For the Tomahawk Leader

We seem to be on the dreaded “weather roller coaster” again, as the temps are up and down every week, causing the water temps to do the same. This has a big effect on the fishing, as this inconsistency causes the fish to interrupt their normal feeding patterns.

Fall is coming more quickly than we want, and we’re already seeing some spots of color on trees in some places and some ferns getting brown. Here’s hoping that we have a consistent drop in temps this fall, rather than the ups and downs that we have had in the past. Dropping temps in the fall actually improve the fishing.

Walleye fishing has been a little slower recently, and they don’t seem to be concentrated together in the good spots as usual. Those that we are finding are hitting all types of live bait pretty well. On the Chain, we are seeing fish on electronics near the holes, but can’t seem to get them to hit consistently. Night is definitely a better bite than day. There are still fish on the weed edges on the bigger lakes, but it has been hard to find bigger ones on these lakes. Leeches are best on the big lakes.

Bass action continues to be good throughout the area, as smallies have been much more consistent on the rocks lately. They are feeding on crayfish, so any crayfish imitation will produce some nice fish. Largemouth are still shallow on structure, such as piers or shallow weeds. They are hitting plastics best, but crawlers work very well if you can avoid the bluegills that seem to be hanging around with the bass.

Musky action has been inconsistent, with smaller to medium bucktails still seeming to be the most productive type of lure. On the warmer days, surface baits are working for some, too. There are some suspended fish, too, so the bigger rubber is working during the daytime on some lakes. Fish are also doing some night feeding, so the night anglers are producing some decent fish at this time.

Panfish action is okay throughout the area, with bluegills producing on a daily basis, although we’re hearing reports of good numbers and little size. You will find these fish in the weeds everywhere. Worms or waxies work best for these fish. Crappie action continues to be pretty good, too, with action reported over deeper brush piles and deeper weeds on most lakes. Perch are still in the deeper weeds and hitting almost anything as far as live bait goes.

Good luck and good fishin’!