectively when targeting walleyes along weedlines.

Musky: Pewaukee, Okauchee and Oconomowoc have all been consistently giving up muskies from shalow water. Tora or Tiger tubes, swim baits, gliders or bucktails are solid options for casting choices. Muskies have been using shallow water throughout the day. Look for them in or near weed to rock transition areas.

Stop by the shop and we can point out some likely areas and offer some tackle and live bait options for your holiday weekend.

Good Luck Out There.
CT