Minocqua area fishing report 8.25.10 Six inches of rain hit the Lakeland area filling most of the lakes and flowages to full and beyond (some lakes like Katherine, Big Muskellunge, Clear will need more). The rising water levels affected the bites on the Flowages and some of the lakes. Once things level off the start of the early fall bites should begin. Water temps dropped and a lot early last week (low 80's to high 60's) but are now rising in to the low to mid 70's. Lakes with traditional algae blooms are seeing lots of greening, while suddenly higher water levels are leaving and but more "water" to fish over weed tops.
Smallmouth Bass: Good. Deep water fish less affected than shallow (LMB). Humps and breaks of 18-34'. Drop shotting 2 1/2" Gulp Minnows, 3" Senkos to well as 1/2 Crawlers on frozen soft shells on 1/8 oz jigs. Smallies at these depths seem to be feeding heavily on small bait fish so small tubes, jigs should work as well.
Largemouth Bass: Good. Slowed from previous week due to cooler weather and rain. Surface bite backed off, but plunking plastic working. Also casting 3" Twister Tails on 1/6-1/8 jig heads also affective.
Yellow Perch: Good. 1/2 Crawlers, Medium Fats in 8-12' weeds. Soft shell Crayfish (frozen) over 14-22' sandgrass also working.
Musky: Good. Not great action but fish in mid 30 to 40 " range working weed beds. Bucktails best, Jointed Smity Cranks and Surface Lures towards weeks end.
Bluegill: Fair-Good. Slowed with cool weather early in week. Picking up with warmth.
Northern Pike: Good to Fair. This species actually reached better to cool off. Boonie Bait Spinnerbaits, Johnson Silver Minnows, Daredevils over weed flats.
Crappie: Fair. Return of consistent weather will bring these fish back to 8-12' weeds.
Walleye: Fair. Best on deep lakes. Shallow lakes and flowages were affected by rain.
Kurt Justice
Kurt's Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com
