August 18, 2020
Walleye - Walleye fishing slowed considerably this last week as several fronts blew through the area. Still several anglers reported a excellent trolling bite this last week. Deep diving crankbaits that reach 15-30 feet were key to anglers success. Anglers simply trolled over large flats or open water during the evening hours. Couple of anglers also reported success trolling lindy rigs or jigging with larger minnows, out and around sunken islands in 20-25 feet of water.
Smallmouth - Smallmouth bass have been a major challenge for walleye anglers fishing around sunken islands. Smallies have been aggressively hitting jig and minnows, jig and half a crawler and even deep diving crankbaits trolled to close to sunken islands. Some of the biggest smallies in the lake are being found out there right now. Anglers are also still reporting a good early morning topwater and spinnerbait bite along the shoreline.
Pike - Anglers have been reporting a good pike bite on many area lakes. Anglers have been catching good numbers with some big pike mixed in, while trolling or casting large spoons or casting spinnerbaits along weedlines. Small pike have largely been located inside the weedbeds, while bigger pike are patrolling the weedlines.
Stream Trout - Stream trout anglers continue to catch quality size trout shallow during the evening hours. During the last 2 hours of the day, if the wind calms down, anglers are finding trout surfacing. Anglers simply troll small crankbaits, flatfish or slip bobber a crawler to catch these trout.
Crappie - Crappies continue to largely be found suspended and scattered, out over deep basins. Anglers are using their electronics to locate crappies in the basin. Once located small jig and twister, beetle spins and crappie minnows fished under a bobber are being used to catch these fish.
Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing has been good this last week for anglers targeting lakers. These anglers have been catching lakers trolling spoons with leadcore or with down riggers. Anglers have been trolling over deep water fishing 20-30 feet down.
