Monday Information Update 9-22-08

Well gang,

The geese are flying south, the brewers are blowing it and the Musky are biting, it must be fall.

Water temps are in the mid 60's to low 70's after a week of warmer weather. The weeds are still very green on most lakes. Fishing hasn't changed much since the end of August. The warmer weather and consistent weather is keeping the patterns fairly solid.

Bass continue to relate to weeds. Weeds on shallow flats are being used by active fish a couple times a day to feed and as ambush points. There's lots of baitfish and small bluegills swimming in the 3-8 foot depths, and the bass are feeding heavily on this batch of fish. Wackyworms, jigworms, small floating minnow baits or lipless crankbaits are catching these fish.

Northern have moved to the outside weedline and to weeds in 18-22 feet of water. The best way to target these fish is with deep diving crankbaits or small suckers or larger shiners on a slip sinker rig. Early and later in the day, target fish with buzzbaits or spinnerbaits on the shallow flats.

Musky have moved out of the deeper water and are holding on the weedlines. Mornings have been better than evenings by all reports, and fish have been caught very shallow along rocks with visible baitfish. The warmer weather has slowed the bite some from that cold snap a couple weeks ago, but as the daytime temps start to cool down, expect the action to pick up dramatically. Gliders, swimbaits, bucktails and suckers on a quick strike rig have all been producing.

Bluegills are moving shallower as the days get shorter. look for them in weedy areas in 6-12 feet of water. Panfish plumpers or plastics tipped with wax worms are your best bets. Expect the crappie to move in as the water temperature drop.

Walleye on the lake are still deep, but are moving shallow in the morning and the evenings. Minnowbaits, shiners or suckers, or spinner harnesses have been producing. The Rock River is starting to give up some walleyes, especially in the Blackhawk Island area.

Whitebass continue their epic run on Lake Koshkonong. trolling with crankbaits, minnow baits or spinner harnesses in 4-6 feet of water off the mainlake points has been producing. Anglers who get on the bite can expect a mixed bag of fish including some walleyes and nice pike.

Good Luck,
CT