Cooler temps and a couple of storms have lowered the surface temps back below the 70 degree mark.
Fishing has been good overall, if you can be on the water prior to the different fronts.
Bluegill: Very good. Not the typical time for bluegill anglers, but lots of above average gills (8+") stacking up outside coontail edges of 14-18'. Fish light jigs tipped with medium leeches.
Musky: Good. Even with temps dropping slightly, good surface action on tail baits (Pacemakers, Tallywackers). Bucktails also producing over weeds in early am (use large fluted blades) and outside edges during mid day (use Willow Blades such as Mepps Giant Killers). Rubber baits also effective. Several muskies in the past 1 1/2 weeks between 47 and 53".
Largemouth Bass: Good. Live bait anglers tearing fish up on leeches. For artificials, stick to Senkos, Yum Dingers fished wacky style. Fish IN weeds. Jig and pig also productive.
Walleye: Good/Fair. Walleyes in early am taking leeches along sandgrass flats. Lighted bobbers with leeches after dark.
Smallmouth Bass: Good. Best action over sandgrass flats on large leeches. Also Rattle Traps, Rattlin Raps in red colors counted down and retrieved over same flats effective.
Pike: Good. They are liking the weather this summer. Cast spinnerbaits (Boonie Baits) over 6-9' weeds. Fish to low 30" being caught with one 41"er boated last week.
Perch: Good. 6-8' weed pockets holding nice perch to 12" on larger lakes. Use medium leeches, minnows to target larger perch.
Crappie: Fair. Not a lot of reports but some nice fish being caught casting road runners and brewers sliders around swim rafts close to 8-10' weeds.
We've had some changing weather (Monday 48 degrees, Tuesday 68 degrees), much needed rain and a slight surface temp drop. Too early to tell what fall will bring, but we deserve a good one.
Kurt Justice
Kurt's Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com
