Area lakes waters continue to put on some good action.  Drift jigging live bait in the 6 to 14 foot breaks has been good for a mix of walleyes, bass (largemouth/and smallmouth) and northern pike.  Even an occasional musky has been caught. 

Some lakes have been seeing some action on a mix of baits, including night crawlers, minnows and leeches.  Some anglers are finding good success with slip bobber and leeches off sharp transitions,  Remember to check the regulations for size and bag limit as some lakes have different rules. 

The best walleye bite has been on fathead minnows jigged on 1/8 oz jigs.  More keeper fish has been taken off the drop areas in 10 to 14 feet of water.  Lot of small, undersized, walleye are still be caught in the deeper holes in 18 the 25 feet of water. 

Pan fishing has improved this week as the water temperatures are climbing into the lower 50’s and upper 60’s.   The crappie have been staging in the shallow water reading for the spawn.  Anglers were finding them in 4 1/2  to 6 feet.   The forecast is calling for much warmer weather to continue this week, so look for crappie to move into the shallow fresh vegetation for the next 10 days or so.  Small hook or jig and crappie minnow under a slip or small bobber rig and fished shallow will be the tactic.  Set your bobber depth according to the water depth and always keep the bait above the fish. 

Musky season for the northern zone opens Saturday May 23^rd.  As usual, start by using smaller softer baits like plastics or swim baits and a slower retrieve.  Musky, as well as the northern pike, are still hanging around the shallow waters in six to 10 feet of water in prey of the spawning fish. 

On another note, if you are planning to do some fishing this weekend I would be sure to pack a rain suit,  The forecast is calling for rain Saturday and Sunday. But still warming into the 70’s.  What were Memorial Day weekend be without a little rain.  Have a Happy and Safe weekend.