Minocqua Area Fishing Report 4.8.12
This unusually long open water "pre-season" (we were still ice fishing last year at this time) has kept most anglers off the water. Those who have gotten their boats ready and have an itch have been scratching it with some very good panfishing.
Crappies: Good-Very Good. Afternoons are best as morning temps in the high 20's- low 30's are cooling down the action. As temps increase in the afternoons, work 7-12' weeds with tubes, Gulp-Alive minnows, floats with crappie minnows, small rosies are also effective. On calm sunny days crappies found in 1-2' of water mixed with gills- these fish are very spooky and are harder to catch.
Yellow Perch: Good-Very Good. Many reports have perch not spawned out yet. Shallows of 4-8' over dark bottoms best. Small to medium minnows, 1/2 crawlers on 1/3oz or jigs best.
Bluegills: Good. Anglers tossing wax worms on ice style jigs 2-3' below small floats getting lots of action and some nice meals on the lee sides of the lakes receiving the most sun. Leaf worms and Gulp waxies also good choices for bait.
With surface temps yo-yoingfrom dawn to mid afternoon anglers are doing best to fish late morning till dusk. Lots of active bass, pike and walleyes which are not legal to fish for yet are being caught, so be sure you know the regs before wetting a line.
Kurt Justice
Kurts Island Sports
islandsports@verizon.net
