Minocqua Area Fishing Report - 5/22/23

The effects of a late ice out are still being felt by anglers. While water temps are moving in the right direction (overall), weed growth is still way behind. This lack of vegetation is frustrating anglers looking for the typical post spawn spring bite. Action is still being had. Cold mornings have pushed the best bites to afternoons as warming water seems to bring in the best catches.

Crappie: Good-Very Good – Moving into shallows to warm, not bedding yet. Long cast with small minnows or Mini-Mites below small floats. Calm shores receiving the most sun (usually North) are seeing Crappies pile up in 1-3’ of water.

Largemouth Bass: Good-Very Good – Afternoon action best as waters warm in shallows. Shallow running stick baits/twitch baits, as well as smaller spinner baits, beetle spins and 3” swim baits. Largemouth over 18” with a pair of 20”+ reported by anglers pitching x-raps along black bottom bays.

Walleye: Good – Heavily feeding on mayfly larvae in the mud as the lack of new vegetation in the shallows has been holding most Walleyes out. Slip-bobbers with medium leeches in 12-16’ have been best. Fatheads, Walleye suckers on 1/8 oz jigs around rocky points also producing, but not as steadily as the mud.

Northern Pike: Good – The lack of weeds has been a problem, but any patches of broad leaf cabbage have been good for action on swim baits and smaller spinners (#3 Mepps). Jig and chubs or suckers also producing.

Yellow Perch: Good – Shallow bays in 4-6’. Use medium fats under floats on 1/32 oz jigs to catch post spawn Perch ready to feed.

Smallmouth Bass: Good –Catch and Release only!! First drops from shore lines with rock/gravel using X-Raps, Husky Jerks and Keitech swim baits. Fish staging prior to moving up to spawn.

Bluegill: Good-Fair – Staging in shallows to warm up. Small leeches or worms in 1-4’ of water.

The forecast for the week has some cool night time temps followed by warming afternoons. Lots of sunshine should spur weed growth and minnow/insect hatches. Action in the shallows should get better. Looking forward to a good holiday weekend.