Hey gang,
A couple of updates on the lake conditions.
1.) Every Lake in the Oconomowoc River Chain (Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Fowler and Lac Labelle,) as well the navigable river sections has been declared slow no wake until further notice. Lower Nashotah, and Upper and Lower Nemahbin are also slow no wake. The water is very high and shoreline damage can occur. Note that this means everywhere on the lake, not just the regular areas, will be slow no wake.
2.) The launch at Lac La Belle will be open starting at 3pm Friday and will remain open until 8am (or so) Monday morning. This will be in effect for weekends until further notice. You may be able to get in or out at other times, but the only time the launch will be guaranteed to be open will be during this weekend window. You can still park on the side streets, but not the one next to where the church accident occurred.
If you are considering Labelle for fishing this weekend, the launch situation will be dicey. Park and Rec recommends that you not try to launch alone, and bring your waders. You will literally be launching the boat in the beach parking lot. Expect these conditions to continue for some time, especially if we get additional rain ver the next few weeks.
3.) The flow in the Oconomowoc river is very, very strong below the Okauchee Lake Dam. If you are considering Oconomowoc for opening weekend, make sure you'll be able to make the return trip to the public launch.
4.) If you are considering heading up north for the opener, I suggest you do some online research or make some calls to make sure that you won't need your ice fishing gear. Many lakes in the northern part of the state still have ice of them.
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
2008 Pre-Opening Day Blogging Volume 1
Hey gang,
There will be lots of updates over the next few days. Be sure to check in.
Some news items for your attention.
1.) Musky Mikes will be open Friday Night if you're heading out early. We're well stocked with fresh bait and some great new tackle items.
2.) Pine Lake is planning on closing their launch Friday until 4am on Saturday. Plan accordingly.
3.) Fowler Lake is at "high water" and is therefore "slow no wake" until further notice.
4.) The road construction and the church accident have made launching on Lac La Belle rather dicey. The City has said the launch would be open on weekends, but I suggest that you contact the city to verify this if you were heading out to Labelle.
5.) The weather looks to be cool with a chance for rain on Saturday morning. It should be a great opener, but make sure to pack the rain gear.
CT
There will be lots of updates over the next few days. Be sure to check in.
Some news items for your attention.
1.) Musky Mikes will be open Friday Night if you're heading out early. We're well stocked with fresh bait and some great new tackle items.
2.) Pine Lake is planning on closing their launch Friday until 4am on Saturday. Plan accordingly.
3.) Fowler Lake is at "high water" and is therefore "slow no wake" until further notice.
4.) The road construction and the church accident have made launching on Lac La Belle rather dicey. The City has said the launch would be open on weekends, but I suggest that you contact the city to verify this if you were heading out to Labelle.
5.) The weather looks to be cool with a chance for rain on Saturday morning. It should be a great opener, but make sure to pack the rain gear.
CT
Monday, April 28, 2008
Fishing this week
Hey Gang,
I received several emails over the weekend asking me what to expect with the cold front we're experiencing right now.
Here's my advice. If you were catching fish in an area, continue to fish that area. The cooler weather can slow the bite down, but the fish won't (usually) move too far once they have committed to shallow water.
I'd expect to see a window of time during the day, maybe two-three hours where the fish would really bite good. The rest of the time you can expect slow, but steady bites. If the crappies don't seem to be chasing minnows, try downsizing to a waxworm on a small red hook (#12) or an ice fishing jig.
As the days pass and conditions remain steady and then improve, expect the window for active feeding to expand. As temperatures rise into the mid 60's, start to pay attention to stumps, logs and other laydowns as many crappie will relate to those types of cover to spawn.
The opener is just a few days away.
Good Luck Out There
CT
I received several emails over the weekend asking me what to expect with the cold front we're experiencing right now.
Here's my advice. If you were catching fish in an area, continue to fish that area. The cooler weather can slow the bite down, but the fish won't (usually) move too far once they have committed to shallow water.
I'd expect to see a window of time during the day, maybe two-three hours where the fish would really bite good. The rest of the time you can expect slow, but steady bites. If the crappies don't seem to be chasing minnows, try downsizing to a waxworm on a small red hook (#12) or an ice fishing jig.
As the days pass and conditions remain steady and then improve, expect the window for active feeding to expand. As temperatures rise into the mid 60's, start to pay attention to stumps, logs and other laydowns as many crappie will relate to those types of cover to spawn.
The opener is just a few days away.
Good Luck Out There
CT
Congratulations
Congratulations to Frank Mazzone for his 1.62# 14-1/4" crappie. He took first place in the Biggest Crappie of the Spring Contest.
He won a G-loomis Ultralight rod.
Thanks to everyone who participated.
CT
PS. I'll be on the hunt next year to take the title. So watch out.
Friday, April 25, 2008
New Site Content
I added a section of links that lead to pictures of various rigging techniques for bass fishing for your reference.
Stay tuned for additional information.
CT
Stay tuned for additional information.
CT
Thursday, April 24, 2008
Weekend Prospects
Well gang, its looks to be a might rocky ahead.
The rain tonight and tommorrow is set to be followed by a rather nasty cold front. Temps in the 70's will drop to the 50's, with some cool nightime temperatures. Frost is even possible.
The fish will likely slow down the bite for a few days. They'll still bite, and will be plenty catchable, but you'll need some extra patience. After a couple of days, they'll be right back to where they were.
This weekend is the last before the opener. That means panfish on the local lakes.
Crappie have been biting on most area lakes, and very well on Okauchee, Garvin, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Kessus, and Buelah. Look for them around scattered weed "clumps" of green weeds in shallow (3-8feet) of water. With the front on the way, bring some waxworms and icefishing jigs. The down sized presentation can be just what it takes to get them going.
Bluegill have been coming shallow in smaller schools on many area lakes. Ashippun, Nag, the Phantoms and the Genessee lakes have been pretty good for bluegill. Waxworms, panfish plumpers or redworms are probably your best options. Two places to look for gills right now include shallow weed flats with scattered green weed patches (same as the crappies) or suspended over deeper water adjacent to shallow bays. Don't overlook the suspended fish. The schools can be hard to find, but if you get on them, the fishing can be fast and furious.
----
If you have to scratch your bass fishing itch. Lazy Lake in Columbia county has an open season for bass. I'm thinking about heading up there on Wednesday for my annual birthday fishing trip.
-----
River walleye fishing is wrapping up in most areas. Most of the fish have spawned and are moving back down the rivers. Very high water in both the Dells (Wisconsin River) and the Jefferson/Ft Atkinson (Rock River) areas has kept many anglers from fishing. The rivers appear to have crested and are predicted to begin falling over the next few days. If this occurs, expect some incredible whitebass fishing ahead.
Whites love high water years, and they are actually easier to target as they'll use flooded creek mouths as holding points. One trick to remember when targeting whites is that they like to chase baitfish onto a ledge. If you can find a small drop off close to the main river channel, and you're seeing baitfish (either visually or with your electronics) chances are good there's whitebass nearby.
Three way rigs with floating jigheads, inline spinners, small rattletraps, jig and minnow, or jig and plastics are fairly common setups to use for whites, but don't overlook small rapala shad raps.
The rain tonight and tommorrow is set to be followed by a rather nasty cold front. Temps in the 70's will drop to the 50's, with some cool nightime temperatures. Frost is even possible.
The fish will likely slow down the bite for a few days. They'll still bite, and will be plenty catchable, but you'll need some extra patience. After a couple of days, they'll be right back to where they were.
This weekend is the last before the opener. That means panfish on the local lakes.
Crappie have been biting on most area lakes, and very well on Okauchee, Garvin, Lac Labelle, Fowler, Kessus, and Buelah. Look for them around scattered weed "clumps" of green weeds in shallow (3-8feet) of water. With the front on the way, bring some waxworms and icefishing jigs. The down sized presentation can be just what it takes to get them going.
Bluegill have been coming shallow in smaller schools on many area lakes. Ashippun, Nag, the Phantoms and the Genessee lakes have been pretty good for bluegill. Waxworms, panfish plumpers or redworms are probably your best options. Two places to look for gills right now include shallow weed flats with scattered green weed patches (same as the crappies) or suspended over deeper water adjacent to shallow bays. Don't overlook the suspended fish. The schools can be hard to find, but if you get on them, the fishing can be fast and furious.
----
If you have to scratch your bass fishing itch. Lazy Lake in Columbia county has an open season for bass. I'm thinking about heading up there on Wednesday for my annual birthday fishing trip.
-----
River walleye fishing is wrapping up in most areas. Most of the fish have spawned and are moving back down the rivers. Very high water in both the Dells (Wisconsin River) and the Jefferson/Ft Atkinson (Rock River) areas has kept many anglers from fishing. The rivers appear to have crested and are predicted to begin falling over the next few days. If this occurs, expect some incredible whitebass fishing ahead.
Whites love high water years, and they are actually easier to target as they'll use flooded creek mouths as holding points. One trick to remember when targeting whites is that they like to chase baitfish onto a ledge. If you can find a small drop off close to the main river channel, and you're seeing baitfish (either visually or with your electronics) chances are good there's whitebass nearby.
Three way rigs with floating jigheads, inline spinners, small rattletraps, jig and minnow, or jig and plastics are fairly common setups to use for whites, but don't overlook small rapala shad raps.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Lower Genessee Trout Stocked
The DNR has apparently already stocked trout for opening day. These are a "put and take" fishing option. Typically the trout get "fished out" fairly qucikly, but they do provide a relatively easy option for "keeping fish" during the first few weeks of the season.
Area lakes traditionally stocked with trout for the opener include:
Lower Genessee
Ottawa
Fowler
Lower Nashotah
Beulah
Trout are considered a gamefish in these waters, and therefore you can't keep any you catch till next Saturday.
If the DNR releases additional information on trout stockings for this season before the opener, I'll be sure to post it here.
CT
Area lakes traditionally stocked with trout for the opener include:
Lower Genessee
Ottawa
Fowler
Lower Nashotah
Beulah
Trout are considered a gamefish in these waters, and therefore you can't keep any you catch till next Saturday.
If the DNR releases additional information on trout stockings for this season before the opener, I'll be sure to post it here.
CT
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Seven lucky preseason things to do!
Hey gang,
It may not seem like it, but opening day is a week from Saturday. Its time to make your list and check it twice.
1.)Get your fishing license. Do it now. nothing will slow you down more than having to wait for it opening morning. The new license system has been working for a spell, but even the old system would go down under the weight of so many applications on opening day.
2.)While you're out to get your license, get your line changed on your reels. I'm a nut about it and change my line after almost every trip, but if you still have last years line on the spool, pull it off and get some fresh line put on.
3.)Check your tacklebox. Are you running low on anything? Hooks, sinkers, bobbers and swivels all get used up. Is everything in the box or did you set some stuff aside? Are all the hooks sharp and rust free on your crankbaits? Did your plastics dry out? Do you need to tie up some leaders or spinner harnesses? Want to try something new? We've got a host of new tackle in the shop this year. Make yourself a list and stop in the shop to stock up.
4.)Sign up for newsletter. We send out informative articles and a special offer periodically to people on our email list.
5.)Check your boat. Are your batteries charged up? Do you have the plug? Gasoline? Oil? Is your trailer's wiring harness working and are the bearings lubed?
6.)Fishing from shore? Check the right hand column for lots of local options.
7.)Keep checking in to this site for up to date information. I have three days set aside to scout lakes prior to opening day this year and I'll post information on lake conditions from around our area.
See ya soon
CT
It may not seem like it, but opening day is a week from Saturday. Its time to make your list and check it twice.
1.)Get your fishing license. Do it now. nothing will slow you down more than having to wait for it opening morning. The new license system has been working for a spell, but even the old system would go down under the weight of so many applications on opening day.
2.)While you're out to get your license, get your line changed on your reels. I'm a nut about it and change my line after almost every trip, but if you still have last years line on the spool, pull it off and get some fresh line put on.
3.)Check your tacklebox. Are you running low on anything? Hooks, sinkers, bobbers and swivels all get used up. Is everything in the box or did you set some stuff aside? Are all the hooks sharp and rust free on your crankbaits? Did your plastics dry out? Do you need to tie up some leaders or spinner harnesses? Want to try something new? We've got a host of new tackle in the shop this year. Make yourself a list and stop in the shop to stock up.
4.)Sign up for newsletter. We send out informative articles and a special offer periodically to people on our email list.
5.)Check your boat. Are your batteries charged up? Do you have the plug? Gasoline? Oil? Is your trailer's wiring harness working and are the bearings lubed?
6.)Fishing from shore? Check the right hand column for lots of local options.
7.)Keep checking in to this site for up to date information. I have three days set aside to scout lakes prior to opening day this year and I'll post information on lake conditions from around our area.
See ya soon
CT
Monday, April 21, 2008
Monday Update 4-21-08
Good Morning,
Lots of people were on the water the last week. The rain we were supposed to get never really appeared and weather conditions were consistent for several days in a row. Its just what we needed to get the fish moving.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Local Lakes:
The crappies are biting, but they can be spooked easily in the shallow clear water. Stay back and cast into them. On Okauchee; Icehouse, the Channel, Stumpy, Whitigers, and Garvin all gave up Crappies. Nagawicka, Kessus, Lake Five, Pine and the Nehmabin's were the other hotspots the last few days.
Bluegills are starting to get active. Schools of them are suspending near spawning areas as well as following the crappies in. Silver Lake, the Genessee Lakes, and the Phantom Lakes all had anglers with some success chasing bluegills.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gamefish:
Bass, Northern and Muskies (and even a few walleyes) are starting to patrol the shallows in a pre-spawn (for bass) and post spawn (for the pike and the muskies) pattern. Despite our late start and cool spring so far, I'd guess things will be just about normal for the opener.
If you're itching to get a start on gamefish season, you can take the drive up to the Fall River/Lazy Lake in Columbia county. This small shallow lake has open season on gamefish, and the Bass are biting. Jigs with pork/plastic chunk trailers and texas rigged plastic lizards are solid bets right now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walleye/White Bass:
The Rock River continues to be high with fast current, but it appears to have crested for now. Shore fishing options are still limited given the flooding of the usual shorefishing areas.
Blackhawk Island is still flooded (as of this morning) and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department is asking anglers to avoid the area to reduce additional damage to the homes and property there. The Ft Atkinson area is generating the most consistent action, with spawned out fish using the area to feed up. Jigs with Minnows or Plastics are catching alot of the fish during drifts through slack water.
The fishing in the Dells is starting to slow down, but anglers are still catching fish. Drifting with Lindy rigs appears to be the hottest pattern right now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crappie Contest:
The crappie to beat in our biggest crappie of the sping contest is 14" 1.4lbs. That can be beat.
Lots of people were on the water the last week. The rain we were supposed to get never really appeared and weather conditions were consistent for several days in a row. Its just what we needed to get the fish moving.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Local Lakes:
The crappies are biting, but they can be spooked easily in the shallow clear water. Stay back and cast into them. On Okauchee; Icehouse, the Channel, Stumpy, Whitigers, and Garvin all gave up Crappies. Nagawicka, Kessus, Lake Five, Pine and the Nehmabin's were the other hotspots the last few days.
Bluegills are starting to get active. Schools of them are suspending near spawning areas as well as following the crappies in. Silver Lake, the Genessee Lakes, and the Phantom Lakes all had anglers with some success chasing bluegills.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Gamefish:
Bass, Northern and Muskies (and even a few walleyes) are starting to patrol the shallows in a pre-spawn (for bass) and post spawn (for the pike and the muskies) pattern. Despite our late start and cool spring so far, I'd guess things will be just about normal for the opener.
If you're itching to get a start on gamefish season, you can take the drive up to the Fall River/Lazy Lake in Columbia county. This small shallow lake has open season on gamefish, and the Bass are biting. Jigs with pork/plastic chunk trailers and texas rigged plastic lizards are solid bets right now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Walleye/White Bass:
The Rock River continues to be high with fast current, but it appears to have crested for now. Shore fishing options are still limited given the flooding of the usual shorefishing areas.
Blackhawk Island is still flooded (as of this morning) and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Department is asking anglers to avoid the area to reduce additional damage to the homes and property there. The Ft Atkinson area is generating the most consistent action, with spawned out fish using the area to feed up. Jigs with Minnows or Plastics are catching alot of the fish during drifts through slack water.
The fishing in the Dells is starting to slow down, but anglers are still catching fish. Drifting with Lindy rigs appears to be the hottest pattern right now.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Crappie Contest:
The crappie to beat in our biggest crappie of the sping contest is 14" 1.4lbs. That can be beat.
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Today's Report
I was out with a client on Oconomowoc this morning and Okauchee this afternoon.
Oconomowoc was pretty dry. There's lots of bass, muskies and walleyes sunning themselves in shallow water, but we didn't find any crappies in any of the usual spots. In fact we only saw one school of panfish in the small lake.
We pulled out and relaunched at the Golden Mast. We went down to the river mouth. There were lots of boats fishing the south end of the flat, with a few in the crane's nest. We fished the Crane's Nest for a bit. There were lots of crappies moving around, but they weren't really biting. So we pulled up anchor and headed for Garvin.
As you may know, I grew up on Garvin Lake, and I know it very well. Today was no different. We pulled up to my first spot and we started catching a mixed bag of panfish along a 8-12 foot drop. Many were small, so we picked up again, and hit a a second spot. We caught a few more, then headed for Stumpy Bay.
We got a few bites, and the boats around us were catching a few, but the bite continued to be slow, so we called it a day. We ended up with 12 keepers (8bluegills/4 crappies) out of about 35-40 fish.
Main lake water was high 40's with the bay in the low 50's.
Its only going to get better.
CT
Oconomowoc was pretty dry. There's lots of bass, muskies and walleyes sunning themselves in shallow water, but we didn't find any crappies in any of the usual spots. In fact we only saw one school of panfish in the small lake.
We pulled out and relaunched at the Golden Mast. We went down to the river mouth. There were lots of boats fishing the south end of the flat, with a few in the crane's nest. We fished the Crane's Nest for a bit. There were lots of crappies moving around, but they weren't really biting. So we pulled up anchor and headed for Garvin.
As you may know, I grew up on Garvin Lake, and I know it very well. Today was no different. We pulled up to my first spot and we started catching a mixed bag of panfish along a 8-12 foot drop. Many were small, so we picked up again, and hit a a second spot. We caught a few more, then headed for Stumpy Bay.
We got a few bites, and the boats around us were catching a few, but the bite continued to be slow, so we called it a day. We ended up with 12 keepers (8bluegills/4 crappies) out of about 35-40 fish.
Main lake water was high 40's with the bay in the low 50's.
Its only going to get better.
CT
Friday, April 18, 2008
A few updates.
I got a few emails and a couple phone calls to update the condition report.
Rock River: Flooding continues. Major flooding is occurring in Newville. Ft Atkinson and Jefferson are starting to flood past the roads adjacent to the river. I'm not sure you could clear the bridges by the Jefferson Dam if the water continues to rise.
There's a link to some excellent up to date information on the river in our weblink section on the righ hand column of the page. Be alert for rapidly changing conditions if you head down to the Rock River this weekend.
Crappie Fishing:
Okauchee: Got stirred up during the windy days that just passed us by. Water temps in the mid to upper 40's and the crappies are biting. Try Stumpy, the Channel/Bay Five and Icehouse bays. If you can navigate the channel, the south end of Garvin is red hot.
Pine: Water still very cold. North end should have some active fish this weekend or early next week.
Golden: Water in the Mid to upper 40's, panfish are moving into the north end.
Kessus: Crappies relating to dark bottom areas on north banks in 6-12 feet of water. Rosie reds are the bait of choice.
Moose: Crappies are relating to the wood in shallow water in the dark bottom areas. My source indicated that most of the fish that are shallow are pre-spawn males with some keeper sized fish mixed in.
Nagawicka: Boats channels in the Mid 40's, and some fish are starting to move into those areas. Water is high.
Nemahbin(Lower): Crappie are moving into the reed areas along the north facing banks. Current is strong in the Bark River sections with fairly high water.
Good Luck This Weekend.
CT
Rock River: Flooding continues. Major flooding is occurring in Newville. Ft Atkinson and Jefferson are starting to flood past the roads adjacent to the river. I'm not sure you could clear the bridges by the Jefferson Dam if the water continues to rise.
There's a link to some excellent up to date information on the river in our weblink section on the righ hand column of the page. Be alert for rapidly changing conditions if you head down to the Rock River this weekend.
Crappie Fishing:
Okauchee: Got stirred up during the windy days that just passed us by. Water temps in the mid to upper 40's and the crappies are biting. Try Stumpy, the Channel/Bay Five and Icehouse bays. If you can navigate the channel, the south end of Garvin is red hot.
Pine: Water still very cold. North end should have some active fish this weekend or early next week.
Golden: Water in the Mid to upper 40's, panfish are moving into the north end.
Kessus: Crappies relating to dark bottom areas on north banks in 6-12 feet of water. Rosie reds are the bait of choice.
Moose: Crappies are relating to the wood in shallow water in the dark bottom areas. My source indicated that most of the fish that are shallow are pre-spawn males with some keeper sized fish mixed in.
Nagawicka: Boats channels in the Mid 40's, and some fish are starting to move into those areas. Water is high.
Nemahbin(Lower): Crappie are moving into the reed areas along the north facing banks. Current is strong in the Bark River sections with fairly high water.
Good Luck This Weekend.
CT
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Musky Video Link
There's a link to the left that will take you to our "channel" at www.youtube.com.
That's where our musky video's are archived. Weather permitting, we'll be shooting some more video this weekend and early next week.
We'll be adding content throughout the season, including some how to videos for bass, walleye and musky fishing.
Stay Tuned.
CT
That's where our musky video's are archived. Weather permitting, we'll be shooting some more video this weekend and early next week.
We'll be adding content throughout the season, including some how to videos for bass, walleye and musky fishing.
Stay Tuned.
CT
Crappie setups
Everybody,
I got a couple emails last night about the setup I was using yesterday.
There's nothing fancy about it. Ultralight spinning rod with 2lb mono. The rig is a "spring style" clip on bobber 24 inches above a gold or red aberdeen style hook. I crimped two bb sized split shots on just below half way between the hook and the bobber to keep the minnow down.
You can run this rig just fine, or substitute a slip bobber for the clip on. Aberdeen style hooks are classic crappie hooks, but octopus style ones work pretty good for tailhooking minnows. If you need some hooks, there's packs of multicolored aberdeen hooks at the shop that I'd recommend.
As for bait, I'd take a mixed bag of minnows. Get a dozen large fatheads for every two dozen small fatheads. A dozen or two rosie reds never hurts. Five or six dozen minnows may seem like alot, but two guys could easily go through that if they are on the fish.
CT
I got a couple emails last night about the setup I was using yesterday.
There's nothing fancy about it. Ultralight spinning rod with 2lb mono. The rig is a "spring style" clip on bobber 24 inches above a gold or red aberdeen style hook. I crimped two bb sized split shots on just below half way between the hook and the bobber to keep the minnow down.
You can run this rig just fine, or substitute a slip bobber for the clip on. Aberdeen style hooks are classic crappie hooks, but octopus style ones work pretty good for tailhooking minnows. If you need some hooks, there's packs of multicolored aberdeen hooks at the shop that I'd recommend.
As for bait, I'd take a mixed bag of minnows. Get a dozen large fatheads for every two dozen small fatheads. A dozen or two rosie reds never hurts. Five or six dozen minnows may seem like alot, but two guys could easily go through that if they are on the fish.
CT
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
Condition Report
I braved the winds for a bit today. I had intended to hit a couple more lakes, but I stayed close to home.
Okauchee Bays are in the mid 40's and the the crappies are staging. I caught 20+ small crappies males and some undersize bass in about 3 hours of fishing. Look for crappies in Bay Five, the Channel, Stumpy and Ice House bays over the next few weeks.
Garvin: South end was 44. Crappies are along the inside weedline and relating to wood laydowns. North end was pretty stirred up by the wind and I didn't stick around to fish.
Nagawicka boat channels are in the mid to high 40's and a mixed bag of fish is appearing.
Oconomowoc: Didn't launch, but talked to someone who was out. Main lake was still in the high 30's, channels were in the 40's.
I'd venture that most of the area lakes will turn on right after this next front comes through. Basically its time to hit the water.
Stop by the shop or shoot me an email if you need some tips.
CT
Okauchee Bays are in the mid 40's and the the crappies are staging. I caught 20+ small crappies males and some undersize bass in about 3 hours of fishing. Look for crappies in Bay Five, the Channel, Stumpy and Ice House bays over the next few weeks.
Garvin: South end was 44. Crappies are along the inside weedline and relating to wood laydowns. North end was pretty stirred up by the wind and I didn't stick around to fish.
Nagawicka boat channels are in the mid to high 40's and a mixed bag of fish is appearing.
Oconomowoc: Didn't launch, but talked to someone who was out. Main lake was still in the high 30's, channels were in the 40's.
I'd venture that most of the area lakes will turn on right after this next front comes through. Basically its time to hit the water.
Stop by the shop or shoot me an email if you need some tips.
CT
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
Prospects for the week ahead
A few anglers are heading out ahead of the pack for the crappies. They report some mixed results, but by all accounts it looks to be just a bit early yet.
Today and Tommorrow may change that equation though. With the sunny conditions and warm temperatures, I'd expect to see some crappies starting to appear in the shallow bays late this afternoon. the wind will kick up this afternoon and carry through the night
Tomorrow is predicted to be very, very windy, especially in the afternoon. The good news is that the wind will be out of the south. This helps those north facing bays warm even faster.
The downside is there's a little rain on the way for Thursday and Friday. I don't think it'll slow things down though.
Look for panfish to move in this week, with the quality fishing opportunties to begin this weekend. If you're heading out today, start to look for fish in 8-12 feet of water. By the end of the week, look for them in 3-6 feet.
I'm going to head out and get some water temps either today or tommorrow. I'll post them as soon as I can.
CT
Today and Tommorrow may change that equation though. With the sunny conditions and warm temperatures, I'd expect to see some crappies starting to appear in the shallow bays late this afternoon. the wind will kick up this afternoon and carry through the night
Tomorrow is predicted to be very, very windy, especially in the afternoon. The good news is that the wind will be out of the south. This helps those north facing bays warm even faster.
The downside is there's a little rain on the way for Thursday and Friday. I don't think it'll slow things down though.
Look for panfish to move in this week, with the quality fishing opportunties to begin this weekend. If you're heading out today, start to look for fish in 8-12 feet of water. By the end of the week, look for them in 3-6 feet.
I'm going to head out and get some water temps either today or tommorrow. I'll post them as soon as I can.
CT
Monday, April 14, 2008
Monday Fishing Report
Good morning,
There's lots in the works, but just a little happening right now.
The Rock River has peaked out in most places and is beginning to recede a little. That doesn't mean much for the Blackhawk and Newville areas where some substantial flooding occurred over the weekend.
Expect high water with fast current conditions to continue for awhile on the Rock, Crawfish and Bark River systems. Then anglers who are braving the Rock in the Jefferson and Ft Atkinson areas are reporting a mixed bag of walleyes and white bass. Some of the walleyes are spawned out, some are just moving up to spawn. The fish are making good use of areas with gravel and rock that have flooded with the high water conditions. You'll need a drift sock or a strong trolling motor to vertical jig while slipping. I still recommend anchoring and fishing with three way rigs. As warmer temperatures set in this week, expect an incredible white bass run to begin.
Most of the lakes in our area are open, but the water is still very cold. With our weather set to improve this week, you can expect crappies to come into the shallow water areas. Focus your attention on dark bottom areas that still have some scattered weed-growth, wood lay-downs or sparse reeds. Remember that North facing banks warm faster than other areas. The fish will be very spooky, and downsizing to a small hook and a waxworm can get you bit when they won't touch a minnow. Stumpy Bay, Icehouse Bay and Bay Five on Okauchee are always solid bets for early panfish. The weedy/reed areas on Kessus,Lake Five, Nagawicka, Garvin and Middle Geneesee are usually pretty good as temperatures increase.
Remember to enter our biggest crappie contest before you head out. Top prize is a $200 G-Loomis Ultralight rod.
As the fishing picks up, I'll be posting more often. Keep checking in. Shoot me an email if there's information you'd like to see or just to let us know how we're doing.
See you on the water,
CT
There's lots in the works, but just a little happening right now.
The Rock River has peaked out in most places and is beginning to recede a little. That doesn't mean much for the Blackhawk and Newville areas where some substantial flooding occurred over the weekend.
Expect high water with fast current conditions to continue for awhile on the Rock, Crawfish and Bark River systems. Then anglers who are braving the Rock in the Jefferson and Ft Atkinson areas are reporting a mixed bag of walleyes and white bass. Some of the walleyes are spawned out, some are just moving up to spawn. The fish are making good use of areas with gravel and rock that have flooded with the high water conditions. You'll need a drift sock or a strong trolling motor to vertical jig while slipping. I still recommend anchoring and fishing with three way rigs. As warmer temperatures set in this week, expect an incredible white bass run to begin.
Most of the lakes in our area are open, but the water is still very cold. With our weather set to improve this week, you can expect crappies to come into the shallow water areas. Focus your attention on dark bottom areas that still have some scattered weed-growth, wood lay-downs or sparse reeds. Remember that North facing banks warm faster than other areas. The fish will be very spooky, and downsizing to a small hook and a waxworm can get you bit when they won't touch a minnow. Stumpy Bay, Icehouse Bay and Bay Five on Okauchee are always solid bets for early panfish. The weedy/reed areas on Kessus,Lake Five, Nagawicka, Garvin and Middle Geneesee are usually pretty good as temperatures increase.
Remember to enter our biggest crappie contest before you head out. Top prize is a $200 G-Loomis Ultralight rod.
As the fishing picks up, I'll be posting more often. Keep checking in. Shoot me an email if there's information you'd like to see or just to let us know how we're doing.
See you on the water,
CT
Saturday, April 12, 2008
Crappies and better weather.
Its hard to believe after all this rough weather, but it looks like we'll be on track later this week for several days in the low 60's with some sunshine.
You can expect the crappies to begin moving into shallow dark bottom areas over the next week. Give the high water rivers a rest, and break out your ultralight gear.
Remember that the shop has a biggest crappie contest this month. Signup at the shop when you head out. First prize is a g-loomis ultralight.
CT
You can expect the crappies to begin moving into shallow dark bottom areas over the next week. Give the high water rivers a rest, and break out your ultralight gear.
Remember that the shop has a biggest crappie contest this month. Signup at the shop when you head out. First prize is a g-loomis ultralight.
CT
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Musky Video #1
Here's some footage of a nice tiger musky Eric and I shot today below the Oconomowoc River Dam.
CT
CT
Friday, April 4, 2008
Walleyes!
Okay gang,
We've got some really nice weather on the way for the weekend. Time to hit the rivers.
Depere: Approaching peak for big fish. Several fish over the 28in limit have been caught in the last week. The crowd will be big, as will the fish the next five to ten days.
Winneconne: Just getting started, water still in the mid 30's.
Dells: Close to peak. It'll be wall to wall this weekend. So go finessee, split shot and minnow or lindy rigs.
Rock River: Water is high and moving fast, but the temperature is rising quickly. Expect to hit the peak in the next 10 days for sure.
CT
We've got some really nice weather on the way for the weekend. Time to hit the rivers.
Depere: Approaching peak for big fish. Several fish over the 28in limit have been caught in the last week. The crowd will be big, as will the fish the next five to ten days.
Winneconne: Just getting started, water still in the mid 30's.
Dells: Close to peak. It'll be wall to wall this weekend. So go finessee, split shot and minnow or lindy rigs.
Rock River: Water is high and moving fast, but the temperature is rising quickly. Expect to hit the peak in the next 10 days for sure.
CT
Thursday, April 3, 2008
Shore Fishing ban passed in Fort Atkinson
I lifted this from the Rock-Kosh Blog: Be aware of the regulations if you are fishing from shore.
Fort Atkinson council OKs riverwalk fishing restriction
From the Daily Jefferson Union;
Downtown Fort Atkinson anglers will have to pack up their tackle boxes and fishing rods and move west if they want to wet a line along the city’s riverwalk.
The Fort Atkinson City Council on Tuesday voted 3-2 in favor of an ordinance that prohibits fishing on the southern banks of the Rock River from the pedestrian bridge east to the American Legion Dugout.
Since it met March 18, the council appeared to be evenly split on the issue, with council member Jim Simdon sitting on the fence. At Tuesday night’s meeting, however, Simdon made up his mind.
“It’s difficult for me to bring myself, as a shore fisherman growing up in Fort Atkinson, to say it’s OK to restrict (fishing) to a certain area,” Simdon said. “But I think with all that’s happened, I think it would be only fair to the other people to give them the spot where they can go and sit and walk and push carriages and all other things without worrying about somebody being in their way.”
The council had debated the proposed ordinance for about a month in the wake of complaints by some people saying they had difficulty using the walkway due to fishing activity.
Earlier in the day, Rock River-Koshkonong Association member Jim Furley Jr., who has acted as an unofficial spokesperson for the anglers, told the Daily Union that the National Organization for Rivers states an area should be open to the public for fishing and other activities up to the ordinary high water mark.
“They’ve studied past U.S. Supreme Court decisions and that is their position,” he said.
Fort Atkinson council OKs riverwalk fishing restriction
From the Daily Jefferson Union;
Downtown Fort Atkinson anglers will have to pack up their tackle boxes and fishing rods and move west if they want to wet a line along the city’s riverwalk.
The Fort Atkinson City Council on Tuesday voted 3-2 in favor of an ordinance that prohibits fishing on the southern banks of the Rock River from the pedestrian bridge east to the American Legion Dugout.
Since it met March 18, the council appeared to be evenly split on the issue, with council member Jim Simdon sitting on the fence. At Tuesday night’s meeting, however, Simdon made up his mind.
“It’s difficult for me to bring myself, as a shore fisherman growing up in Fort Atkinson, to say it’s OK to restrict (fishing) to a certain area,” Simdon said. “But I think with all that’s happened, I think it would be only fair to the other people to give them the spot where they can go and sit and walk and push carriages and all other things without worrying about somebody being in their way.”
The council had debated the proposed ordinance for about a month in the wake of complaints by some people saying they had difficulty using the walkway due to fishing activity.
Earlier in the day, Rock River-Koshkonong Association member Jim Furley Jr., who has acted as an unofficial spokesperson for the anglers, told the Daily Union that the National Organization for Rivers states an area should be open to the public for fishing and other activities up to the ordinary high water mark.
“They’ve studied past U.S. Supreme Court decisions and that is their position,” he said.
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Rock River Report
Hit the rock for six hours today. Just a few short walleyes and some rough fish. Water is about 38-40 degrees.
The water is very high and moving very quickly. If you plan on drifting, make sure your bowmount can handle it. I'd consider bringing a drift sock.
Anchoring was very hard. You'll need some significant mass to hold your position. I have two double anchors, and I could barely hold the boat still.
3/8 oz jigs at least with 1.5 oz rigging weights.
CT
The water is very high and moving very quickly. If you plan on drifting, make sure your bowmount can handle it. I'd consider bringing a drift sock.
Anchoring was very hard. You'll need some significant mass to hold your position. I have two double anchors, and I could barely hold the boat still.
3/8 oz jigs at least with 1.5 oz rigging weights.
CT
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Updated Fishing Report
I'm heading out with Paul Smith from the Journal Sentinel today, so I spent a little time checking around.
Dells: Close to peak right now. Several large fish were taken this past week. Lindy rigs seem to be doing the bulk of the catching right now.
Depere: Lots of fish being caught by lots of boats. The biggest fish do not appear to be in the area yet, but several 25+ inch walleyes have been caught recently. Be prepared for a crowd.
Winneconne: Has been hit or miss, not much in between. Still a little early I would say.
Oshkosh: Looks like at least a week till the run gets going. The river in town and at the mouth still have lots of floating ice. Rainbow park and Ceape street launches are open.
Rock River: At or over flood stage pretty much everywhere. Water continues to rise. Blackhawk island is flooded and people are fishing off their decks. hwy 106 is close to flooding out by last report. Water temp is low 40's, lots of males being caught below jefferson dam.
I'm heading to jefferson/Fort today and will bring back a current report.
Stay Safe and good luck,
CT
Dells: Close to peak right now. Several large fish were taken this past week. Lindy rigs seem to be doing the bulk of the catching right now.
Depere: Lots of fish being caught by lots of boats. The biggest fish do not appear to be in the area yet, but several 25+ inch walleyes have been caught recently. Be prepared for a crowd.
Winneconne: Has been hit or miss, not much in between. Still a little early I would say.
Oshkosh: Looks like at least a week till the run gets going. The river in town and at the mouth still have lots of floating ice. Rainbow park and Ceape street launches are open.
Rock River: At or over flood stage pretty much everywhere. Water continues to rise. Blackhawk island is flooded and people are fishing off their decks. hwy 106 is close to flooding out by last report. Water temp is low 40's, lots of males being caught below jefferson dam.
I'm heading to jefferson/Fort today and will bring back a current report.
Stay Safe and good luck,
CT
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