Fishing Report: Well on our way to a fantastic summer

NORTHERN WISCONSIN – With Memorial Day just around the corner, we’re having some fine spring fishing up here.

After a week of mild temperatures and steady sunshine, we’ve got one more cold snap to get through this week – but after that, we can expect warming temps. That incoming stable, warm weather will do wonders for fish activity and weed development.  

Lake levels are still good for this time of year, despite the lack of rain, and nearly all landings are wide open and in great shape. Weed growth continues to expand, which is pushing many species into more predictable spring patterns. Water temperatures are currently ranging from the 50s and even lower 60s, depending on lake size and sun exposure.

Walleye action is ok. The fish are moving out of spawning areas and transitioning toward mid-depth weed edges and rock-gravel structure. It’s worth trying leeches now – both on jigs and slip bobbers. Evenings have been best by far, with some great after-dark action, too. Expect the bite to improve as the weather stabilizes later in the week.  

Northern are still hammering anything flashy. Focus on shallow weed beds, brush, and back bays – especially if you can find warmer water. Spinnerbaits, large spoons, and bigger sucker minnows are working. These fish remain aggressive from the post-ice-out surge and are a blast to target right now.

Bass are continuing to move in and stage. Smallmouth are hanging around gravel and rock near shore and on points. The largemouth are moving into shallower, softer-bottom bays. Both species are active feeders right now, and anglers are scoring well with soft plastics, minnow-imitating crankbaits and live bait presentations.

Crappie are in the heart of the spawn, and we’re just hoping this cold-snap doesn’t totally turn them off. Look for them in warmer bays and backwaters in three to six feet of water. Light jigs tipped with minnows or Cubbies near wood and brush are the ticket. We’re just starting to see some good bluegill action this past week, too, with more activity in two to four feet of water. Look in the afternoons as the sun heats up the shallows. A small worm under a float is still the best place to start for the kids or casual anglers.

Once we’re through this cold snap, we should be well on our way to a fantastic summer game fishing season. Get out there before the weekend, if you can, as Saturday will mark the start of the summer busy season on the water. Get ready to put your “patience pants” on! Early mornings and late evenings are always the most peaceful times out there and tend to be the best fishing times, anyhow.

Good luck and good fishin’!