Wisconsin Statewide Fishing report 6.15.12 Areas of Wisconsin have received some scattered showers in the last week, but many areas of the state are quite dry, with very little rain reported so far in the month of June. Water levels on lakes and rivers are mostly dropping, with the exception of the Mississippi River, which is still running 3 to 4 feet higher than normal at Prairie du Chien because of heavy rains in northern Minnesota. The lower Wisconsin River is running very low, with numerous sandbars making navigation difficult on some stretches.
Windy and variable weather made for some tough fishing conditions at times this week, though success has continued to be pretty good. Mayfly hatches are subsiding in the north and allowed for a more consistent walleye bite. Musky success continues to be very good, with anglers reporting quite a few catches and some multiple fish days. Panfish have been the highlight of the week, with some good catches of bluegill and pumpkinseed reported. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass action during the northern catch and release season has been very good. Most bass have finished up their spawning activity, and with that, the success on larger fish should begin to improve as the northern bass harvest season opens up on Saturday.
Very good walleye fishing continued to be reported on the east shore Lake Winnebago, but there are still cautions about blue-green algae on Lake Winnebago and on other waters across the state. Exposure to this algae poses a health risk to people and pets. Avoid contact with blue-green scum, and shower or rinse off after swimming in any water body.
High water has slowed Mississippi River fishing, but some good fishing for bass and catfish has been reported in the deeper holes below sandbars and against steep banks on the lower Wisconsin River, while bass and catfish were reported farther north near Wausau.
Along Green Bay, some very good walleye action continues to be reported along both the east and west shores. Smallmouth bass fishing has kicked into high gear along the Door County shoreline, with good catches reported at many locations. Some perch have also finally been reported in some areas. The phenomenal chinook salmon reported out of Lake Michigan harbors has slowed some, but fishing has still been good to very good with coho salmon and brown, rainbow and lake trout now making up more of the bag.
Douglas County Bluegills have been spawning and the bass are moving into the shallows making for some good fishing. There has already been a good crop of ticks in the north and now the deer flies and biting flies are out in force making for a buggy adventure in the woods. All the better reason to enjoy the beach and the water to get away from them.
Burnett County Fishing on area lakes has slowed down now that most fish are done spawning. Fishing weed edges will be productive in putting fish in the boat. The St. Croix River is at a moderate level for up coming canoeing and fishing trips. Always use caution when adventuring out on the St. Croix River, water levels can change rapidly because of rainfall events outside of the immediate area.
Polk County Anglers in the southern part of the county are having success using leeches on slip bobbers for walleyes on area lakes. Panfish are being caught on small jigs baited with leeches or artificial scented bait.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) Windy and variable weather have been the theme for the past week and this has made for some tough fishing conditions, though success has continued to be pretty good. Water levels on most lakes and flowages across the Northwoods are near normal to a couple inches high. River and stream flows are running just a bit low as there hasn?t been any significant rain in a couple weeks. The dryer conditions have lessened the number of biting insects, and good hatches of dragonflies have also helped keep the deer flies, mosquitoes, and ankle-biters at tolerable levels. The mayfly hatches have also subsided quite a bit and this has allowed the walleye bite to become a little more consistent. The best tactic has been a small jig tipped with a leech or night crawler piece, and fished along the weed edges and in the weed pockets. Musky success continues to be very good, with anglers reporting quite a few catches and some multiple fish days. Smaller bucktails and jerk baits have been the most productive and some decent catches have been also been made with small to medium live suckers. Panfish have once again been the highlight of the week, with some good catches of bluegill and pumpkinseed being reported. The warmer water temperatures have kept both species on their spawning beds and some nice fish have been caught on worms and small twister tails. A few crappie have still been found along the shallow weed edges, with a small minnow fished just below a bobber producing some good success right before dark. Both largemouth and smallmouth bass action during the early catch and release season has been very good, with most of the catches being of small to medium-size fish. Most bass have finished up their spawning activity, and with that, the success on larger fish should begin to improve in the next few weeks. Anglers are also reminded that the northern bass zone harvest season opens up on Saturday, June 16, 2012.
Flambeau River State Forest Water levels on both the North and South Forks of the Flambeau River are low. Fishing remains fair. Bass are close to finishing spawning.
Vilas County Warm temperatures the past few days have warmed area waters and anglers are taking advantage. Panfish action has been heating up with some nice bluegills being taken and a few crappies. Many anglers are having very good success catching northern pike in shallow weeds. Catch and release bass anglers are finding a lot of fish. Bass have largely completed spawning prior to the opening of the harvest season this weekend. Musky hunters are reporting some success.
Turtle-Flambeau Scenic Waters Area The weekend looks to be a great one to take Dad fishing. The bluegills are starting to make beds and getting ready to spawn. Bass season opens on Saturday and the smallmouth bass should be biting. Walleye slowed down due ta hatch of mayflies. There has been some pretty windy weather all week, causing some driftwood to let loose and float in open water. Keep an eye out for floating wood. Water level is five inches from full at 1571.57. Camping is good, not too many bugs yet. Be sure to allow enough time before dark to get a site. The campsites closest to the landing fill first, so plan accordingly. Remember, all of the sites are first-come, first-served, free and accessible only by boat. There is a 6 person limit at the sites.
Peshtigo Fishing pressure has been light to moderate depending on the wind. Water temperatures on the Bay are in the low to middle 70s.
Marinette County Boaters on the lower Peshtigo River have reported catching northern pike, smallmouth bass, catfish, and fresh water drum, while drifting and using jig head and live bait or plastics. Bay anglers from the mouth of the Peshtigo to the Menominee River were catching brown trout and king salmon by trolling spoons in 40 feet of water, color does not seem to matter, find the schools of bait fish and the trout and salmon will be close. Anglers on the Menominee River were catching some walleye, catfish, rock bass, and fresh water drum, on live bait, plastics, or trolling stick baits.
Oconto County Anglers at the Stiles Dam were catching bluegill using slip bobbers or dead drifting the current seams with worms. Some nice smallmouth bass were still being caught down stream from the Highway 141 bridge to the mouth of the river. Tube jigs and plastics were working well along with minnow and jig heads. The walleye bite from the mouth of the Pensaukee River to Oconto Park II has slowed since some from the week before. Trolling crawler/harness or stick baits in 12 to 16 feet of water is what was working. Panfish are starting on the beds on inland lakes, with some nice fish observed still with spawn in. Largemouth bass have been very active on inland lakes. Some of the young Canada geese are already beginning to show their color and are getting quite large. Suamico and Geano Beach, anglers are targeting walleye but most are smaller in size so not many anglers are hitting their limits. There seems to be more activity at University Reef, with some Walleye being a bit bigger in size. Sheepshead are still abundant. Anglers were using cranks and crawler harnesses for bait.
Manitowoc County The king salmon bite has slowed down from the incredible spring fishing that has taken place. Rainbows were still being taken with some coho and occasional lake trout. Some anglers were still connecting with a good number of kings but most boats were catching about half the numbers they were earlier, along with a mixed bag of rainbows and an occasional lake trout. Coho are starting to be caught more frequently, though they are still on the small side. Boats are setting up in 100 to 180 feet of water with the best lure depths varying greatly. Salmon have been hitting spoons and fly combos nearly at the same rates. Anglers were experiencing a more random bite with fish spread out more than they were during the last month of good fishing. White and/or green flies were reportedly working well. The southwest winds may be bringing some cooler water closer to shore and this may affect salmon locations. Anglers were reporting trolling speeds of 2.0 to 2.8 mph working well. As of Saturday the June 9, the most consistent action was straight out of Manitowoc and to the south. Boats are also using the landing out of Hika Bay. A few kings were still being caught off the piers in Manitowoc and Two Rivers. Anglers that were putting their time in were doing well with a variety of spoons. Spoons were also taking some rainbows in Two Rivers. Some anglers were using live bait and picking up some very nice rainbows. Alewives are still near shore and the salmon are feeding on them. Water flows are still very low. Smallmouth bass have been active in area rivers and can be caught on a variety of artificial lures and plastics. Occasional catfish and many bullheads were also being caught. Large carp can be caught on corn or night crawlers fished on the bottom. With water temperatures continuing to increase on inland lakes, most panfish, bass, and northern will be starting their summer patterns. Some fish may still be feeding in shallower water but many may be off of weedlines and near deeper water. Water clarity remains poor in many lakes, especially Long and Silver, but trout anglers on inland streams are finding improved water clarity.
Door County This week, the temperatures were warmer with warm winds and brought the water temperature back up a to about 65 to 70 degrees in most areas. On Little Sturgeon Bay and Sawyer Harbor, the water temperature was in the high 50s to low 60s. There have been good walleye catches south of Sturgeon Bay on the bay of Green Bay and up through Egg Harbor, Ephraim, and Sister Bay. Boats have been trolling with crank baits in up to 20 feet of water, 17-20 feet range producing the most. Some were also using crawler harness but crank baits have appeared to be preferred. There have been great catches of smallmouth bass throughout Door County waters including Sturgeon Bay, Egg Harbor, Ephraim, and Sister Bay on the bay side and Bailey's Harbor north to Rowley's Bay. The catches are not like the prespawn flurry that happens every year but are still pretty good. A variety of methods have been working including using jerk and crank baits within the 10-foot contour and a wide variety of plastics--great catches were being had off the Stone Quarry shore and other shore areas as well. As the water warms look to find fish moving deeper. Perch catch is picking up slowly in the Sturgeon Bay ship canal areas. Best catch in the 7-15 foot range around the weed edges with minnows being the bait of choice. Other live baits in the form of crawlers and leeches has also been working. Rumors are circling of northern pike being caught in the Sturgeon Bay area in deeper waters and musky being caught on the weed edges in the Sturgeon Bay area. While these are unverified reports this does make sense because this time of the year these larger fish start going a little deeper. For the shore angler, besides the smallmouth action, anglers have been catching a few perch in a variety of shoreline areas in Door County. Also do not overlook rock bass which provide steady action especially for the kids. Chinook salmon action continues to be good. Anglers have been fishing the Lake Michigan side mostly over 120-140 feet of water and targeting a variety of depths with deeper depths working during the day and baits in the upper column producing during sunset and sunrise times. Colors vary but some reports have said that blue and silver, 'oil slick' pearly colors are working. Like past weeks, the catch has been mostly chinook salmon with an occasional rainbow trout. A few anglers have also reported a few brown trout and coho salmon being caught while trolling for chinook. Little Sturgeon Bay was slow with anglers looking for perch using night crawlers, only a few were caught. Sawyer Harbor was a little busy at the beginning of the week with anglers targeting perch and smallmouth bass. Some rock bass were also caught. The bait of choice was tubes and twisters (green in color), live (night crawlers) and crank baits. Chaudoir's Dock was a little slow at the beginning of the week. The anglers were targeting perch using minnows and night crawlers for bait. Towards the end of the week and on the weekend, anglers were targeting walleye mostly with some looking for perch. They were catching the walleye in about 12 to 15 feet of water using flicker shads (black and silver, purple, copper, and gold), crank baits, crawler harnesses and some live bait (night crawlers). They ranged in sized from 15 to 24 inches and about half a pound to 4 pounds. Sheepshead are still very numerous and some anglers are starting to see some White Perch. Bayshore Park was busy all week and weekend with anglers targeting walleye and some of them looking for perch. Some anglers were catching their limits of walleye, but most anglers were reporting catching lots of smaller Walleye that were not of the legal size limit. Catfish and sheepshead were still very high while white perch and some white bass were making appearances. The bait of choice was crank baits and flicker shads (purple or gold). Fox River anglers were targeting walleye with some catching their limits. Lots of catfish and sheepshead were also being caught. Some anglers are seeing the occasional musky. For bait, the anglers were using cranks baits and crawler harnesses.
Kewaunee County The terrific chinook salmon fishing continues, though boaters who aren't out there every day like the more active charters may need to do a bit of scouting to find the best "zone" on a given day. Windy weather from several different directions June 9-12 roughed up the lake and moved a lot of water, cooling the surface to the low to mid-40s. That didn't shut off the fish, however, as they?ve mainly been finning in colder sub-surface water all along. For the shore angler, during some recent days a few chinook and an occasional rainbow trout were being caught by those casting spoons off the piers, often between 3:30-5:30 a.m. The best action remains 2 to 5 miles or more off shore, from near-surface to 100 feet down. Overall, the sweet spot seems to be the top 40 feet for rainbows and 30 to 80 feet down for salmon in 80 to 180 feet of water. However, there have been some salmon and a few lake trout caught up high and an occasional steelhead hooked down deep, so it pays to spread a variety of baits to cover several different areas. The use of leadcore line, copper wire or lead weights off planer boards has been very effective after the sun is up.
Calumet County Walleye anglers were catching limits of fish along the east shore of Lake Winnebago. Many anglers are also reporting large catches of white bass while trolling the mud in about 15 to 18 feet of water. Snapping turtles are being seen in increasing numbers as many leave the creeks and rivers in search of gravel and sand areas to lay their eggs. Anglers and turtle hunters are reminded that turtle season doesn?t open until July 15. The setline and bank-pole seasons are off to a good start this year with goods numbers of channel catfish being caught on Lake Winnebago. Lake Winnebago is starting to green up with algae due to an early spring, hot weather, and lack of rain in recent weeks. Anglers are reminded to remove weeds and other aquatic vegetation from their boats and trailers. Fishing tournaments are doing well with many large catches of walleye being weighed and inspected. Anglers are reminded to report tagged fish and to report / turn ?in GPS tagged walleyes that are harvested on Lake Winnebago.
Fond du Lac County The panfish bite is heating up on lakes in the Kettle Moraine State Forest. Good bass bite was reported in lily pads or edges of emergent cover on plastic worms or plastic frogs.
Outagamie County Both shoreline anglers and boating anglers have been very successful catching walleyes on Lake Winnebago and portions of the Fox River in the past two weeks. The white bass and bass bite has been kicking into high gear in the High Cliff marina. Due to the recent very warm weather and lack of rain, blue green algae blooms have started on Lake Winnebago.
Ozaukee County Salmon fishing has continued to be good. Anglers have been catching near limits on live bait from shore and spoons trolling. Fish continue to move with fish being caught by trollers in 125-150 feet of water. The fishing bite on the Milwaukee River has slowed down despite the increased fishing pressure. Several nice sized smallmouth bass have been seen in anglers possession. Northern pike fishing has been slow. A few catfish have been caught in the early and late hours of the day. Fish continue to be caught a many of the urban ponds. Aquatic vegetation growth is noticeable creating a challenge for anglers.
Washington County Fishing for perch (mostly small ones) has been pretty good on Pike Lake the past few days early mornings and late evenings.
Lake Michigan fisheries team reportSheboygan County
Trollers in Sheboygan have been catching chinook and rainbow trout in 50 to 130 feet of water. Spoons have taken the most fish. Anglers fishing off the Sheboygan piers have been catching a mixed bag of brown and rainbow trout, but numbers caught have been limited. Fish have been taken on glow-in-the-dark spoons and alewives. Most fishing pressure has been on the south pier.
Ozaukee County
In Port Washington trollers have been catching mostly chinook and a few coho salmon, lake and rainbow trout in 60 to 120 feet of water. Spoons as well as dodger and fly or flasher and fly combinations have been productive. Port Washington anglers fishing off the pier have been catching a few browns, and most fish have been taken on alewives. Shore fishing in the harbor has been slow.
Milwaukee County
In Milwaukee trollers have been fishing for chinook and coho; a few lake and rainbow trout have been picked up with the salmon. Most trollers have been focusing in 75-130 feet of water with baits about 50-80 feet below the surface. Spoons and dipsey divers with flashers and flies have been productive, with flashers and flies of white and blue working the best. Fishing on McKinley pier has been very slow in recent days with a few coho and chinook caught alewives during low light hours. The shoreline along Summerfest is producing a few small brown trout. Most have been caught on minnows with a few taken on spoons. Shore fishing at Jones Island has been slow, but a few small browns have been caught off of Grant Park and along the Oak Creek power plant fishing pier.
Racine County
Trollers in Racine have had great success with dipsey divers and flies, along with spoons, fished 40 to 80 feet down in 70 to 120 feet of water. Anglers were focusing mainly on coho and have picked chinook as well. A few rainbow and lake trout have also been caught on similar presentations. Those fishing from shore in Racine have had their best luck casting spoons while soaking live bait on the bottom at low light conditions. Success has been very limited, but anglers have been catching a few browns and coho from the pier and in the harbor.
Waukesha County Anglers were reporting catching fair numbers of crappie on North Lake. Anglers were catching bluegills on Lake Keesus. Largemouth and smallmouth bass were being caught on Pine Lake by anglers fishing early in the morning and late in the evening. One angler recently caught a 27-inch walleye on Pine Lake. Dry conditions have caused low water levels on rivers. Boaters on the Fox River need to use caution when navigating the river and back waters. Hazards that are normally covered by enough water to safely navigate over may now be protruding above the water line or lie just beneath the water?s surface. Recreational boaters and anglers operating boats equipped with lanyards are reminded and encouraged to use these safety devices whenever the boat is underway.
Kenosha and Racine counties Bass fishing has been excellent on Brown?s and Powers lakes with anglers boating upwards of 50 fish in a morning! Fish have been targeted at all depths with the best luck using plastics. The Fox River has been extremely low with the lack of rain in the last month, presenting challenging conditions for anglers. Those that know the river?s ?deep holes? have reported very good luck on catfish (no particular baits). Conservation Warden Kyle Dilley, Burlington, will be coordinating a Fox River Clean Up on Saturday, July 21 to lead an effort to improve the environment on the river and its banks. Contact him at 262-878-5612 for more details.
Walworth County Water temps in the area are already in the mid 70s. Bass are done spawning and bluegills are just starting. Anglers are reporting the bite to be very light and inconsistent. Bow fishing activity in the area has also slowed down considerably.
Grant County Due to heavy rains up-river near Minneapolis-St. Paul, the Mississippi River is once again running high and fast. Water depths average about 3-4 feet higher than normal. This has affected several of the local boat landings. The new boat docks at Wyalusing beach are anchored and floating a distance from shore with 2-3 feet of water to wade to get to the docks. Wyalusing State Park boat docks are similar as of today, with hopes that the Park maintenance folks will move them shoreward by the weekend. Bagley bottoms boat landing road is once again under water, which for some folks is a blessing, as boats now can travel over the top of the flooded beaver dam located a short distance off from the landing, and access Haville and Ferry Lake. Cassville public docks are accessible having been moved toward higher ground. Panfishing has slowed with the high water. A few anglers have reported catching fish approximately 4-5 feet inside the timber and on the top of flooded islands. Caution is advised if motoring on the higher water due to increased flows, currents and debris. The Wisconsin River remains well below normal water levels for June. Fishing has been good for bass and catfish in the deeper holes below sandbars and against steep banks. Panfish were being caught in the backwaters. The Mississippi River is still high and difficult to fish.
Dane County Bluegills are biting at Tenney Park. Numbers of large bluegills and smaller crappies have been seen on Mendota. The hot, sunny weather over the last couple of weeks has triggered blue green algae blooms in waters across the state.
Jefferson County Fishing success has slowed a great deal with lower water levels and high temperatures. The public may notice more ?scum? like algae growth on the Rock and Crawfish rivers and Lake Koshkonong as well. The dam at Indianford has been closed to maintain water levels. As a result water flow is slowed and with high temperatures the conditions are right for algae blooms
Sauk County Bluegills are still spawning on area lakes and providing good family fishing opportunities. All water users are cautioned to be careful and use safety precautions to avoid drowning.
Dunn County The crappie and bluegill bite continue on Lakes Menomin and Tainter. Lakes Menomin and Tainter are beginning their annual green algae bloom.
Marathon County Catfish are still biting on the Wisconsin River. Fishing has been slow on Lake Wausau.
Wood County Anglers have been doing well on smallmouth bass at the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin Rapids. Limits of catfish are also being harvested in the stretch of river below Nekoosa.
Minocqua area fishing reporthttp://www.wisconsinoutdoor.com/minocquafishingreport.htm
Lake Michigan Fishing Report and tipshttp://www.wisconsinoutdoor.com/lmfishingtips.htmWausau Area fishing reporthttp://www.wisconsinoutdoor.com/wisconsinriverfishingreport.htm
Information compiled from the WDNR Outdoor report and private sources
