Fishing & Hunting

We're right at that in-between stretch, past the excitement of the Opener but not yet into the summer grind - and the fishing is just starting to find its footing. Our temperatures have not helped, as they’ve been a rollercoaster. And that wind! That wind has been as much or more of an issue than the temperatures!

As of this writing, a warmup starting later in the week looks mildly promising. We need it to help push water temperatures in the right direction, as right now things have kind of stalled out. Some of the big lakes up North still have readings in the upper 40’s, the Chain has been stuck in the low-50’s, and if you’re on a small lake, you might find water in the 60’s. We’re all over the place right now! With Memorial Day weekend comes the first real wave of recreational boat traffic of the season. If you want quiet water, get out early in the week or plan for early morning or late evening time on the water.

Walleye are just starting to work away from the shallows and toward early weed growth. The post-spawn recovery period means fish can be a little scattered and moody, but the evening and early morning bites have been worth the effort. Rocky points, gravel transitions, and those first green weeds in 6 to 12 feet are your targets. Jigs tipped with Tuffies are producing, and Lindy rigs with a half-crawler worked slowly along the bottom remain a good call. As water temps continue to climb, start covering more water and look for walleye pushing out toward those weed edges in earnest.

Panfish are moving in the right direction - look for warm water and you’ll fine them. Crappie are still making their way into the protected bays and are just now staging near woody cover and emerging vegetation on the smaller, warmer lakes - but as of this writing we’re not quite seeing this on the Chain. This is one of the better windows of the year for them if you can find the warmest water available - and one of the better years for those who haven’t been or can’t get out until late May.

Perch are along the softer weed edges and shallow mud flats. Bluegill are tucked back in the warmer pockets and starting to think about beds, though spawning activity is still a way off depending on the lake. A small jig under a slip bobber with a waxie or piece of crawler is still the ticket for most of this. Take a temperature reading before you commit to a spot - a degree or two makes a real difference this time of year.

The Northern are feeding aggressively wherever you can find green weeds. They've shaken off the post-spawn sluggishness with abandon and are definitely worth targeting if you’re looking for action. Spinnerbaits or spoons worked through the healthiest-looking vegetation you can find will do the trick.

Not much action to report with Bass. Seems they’re protesting the continued cold snaps. Smallies are catch and release until later in the season and Largemouth have been in and out of the shallows with the temperatures.

Musky season is open, and the same message stands as it has since the opener. Please give them room and time to do their reproductive job. If you do tangle with one, handle it with care and get it back quickly.

This weekend will undoubtably be a busy one at the landings and on the water, so it’s time to put those patience pants back on. We’re hoping for some sustained warmth to get water temps moving more steadily upward, and to keep improving on the already decent – albeit cold - start to the season that we’ve had. Be sure that as you enjoy the water this weekend you take a moment to remember the reason for this holiday, and to honor the men and women who gave everything so that we can be out here doing what we love.

Good luck and good fishin'!