Cooler than normal temperatures combined with rain have hit us hard this past week, dropping water temperatures drastically. In addition to the cool temperatures we have had a full a moon phase going on. The cooler temperatures and full moon have done wonders to the fishing but have really hurt the hunters. With that said we have had very good success catching walleyes, crappies and musky this past week. A lot of the activity has been during the mid-day hours with consistent action a variety of lures and live bait.
 

For you guys that are out looking for action, or maybe a few fish for the table catching walleyes and crappies has been very good. A lot of the fish that we are catching have been concentrating in water depths of 8 to 12 feet with a few even deeper. Live bait has been the ticket for consistent action with jig and minnow producing very well. We have also been running a series of Lindy Rigs and slip bobber rigs for the walleyes and crappies and they have been producing very well too.
 

If you are really after big fish the muskies have been taking large jerkbaits, top water baits and big bucktails. We have also been seeing a quite a few nice fish on rubber like Bulldawgs and Swimming Joes. Most of the muskies have been hanging around areas with rocks and/or weeds and they have been in anywhere from 3 to 10 feet of water. With the cooler water temperatures now is the time to start thinking about slowing down your retrieve and running larger baits.
 

With this Full Moon Phase going on in addition to the rainy cold weather, it has not been very good for bear hunters. The bears do not like this combination and a lot of them have gone nocturnal and are only showing themselves at night under the full moon. With this going on we may have to wait for things to change or hope for a few of the bears to adjust and start making daytime appearances again.
 

Have a great week,
 

Phil Schweik
Hooksetters Guide Service
Phone: 715-693-5843