Minocqua area fishing report 6.29.11 What started out as a really good week of fishing took a hit as cold temps dropped water temps by weeks end. Most lakes that were unseasonably cool to start (average surface temps 65) lost 3-4 degrees by Friday. Action shut way down, especially in the a.m. picking up as waters warmed in the p.m.
Pike: Good. React better than most to this water temp. Morning jig chubs on wire leaders as fish somewhat sluggish - pick up speed with Boonie Baits (spinnerbaits), Cleos (spoons) and Mepps (#3 and #4 spinners) over 5-10' weeds.
Largemouth Bass: Fair-Good. Early fish slow. Wacky worms, pre-rigged worms (the Worm), live bait (XL leeches, crawlers) by afternoon shallow running crankbaits over weed tops.
Smallmouth Bass: Fair-Good. Afternoons best with tubes, skirted grubs. Work 8-15' gravel/rock. Surface lures on warm evenings (Jitterbugs, Chugbugs) and twitch baits (Husky Jerks, Xraps).
Walleye: Fair. Signs of Mayfly hatches on lakes plus cool down has slowed fishing. Look for lakes without Hex hatches, fish off shore rocks. This pattern helped us release two 26"ers plus several others over 20" on redtails. Hatches scattered and hard to detect due to high winds.
Musky: Fair. After a very good season so far action lulled. Slower retrieve twitch baits, gliders, eels for best action.
Bluegill: Fair. Cold and wind hurting angling attempts. Warm weather by weekend should really help here. Small leeches, thunderbugs, worms. Tiny jigs, gulp and poppers as water temps climb.
Perch: Fair. Warm temps will bring about a better bite. Thunderbugs, small leeches. Work 4-8' weed pockets. Cast 1/32oz jig with 1-2" twister to find active perch.'
Crappie: Poor. Very few reports.
Warmer weather and a new moon should bring about improved fishing for holiday weekend. With nice weather target early a.m. and late p.m. or out of the way locations.
Kurt Justice
Kurt's Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com
