July 28, 2020
***Fishing Report***
Walleye - Walleye continue to settle into their summer patterns. Anglers continue to report the best bites are occurring somewhat shallow, in 12-18 feet of water. Jigging raps, lindy rigs and half a crawler on a jig, worked around sunken islands and main lake points, have accounted for the majority of walleyes being caught. On lakes where ciscos are present, anglers have been catching walleyes trolling large crankbaits over deep water during the evening hours. Walleyes are suspending 15-20 down, over 40-70 feet of water.
Bass - Smallmouth and Largemouth bass fishing continues to be excellent for many anglers. Topwater bite, early and late in the day has been excellent. Whopper Ploppers, frogs and spooks have been the hottest baits. As the sun gets up, the topwater bite cools off and anglers adjust by throwing spinnerbaits, soft plastics or jerk baits. Smallmouth are being found on rocky shoreline and near river mouths in 5-10 feet of water. There have been a few reports from walleye anglers, who are finding a few smallies out on top of sunken islands. Largemouth bass are being found in shallow weedbeds, lily pads and wild rice.
Pike - Pike anglers continue to report catching good numbers of smaller pike this last week. Buzzbaits burned over the tops of weedbeds early in the day was very popular this last week. Spoons and a sucker, fished under a bobber, were also very effective. Larger pike (30” or better) continue to be picked off here and there, out around sunken islands. Anglers trolling large minnow baits over these areas have been catching these fish.
Panfish - Crappie fishing has slowed this last week. Anglers have reported that they are only finding crappies shallow during low light periods. Anglers have been catching them with small hair jigs, small crankbaits and crappie minnow fished under a bobber. Sunfish are now mainly being found out on weedlines in 8-12 feet of water. Small crawlers tipped on small jigs has been the go to technique, for anglers targeting them.
Stream Trout - Shore anglers have been catching some large trout while slip bobbering night crawlers. These angler have been finding trout 15-20 feet down. Anglers fishing from a boat have been catching trout while trolling over deep water with small crankbaits or spoons.
