Good fishing or poor, this is the time to be here in the Northwoods. The colors are getting prettier (never used that word in this report before) every day. Forecast for lows in mid-50’s to highs in mid-70’s will make for a great week to be outdoors.
Largemouth Bass: Good – Nice “green” Bass hitting spinnerbaits and chatterbaits for anglers targeting Pike. Cabbage flats holding best action. Typical plastic tactics using creatures and Wackys picking up fish along edges of weeds.
Smallmouth Bass: Good – Nice fish off gravel humps in 14-26’. Ned rigs, drop-shots and tubes. Still some BIG Smallies relating to inside weed edges taking top-water (Whopper Ploppers, etc.).
Musky: Good – With water temps in mid-60’s and forecast as stated above, bucktails and top-water relatively shallow (4-10’) best. This bite will remain until water cools to mid-50’s (turn-over) so keep those blades a turnin’ for now!
Walleye: Good – Action very dependent on daily conditions (Thursdays high skies – Ouch!). But overall fish being caught jigging large fats or 1/2 crawlers on 1/8 – 1/4 oz jigs or #2.5 - #3 Shiver Minnows over gravel humps. Some days, when gravel not producing, scale back to 1/16 oz weedless and hit outside weed edges to find eater Walleyes and Perch mixed.
Northern Pike: Good – Chasing down spinnerbaits, Mepps Aglias #4 or #5’s and chatterbaits over cabbage flats. Clear days pick through the weeds with jig and chub on wire leader.
Yellow Perch: Good – Very nice Perch relating to wood and weed pockets in 5-8’. 1/2 crawler 1st choice, but medium – large fats picking up Perch to 12” this past week.
Bluegill: Good – Nice Gills continue to show up, with measured 8-10” not uncommon. Can’t beat a crawler/bobber combo in 6-10’ where good green cabbage or drowned wood available.
Crappie: Good - Fair – This one really depends on who you talk to. Some decent catches reported, but not to the typical “fall” standard. The bobber/minnow crowd picking up some success, but other anglers fan casting small spinners, beetle spins finding fish suspended 5-8’ down over 20-25’ outside weed edges. Start up (where fish are typically active) and work down until you find biters!
Except for some early week rain, looks like a great week of consistent weather. Great time to enjoy the Northwoods.
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Mid-September, early fall and so far, very typical of early fall. Lows in the 40’s highs upper 60’s to low 70’s. Surface water temps had dropped quickly last week from low 70’s to low 60’s, but have settled now into averages of 61-65 degrees.
Smallmouth Bass: Good-Very Good – While most anglers reporting Smallies over rock/gravel bars in 20-30’ on drop-shot rigs, tubes, coontail edges with sandgrass lawns in 16-20’ also holding cruising Smallies. Some reports of very shallow, 3-8’, Smallies hitting X-Raps and Husky Jerks on overcast days.
Largemouth Bass: Good – Nice fish in heavy cabbage taking chatterbaits, spinnerbaits and shallow cranks.
Bluegill: Good – Large Gills this week (to 10” measured) taking 1/2 crawlers, small minnows and Mini-Mites in 7-10’ cabbage and drowned wood. Not summer numbers, but fewer and larger average.
Musky: Good – While mostly action on bucktails and top-water, some reports of gliders and jerks like Suicks and Smity Jerks with tails. Shallow water, 3-8’, for most action. Not a lot on suckers yet, water temps averaging 65 degrees, so that bite best once water cools a bit more.
Yellow Perch: Good – Nice Perch on medium fats or 1/2 crawlers on 1/16 oz weedless jigs around cribs and drowned wood.
Northern Pike: Good – Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and 4-5” swimbaits over 6-10’ weed beds producing nice Pike as they start to “fatten” up. Jig and chub/sucker combos also effective.
Walleye: Good-Fair – Frustratingly spotty at times. Fishing gravel/rock humps or 18-30’ using Shiver Minnows (2.5-3) and Jigging Raps (#7-#9) great way to pick up active fish. Work areas back with 1/8-1/4 oz jigs tipped with large fats, medium chubs or crawlers to pick up light biters.
Crappie: Fair – Surprisingly missing from most reports. Anglers targeting suspended Crappies finding fish drifting slip-bobbers with medium fats and trolling small cranks. Others targeting fish relating to drowned wood in 8-15’ reporting small jigs with 1-2” twister tails on soft minnow baits picking up fish.
This coming week’s forecast shows lows in low to mid-40’s but temps into mid-70’s for highs. Water temps probably won’t move much this week so I don’t expect a lot of change in fishing activity.
Smallmouth Bass: Good-Very Good – While most anglers reporting Smallies over rock/gravel bars in 20-30’ on drop-shot rigs, tubes, coontail edges with sandgrass lawns in 16-20’ also holding cruising Smallies. Some reports of very shallow, 3-8’, Smallies hitting X-Raps and Husky Jerks on overcast days.
Largemouth Bass: Good – Nice fish in heavy cabbage taking chatterbaits, spinnerbaits and shallow cranks.
Bluegill: Good – Large Gills this week (to 10” measured) taking 1/2 crawlers, small minnows and Mini-Mites in 7-10’ cabbage and drowned wood. Not summer numbers, but fewer and larger average.
Musky: Good – While mostly action on bucktails and top-water, some reports of gliders and jerks like Suicks and Smity Jerks with tails. Shallow water, 3-8’, for most action. Not a lot on suckers yet, water temps averaging 65 degrees, so that bite best once water cools a bit more.
Yellow Perch: Good – Nice Perch on medium fats or 1/2 crawlers on 1/16 oz weedless jigs around cribs and drowned wood.
Northern Pike: Good – Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits and 4-5” swimbaits over 6-10’ weed beds producing nice Pike as they start to “fatten” up. Jig and chub/sucker combos also effective.
Walleye: Good-Fair – Frustratingly spotty at times. Fishing gravel/rock humps or 18-30’ using Shiver Minnows (2.5-3) and Jigging Raps (#7-#9) great way to pick up active fish. Work areas back with 1/8-1/4 oz jigs tipped with large fats, medium chubs or crawlers to pick up light biters.
Crappie: Fair – Surprisingly missing from most reports. Anglers targeting suspended Crappies finding fish drifting slip-bobbers with medium fats and trolling small cranks. Others targeting fish relating to drowned wood in 8-15’ reporting small jigs with 1-2” twister tails on soft minnow baits picking up fish.
This coming week’s forecast shows lows in low to mid-40’s but temps into mid-70’s for highs. Water temps probably won’t move much this week so I don’t expect a lot of change in fishing activity.
Curious if anyone has some information how interrelated the water levels are between the Rainbow and the waters upstream. Specifically pickerel, LSG, and the sugar camp chain. From WVIC's reservoir report the Rainbow has is 10-11 drawn down. It's been way to many years since i've been up there and curious how they relate. From what I recall there is more of a weir on the north end of Dam lake which I would assume keeps that chain at a pretty stable level regardless of the Rainbow drawdown. Pickerel i'm not so sure, thought that structure had gates but not sure how much water they are letting out. Googled for any lake levels outside the WVIC realm but no luck. Thanks!
A nice weekend for those fortunate enough to get out on the water. Cooling night time temps with comfortable daytime. Plenty of action from many species, good weather with good fishing – can’t be beat!
These first two fish species reports, I want to thank the WISCO Bass Anglers Single Series for helping out. 37 anglers registered 182 bass with 5 fish limits. Amongst the top ten contestants averaging 2 1/2 – 3 1/2# in weight.
Smallmouth Bass: Very Good – Lots of action as the mornings warmed. Tubes, drop-shots and Ned rigs for the bulk of the action. Lots of 14-18” fish reported over the weekend with some bruisers to 21 1/2” boated. Mostly off shore humps and coontail edges, but some big fish up shallow!
Largemouth Bass: Very Good – Better as wind picked up each day. Reports of some big fish in lily pads. Fish to 5#’s. Top-water action good in shallows. Wacky Worms and jig/sweet beavers in weeds.
Bluegill: Very Good – Very nice Gills of 8-9 3/4” on crawler halves under floats in 7-9’. Mid-morning action picks up from colder early AM. Even picking up larger Gills on Crappie minnows meant for Crappies. With weeds still looking healthy, good time to capitalize on this bite!
Musky: Good-Very Good – Shallow weeds, 3-8’ working bucktails, swimbaits and top-waters (Dr. Evils, Pacemakers up front, follow up with anglers in back casting Flaptails or Hawg Wobblers). Evening, top-water best!
Yellow Perch: Good-Very Good – Lake fish relating to cabbage and wood in 6-10’. Crawlers, medium fats on 1/16 oz weedless jigs or under slip-floats. Flowage fish scattered, working woody bottoms. Same methods, fewer, but larger fish (9-12”).
Northern Pike: Good – Cooling temps getting Pike in mood to chase. Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, #3 and #4 Mepps Aglias, as well as 4” swimbaits, getting it done! Jigging or floating a big chub or sucker also nice way to spend a beautiful September afternoon.
Walleye: Good – Bite varies, but Walleyes active in both deep gravel/mud locations on Shiver Minnows and Jigging Raps, as well as working 1/8 or 1/4 oz jigs tipped with crawlers or large fatheads. Don’t give up on weeds yet. Also finding Walleyes in shallower (6-9’) weeds and wood.
Crappie: Fair-Good – Picking up as anglers targeting Crappies reporting action in afternoons casting small twisters (1&2”) on 1/32 oz & 1/16 oz jig heads. Kalin Crappie Scrubs, Mini Mites also picking up some nice slabs this weekend to 13+”!
Continued cool mornings (lows forecasted to hit 40) with mild warm ups to upper 60’s to 70 for the rest of the week should bode well. Water temps have dropped at the surface into the upper 60’s and fish activity should only improve from here out.
These first two fish species reports, I want to thank the WISCO Bass Anglers Single Series for helping out. 37 anglers registered 182 bass with 5 fish limits. Amongst the top ten contestants averaging 2 1/2 – 3 1/2# in weight.
Smallmouth Bass: Very Good – Lots of action as the mornings warmed. Tubes, drop-shots and Ned rigs for the bulk of the action. Lots of 14-18” fish reported over the weekend with some bruisers to 21 1/2” boated. Mostly off shore humps and coontail edges, but some big fish up shallow!
Largemouth Bass: Very Good – Better as wind picked up each day. Reports of some big fish in lily pads. Fish to 5#’s. Top-water action good in shallows. Wacky Worms and jig/sweet beavers in weeds.
Bluegill: Very Good – Very nice Gills of 8-9 3/4” on crawler halves under floats in 7-9’. Mid-morning action picks up from colder early AM. Even picking up larger Gills on Crappie minnows meant for Crappies. With weeds still looking healthy, good time to capitalize on this bite!
Musky: Good-Very Good – Shallow weeds, 3-8’ working bucktails, swimbaits and top-waters (Dr. Evils, Pacemakers up front, follow up with anglers in back casting Flaptails or Hawg Wobblers). Evening, top-water best!
Yellow Perch: Good-Very Good – Lake fish relating to cabbage and wood in 6-10’. Crawlers, medium fats on 1/16 oz weedless jigs or under slip-floats. Flowage fish scattered, working woody bottoms. Same methods, fewer, but larger fish (9-12”).
Northern Pike: Good – Cooling temps getting Pike in mood to chase. Spinnerbaits, chatterbaits, #3 and #4 Mepps Aglias, as well as 4” swimbaits, getting it done! Jigging or floating a big chub or sucker also nice way to spend a beautiful September afternoon.
Walleye: Good – Bite varies, but Walleyes active in both deep gravel/mud locations on Shiver Minnows and Jigging Raps, as well as working 1/8 or 1/4 oz jigs tipped with crawlers or large fatheads. Don’t give up on weeds yet. Also finding Walleyes in shallower (6-9’) weeds and wood.
Crappie: Fair-Good – Picking up as anglers targeting Crappies reporting action in afternoons casting small twisters (1&2”) on 1/32 oz & 1/16 oz jig heads. Kalin Crappie Scrubs, Mini Mites also picking up some nice slabs this weekend to 13+”!
Continued cool mornings (lows forecasted to hit 40) with mild warm ups to upper 60’s to 70 for the rest of the week should bode well. Water temps have dropped at the surface into the upper 60’s and fish activity should only improve from here out.
Sunny 70°
Water: 69°
Ledges
Had Ethan from Wis. Rapids today . Used Fatheads and crawlers on jigs on this deep water ledge. Lots of walleyes and had our fish in about an hour.
As summer winds down, temps felt more mid-summer like with highs by Monday (9/4) hitting upper 90’s. Surface water temps surged up, cracking 80 degrees+ on many lakes. That’s quite a jump up from the upper 60’s of mid-week last. We actually had air temp lows in upper 30’s then! With a new front coming in 9/6 and forecasted highs not to crack 60 degrees until Friday after that, angler expectations are all over the board. We’ve seen some species biting better while others seem to have “moved out”.
Smallmouth Bass: Very Good – September is a time where it seems to be two separate locations to find Smallies. Numbers wise and some big fish are relating to gravel/rock humps. Look for these areas in 16-28’, drop-shotting 3” Wacky Worms, minnow imitations and craw imitations. Football jigs with smaller Sweet Beavers and other creature baits also effective. There also seems to be a small population of big Smallies that prefer to work the inside weed lines, mixed in with September Muskies, that love to attack top-water baits such as Whopper Ploppers, Buzzbaits and Topper Stoppers. These fish always are 18”+ fish, big tough guys who don’t mind hanging with the Skis.
Bluegill: Very Good – Actively working over weeds and around docks (perfect timing for Labor Day family fishing.) Nothing special, just worms. waxies or Mini-mites. Some larger Gills being caught around deeper weeds of 10-14’. Some even taking small minnows meant for Crappies.
Yellow Perch: Very Good-Good – Drowned wood and cabbage patches! Perch feeding on small crayfish and insects utilizing these areas taking beavertails, 1/2 crawlers and medium fatheads on light jigs or slip-floats in 6-10’.
Walleye: Good-Fair – Action improving! Despite heat bites building on gravel humps of 15-28’ (depending on lake) jigging/dragging 1/8 oz jigs tipped with crawlers, large fats or medium redtails. Jigging Shiver Minnows and Raps also producing.
Largemouth Bass: Fair-Good – Some of the action has slowed (could be with Musky controlling shallow weeds). Probing deeper weeds with Ned rigs, Ned craws, tubes and Wacky Worms producing. Still some good top-water evening action on frogs, buzzbaits on shallower lakes.
Musky: Fair-Good – With heat, most anglers laid off targeting due to the stress it would put these fish through. Early mornings using fast moving bucktails, top-water lures best. Those that did report fishing noticed action died off when temps started to rise mid-morning. Should improve with cooler weather by weekend.
Northern Pike: Fair – Not loving the heat this weekend. Should see a uptick in action as water cools by week’s end. Some reaction hits on chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, but best on live bait during heat.
Crappie: Fair? – Lots of anglers searching, but not much for lake action. Deep weeds best, but hard to locate. Some Flowage fish found near wood. Medium fatheads under slip-floats best.
The drastic change in temps from Monday (9/4) through Wednesday should make for a bit of a slow down on Thursday. Though the lower water temps shouldn’t be a big issue for anglers targeting Musky, Walleye, Smallies, Crappies, and Pike.
Smallmouth Bass: Very Good – September is a time where it seems to be two separate locations to find Smallies. Numbers wise and some big fish are relating to gravel/rock humps. Look for these areas in 16-28’, drop-shotting 3” Wacky Worms, minnow imitations and craw imitations. Football jigs with smaller Sweet Beavers and other creature baits also effective. There also seems to be a small population of big Smallies that prefer to work the inside weed lines, mixed in with September Muskies, that love to attack top-water baits such as Whopper Ploppers, Buzzbaits and Topper Stoppers. These fish always are 18”+ fish, big tough guys who don’t mind hanging with the Skis.
Bluegill: Very Good – Actively working over weeds and around docks (perfect timing for Labor Day family fishing.) Nothing special, just worms. waxies or Mini-mites. Some larger Gills being caught around deeper weeds of 10-14’. Some even taking small minnows meant for Crappies.
Yellow Perch: Very Good-Good – Drowned wood and cabbage patches! Perch feeding on small crayfish and insects utilizing these areas taking beavertails, 1/2 crawlers and medium fatheads on light jigs or slip-floats in 6-10’.
Walleye: Good-Fair – Action improving! Despite heat bites building on gravel humps of 15-28’ (depending on lake) jigging/dragging 1/8 oz jigs tipped with crawlers, large fats or medium redtails. Jigging Shiver Minnows and Raps also producing.
Largemouth Bass: Fair-Good – Some of the action has slowed (could be with Musky controlling shallow weeds). Probing deeper weeds with Ned rigs, Ned craws, tubes and Wacky Worms producing. Still some good top-water evening action on frogs, buzzbaits on shallower lakes.
Musky: Fair-Good – With heat, most anglers laid off targeting due to the stress it would put these fish through. Early mornings using fast moving bucktails, top-water lures best. Those that did report fishing noticed action died off when temps started to rise mid-morning. Should improve with cooler weather by weekend.
Northern Pike: Fair – Not loving the heat this weekend. Should see a uptick in action as water cools by week’s end. Some reaction hits on chatterbaits, spinnerbaits, but best on live bait during heat.
Crappie: Fair? – Lots of anglers searching, but not much for lake action. Deep weeds best, but hard to locate. Some Flowage fish found near wood. Medium fatheads under slip-floats best.
The drastic change in temps from Monday (9/4) through Wednesday should make for a bit of a slow down on Thursday. Though the lower water temps shouldn’t be a big issue for anglers targeting Musky, Walleye, Smallies, Crappies, and Pike.
Good news on the fishing front. Just about everything is active and catchable. I've been out a bunch lately and we've been getting 7 species or more each time. And numbers have been great, too. My opinion is if you can't remember how many fish you caught that's a good thing.
Although we are suppose to get some leeches in today, they are almost non-existent so we haven't fished with them. But crawlers have been dynamite. Minnows haven't worked near as well. We actually tried pretty hard yesterday to catch a fish on minnows but it was a no go. Viewed on the Livescope the fish would come up to them and swim away. We switched back to crawlers and the good bite continued.
The fish are french-kissing cover right now. Stumps, rocks and weeds are their haunts. Again on the Livescope, we watched fish hugging the stumps and they would not venture out more than a foot or so for the bait. Precision casting was key.
Walleyes are hugging the bottom in wood and rocks, crappie are suspended about half way down and bluegills, perch and sunfish are searching the bottom for food. One day we found crappie in 32 fow on the bottom but they were very bashful.
In general the flowages are pretty productive but watch yourself. Water levels are around 10' below normal so don't let that rock, stump or sandbar get you! Just navigate the river channels and look for cover a fish might like.
LM and SM Bass are still on fire. Plenty of action to go around for sure. Get that 1/2 crawler and light jig and throw it at the weed edges and something will hit it. If the action slows keep inching out deeper. Same thing if you're throwing plastics. For example, don't be afraid of wacky worming in 30-40 fow.
Dragging your favorite stick baits over mudflats and next to deep weed edges is also working well. Experiment with different lengths and running depths to dial in the correct MO for your area. So many variables there.
Leeches are probably done for the season. We might have a few pounds coming today. I know, a sad day for many. But there are alternatives. One really good one is the leech plastic by Gitzit and Gulp!. Very unique shapes that allows the bait to float up and down like a real leech on jig being retrieved or even on a slip bobber.
Labor Day weekend is upon us. Pretty warm temps, also. As we say goodbye to most of the out-of-towners we would also like to thank you for your support. We are very grateful for the summer we have had. Be careful heading out. But while your here take the kids out, find a deep weed edge and enjoy the smiles.
------------
We got a big WAREHOUSE WINTER PRE-SEASON SALE and an END OF SEASON SALE going on now. If you're thinking about a new Auger, Shelter, Flip-Over, Hub, clothing and/or any type of electronics, now may be the best time to buy them. Most items are at cost or below. See the web site for details. The sale is limited to items in stock, in-store or on the website. No special orders. Blackfish gear is still 20% off right now. The END OF SEASON SALE gets you at least 25% off pricing on Rods, Reels, Rod/Reel Combos, Beaver Dam Tip-Ups, Musky Lures and more items when you buy two or more.
Right now for live bait we have Jumbo Crawlers, Small crawlers, Panfish Worms, Wax worms, Crappie Minnows, Regular Fatheads, XL Fatheads, Blacktails, Redtails, Walleye Suckers, Medium and Large Musky Suckers.
Our normal weekly hours are:
Monday thru Thursday from 6am to 6pm
Friday from 6am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday 6am to 6pm
Let's squelch a few rumors. The shop is for sale. Business is great but Linda and I are ready to retire. WE ARE NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS! If you have an interest in owning and operating the largest non-franchised bait shop in Wisconsin, call our Realtor, Eric Johnson, at 715-892-1234 or call Jeff at 715-892-2751.
Jeff Bolander, owner of Dewey, Catchem and How Bait Shop and Guide Post at www.DeweyCatchemAndHow.com
Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DeweyCatchemAndHow
Thursday 9/1/23
Although we are suppose to get some leeches in today, they are almost non-existent so we haven't fished with them. But crawlers have been dynamite. Minnows haven't worked near as well. We actually tried pretty hard yesterday to catch a fish on minnows but it was a no go. Viewed on the Livescope the fish would come up to them and swim away. We switched back to crawlers and the good bite continued.
The fish are french-kissing cover right now. Stumps, rocks and weeds are their haunts. Again on the Livescope, we watched fish hugging the stumps and they would not venture out more than a foot or so for the bait. Precision casting was key.
Walleyes are hugging the bottom in wood and rocks, crappie are suspended about half way down and bluegills, perch and sunfish are searching the bottom for food. One day we found crappie in 32 fow on the bottom but they were very bashful.
In general the flowages are pretty productive but watch yourself. Water levels are around 10' below normal so don't let that rock, stump or sandbar get you! Just navigate the river channels and look for cover a fish might like.
LM and SM Bass are still on fire. Plenty of action to go around for sure. Get that 1/2 crawler and light jig and throw it at the weed edges and something will hit it. If the action slows keep inching out deeper. Same thing if you're throwing plastics. For example, don't be afraid of wacky worming in 30-40 fow.
Dragging your favorite stick baits over mudflats and next to deep weed edges is also working well. Experiment with different lengths and running depths to dial in the correct MO for your area. So many variables there.
Leeches are probably done for the season. We might have a few pounds coming today. I know, a sad day for many. But there are alternatives. One really good one is the leech plastic by Gitzit and Gulp!. Very unique shapes that allows the bait to float up and down like a real leech on jig being retrieved or even on a slip bobber.
Labor Day weekend is upon us. Pretty warm temps, also. As we say goodbye to most of the out-of-towners we would also like to thank you for your support. We are very grateful for the summer we have had. Be careful heading out. But while your here take the kids out, find a deep weed edge and enjoy the smiles.
------------
We got a big WAREHOUSE WINTER PRE-SEASON SALE and an END OF SEASON SALE going on now. If you're thinking about a new Auger, Shelter, Flip-Over, Hub, clothing and/or any type of electronics, now may be the best time to buy them. Most items are at cost or below. See the web site for details. The sale is limited to items in stock, in-store or on the website. No special orders. Blackfish gear is still 20% off right now. The END OF SEASON SALE gets you at least 25% off pricing on Rods, Reels, Rod/Reel Combos, Beaver Dam Tip-Ups, Musky Lures and more items when you buy two or more.
Right now for live bait we have Jumbo Crawlers, Small crawlers, Panfish Worms, Wax worms, Crappie Minnows, Regular Fatheads, XL Fatheads, Blacktails, Redtails, Walleye Suckers, Medium and Large Musky Suckers.
Our normal weekly hours are:
Monday thru Thursday from 6am to 6pm
Friday from 6am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday 6am to 6pm
Let's squelch a few rumors. The shop is for sale. Business is great but Linda and I are ready to retire. WE ARE NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS! If you have an interest in owning and operating the largest non-franchised bait shop in Wisconsin, call our Realtor, Eric Johnson, at 715-892-1234 or call Jeff at 715-892-2751.
Jeff Bolander, owner of Dewey, Catchem and How Bait Shop and Guide Post at www.DeweyCatchemAndHow.com
Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/DeweyCatchemAndHow
Thursday 9/1/23
Another typically nice week of late August weather. Cool(ish) nights and comfortably warm days. Patterns stayed fairly consistent as surface temps still range in the low to mid 70-degree mark.
Bluegill: Very Good – The flying ant hatch that I thought I missed happened last week. Gills (and other fish) were up at the surface gorging on ants. Good news to anglers that like to fish flies for Gills. But Gills being Gills, worms, waxies, tiny tubes, Mini-Mites, and 1” twister tails also worked well…and still are.
Largemouth Bass: Very Good – Drop shotting 3” Wackys, Gulp Alive minnows and small craw imitations along outside weed edges of 8-14’. Early and late work top-water lures on inside weed lines or over 4-6’ cabbage flats. Square lipped cranks over these flats also effective. Still good Wacky Worm action in heavy cover also.
Smallmouth Bass: Very Good – Gravel/rock humps (18-26’) and outside coontail edges of 14-18’ using drop shot methods, tube jigs, and football jigs tipped with 3” plastic craws. Some very healthy fish in the 17-21” class being caught. Check rock humps where Sculpin are gathering.
Yellow Perch: Good – Relating to heavy cabbage and drowned wood where they seem to be dining mostly on insects. Without leeches to be had, 1/2 crawlers or beavertails are the next best bet.
Northern Pike: Good – Action improving. Watch for signs of young of year Perch in shallows and use shallow running stickbaits (Thundersticks, Floating #5 Rapalas) or square lipped cranks for some fast, fun action. Action over cabbage flats has improved using chatterbaits and spinnerbaits.
Musky: Good – Top-water action best using Pacemakers, Whopper Ploppers, Fat Bastards and following up with the more subtle Flaptail. Bucktails and large spinnerbaits also producing. Suckers will work, but heat by Monday (90 degrees?) could be an issue.
Walleye: Fair-Good – Some transitioning to gravel/mud, but not much. Still finding Eyes relating to weeds (outside edges) taking redtails and crawlers. Watch for some early AM action in shallows chasing young of the year Perch. With temps going to 80’s/90’s by Mon/Tue doubt we’ll see the mud/gravel bite pick up too fast. (Except on the larger lakes!)
Crappie: Fair – Not a lot of reports, fish the deeper coontail edges of 14-18’. Look for suspended fish 6-8’ off bottom. Cast Kalin Crappie Scrubs over narrow leaf cabbage in 10-14’ to locate active fish high in the weed tops. Go back with the basic float and minnows if you find pods of fish.
Looks like a great weekend weather wise, almost too good (hot, sunny). Get out early or fish late and enjoy the Northwoods this weekend! Have a wonderful Labor Day holiday.
Bluegill: Very Good – The flying ant hatch that I thought I missed happened last week. Gills (and other fish) were up at the surface gorging on ants. Good news to anglers that like to fish flies for Gills. But Gills being Gills, worms, waxies, tiny tubes, Mini-Mites, and 1” twister tails also worked well…and still are.
Largemouth Bass: Very Good – Drop shotting 3” Wackys, Gulp Alive minnows and small craw imitations along outside weed edges of 8-14’. Early and late work top-water lures on inside weed lines or over 4-6’ cabbage flats. Square lipped cranks over these flats also effective. Still good Wacky Worm action in heavy cover also.
Smallmouth Bass: Very Good – Gravel/rock humps (18-26’) and outside coontail edges of 14-18’ using drop shot methods, tube jigs, and football jigs tipped with 3” plastic craws. Some very healthy fish in the 17-21” class being caught. Check rock humps where Sculpin are gathering.
Yellow Perch: Good – Relating to heavy cabbage and drowned wood where they seem to be dining mostly on insects. Without leeches to be had, 1/2 crawlers or beavertails are the next best bet.
Northern Pike: Good – Action improving. Watch for signs of young of year Perch in shallows and use shallow running stickbaits (Thundersticks, Floating #5 Rapalas) or square lipped cranks for some fast, fun action. Action over cabbage flats has improved using chatterbaits and spinnerbaits.
Musky: Good – Top-water action best using Pacemakers, Whopper Ploppers, Fat Bastards and following up with the more subtle Flaptail. Bucktails and large spinnerbaits also producing. Suckers will work, but heat by Monday (90 degrees?) could be an issue.
Walleye: Fair-Good – Some transitioning to gravel/mud, but not much. Still finding Eyes relating to weeds (outside edges) taking redtails and crawlers. Watch for some early AM action in shallows chasing young of the year Perch. With temps going to 80’s/90’s by Mon/Tue doubt we’ll see the mud/gravel bite pick up too fast. (Except on the larger lakes!)
Crappie: Fair – Not a lot of reports, fish the deeper coontail edges of 14-18’. Look for suspended fish 6-8’ off bottom. Cast Kalin Crappie Scrubs over narrow leaf cabbage in 10-14’ to locate active fish high in the weed tops. Go back with the basic float and minnows if you find pods of fish.
Looks like a great weekend weather wise, almost too good (hot, sunny). Get out early or fish late and enjoy the Northwoods this weekend! Have a wonderful Labor Day holiday.
Sometimes when I write this report I feel like saying "Ditto" and hitting the send key. Not much of anything has changed but you can feel the change coming. Slight coloration in the leaves and ferns, cooler nights, geese gathering, and everything is starting to smell like fall. It will happen soon enough so lets not rush it, eh?
Panfish, LM and SM Bass are still on fire. Plenty of action to go around for sure. Get that 1/2 crawler and light jig and throw it at the weed edges and something will hit it. If the action slows keep inching out deeper. Same thing if you're throwing plastics. For example, don't be afraid of wacky worming in 30-40 fow. You'll love the results.
Dragging your favorite stick baits over mudflats and next to deep weed edges is also working well. Experiment with different lengths and running depths to dial in the correct MO for your area. So many variables there, but again, you'll love the results.
Leeches are done for the season. I know, a sad day for many. But there are alternatives. One really good one is the leech plastic by Gitzit. Very unique shape that allows the bait to float up and down like a real leech on jig being retrieved or even on a slip bobber. Those of you that have used their paddle tails and tubes in the past know how soft and full of scent they are and how well they work. Try 'em. You'll love the results.
The lakes are starting to empty out a little with school starting in some areas so now is the perfect time to hit the water and make some memories. With daytime temps in the 70's and lake temps also in the 70's, it'll be pretty hard to be disappointed. Take the kids out, find a deep weed edge and enjoy the smiles.
------------
We got a big WAREHOUSE WINTER PRE-SEASON SALE going on now. If you're thinking about a new Auger, Shelter, Flip-Over, Hub, clothing and/or any type of electronics, now may be the best time to buy them. Most items are at cost or below. See the web site for details. The sale is limited to items in stock, in-store or on the website. No special orders. Blackfish gear is still 20% off right now.
Right now for live bait we have Jumbo Crawlers, Small crawlers, Panfish Worms, Wax worms, Crappie Minnows, Regular Fatheads, XL Fatheads, Dace, Blacktails, Redtails, Walleye Suckers, Medium and Large Musky Suckers. LEECHES ARE DONE FOR THE SEASON.
Our normal weekly hours are:
Monday thru Thursday from 6am to 7pm
Friday from 6am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday 5am to 6pm
Let's squelch a few rumors. The shop is for sale. Business is great but Linda and I are ready to retire. WE ARE NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS! If you have an interest in owning and operating the largest non-franchised bait shop in Wisconsin, call our Realtor, Eric Johnson, at 715-892-1234 or call Jeff at 715-892-2751.
Jeff Bolander, owner of Dewey, Catchem and How Bait Shop and Guide Post at www.DeweyCatchemAndHow.comFacebook
page at https://www.facebook.com/DeweyCatchemAndHow
Thursday 8/24/23
Panfish, LM and SM Bass are still on fire. Plenty of action to go around for sure. Get that 1/2 crawler and light jig and throw it at the weed edges and something will hit it. If the action slows keep inching out deeper. Same thing if you're throwing plastics. For example, don't be afraid of wacky worming in 30-40 fow. You'll love the results.
Dragging your favorite stick baits over mudflats and next to deep weed edges is also working well. Experiment with different lengths and running depths to dial in the correct MO for your area. So many variables there, but again, you'll love the results.
Leeches are done for the season. I know, a sad day for many. But there are alternatives. One really good one is the leech plastic by Gitzit. Very unique shape that allows the bait to float up and down like a real leech on jig being retrieved or even on a slip bobber. Those of you that have used their paddle tails and tubes in the past know how soft and full of scent they are and how well they work. Try 'em. You'll love the results.
The lakes are starting to empty out a little with school starting in some areas so now is the perfect time to hit the water and make some memories. With daytime temps in the 70's and lake temps also in the 70's, it'll be pretty hard to be disappointed. Take the kids out, find a deep weed edge and enjoy the smiles.
------------
We got a big WAREHOUSE WINTER PRE-SEASON SALE going on now. If you're thinking about a new Auger, Shelter, Flip-Over, Hub, clothing and/or any type of electronics, now may be the best time to buy them. Most items are at cost or below. See the web site for details. The sale is limited to items in stock, in-store or on the website. No special orders. Blackfish gear is still 20% off right now.
Right now for live bait we have Jumbo Crawlers, Small crawlers, Panfish Worms, Wax worms, Crappie Minnows, Regular Fatheads, XL Fatheads, Dace, Blacktails, Redtails, Walleye Suckers, Medium and Large Musky Suckers. LEECHES ARE DONE FOR THE SEASON.
Our normal weekly hours are:
Monday thru Thursday from 6am to 7pm
Friday from 6am to 8pm
Saturday and Sunday 5am to 6pm
Let's squelch a few rumors. The shop is for sale. Business is great but Linda and I are ready to retire. WE ARE NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS! If you have an interest in owning and operating the largest non-franchised bait shop in Wisconsin, call our Realtor, Eric Johnson, at 715-892-1234 or call Jeff at 715-892-2751.
Jeff Bolander, owner of Dewey, Catchem and How Bait Shop and Guide Post at www.DeweyCatchemAndHow.comFacebook
page at https://www.facebook.com/DeweyCatchemAndHow
Thursday 8/24/23
Following a cold morning (45 degrees), which brought about a small snap of color to the Northwoods, a few sugar maples have popped and other trees are showing a lighter shade of color. Air temps have risen since, keeping most lake surface temps in the low 70’s. Patterns have remained steady as anglers report fairly consistent action – be it good or bad.
Bluegill: Very Good-Good – Active over cabbage beds of 8-12’. A variety of lures including Mini-Mites, 1” twisters and 1/32 oz Beetle spins. Worms and Gulp Alive grubs and leeches also effective. Unless I missed it, should be a flying ant hatch very soon, fun for fly fishers to get a top-water bite going.
Yellow Perch: Very Good-Good – Active in weeds, same as Gills but lower in water column. 1/2 crawlers or medium fatheads best. Some very nice, 10-12” Perch in wood on Flowages (very low, be very careful)
Largemouth Bass: Very Good-Good – Still best bite using Wacky Worms in cabbage flats. Twitching stickbaits, ticking weed tops with square billed cranks and evening top-water baits (Jitterbugs, Whopper Ploppers, etc.) good fun.
Smallmouth Bass: Very Good-Good – Rock/gravel humps and coontail edges of 14-18’ on Ned rigs and drop shot rigs using imitation craws and 3” Wacky Worms or 3” Gulp minnows. Nice 15-20” fish this past week.
Musky: Good – Top-water action on Dr. Evils, Whopper Ploppers, Pace Makers and bucktails worked over cabbage edges of 10-16’. Good action, not a lot of large fish reported.
Northern Pike: Fair – Chubs and suckers on jigs with light wire leaders. Some good action reported using spinnerbaits.
Walleye: Fair – Deeper mud of 20-26’ using shiver minnows on larger lakes. On smaller bodies of water and Flowages, try #5 Shad raps and #5 Flicker Shads worked over drowned wood producing, as is red tails on weedless jigs.
Crappie: Fair – Few reports, though some big slabs (to 15”) caught on cranks meant for Walleyes in 6-10’ wood.
A little cool down (though not as much as last week) followed by warm weather by weekend (into low 80’s) should keep fishing stable. Watch for cool down, when it arrives, to spur bite on.
Bluegill: Very Good-Good – Active over cabbage beds of 8-12’. A variety of lures including Mini-Mites, 1” twisters and 1/32 oz Beetle spins. Worms and Gulp Alive grubs and leeches also effective. Unless I missed it, should be a flying ant hatch very soon, fun for fly fishers to get a top-water bite going.
Yellow Perch: Very Good-Good – Active in weeds, same as Gills but lower in water column. 1/2 crawlers or medium fatheads best. Some very nice, 10-12” Perch in wood on Flowages (very low, be very careful)
Largemouth Bass: Very Good-Good – Still best bite using Wacky Worms in cabbage flats. Twitching stickbaits, ticking weed tops with square billed cranks and evening top-water baits (Jitterbugs, Whopper Ploppers, etc.) good fun.
Smallmouth Bass: Very Good-Good – Rock/gravel humps and coontail edges of 14-18’ on Ned rigs and drop shot rigs using imitation craws and 3” Wacky Worms or 3” Gulp minnows. Nice 15-20” fish this past week.
Musky: Good – Top-water action on Dr. Evils, Whopper Ploppers, Pace Makers and bucktails worked over cabbage edges of 10-16’. Good action, not a lot of large fish reported.
Northern Pike: Fair – Chubs and suckers on jigs with light wire leaders. Some good action reported using spinnerbaits.
Walleye: Fair – Deeper mud of 20-26’ using shiver minnows on larger lakes. On smaller bodies of water and Flowages, try #5 Shad raps and #5 Flicker Shads worked over drowned wood producing, as is red tails on weedless jigs.
Crappie: Fair – Few reports, though some big slabs (to 15”) caught on cranks meant for Walleyes in 6-10’ wood.
A little cool down (though not as much as last week) followed by warm weather by weekend (into low 80’s) should keep fishing stable. Watch for cool down, when it arrives, to spur bite on.
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