With all of the rain we had this past week I really didn’t think the fishing was going to be that great. But instead we were able to take advantage of the high water and we located pockets that were just loaded with fish. To be honest this past week was one of the best weeks of fishing I have had in years. We had multiple walleyes over 30 inches, with dozens in the 20 to 30 inch range. The crappie bite was fantastic, and so was the action on northern pike. We even picked up a few nice muskies.
With the high water all of these fish were in the same general locations holding just outside of the heavy current. And when I mean heavy current, it was moving. This past week we were basically fishing in areas that would have been, under normal conditions dry land. Thinking outside the box is what led us to finding these fish and using some of our same old tried and true techniques.
A lot of our fish this past week came on jigs tipped with minnows, but in the extremely dirty water we changed it up a bit and went back to what we have run in the past. We went with jointed crankbaits that were bright in color and added a “little extra noise.” This old technique really did the trick in that dirty water. The fish were able to hone in on the noise and the added color was just enough “I believe” to help them find the bait.
The northern musky opener is this weekend and with the high levels and water temperatures remaining in the upper 50 degree range you might still find a lot of the muskies up very shallow. They may be in locations that you normally might not have found them in the past. My best advice is to experiment with different locations and techniques, to find active fish. Remember, “slow and steady” is the key at this time of the year to finding muskies! Elk River Rods https://www.elkrivercustomrods.com is running a special discount on several great rigs just for the musky opener. So if you don’t have your gear ready or are in need of a new set-up, give the guys at Elk River Rods a call or stop on in at the shop and say hi.
Think outside the box this weekend if you’re pursuing muskies or any other species for that matter of fact. You may just find yourself on some of the best fishing of the season!
Good Luck,
Phil Schweik
Hooksetters Guide Service
Phone: 715-693-5843
