Area lakes are still  producing productive days on the water.  It can be puzzling when heading out and deciding what to target.  Water temperatures are hovering in the mid to lower 60’s, which have not effected movement of fish to deeper summer haunts.  

Walleye anglers are continuing to find success using live bait under slip bobbers or slow trolling smaller spinner harnesses.  Angler are fishing in 8 to 12 feet of water and finding fish in the transitions between weeds and drop offs.  The late evening hours into dark have been a most productive times. 

Largemouth bass and northern pike continue to roam the shallows and on weed line transitions.  Spinnerbaits, swimbaits and live bait has taken both species.  Some anglers are using the wacky rigged artificial worms and finding some success.  Bass are still on, or around the spawning beds.  Smallmouth bass have been taken in the areas of rock and gravel.  Crankbaits and artificial creatures have produced.

Musky anglers are now sharing the water as well.  Most can be seen throwing a variety of lures.  All anglers are reporting they are getting follows, but hook ups are few.  Mostly smaller fish have been caught.

 Most anglers are finding great panfish bites in and around the obvious spawning grounds.  Post spawn crappie are still relatively shallow water in 4 to 6 feet of water. Crappie minnow under a bobber is still the best tactic, although fish can be taken on artificial baits also.   Bluegill have begun their spawn and can be found in the shallow weedy and sandy areas.  Remember the importance of these fish when deciding to keep a few for the dinner table.

Plenty of great fishing opportunities are continuing in the area.  Anglers continue to find success utilizing many different tactics.  Water temperatures are now slowly raising above the 60-degree mark.  Last week we really noticed how green foliage has become along shorelines.  We are now looking forward emerging water vegetation.

A jacket for morning might still be a good idea, we had started to see some movement to summer weather last week with temperatures in the lower 70’s and even a couple 80+ degree days.  But, this week we have reverted back to early spring type weather with daytime temperatures in the 60’s and 40’s at night.  These fluctuations have kept anglers and fish confused.  What patterns were working last week now has changed.   

Area lakes are still producing some fun springtime panfish outings. Targeting shallow vegetation is turning some nice sized pre-spawn bluegills.  If you are looking for crappies, the simple crappie minnow under a bobber is still the go to tactic.  Small plastic and tube jigs had produced also.  With the spawn cycle ending they will begin to move deeper in the water column.   Electronics will help you locate these fish faster. 

Walleyes continue to be found in typical spawning areas, but are now starting to see some fish in the deeper waters.  Drifting or jigging live bait has been a good tactic.  Best time for walleye continues to be late afternoon into the dark hours.  Fish the rock/gravel areas and on the edges of the deeper holes.  Some anglers have started using crawlers and leeches and have had moderate success.  In the rocky areas you may also find some smallmouth bass also.  

Northern pike and largemouth bass continue to be active and can be located in the shallows chasing shallow running panfish.  Northern can be taken with spinnerbaits, swim baits or live bait.  Largemouth can be taken using smaller crankbaits, live bait and artificial worms rigged wacky style. 

Musky action is showing some improvement.  Anglers are seeing following big fish, but hookups are rare.  Most of the musky caught have been upper to mid 30’s and mostly by walleye anglers.   As the temperature rises and the water warms they should become more aggressive.   Anglers are utilizing a variety  of baits, but smaller baits and a slower retrieve is still the best tactic.