FISHING REPORTS
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8th August, 2008: FISHING REPORT:  Wausau, Central Wisconsin Area
by Joel DeBoer of Wisconsin Angling Adventures

As the “dog days” of summer have reached us here in the North-Central Wisconsin (Wausau) area, fishing has remained good for a variety of species; low-light periods have continued to hold a strong bite, but plenty of fish are available during mid day as well.

Smallmouth bass have been active during these periods and will readily take a jig tipped with a 3” Mr. Twister tail retrieved steadily; try using a black head with orange tail or another high contrast combination. The smallmouths have been quite shallow during the early morning but the bite has been moving deeper quickly as the sun breaks the tree line. Fishing a lipless style crankbait such as a 3” PT Pro Rattler is a good method for locating areas holding active fish. Try using erratically retrieved PT Pro Poppers or Mini Slopmaster buzz baits during the low-light periods for some aggressive strikes as well.

Good catches of walleyes are still to be had, with a very quality fishery available here in Marathon County. Slip-bobbering or vertical jigging structure has been working well during the day, as has slowly working live bait rigs tipped with night crawlers or leeches. Use lighted slip bobbers during the evening into the nighttime hours to present large leeches along weed edges and snags to also score on local walleyes. Trolling crankbaits such as Reef Runners along the main river channel edges as well as deeper sections of flats is a productive method for scoring on fish during the mid-day hours. The

The musky and pike remain very aggressive with the hot weather, and some very nice fish of both species have been caught and released as of late. Fast moving presentations such as ‘burning’ a Mepps Marabou has been working well; make sure to figure-eight after each and every cast. Surface baits such as Topraiders and Top Dancers are providing exciting action during the day and nighttime hours. Look for shallower stump fields and weed edges to be holding active fish during low light periods, especially the muskies; look for the largest northern pike relating to deeper structure, even earlier in the day with the warmer water conditions. During mid day, muskies are being caught from shallow slop and both species can be found suspended, for those looking to work the open water.

Anglers looking for an exciting and interesting change of pace can try their luck at the local channel catfish population. Fresh cut bait or the Doc Chumley line of commercially prepared bait fished on a Mustad Demon circle hook will take cats regularly. Look to the deepest holes during the day but then move to working along downed trees, stumps, and snags in shallower water if fishing at night.



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!"