Mid-depth structure has been the name of the game here in NW Wisconsin the past few weeks. Fish in most clear bodies of water seem to be holding in that 15′-22′ range, especially around cribs, brush piles, deep weeds and rocks, and that goes for all species. Walleyes have really gotten finicky but a slip bobber and a leech has still been deadly. Walleyes have been suspending up to 5′ so don’t be afraid to keep that leech up 4′-5′ off the bottom, even fish closer to the bottom have no problem rising to eat it.
Crappies and bluegills have been really stacking up on cribs and brush piles. These fish are almost always suspended near the top of the structure so be sure to keep your bait at that level. Vertical jigging these fish with a small jig and leech or a plastic has been deadly as well as the classic slip float program. Smallmouth bass fishing has been a bit tougher due to some massive mayfly and bait hatches and scattered, pressured fish. Try to find areas that other anglers aren’t targeting and use finesse techniques such as ned rigs, drop shot rigs or wacky rigged senkos to trigger the bite. Targeting largemouth in the slop where others may be unwilling to go with jigs and frogs has been working in the hot weather as well.
Caleb Wistad – Hookedupwi
calebwistad@gmail.com
715-338-0545