We hope you’ve been getting out on the water despite the wild weather swings lately. The Northwoods has seen some big changes this past week!
Fishing in the Minocqua / Oneida and Vilas County area has remained productive even with the cooler temperatures and persistent wind. Water temperatures have held surprisingly steady in the low 70s in many lakes.
Musky Fishing: Jerkbaits Producing in the Weeds
Muskies are fully post-spawn and scattered across different patterns. Guide Jake Smith of Smitty Baits has been on the water nearly every day and reports a solid jerkbait bite right now, especially on sunny days with wind.
Fish are holding in shallower weeds (12 feet and less), particularly around the edges of cabbage and in pockets. On clearer lakes, muskies are also showing up in deeper weeds and suspended out in the basins, often near rock piles in 24–25+ feet of water.
Key patterns right now:
- Shallow weed fish on the edges and in holes
- Deeper weedline fish on clear lakes
- Suspended fish in the basins (especially on deep clear water lakes)
Weed growth has been excellent, though coontail hasn’t exploded yet, making it relatively easy to fish the cabbage edges. Topwater action has been limited due to the cool, windy conditions, but it should improve as temperatures warm back up.
Recommended presentations: Small to medium jerkbaits have been excellent. Bucktails and other moving baits should also work well in the wind.
Walleye Fishing: Picky but Plentiful
Walleyes remain active but have been somewhat picky due to a strong bug hatch and abundant baitfish. Jake has had success on both minnows and crawlers, with plastics also producing. On deeper clear lakes, bigger minnows are a good choice as they’re more visible. Shallower and darker water lakes are producing well on extra-large fatheads and walleye suckers.
Weather Outlook
After a cold front that brought highs in the 50s–60s and strong winds, we’re looking at more stable conditions:
- Friday: High 68°F, West winds 5–10 mph
- Saturday: High 70°F, Northwest winds 5–10 mph
- Sunday: High 71°F, Northeast winds 5–10 mph
- Monday–Wednesday: Highs 70–72°F with limited rain
This should make for much more comfortable fishing days ahead.
We hope this report helps you get on some fish this weekend! Whether you’re chasing muskies, walleyes, or just enjoying time on the water, the Northwoods still offers plenty of great opportunities.
Tight lines and good fishing!
Jay & Jim
Muskie Shop Team