Weed Fishing Logic

by

In this episode, we are talking about weed fishing for all species of fish. During summer, weeds in clear lakes can easily grow as deep as 20-feet. Typically by the first or second week in July, fish can be residing in and around weeds.

In this week’s Buzz Bite Reports, we have updates from various fishing locations. Jeff Evans reports from northern Wisconsin, where the walleye bite has been fantastic. The water temperatures have been consistent in the low to mid 70s, and the weather has been favorable. Trolling main lake basins in the 15 to 20-foot range with crawler harnesses and bait rigs has been effective for catching bigger walleyes. Additionally, fishing on rock piles in 20 to 25 feet of water using slip bobbers and leeches has been successful. Smallmouth bass have mostly dispersed to deeper offshore areas, such as points, rocky reefs, and humps in 15 to 20 feet of water. Drop shotting, ned rigs, and nico rigs have been effective for catching smallmouth bass.

Moving on to Leech Lake, the Leisure Outdoor Boys report that the water temperatures are in the high 70s. There has been a four-week-long mayfly hatch, which has led to an abundance of crayfish molting and young perch minnows. The fish are full and not necessarily in the mood to bite, so using reactionary baits to trigger their bites has been effective. Spinners, jigging wraps, crankbaits, and anything orange or purple that resembles a crayfish or perch have been working well. Fishing fast and aggressive has been the key to success in the Leech Lake area.

Heading north to Lake Vermilion, Billy Rosner advises anglers to fish early in the morning and again in the evening during the dog days of summer. Overcast days with light rain can change the game and provide good fishing opportunities. Transitions, such as weed lines or changes from rock to sand or rock to mud, are key areas to target walleyes. Depth can vary, so it’s important to explore different depths. Live bait rigs, jigging wraps, hair jigs, ripping wraps, and jig dragging with quarter or three-eighths ounce jigs have been effective tactics for catching walleyes.

On the Red River, Brad Durrick reports that the spawn is over and the catfish are actively feeding. Look for deeper holes with visible current for the best fishing spots. However, it’s important to note that there are major drought conditions in some sections of the river, making boating dangerous. Baits such as suckers and gold eyes are recommended, as there is a shortage of frogs due to the drought.

In terms of cool products, the Buzz Bite Reports highlight several bass fishing options. The new Terminator Pro Series Spinnerbait and Heavy Duty Swim Jig from Terminator are highly effective with different color combinations for skirts, jig heads, and blades. The Grassmaster Weed Jig from All Terrain Tackle is a go-to option for fishing in heavy weed growth. Northland Tackle offers the Jungle Jig and Weed Weasel, both of which are weedless jigs suitable for fishing in various conditions. The ## Buzz Bite Reports: Fishing Updates and Cool Products

Welcome back to another edition of Buzz Bite Reports! We have some exciting updates from various fishing locations and some cool products to share with you. Let’s dive in!

Northern Wisconsin: Fantastic Walleye Bite

Jeff Evans reports that the walleye bite in northern Wisconsin has been fantastic. The water temperatures have been consistent in the low to mid 70s, and the weather has been favorable. Here are some effective tactics for catching walleyes:

  • Trolling main lake basins in the 15 to 20-foot range with crawler harnesses and bait rigs.
  • Fishing on rock piles in 20 to 25 feet of water using slip bobbers and leeches.

Smallmouth bass have mostly dispersed to deeper offshore areas, such as points, rocky reefs, and humps in 15 to 20 feet of water. Drop shotting, ned rigs, and nico rigs have been effective for catching smallmouth bass.

Leech Lake: Reactionary Baits for Full Fish

The Leisure Outdoor Boys report that Leech Lake has experienced a four-week-long mayfly hatch, resulting in an abundance of crayfish molting and young perch minnows. The fish are full and not necessarily in the mood to bite, so using reactionary baits to trigger their bites has been effective. Here are some baits that have been working well:

  • Spinners
  • Jigging wraps
  • Crankbaits
  • Anything orange or purple that resembles a crayfish or perch

Fishing fast and aggressive has been the key to success in the Leech Lake area.

Lake Vermilion: Early Morning and Evening Fishing

Billy Rosner advises anglers to fish early in the morning and again in the evening during the dog days of summer on Lake Vermilion. Overcast days with light rain can change the game and provide good fishing opportunities. Here are some tips for targeting walleyes:

  • Look for transitions, such as weed lines or changes from rock to sand or rock to mud.
  • Explore different depths as walleyes can be found at varying depths.
  • Use live bait rigs, jigging wraps, hair jigs, ripping wraps, and jig dragging with quarter or three-eighths ounce jigs.

Red River: Active Catfish Feeding

Brad Durrick reports that the spawn is over on the Red River, and the catfish are actively feeding. Look for deeper holes with visible current for the best fishing spots. However, it’s important to note that there are major drought conditions in some sections of the river, making boating dangerous. Recommended baits include suckers and gold eyes, as there is a shortage of frogs due to the drought.

Cool Products: Bass Fishing Options

Now, let’s talk about some cool products for bass fishing. Here are some options to consider:

  • Terminator Pro Series Spinnerbait: This spinnerbait is extremely effective with different color combinations for skirts, jig heads, and blades. It features a durable design and great vibration.
  • Terminator Heavy Duty Swim Jig: This swim jig is designed for casting and reeling back through wood, brush, and weeds. It has a thick hook and is perfect for targeting big fish.
  • All Terrain Tackle Grassmaster Weed Jig: This jig is an absolute go-to for fishing in heavy weed growth. It works well for catching largemouth bass when paired with a little crawler.
  • Northland Tackle Jungle Jig: This flipping jig is weedless and features a strong hook and rattles for added action. It’s great for fishing in milfoil, pads, cabbage beds, brush, and timber.
  • Northland Tackle Weed Weasel: This smaller weedless jig is meant to be used with lighter line. It has a little keeper for live bait and can also be paired with soft plastic.

These products offer a variety of options for bass fishing in different conditions and with different techniques. Whether you’re fishing in heavy weed growth or targeting smaller bass with lighter line, these jigs and spinnerbaits are sure to enhance your fishing experience.

Conclusion

That wraps up this week’s Buzz Bite Reports! We hope you found these fishing updates and cool products helpful for your next fishing adventure. Remember to try out the recommended tactics and baits for each location, and don’t forget to practice responsible fishing by following local regulations and helping to stop the spread of aquatic invasive species.

Stay tuned for more fishing updates and cool products in our next edition of Buzz Bite Reports. Until then, tight lines and happy fishing!

You May Also Like