Minocqua area fishing report 5.7.12 A wicked wind from the east put a damper on what had looked to be a possible great opener. The warming trend of the week leading up changed Friday night by a cold front and wind switch. Panfish anglers were reporting lots of gamefish activity prior to opening on Saturday. Cold, wind and some rain put a stop to the hot bites for just about everything. Sundays heavy wind and rain kept a lot of anglers off the water, though the ones who braved the weather reported better fishing as the temps warmed.
Crappies: Fair-Good. This bite will return quickly now that temps have moved up again. Minnows below floats best when windy. Calmer days needed to feel bites on jigs.
Walleyes: Fair. Disappointing action for the most part. Deeper than expected with better catches coming from larger lakes in 14-20' depths. Redtailed chubs, black chubs and walleye suckers on 1/8-1/4oz jigs and Lindy style rigs best. Due to the cold front, shallow fish negatively impacted for the most part with slight drop in surface temps. There were a few exceptions on bodies where populations of small males found hanging together.
Pike: Poor-Fair. Surprisingly few reports. Not a lot of anglers targeting pike yet.
Perch: Poor-Fair. Shallows holding spawned out fish. Light jigs/minnows or 1/2 crawlers under floats best.
Largemouth, Smallmouth, Bluegill: Largemouth and bluegills seen roaming shallows, but, few catches.
Surface temps as of Saturday ranged from low of 51 degrees to highs of 59 degrees. While the rest of the week looks overcast and chance of rain, return of west winds should improve bite along with more stable temps in upper 60's. Crappie anglers should keep eyes open for early spawn, some crappies up shallow and males very dark already.
Kurt Justice
Kurt?s Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com
