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FISHING REPORTS
from some of the BEST PLACES TO FISH !
1st May 2012: FISHING REPORT:
Wausau, Central Wisconsin Area
by Joel DeBoer of
Wisconsin Angling Adventures
What a glorious spring it has been up to this
point, even with the recent "cool down"! The angling opportunities for a variety
of species remain solid, offering local anglers plenty of chances to perfect
their hook-sets. As of today (04/06/12), the surface temperatures in the
mornings have been ranging from 50-53 degrees on the fisheries here in Marathon
County. Water temperatures in this range mean that large walleye and northern
pike remain shallow, yellow perch are nearing the end of their spawning cycle
for the season, and crappies are in pre-spawn mode often in solid numbers,
around staging areas.
Presentations for springtime panfish such as crappies and yellow perch begin
simply enough with live bait suspended under a float, as it has been the ticket
of late. Anglers looking to cash in on this early season bite need to have an
assortment of small Mustad hooks, split shot, and bobbers at the ready. In
respect to live bait, both crappie minnows and fatheads have been working well
for both species.
While the vast bulk of the pre-spawn crappie population is currently being found
in depths of water from 10’-20’, the spawning perch are located in depths of
water 4’ or less. Minnows suspended under a slip bobber have been productive for
both perch and crappies and can be efficiently fished whether in shallow or
deeper water; in addition, jigs ranging from 1/64 to 1/16 ounce, depending on
the water and wind conditions, and tipped with a Mister Twister Nymph in black
or yellow/brown are dynamite, and allow an angler to search an thoroughly to
locate concentrations of fish, especially for those located in shallower depths.
Anglers looking to score with both northern pike and walleye, especially the
largest specimens, would be wise to forego deeper water and target depths of 5’
or less. The largest northern pike and excellent numbers of legal and “slot”
sized walleye continue to inhabit the shallower water of Marathon County’s
Wisconsin River and her reservoirs. Shorelines, shallow bays, large flats, and
gradually sloping points have all been holding fish as of late; the best part –
few anglers have been targeting these fish. Shallow running crankbaits such as
Rapala’s Shallow Shad Rap and the Storm Thunderstick have been working well for
both pike and walleye; plastic swimbaits like the Berkley Hollow Belly Swimbait
have been even more productive for both species. When rigging a swimbait, choose
an option such as a Mustad swimbait hook. When paired with a 4”-6” swimbait
body, these lures have been dynamite in a range of depths and structure
situations.
The robins are chirping and the fish are biting – enjoy early spring, it’s a
magical time! I’ll see you on the water…
Tight lines,
For more information
Contact:
Joel DeBoer
Wisconsin Angling Adventures
Tel: +1 715-297-7573
joelthemuskyman@charter.net
"Fishing's our business... and business is good!"
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