With conditions finally starting to level out in Central Wisconsin, area hunters and fishermen are starting to get back in the general swing of things. The snow is all but gone and the lakes are opening up just in time for the 2018 fishing opener which starts Saturday May 5th. Turkey hunters are still finding plenty of birds this year and they are having a lot of success.
 

With the general fishing opener starting this weekend anglers should have very good success on walleyes. With the late spring many fish will still be in very shallow water and if they are not still spawning they are just getting done making them very accessible. To make quick work of these shallow walleyes check out the new Walleye Gold series rod by my good friends at Elk River Rods. These rods were specifically designed for hard fighting walleyes, they have a great feel to them with plenty of hook setting backbone.
 

With water temperature in the low to mid 50 degree range, crappies are beginning to make their move towards shallower water, so don’t be surprised if you start seeing as few crappies up shallow as they prepare to start spawning. Look for areas with a muddy bottom and some sort of structure like trees, brush, or some type of weeds in the water for typical locations for crappies to be hanging out.
 

Anglers thinking about chasing muskies will have to venture a little further south with Hwy 10 as the dividing line between the northern and southern musky zone. As we enter the early musky season anglers should target shallow locations looking for the warmest water available on any particular body of water. I would suggest running smaller than normal sized baits with medium sized bucktails and twitch baits being my first choice and then maybe some smaller rubber baits as backups.
 

Have a great week,
 

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