Chetek Chain

SS: Doesn't the sportfishing season open this coming Saturday?

Lake Chetek, north end, late afternoon.  Got one pike, about 24 inches. Only fished for 40 minutes. Spinnerbait, orange and black.  Colorado double blades.

Up to 7" but be cautious, it does vary quite a bit right now.

Anyone have ice updates?

Thanks 

Anyone have an ice report?  I know some of the bays froze up slightly before the first snow, so wasn't sure how they were progressing.  I assume everything else froze up pretty well.  I appreciate any info and good luck this year!

How is bass fishing in September?  Looking to try my luck and never have been there in the fall for bass.

Been using Cheena for 40 plus years.  Nothing is better.  The old Uncle Josh pork rinds were fantastic as well!

For me, drifting seems to be the best strategy to find fish.  We usually fish toward the end of September and have some years found panfish in about 8 feet of water while last year it was 18 feet in Chetek Lake.  It just takes time to find the fish and to have the willingness to try different things until a pattern develops.
I like to use a drop shot setup with a 12 - 18" drop from the weight to the hook.  Go online to learn how to set it up if you aren't familiar with it. Make sure the hook is oriented into an up position. A variety of baits work, I normally prefer simple larger red worms but, wax worms and plastic tails also seem to work. I plan to try Cheena bait this year. It has good action, is tough as nails and fish seem to like it. I understand that it is made from seal hide or pork rind. 

I’ve been buying bait at the grocery store in Chetek on my spring trips.  This will be my first fall trip also.   Good luck!

My wife and I will be staying at a resort on Prairie Lake from August 21-24. I'll be bringing my boat, and this is my first time fishing in the area. Any advice on fishing that time of year? I'd like to catch some panfish and maybe some walleye. We're only planning to keep enough for a fish fry. Any suggestions for a good place to buy bait would also be appreciated. Thanks!