We hope you all are off to a great start to the fishing season. Fishing in the Minocqua, Wisconsin area has been a bit up and down lately, mostly due to cold weather and water temperatures. Currently, water temps on most lakes are hovering in the 48 to 50-degree range, which has left most species pretty scattered for the time being.
Early Season Musky Fishing in the Northwoods
This year, the Musky season started at the same time as the Walleye opener for the first time since the early 1980s. There haven't been many people Musky fishing in the Northwoods just yet, and early reports have been mixed. With most species scattered, a few Muskies have been caught shallow in new weed growth. They will most likely stay scattered until the water temps warm up a bit.
Best Tactics and Baits for Cold Water Muskies
A good approach to targeting Muskies right now is to start shallow and look for the warmest water in the lake. This is most likely going to be in the northern ends of bays and the northern ends of the lakes. Work your baits with a slow to moderate retrieve. Some great baits for this early-season presentation include:
- Livingston Lures Mustang
- Ruff Tackle Lil' Dog Spinnerbait
- Drifter Squirrely Hellpuppy / Hellhound
- Toothy Tuff Baits 5.5" Shallow Assault Eel
- B&N 4.5" Rippin Minnow
- B&N Custom 4.5" Rippin Shad
Using Live Musky Suckers
Another excellent option is fishing with live Musky Suckers. We have some really nice suckers in stock, and they actually work all season long. The main drawback is simply that it's harder to keep them alive in the warmer summer months, but they remain highly effective. If you're going this route, make sure to grab your Smity Quick-Set Sucker Rigs and Kits.
Walleye, Crappie, and Panfish: Where to Find Them
If you're targeting Walleyes, Crappies, and Panfish, you're in luck. They have all been in the same locations for the most part thus far. Look for them in shallow weeds, shallow rocks, and just outside the weed edges in approximately 8 to 15 feet of water.
Best Live Baits and Crankbaits for Spring
Live bait has been working very well. On the darker water, shallow lake systems, XL Fatheads and Crappie minnows are best. In the clear, deep-water systems, XL Fatheads, Crappie Minnows, Blacktail Chubs, and Walleye Suckers have all been highly effective.
Crankbaits have also been producing great results. We highly recommend:
The worm, nightcrawler, and leech bite hasn't quite taken effect yet because the water is still cold. However, once the water warms up slightly, all of these will become excellent choices.
Stop By and See Us at the Musky Shop!
We hope you have great fishing the next time you get out. Please stop by the Musky Shop or contact us if we can be of service to you, as it would be our pleasure.
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, July 18th, as we will host our annual Summer Bash! It's our largest sale of the year, with plenty of vendors in attendance, a ton of raffle prizes, food, and soft drinks. We hope you can all join us for the most fun day of the year.
Good Fishing and God Bless,
Jim Stewart