Minocqua area fishing report 10.20.10 High skies and on some days a lack of wind have made for some tough conditions for musky anglers. The same conditions made for good boat control for deep water walleye fishermen. Water temps are slowly starting to fall again, but remain in the low 50's.
Musky: Good. Could be better with a little less sun, but the days with wind helped make up for the lack of clouds. Suckers on a quick set rig accounting for little over half the fish reported this week. As for artificials: cranes, warlocks and Sebile jointed baits have all produced over weeds adjacent to deep water. Afternoons (from 2-4) have been by far best time to be on the water.
Walleye: Good. Deep water best during daylight. Verticle jigging or drifting Lindy rigs at depths of 20-40'. Redtail chubs, large fatheads and 1/2 crawlers. After dark some anglers reporting success on lighted slip-bobbers and minnows and casting Rattlin Rouges over 6-10' weed beds. Nice fish in the 15-20" eating range but alsow big fish being caught and released (21-29").
Smallmouth: Fair-Good. Big smallies being caught on redtails, 4" suckers rigged on Lindy rigs in 24-36' depths. These are big fish but be careful. Set hooks then retrieve SLOWLY so as not to hurt these fish before releasing.
Crappies: Fair-Good. On warm, flat sunny days find crappies in 6-10' weeds feeding on young of the year bluegills. Tiny jigs of hair, mylar or twister tails. When forage retreats - work weed bases in 14-20'. Work 1/8 oz jigs and medium fatheads here to catch 10-12" crappies.
For anglers fishing musky, suckers still have been difficult to get. Weather this week continues to look stable. Little clouds, lows in 30's highs in low 50's. Almost all piers have been pulled from the state's public landings. Bring some knee boots for launching and loading.
Kurt Justice
Kurt's Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com
