Fishing continues to be very good in the Central Wisconsin area. Water temperatures are still in the 80’s which is keeping us from musky fishing but cooler temperatures and rain are in the forecast so we will see what that does to the water.
 

The walleye bite has been very consistent. We are not only catching numbers of fish but some real dandies too. A lot of the walleyes are in 8 to14 feet of water holding along break lines and sharp contours. The most consistent method for catching these fish has been slowly dragging a jig and minnow or a jig and crawler right on the bottom and letting it drop off the contour break. Most of the pick-ups occur once the presentation hits the bottom of the break but we have had our share of strikes on top of the break too.
 

Panfish have been extremely active and the big gills and crappies are keeping our anglers busy during mid-day hours when the walleye bite slows down. The crappies have been suspending in 12 to 16 feet of water holding anywhere from 4 to 8 feet down. Slip bobbers with minnows or tiny plastics have been working very well for us. The bluegill bite really picked up this past week with the warmer water temperatures. I think they like it hot. We saw good numbers of bluegills and some real giants up to and over 10 inches this past week. Most of the action is coming from deeper structure in 8 to 12 feet of water. To find the deep structure I am using my electronics and side imaging to locate and mark submerged wood. Once located and marked I can come back and find the bluegills packed around it. Its easy pickin’s.
 

Bear baiting has been going good and we are seeing quite a few nice bears coming in to our bait sets. Pastries, donuts, and pie filling are what we are using at most of our baits, but we ae also using some cookies and granola to help fatten them up.
 

Have a great week,
 

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