Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late May 2025

Written on 05/23/2025
James Stewart

Northern Musky Season Opens May 24th

The Northern Musky season kicks off on May 24th, and we couldn’t be more excited!

Outstanding Fishing Conditions for Multiple Species

Walleye, Smallmouth bass, Crappie, and panfish fishing have all been excellent. A stretch of warm temperatures pushed water levels to the upper 50s to mid-60s, but recent cooler weather has dropped temperatures back to the mid-to-upper 50s. Depending on the type of lake, conditions may vary slightly.

Most species are currently in shallow waters, ranging from the shoreline out to about 10 feet. If the cooler temperatures continue, fish may scatter a bit, but many will move up into shallow areas, especially if we get some sun.

Best Baits and Techniques for Success

  • Walleye Fishing: Redtails and XL Fatheads have been excellent live bait choices. Rapala F7's & F9's are highly effective early in the season for artificial bait.

  • Crappie and Panfish Fishing: Crappie minnows and Fatheads have been successful live bait options. Soft plastics, such as Kalin’s Crappie Scrubs and Kalin’s Triple Threat Grub, have also proven highly productive.

Northern Wisconsin Musky Opener: What to Expect

For the Northern Wisconsin Musky opener, Muskies are expected to remain shallow. Some will still be in the spawning process, while others will have completed spawning and may move slightly deeper to recoup. Given water temperatures ranging from the mid-50s to low-60s, a good strategy is to start shallow and work outward from the shoreline to depths of 10–12 feet.

Top Musky Baits to Consider

Additionally, keeping a Musky Sucker or two out while casting can be an effective tactic throughout the season. Running them shallow helps avoid weed tangles; Muskies will strike these baits year-round. While they can be challenging to keep alive in the hot summer months, they remain a solid choice for catching trophy-sized Muskies.

Save the Date: 5th Annual Summer Bash on July 19th

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 19th, when we host our 5th Annual Summer Bash starting at 11:00 a.m.! Many top Musky manufacturers will be in attendance, and we’ll be offering our biggest sale of the year. If you love Musky fishing, don’t miss out on this exciting event—it’s a great opportunity to learn, shop, and save!

We're Here to Serve You!

Let us know how we can assist you—it’s our pleasure to serve fellow fishing enthusiasts.

Good Fishing and God Bless, Jim Stewart