July 23, 2006
July is the month for action from Muskie, Pike, Bass and Walleyes. The heat has the fish eating and active these past few weeks. Big muskies, numerous walleyes and pike have showed up on the ends of my rods. Clients have enjoyed catching fish during this multi-species month. The action is going to remain hot as we get into the month of August.
The high water temps are an issue now and catching large muskie at this time requires extra quick releases. During this few weeks of high water temps the action is great but the time to enjoy your catch is very short. I have been releasing fish at the boat without ever pulling the fish out of the water. This is called a "water release" and it is the best way to ensure a safe quick release. The fish released this way will swim off very fast and healthy. On the other hand if you would like a picture of your catch we will remove all the hooks while the fish is in the net and still in the water. Never bring a netted fish into your boat, this will cause harm to the fish and maybe even yourself. After the fish is free of hooks and ready for a picture quickly remove the fish, take a quick photo and get it back into the water. Time out of the water is a killer in this heat. Delayed mortality is very common when the surface temps are in the high 70's to low 80's.
The evening bite has got better as the heat of the day seemed to slow the action some. The early morning bite has been inconsistent but very good when the bite is going. I like to fish the evening 5pm till 10pm or longer at this time of the season. Most of the lake users will pull off shortly after dark, this is when the lake calms down and the fish start to move close to structure. This makes them easer to target and catch.
I have had a great trolling pattern working for the last three weeks. Multiple muskie nights are common and bonus fish like big walleyes and pike are also showing up trolling structure and deeper water. Trolling suspended schools of bluegills and crappies in deeper water is the key to success. With all of the bait fish in Pewaukee Lake it is sometimes hard to get toothy critters to eat your lures, but there are tricks that trigger strikes. Learn the little tricks and patterns that have worked for me for years to boost your success the next time you are on the water.
Since the last report earlier this month the fish have got very active. The best week was 14 fish in 6 days on the water. Most of the muskies are in the 35 to 38-inch range. The biggest walleye so far was a 27-incher caught by Dan, congrats pal, that's a good Pewaukee walleye. They also caught a 29-inch pike and a 14 3/4-inch walleye that night. Walleyes in the 20-inch range have showed up recently while trolling for muskies. I had my yearly trip to Mille Lac's Lake in Minnesota last weekend enjoyed catching a 40.5, 42.5, 43, 44, and a 46-inch muskie while on vacation.
I was wondering if my pattern was still working on Pewaukee lake so I headed out to make sure. I started out trolling off Rocky Point, got the boat up to the desired speed and started to set the rods. First rod in, second rod in and as I reached for the third rod the first rod started to sound off with a "Rip-rip-rip" fish on. Well, I guess things are still working I said to myself as I released a low 30's muskie. Later that night I released a 38-inch muskie that smashed a crank bait trolled through a huge school of bluegills off Walks Island. Trolling can be easy when the conditions are perfect but under tough conditions the trollers who pay attention to details and know the little tricks will score. I will be glad to explain and teach you the some of the things I have learn while fishing at the Professional level of muskie fishing and other tournaments, or the 35 years of experience I have on Pewaukee Lake.
Are you thinking of getting out with a guide?
The things you can learn while out with a guide can change the learning curve for you. Some clients and I will go through countless story's, some bring maps of there favorite lakes and we go over it while we troll, that's the good part of trolling, you have time to relax and let me do all of the work setting up the rods and you get to catch the fish. Some just like to enjoy watching a client, friend, dad, mom, son or daughter catch a big fish. Some just want to catch fish and learn how to catch more fish. What ever your reason is for looking at this site I would be glad to talk to you and help make your time on the water more enjoyable for you and everyone with you in your boat. Catching fish always makes a fishing trip more memorable.
I would be glad to talk to you via e-mail or over the phone to help answer questions or explain what I have to offer you. I thrive to be a teacher and enjoy watching my clients catch fish and learn more about good fish handling, safe proper releases and quality pictures of your catches. Over the years I have fished in many states and lakes all over Wisconsin. Chances are I know some of the lakes you like to fish and I may have some advice you can use.
Stop thinking about it and let's talk about it. The fish are hitting and the action is great. August is one of the best months of multiple fish outing. Don't let all the open dates fill up. September will be the start of the casting bite and those dates are getting slim. I do have a few good dates open in October and November is full. I will talk to you soon. Good luck on the water!!!
July 6, 2006
I am happy to say that the fishing just keeps getting better and better as the water warms into the mid to upper 70's. The game fish and pan fish have been very active early and late in the days during this 4th of July week. I have had the pleasure to be on some what of a vacation and got some good patterns working on Pewaukee Lake. The pan fish and bass are just finishing up the last of the spawning. I can't believe some still are but by the count of 35 gills all nesting along side of my parent's pontoon boat this pasts 4th I'd say they still were.
Anyway, the muskies, pike, walleyes and even some larger bass can all be found hanging around the schools of bluegills and crappies suspending in deeper water or very close to it. This is what I have been targeting this past week with very good results. The art of trolling is sometimes as easy as casting out a line and holding the rod while you drive around waiting for a strike or hours of changing baits and line lengths to get the a fish to hit your offering.
I have found certain tendencies these fish have under different conditions that makes catching a muskies almost seem easy at times. Given the fact the water temps are at that perfect temperature for action and the fish are on the move from shallow water to deeper water this next few weeks will be outstanding fishing. I will be on the water every day looking for that special 50-incher that will stop by for a picture with me or maybe it will be you in that picture holding your trophy muskie.
Well just to let you know whats been coming into the boat this past week I will start with Monday the 3rd. The first muskies, a 33-incher hit a crank bait just as I started trolling Monday morning. The second muskie came from the same area but deeper, she was a nice fat 38-incher with some attitude. My wife had the chance to catch her first muskie this season but was so into her book she told me to grab it. I didn't have a problem with that because I usually am the one to hand off the rod under most conditions. This fish was larger and didn't want to be anywhere close the boat. I had other plans for her so she was guided into the net, unhooked, a quick photo and released. This fish was in the 41-inch range and eating well. I did get out the 4th in the morning and had two rips without hook-ups, that happens but it sure is hard to take. Anyway the moring of the 5th was much better with a 37 ¾ and 34-inch muskies being caught. The afternoon was good for my pals Sanks and Peckels. They each had one on and ended up with a 41-incher. It was good to see them score a good fish. Thursday morning was just like Wednesday moring. A quick fish on the first pass and then grind out another one before the clear skys and calm water drives them deeper and into a negative mood. I have Craig tonight for some repeat muskie action at 5pm tonight. He will see some action trolling; I just hope he gets one of the big Pewaukee Lake muskies that are on the move to deeper water.
The Top Water bite has slowed down as the trolling bite gets going. Look for the best casting action early and later in the afternoons on the outer edges of the weed lines. Casting cranks along the weed edges and bucktails and top waters over the weeds will still work early and late. Now if the wind kicks up and the conditions are in your favor, the casting bite can be very good now. The fish are on the move and time on the water is your best way to score muskies. You can't catch them if you're not fishing for them.
Anyone interested in information about my guide service can call me or e-mail me. I can't tell you how many times people will say "I thought you would be booked up by now" and surprised that I have openings. Please remember I don't do sports shows, advertise anywhere or have my service listed in any phone books. Word of mouth and my web site is enough for me. I like to have some time to fish with my kids, friends and regular clients. So I don't like to book up the whole season and not leave some open time. Please feel free to ask about open dates. I do have some left in July and they will be great trolling dates for those who would like to get out and enjoy catching a muskie without all the work involved in casting for them.
Now is the time to get out with your son, daughter, dad, wife, grandpa, grandma etc. The action will be good for the next two months of trolling. Get a good date booked and enjoy the time on the water with quality equipment and proven tactics. Let me show you the way to put more muskies in your boat when you come back out in your own boat. For those who have gift certificates this season, let's get some dates set. I will be happy to work with anyone who would like to give that special gift of a guide date. This is getting very popular for all types of occasions. Give someone a gift they will tell others about and enjoy for hours. I hope everyone had a great 4th of July. Mike's Extreme Guide Service