Minocqua Area Fishing Report

Rough week of weather for anglers this past week. Temps in the 20’s and high winds made targeting most species pretty tough.

It is October (though it feels like November), so Musky is what is on most angler’s minds. Those willing to brave the elements had good things to show for their efforts.

Musky: Good – Participation was down, but good reports from anglers who ventured out. Guide Jake Smith had a nine fish day, mostly on suckers, but jerk baits also working. Similar reports from the few and the brave.

Walleye: Fair – Weekend conditions not favoring Walleye anglers due to boat control issues with winds gusting in the 30’s on Fri/Sat. When able to fish, the deeper lakes producing in 28-40’ using #7 & #9 jigging raps, Lindy rigs or 3/8-1/2 oz jigs and chubs, suckers or even crawlers.

Crappies: Fair-Poor – Tough conditions, the cooling water temps also seem to have slowed the bite for now.

Northern Pike: Good – While not being targeted much, some nice Pike in the mid 30” range being caught by Musky anglers

It’s been a cold October so far, water surface temps are in the low to mid 40’s. Fish, being cold blooded, feeling the affects as presentations need to slow down. Forecast with highs in the 40’s and lows in the upper 20’s to low 30’s will only keep temps low.

As long as winds stay down, fishing for late fall targets (Musky, Walleye) should remain good.