Fishing Report: Conditions are stabilizing

NORTHERN WISCONSIN – After a long stretch of up-and-down weather, summer finally feels like it’s taking hold in the Northwoods. We’re still dealing with some unusually cool nights, but daytime temps are rising steadily, and that’s nudging water temperatures up across the board. Most lakes are sitting in the low to mid-60s now, and fish activity should keep improving as we push deeper into June. The mayfly hatch has begun, meaning there’s a little more “competition” on the water right now.

Walleye fishing has been solid and is picking up momentum. With the spawn long behind us, fish are settling into typical early summer locations – mid-depth weeds are a great place to look. Jigs tipped with fatheads or leeches are producing well, especially in eight to 15 feet of water. Slip bobbers have been very effective in the evenings. For those leaning toward artificials, Keitechs and other soft plastics are doing the trick along weedlines. As usual, early morning and evenings after-dark remain prime times.

Bass activity continues to be excellent. Smallmouth are still on or near their beds in rocky shallows and have been very active – great conditions for sight fishing. Remember, these guys are catch and release only, until the 3rd Saturday in June (the 21st this year.) Leeches, Ned rigs and small crankbaits have all been productive. Largemouth are sliding into their summer homes in bullrushes and shallower weedy bays. Surface baits and slower plastics are great choices for these ambush hunters.

Panfish are in high gear right now. Crappie are hanging off submerged structure and weed edges in that eight to 12 feet zone, with small plastics and minnows being top producers. Bluegills are right up on the shoreline, especially in warm, protected bays. Worms or waxies under floats are working great and make for fantastic family-friendly fishing.

Musky anglers are starting to see a lot more action, too. Post-spawn recovery is wrapping up, and smaller bucktails, smaller rubber and jerkbaits are triggering strikes around emerging weeds and shoreline cover. Activity is best on sunny, warmer afternoons, and we expect things to only get better as water temps climb into the upper 60s.

We’re about a week or two behind where we usually are for this time in June, but conditions are stabilizing, and the fish are continuing to bite. It’s shaping up to be a fantastic stretch – get out there and make the most of it.

Good luck, and good fishin’!