Monday Information Update 5-12-08

Good Morning,

By all reports, fishing was a little slower over the weekend, but there's plenty going on.

Water temperatures have dipped back into the low to mid 50's with the cool overnight temperatures. Many fish have dropped back into a neutral feeding mode. When I was guiding on Saturday, we were on lots of fish, but I had trouble enticing bites even on a split shot rig tipped with live bait.

One batch of fish is very active though, and that's the Musky. Many, many quality sized fish are patrolling the shallow flats and rocky areas in 3-12 feet of water, and are chasing aggressively. The larger fish that are being caught still show the physical signs of the spawn.

Bass fishing was somewhat slow as well. Lots of anglers are catching a few fish, primarily males in the shallow water, but the bite has been tough as the water temperatures dropped. As the weather stabilizes this week, expect things to pick back up. During the prespawn when fish commit to the shallows, they stay shallow. Wacky worms were created for this kind of fishing as were jig and chunks. Just remember to stay slow and methodical.

Panfish are still relating to the weedlines. Decent sized gills are moving into sandy and gravel areas. Garvin and Nagawicka gave up a couple of nice stringers of bluegills while Golden Lake has been on fire for Crappies the last 7-10 days. Look for weeds in 8-12 feet of water and suspend minnows along the inside and outside weedlines.

Walleye fishing was slow with lethargic fish reported on many lakes. They fish are relating to weeds in 6-12 feet of water and rockbars and rocky points in about 8-12 feet of water. They are spooky and don't appear to be feeding to aggressively. I'd stay with big fat heads, nightcrawlers and small suckers on lindy rigs as the primary approach, especially on the clear water lakes.

The slow no wake regs have been removed from many area lakes, but the water remains high. I didn't risk it at Lac Labelle this weekend, where the water is as high as I have ever seen it, and the Genessee lakes remain closed to trailer launching. Just be sure to check the board at the launch for any special regs in place for the body of water you are fishing.

One last thing: Consider joining us Tuesday night for the Musky Mikes Big Bass League on Okauchee Lake. 48 anglers took part last week and 29 fish were weighed in. With the spawn progressing, some bigger fish are sure to be caught. Live well checks are at 5:50pm at Gilligan's on the Channel. Full rules, including the one fish limit rule, are available on the baitshop's main website or by calling the shop.

See you on the water,
CT