Fox Chain, Lake County

Went out of Barnacle Bob's yesterday targeting musky.  Had one follow just beyond the rt 173 bridge.  About 20 feet of water on a swim bait.  Small fish, maybe 36", took a swipe and missed.  Other than  that I pounded Channel and Catherine casting and trolling with no results.  By afternoon the wind had picked up to the point of being downright dangerous on Channel so I ducked over to Bluff Lake to see what was happening.  Nothing happening.  Went back to Channel for one more trolling pattern which was dumb because the wind just basically pushed me into the south bay past Thirsty Turtle.  The amount of bait fish stacked in that bay was incredible.  Called it quits after that

Went out on Marie yesterday from 9 - 2. Drifted  with jig/minnow and blade baits and plastics. Caught a half dozen crappie and white bass. All between 15-20 feet on thin fin. Not a hit shallower than that. Tried all depths but not a lot happening. Didn't see others doing better. Nice day on the water. Thanks to Tom at Barnacle Bob's for boats and bait when I've had the chance to sneak out of work and grab a few hours on the water. 

Sorry for the late report (28 oct 18 ) fished shallow weedlines for bluegill and crappie. found them on the edges using small jig 1/32 in pink and white or red. tipped with minnows and waxies. fished 18 to 24 inches under small float.

Fall fishing is going well. Lots of crappie, white bass and some big Walleyes. The muskies should improve with cold weather coming. Time to wrap up an amazing year with a few true trophies. I feel a few giants in our future. Ice will be here soon and we are ready with new permanent shacks that will be used for our trips. 

Late Report from Saturday.  I fished the south chain from around 9:30 am - 3:30 pm.  Water temps in the upper 40s.  Found crappie, bluegills, and yellow bass in the T-Channel.  Lots of bluegills and small crappie in Carpenters Channel.  Small jigs with plastic/live bait under a bobber.  The fish were tight to the docks.  Tried deep in Pistakee Bay for a little bit.  Marked lots of bait and schools of bigger fish.  No takers on the blade bait or dead stick.  Water level seems to be slowly dropping. 

The Northwood was on Lake Marie on Saturday morning from 0800 to noon.  Fishing started out a little spotty but then picked up as the morning wore on.  We had the pleasure of fishing with Rodbender and Lake Villa Glenny, two world renowned anglers.  Spent most of our time using blade baits drifting 16-22 fow.   Sheep (12-15 inchers) were all over the place.  The white bass were beauties, some getting up to 14 inches.  Landed one nice cat about 20 inches long.  Perch colored blades and silver colored blades.  The new banana blade was a big hit also.  Another great day to be on the water.  Tried a couple drop shot rigs, which were successful for the stripers.  Got a few yellow bass, but they were smaller than the whites.  Fish are chowing down right now.  Take your kid fishing !   Tight lines !  IC

Fished south chain Sunday for a few hours. Walleye were a no show. Crappie was better. 1/16 oz jig and minnow on bobber, bout foot and 1/2 down, 3-5 fow.