Fishing Report 8-21-09

Fish continue to bite, despite the cold front conditions which moved in over the last few days. Water temps are in the low to mid 70's on most area lakes. Algae blooms are over for the most part, although some of the lakes with lots of zebra mussels continue to have some reduced visibility.

Pike are chasing bait and are very active. Look for them in weed clusters in water between 8-15 feet and suspended off main lake structure in 18-26 feet of water. Spinnerbaits, lipless crankbaits or suspending jerkbaits will catch the shallow fish, spoons, crankbaits or suckers on a slip sinker rig will catch the deeper fish.

The bass bite has been tied to the weather. On days with stable weather, bass will bite. On days with changing conditions, the fish are exhibiting a traditional neutral method with a small strike zone. Live bait will trigger neutral fish, as will a slow falling vertical presentation like a wacky worm or a light jigworm. Fish slow, and make sure to hit the high precentage areas with multiple casts.

Panfish are suspending over deeper water or hugging the bottom near deep structure. Deep sandgrass is holding some nice gills right now. Try fishing vertically with small jigs and leeches for bigger fish.

Walleye trolling is starting to generate some consistent action. Daytime, slow trolling with spinner harnesses in 15-22 feet of water has been productive, especially on the stable weather days with a little wind. Night time trolling with crankbaits is starting to turn on. Work rock and sand transition areas in 12-18 feet of water, and move deeper if you aren't catching fish.

Musky fishing has been steady. Trolling the deeper water with planers was the hottest bite the last week, but a few fish are still coming on crankbaits and jerkbaits worked on weededges.

Good Luck,
CT


PS Don't forget. All tackle is on sale at Musky Mikes. 30% off on any in stock tackle, and there's special pricing on st croix rods and in stock fishing reels.