Game Fishing Season Kicks Off with Promising Start

The game fishing season opened a few days ago, and it’s off to an excellent start. Anglers are reporting success across a variety of species, setting the stage for an exciting season.

Current Water Conditions

Water temperatures are currently ranging from the low to mid-50s, depending on the fishing location. These conditions are ideal for early-season fishing, particularly in popular spots like the Willow Flowage and Rainbow Flowage.

Top Fishing Destinations

The Willow Flowage and Rainbow Flowage remain top destinations for the season opener, drawing crowds every year. Both are world-class fisheries, with the Willow Flowage offering an experience reminiscent of Canadian wilderness. However, reports indicate that fishing on the Flowages was average for the opener, while the numerous lakes in Oneida and Vilas counties provided excellent catches for most species, excluding Muskies, as the Northern Musky season begins on May 24th.

Impact of Warming Weather

With warmer weather on the horizon, fishing activity on the Rainbow and Willow Flowages is expected to improve. The rising temperatures will likely drive Crappies, Walleyes, Panfish, Pike, and Bass into shallower waters. Focus on areas with new weed growth, or where weeds mix with wood or rock, as these spots typically hold good numbers of fish, especially in depths of 12 feet or less.

Best Bait Choices by Species

Crappies and Panfish

For Crappies and Panfish, effective bait options include Crappie Minnows, Fatheads, Night Crawlers, and Kalin’s Crappie Scrubs.

Walleyes

On the Flowages, XL Fatheads, Night Crawlers, or Leeches are solid choices for Walleyes. In the deep, clear lakes of Northern Wisconsin, Red Tail, Black Tail, Chubs, and Walleye Suckers perform well. For shallower lakes, which fish similarly to Flowages, XL Fatheads, Night Crawlers, or Leeches are reliable live bait selections.

Effective Artificial Baits and Techniques

For early-season success, artificial baits like Rapala Scatter Raps and Floating Rapalas are highly effective. Another great technique is casting an XL Fathead on a 1/8oz jig along shorelines, particularly around downed tree branches or timber.

Targeting Mud Bottom Areas

Consider fishing areas with mud bottoms, especially during early-season bug hatches. Locations where the lake bottom transitions from sand or gravel to mud often attract Walleyes and other species, making them prime spots to target.

Save the Date: 5th Annual Summer Bash

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 19th, for our 5th Annual Summer Bash, the biggest sale of the year at our Minocqua, Wisconsin location. Expect a large tent hosting numerous lure manufacturers, an extensive selection of Musky gear both inside and outside, and plenty of food and drinks, including brats, coffee, and soda. Raffle prizes and interactions with some of the best Musky lure manufacturers in the industry will make this one of the highlights of the year. We hope to see you there!