The transition to summer is starting to take shape. Above the water, trees and grass are growing and in full-green color mode. Below water, vegetation is popping up and will continue to expand into the deeper waters.

Turtles are on the move, so be careful not to run them over on the way to the boat launch.

Fish are completing spring routines and switching to early-summer patterns. This last week did drop water temperatures 7-10 degrees from earlier highs, but fishing has remained fair to good. Temperatures are on the rise again.

Walleyes are still being caught, but it is important to hunt down fish and stay with them. Flats are starting to show signs of vegetation and the walleye will seek the deeper vegetation. Walleyes are being located on mid-lake areas. Trolling spinner rigs tipped with minnow has been good. Jigging with minnow is also turning a few fish. Brightly colored spinner rigs tipped with crawlers have taking a few fish also.

Smallmouth are active and being caught by casting crankbaits at shorelines. Smallmouth are on their spawning beds in some select waters and it is not encouraged to disrupt their spawning activity. Largemouth will be soon to follow in spawning. It is important to think conservation as these fish are very vulnerable.

Panfish are starting to move towards deeper water, with the exception some late spawning fish and should be finishing soon. Anglers are reporting that 5 to 7 water of water is holding fish presently. Crappie minnow on a slip bobber rig will catch these fish. Some anglers are have success using Gulp 1” minnows also.

Northern pike have been going well near shorelines with crankbaits and spinnerbaits. Musky action remains slow. Many anglers are reporting lazy follows, but the fish are not in an aggressive mood. Medium size baits, bucktails, swim baits or crankbaits have produced some action.

Here are the species of fish available to catch in the “QUIET LAKES”

MUSKY

The king of freshwater fish. They are the top predator and least populated fish in our lakes. Catch and release is the common practice these days. It’s known as the fish of 10,000 casts, but hiring a guide will cut those odds.

NORTHERN PIKE

Wisconsin’s second largest predator fish, second only to their relative the Musky. Pike are typically very aggressive and will feed anytime the opportunity allows. They prefer weed flats and other ambush points.

WALLEYE

The walleye is the largest member of the perch family and is often targeted for its table fare. Walleyes can be tough to find, but when they are located, they typically cooperate and bite. Bait secret: minnows, nightcrawlers and leeches, and back to minnows as the season starts and finishes.

PERCH

A small fish that most anglers seek more for the taste than the tug. Adults average 7 to 10 inches which make it a good fish for all ages to catch. Perch have a tendency to congregate in large schools making it a one-stop spot to catch your dinner.

BASS

Large and smallmouth bass are brothers, but like family they do take separate paths. We have several small backwoods lakes that offer untapped largemouth fishing, and several area lakes that offer numbers to trophy fishing for smallmouth. NOTE: the season for smallmouth isn’t open to harvest until the 3rd Saturday of June. Regulations for harvest of largemouth are different from lake to lake.

PANFISH

These fish are probably one of the most popular sport and eating fish in Wisconsin. Crappies, bluegills, and sunfish are our most common “panfish”. Probably the most targeted fish in the spring, and often over harvested. Remember to take only enough for a meal and leave some for another day.