Wisconsin Fishing Report - Aug. 12th, 2009

Weekly fishing report

Posted: Aug. 12, 2009

AREA LAKES

Bluegill anglers had their best luck fishing the weed lines in 12 to 25 feet of water. The bigger gills were caught near the bottom. A small jig or hook baited with a giant redworm, waxworm, leafworm or small leech has worked best. Jig and plastic combos, along with black ant flies, tipped with a waxworm also have produced. Vertical jigging or a slip-bobber rig is the best way to present these baits.

Largemouth bass action was spotty. Look for them around weeds or rock bars adjacent to weeds. Nightcrawlers, large golden shiners, jig and craw combos, Texas-rigged plastics, tube jigs, swimming jigs, crank baits or drop-shot rigs have produced bass. Anglers also had success fishing the slop with plastic frogs. Top-water baits have produced during early morning and evening. Smallmouth bass were found around rock bars or along drop-offs. Leeches, small chubs, tube jigs, skirted grubs, jerk baits or drop-shot rigs will work best.

Crappie fishing was best during evening, when they were found around weeds. During the day, look for them suspended over deeper water. A small fathead minnow baited on a hook or 1/32-ounce jig will work best. Jig and plastic combos also produced.

Northern pike can be caught by casting around weeds with chatter baits, buzz baits and inline spinners. Soaking a medium sucker, chub or large golden shiner with a slip-bobber rig or live-bait rig also has produced. Anglers also had success trolling deep-diving crank baits along weed lines.

Pewaukee Lake continues to be the hot spot for musky. Okauchee, Oconomowoc, Monona and Waubesa also have produced. Weed edges have held the most fish. Casting double-bladed bucktails, glide baits or Bulldawgs worked best. Top-water baits fished early and late in the day also have worked.

Walleyes have been caught, just not in great quantities. The best action was at night. Look for them around weeds or rock bars. A jig or slip-bobber rig baited with a leech, nightcrawler, jumbo fathead or small chub has worked best. Trolling crank baits also has produced.

Catfish have been caught from the Rock River, Lake Koshkonong and Lake Mendota. Stink bait, nightcrawlers and cut-up suckers or chubs have worked well.