FISHING WITH THE GUIDES
by George Langley
July 11, 2010 FISHING REPORT:

We have much more normal summertime conditions now on our area lakes, with water temps near 80 and higher water levels on many lakes. You'll see lots of boating traffic out there now, with full "tourist season" in effect through the middles of August. As a result of this boating traffic, we are finding better fishing in the early mornings and evenings than mid day periods. If you want to fish during that mid day period, fish deeper than you might normally. We could still use some more rain. but it would be nice if it would come at night. If you are going to spend time in the woods don't forget to take some insect lotion along for the mosquitos and especially the wood ticks. They aren't terrible this year, but they are out there.

Walleye fishing is a little tough right now, due to the fact that they are just now getting to their "summer spots", as the last of the mayfly hatch is over and the fish are going to deeper water during the daytime. Our guides have reported some good action in 7 - 10' of water on the Chain on jigs & minnows. Also, some good action in deeper water on some of the bigger, clear lakes. Best action for these fish is in the evening, with some nice feeding going on. Both the Chain and these big lakes have been much more productive during low light periods. this will be a pattern for the remainder of the summer.

Bass action has been good to great. The largemouth bass are still in cover - piers, weeds and downed trees along shorelines are best. They are hitting plastics, spinnerbaits and surface baits. Evening action is best for these fish, but you can catch them during the daytime also. Smallies are locating along hard bottom areas in 8 to 12' of water and are feeding on crayfish heavily. You can catch these guys with tube jigs or crankbaits in very good numbers at this time of year. leeches are good as live bait - just slip bobber them at these depths.

Northern action has been very good all year. these are our most aggressive game fish, so they will hit just about anything moving in the weeds. For live bait, use redtail chubs on slip bobbers, and look for the deepest weeds you can find. Spinnerbaits work very well for these fish also.

Musky action haws been inconsistent, with some good action interspersed with very poor action throughout the areas. This is the time of year to think about night fishing for these trophies. They are also suspending during the daytime in many areas, so fish deep if you want to fish them during high sun periods.

Panfish action is very good, with bluegills and crappies providing great evening action on a daily basis. Perch are in the weeds now, and the bigger fish are in deeper weeds. Same for the bluegills. Crappies have located near deep brush piles throughout the area, so you can slip bobber these deep pieces of structure.

More rain and warmer weather will make this summertime fishing great.

Good luck & good fishin'!


EAGLE SPORTS CENTER
702 Wall Street - P.O. Box 367
Eagle River , WI 54521
(715) 479-8804 - Fax: (715) 479-2755
fishing@eaglesportscenter.com
http://www.eaglesportscenter.com