Fall arrived in force last week, and yes there are signs of fish putting on the fabled fall feed bag, but soon we return to more late summery weather for this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.
The MFR appears in a condensed form Wednesdays on the Sun-Times outdoors page.
Photo at top is from Rock Creek, one of the nine sites with early catch-and-release fly fishing for fall trout in Illinois. The shot was taken from the bridge a few summers ago.
FLY FISHING FOR FALL TROUT
Catch-and-release fly fishing-only for fall trout is open at nine Illinois sites: Apple River, Apple River Canyon SP; Rock Creek, Kankakee River SP; Pine Creek, White Pines Forest SP; Siloam Springs State Park Lake; Gridley Lake at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA; Horton Lake, Nauvoo State Park; Morgan Lake, Nichols Park, Jacksonville; IDOT Lake, Springfield; Willow Lake, Peabody River King SFWA. Pete Lamar reported a good outing Saturday at White Pines.
SALMON SNAGGING
Snagging for Chinook and coho is open only at Lincoln Park lagoon south of Fullerton, Waukegan Harbor north basin, Winnetka Power Plant discharge, and Jackson Park inner and outer harbors. Steve Palmisano at Henry’s Sports & Bait said best has been at Jackson Park.
SHORELINE SALMON/TROUT
Spotty at best, all around southern Lake Michigan.
CHICAGO: Steve Palmisano at Henry’s Sports & Bait said the better fishing has been at the areas outside of the snagging areas for salmon. He thinks the run is behind a bit. A few steelhead are being caught in the harbors with light line (6- or 8-pound), slip floats and spawn or jigs in the harbors. . . . Staff at Park Bait said a few have been caught at Montrose since the blow finally stopped. SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN: Staff at Tackle Haven said a few salmon are being caught off the piers, a few are in the river and it is slow at Berrien Springs. INDIANA: Staff at Mik-Lurch said salmon are stacked behind East Chicago Marina.
AREA LAKES
Several fishermen mentioned how crappie fishing is beginning to go very well. Steve Palmisano at Henry’s Sports & Bait said there is even good crappie going at some of the city lagoons.
Ken “Husker” O’ Malley sent this:
Hey Dale,
Areas lakes are producing good numbers of bass mornings and evenings. Size are running on the smaller end, but action is good. A white chatter bait with a swim body as a trailer has been the go to bait. Bigger bass should be starting to bite consistently as water temps continue to drop.
TTYL
–
Ken “Husker” O’Malley
Huskeroutdoors
Waterworks fishing team
AREA WATER LEVELS
Go to http://water.weather.gov//ahps2/index.php?wfo=lot to check area water levels and projection. To get to more specific gauges, even on creeks, in Illinois, go to http://waterdata.usgs.gov/il/nwis/current/?type=flow
CENTRAL WISCONSIN
Hooksetter’s Guide Service, via Creative Brilliance, sent this:
(Head): Musky, walleye and panfish hitting strong, as bear season starts to wrap up and archery deer season coming into full swing; all in and amidst the lakes and the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin’s Marathon and Lincoln Counties (near Mosinee and Wausau).
It has been another great week for outdoor activities in central Wisconsin. Cooler temperatures are starting to move into the area creating a dynamic ecosystem of activity. The water temperatures are plunging and have submerged from where they were a few days ago in the low 70 degree range, all the way down to where they are now in the 50 degree range. This activity will continue to progress as the nights continue to dip into the 30’s creating what I think will create some of the best fishing conditions of the year. The cooler temperatures will also increase activity for the hunters in the woods and on the water.
Musky activity has shown a substantial increase with numbers of nice fish being seen and boated on several recent outings. With opportunities at fish up to and over 50 inches in now is definitely the time to be on the water. Jerk baits like Suick’s and Manta’s are going to be your best bet along with large rubber baits like Bulldawg’s and Medusa’s. Work these baits over deep water and around sharp break lines and weed edges for your chances at a trophy.
If you’re interested in walleyes fishing this is a good time to target them. Try jig fishing water depths of 12 to 16 feet deep along channel edges in the river or trolling crankbaits on large flats that are adjacent to the deepest water in the lake. Most of the action will come in tight locations so when you hit a fish, mark the position on your GPS so you can come back to that exact location.
Panfish activity has been very good this past week with some really nice catches of fish being made. The cooler water temperatures will trigger fish like crappies and bluegills to move tight to structure. If you can find submerged wood in 6 to 10 feet of water you are more than likely going to find your fish. Try running a small 1/32nd ounce jig tipped with either a tiny minnow or piece of crawler to get in and around the structure to pluck these feisty fish out.
HUNTING REPORT:
Bear hunting season is starting to wrap up and archery deer season coming into full swing. With about a month to go until the rut starts now is a good time for archery deer hunters to target transition areas between bedding and feeding areas. I would also suggest crossing or necked-down locations near water as these are always a good bet at this time of the year.
CHAIN O’LAKES AREA
Arden Katz said, “Fall bite is on.’’ Over the weekend, on one outing, they caught eight species. He uses a modified drop-shot rig with minnows in 15 feet, drifting or trolling at .5 mph.
Check Chain updates at Fox Waterway Agency or by calling (847) 587-8540.
For more reports, see http://www.foxlakefishing.com/
CHICAGO RIVER
No update.
COOLING LAKES/STRIP PITS
HEIDECKE: Closed for season. BRAIDWOOD: Final day of fishing is Oct. 13. Still quality bluegill and numbers of catfish are being caught. Lake is open daily 6 a.m.-sunset. MAZONIA: Final day of fishing is Oct. 13. The exception is Monster Lake at Mazonia South, which is open year-round. Lakes are open daily 6 a.m.-sunset. LaSALLE: Final day of fishing is Oct. 15. Hours are 6 a.m. to sunset daily. There is a concessionaire with bait and food options.
DELAVAN/LAKE GENEVA AREA, WISCONSIN
Dave Duwe of FishLakeGeneva.com sent this:
Lake Geneva Fishing Report 10/5/15 through 10/11/15
With the cooling water temperature, the fish are starting to move into their fall patterns. The main lake points seem to have been producing most of the fish. Most of the fish are moving toward Cedar Point, Black Point and Maytag point.
Smallmouth bass fishing has been a little slow with the strong east winds. It has made fishing the typical spots to hard to fish. The fish I’m catching have been in 22-25 ft of water. Look for the fish by Yerkes Observatory or by the beach in Fontana. Most of the action is coming on lindy rigged fat head minnows or occasionally a nightcrawler. For artificial bait fishermen, drop shotting 4 inch finesse worms has been been very productive. The best colors for the baits are root beer or green pumpkin.
As the water cools, the thermocline has dissipated so the northern pike have moved into the shallow weed flats. Look for the fish by Trinkes or the beach in Fontana. For the best action, you want to use extra large golden shiners or white spinner biats. The best depth range has been 10-12 ft of water, just above the weeds.
Rock bass and bluegills have been biting in the 20 ft depth range. They can be caught on large fat head minnows or nightcrawlers. The best approach has been split shot rigs. Look for the fish by South Shore Club or by Knollwood.
Walleye fishing has been improving with the cooler water temperature. The best location has been by Abbey Springs or Trinkes. The fish are positioned in 15-17 ft of water. They can be caught on large Rapallas in chrome/black or black/gold. You want to fish the crank baits 100-150 ft back on your planer boards. The best nights is when there is some wind.
Perch fishing has been starting to improve with the cooler water temperature. The fish are by Belvidere Park in 10-12 ft of water. They are being caught on Thill slip bobbers fished with a large fat head minnow.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050
DELAVAN: Dave Duwe of FishLakeGeneva.com sent this:
Delavan Lake Fishing Report 10/5/15 through 10/11/15
With the cooler weather the fishing on Delavan has started to improve. The only downfall is that because of the fall season, we had to deal with a very harsh east wind for most of the week. The fish were stacked on main lake points that were wind blown. It was hard to fish there due to the wind though.
Largemouth bass have been stacked on Willow Point, Yacht Club point and 3 flags. The best depth is 12-14 ft of water. The best presentation has been medium suckers fished on a lindy rig or a split shot rig. The fish are located on the weedline in 12-14 ft of water. With the dropping water temperature minnows will continue to be the best bait. The best spots have been the ones with a lot of wind blowing right toward the point, the wind is pushing the bait fish right to the point causing the game fish to school up.
Walleye fishing has started to improve with the cooler water. The best depth has been 22-24 ft of water. They are positioned outside the weedline and aggressively hitting extra large fat head minnows or nightcrawlers. Look for the fish by Browns Channel or just west of the Yacht Club. There is limited success while trolling deep diving crankbaits along the weed lines in 18-24 ft of water. If you try, use a crappie pattern for the crankbait.
Northern Pike fishing has started to improve. The most aggressive fish are in the 14-16 ft depth range. I’ve been catching the most by 3 flags or by Browns Channel. I’ve found the bigger the sucker the better. You want to try to position the bait 1 foot above the weeds. Due to the wind, that is very difficult to do.
Crappie fishing is also starting to improve along the weedlines in 12-14 ft of water. The best location has been by Belvidere Park or by Delavan Lake Marina. You want to use 1/32 oz jigs with purple or chartreuse plastics. The crappie fishing will continue to improve as the water temps go down.
Bluegill fishing has started to improve in the main lake basin. The bluegills are starting to suspend in deep water in 30-40 ft. the bluegills are positioned 15-20 ft down in the water column. You want to fish for them with small ice jigs tipped with wax worms or giant red leaf worms. Look for the fish off the Assembly park point or the Village Supper Club.
Good luck and I hope to see you on the water. For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050
DES PLAINES RIVER
Marcus Benesch sent this:
Dale,
We finally have some normal river levels to report. The river has receded nicely and clarity is much improved with a little help from the chilly evenings we’ve been having. Pike action is still bursting at the seams. Just about anything you throw in northern Cook and Lake counties is going to get gobbled up by a northern. Been having the most success with twitch baits, Husky Jerk, Thundersticks, and Jakes. Fish have been concentrated in timber pile ups and creek mouths. Lots of fish between 17-23inches, with the occasional 27-30inch fish. Now that the colors are starting to change I will be spending a lot of time in the tree lined forest preserves of Northern Cook and Southern Lake Counties. The scenery is just absolutely amazing on the river.
-Marcus Benesch
River Grove, Illinois
DOWNSTATE NOTES
EMIQUON: As of Thursday, because of Gov. Bruce Rauner’s shutdown, fishing and boating permits will be done at the launch. Call (309) 547-2730. HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Closed for the season. Will reopen to fishing in 2016 with a much expanded format. SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Ken Wilson Guide Service. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing
Larry Dozard of larrysfishinghole.com sent this on some closures Downstate:
POWERTON LAKE -WINTER HOURS (Oct. 1st – April 30th): 8am – 4pm
- THIS LAKE WILL CLOSE TO BOAT FISHING ON OCT. 17th (Last day for Boat fishing will be Oct. 16th) and CLOSES TO SHORE FISHING and ALL FISHING ON OCT. 24th (Last day for Shore fishing is Oct. 23rd) and REOPENS TO SHORE FISHING ONLY ON DEC. 21st AND NO BOAT FISHING till FEB. 15th – -
McMASTER LAKE at SNAKEDEN HOLLOW -* THIS AREA WILL CLOSE TO FISHING for the Season on Oct. 12th (last day to fish is Oct. 11th) till Feb. 1st–
SPRING LAKE (South & North) -* THIS AREA WILL BE CLOSED TO BOAT FISHING in Hunting Area ON OCT. 17th with Last Day to Boat Fish being Oct. 16th – with BANK FISHING ALLOWED ONLY AFTER 1pm–AREAS THAT REMAIN OPEN TO BOATS ARE NORTH OF MAPLE ISLAND with ramp at north end at the Sky Ranch Road launch and IN PIKE HOLE with carry in boats –
SANGCHRIS LAKE -* THE WEST and EAST ARMS OF LAKE and Small AREA NEAR DAM ARE CLOSED DURING WATERFOWL SEASON to boat traffic effective Oct. 14th (last day to boat fish will be Oct. 13th) through Jan. 31, 2016 (during this time fishing boat traffic is permitted in the center hot arm only).
He sent these additional notes from Downstate:
ANDERSON LAKE - - - THIS AREA IS CLOSED TO BOAT FISHING in Main Lake from Oct. 16th through Dec. 22nd during waterfowl season with bank fishing Only allowed.
BANNER MARSH - ** THIS AREA WILL CLOSE TO BOAT FISHING Oct. 14th (last day to boat fish will be Oct. 13th) –AND BANK FISHING ONLY ALLOWED AFTER 1PM but NO FISHING ALLOWED in EAST POINT ACCESS AREA, which is CLOSED TO ALL FISHING to provide a GOOSE REFUGE AREA during season till Feb. 1st – -
EVERGREEN LAKE - -Bait Shop Fall Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 7 Days And LAST DAY BAIT SHOP OPEN is Oct. 17th (Depending on bait supply) - BOAT RENTAL FOR SEASON is CLOSED for the season - – A SOUTHERN PART OF EVERGREEN LAKE – AROUND DEER ISLAND and ALL OF SIX-MILE CREEK BAY IS CLOSED TO GAS MOTORS from Oct. 15th through JAN. 1st to allow resting areas for migratory waterfowl. YOU ARE ALLOWED TO STILL RUN A TROLLING MOTOR IN THESE AREAS ONLY.-
PRAIRIE LAKE in Jim Edgar/ Panther Creek State F&W Area - - Lake is CLOSED to Fishing from Nov. 1st – Jan. 15th until After 12:01 PM on Wednesdays and Saturday.
CLINTON LAKE - REMEMBER an easterly area of Clinton Lake between the DeWitt (CH14) and the 48 bridges is CLOSED FROM OCT. 10th through MARCH 31st to protect fish and wildlife…
NEWTON LAKE - As written in the fishing regs booklet : ** The cold arm of Newton Lake shall be Closed daily from one-half hour before sunrise until 1:00 pm to all fishing and boat traffic except for legal waterfowl hunters during waterfowl season commencing with regular duck season through the close of the Canada goose and regular duck season.
* For here – Regular South Waterfowl Season: Nov. 14 – Jan. 31
DuPAGE RIVER
No update.
FOX RIVER
No update.
GREEN BAY
Lance LaVine at Howie’s Tackle in Sturgeon Bay sent this update:
Windy conditions for the past 2 weeks has really put a damper on the fishing especially some of the off shore and open water fishing…it was just too rough to get out to those spots. But with that said there were a few decent days mixed in and the fishing was pretty good.
The Perch fishing continues to stay really good throughout the county. The better reports continue to come from the Sturgeon Bay ship canal around the marinas, the Sturgeon Bay Flats, Sawyer Harbor, Little Sturgeon and Riley’s Bay in the weed beds and some of the deeper water off of the Chaudoir’s Dock area. Fathead minnows have been the best live baits.
Bass fishing has been going very good, and because of the wind a bunch of the fishermen have had to stay right around the bridges in downtown Sturgeon Bay, but the fishing has been very good and some really big fish. Other good spots include Sherwood Point, the outer Flats, Snake Island along with the deeper points, reefs and shoals to the north of Sturgeon Bay. Tubes, paddle tails, an assortment of drop shot plastics, spinner baits and a bunch of fishermen are dragging medium and large sucker minnows catching some really big fish right now.
Pike fishing has been good as of late. Good areas to concentrate your efforts have been…Downtown Sturgeon Bay in and along the shipping channel, the Potowatomi Park shoreline, Sherwood point and Henderson’s Point just to name a few spots. Casting and trolling large crank baits, spoons, spinner baits and dragging around large suckers all good options.
Walleye fishing is starting to pick back up a little after about a 3 week slow down period. The night trolling bite has been better that the day time trolling reports. With that said the day time rip jigging bite has been going pretty good for some anglers. The better areas have been Sherwood point, Larsons reef, Hendersons point along with the abundant structure to the north of the Old Stone Quarry. The best baits for jigging have been…Moonshine Shiver minnows, Paddle tails, blade baits and hair and tinsel jigs. And for trolling, the best baits continue to be Husky Jerks, reef runners along with Flicker Shads and minnows
Thanks;
Lance LaVine
Howie’s Tackle
1309 Green Bay Rd
Sturgeon Bay, WI 54235
Ph: 920-746-9916
The Wisconsin DNR posts a report, typically updated on Tuesdays at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/lakemichigan/OutdoorReport.html
ILLINOIS RIVER
Thom Matejewski at Illinois Valley Outdoors said white bass are being caught around tributary mouths and bridges; and that sauger are going good, best on jigs now in 8-12 feet, some also being caught trolling.
Illinois Valley Outdoors is open in Spring Valley. The phone is (815) 663-1000.
INDIANA STREAMS
Access points for Trail Creek can be found on the Trail Creek Access Map.
KANKAKEE RIVER
Norm Minas sent this:
river levels dropping, still above normal flow. about 2 ft visibility, green stain to water . 58 degrees as of today. still stretches with algae issues, others most excellent in that regard, more leaves floating. bugs still about, geese gathering in larger groups, seeing a bunch of ducks in urban area where no hunting is allowed . lots of animal activity, road kill on a bit of an up tick . lots of deer, few pheasants.
still doing well on rattlebaits for smallmouth on seams, riffle areas and flats. buzzbaits working around riffles, spooks in slower flows off channels . couple bass on silver buddy. banging cranks off boulders in urban area was very productive as was running them into bridge abutments. drifted a hard jerk over a ledge hole got a couple bass . magnum flukes caught a few around mid stream humps .
walleyes still taking jointed minnow baits and swimbaits on flats next to channels . 1/8 oz gayblade got about fifteen 10 to 16 inch walleye right on edge of channel. got a couple nice walleye on rattlebaits toward the end of a slackspot behind a bridge abutment .
couple channel cats on swimbaits on flats off channels .
some trips action real good, some trips not so good
peace
norm
LAKE ERIE
The Ohio DNR has general Lake Erie info and a fishing report.
LAKE KOSHKONONG, WISCONSIN
No update.
LAKEFRONT
For shoreline salmon/trout, see top.
The lake settles down and boaters get back out. Capt. Bob Poteshman of Confusion Charters said there have been some catches of a mixed bag out of Chicago; some lakers and a few salmon the reefs out of Waukegan and some kings early out of North Point.
MADISON CHAIN, WISCONSIN
Check reports from Gene Dellinger at D&S Bait.
MENOMINEE RIVER, WISCONSIN
Check with Mike Mladenik at Mike Mladenik Guide Service.
NORTHERN WISCONSIN
MINOCQUA: Kurt Justice of Kurt’s Island Sport Shop called with this report.
Fall is upon us. Cold nights and mild daytime temps have brought color to the trees and dropped the lake temps into the upper 50’s. This high pressure system that allowed those cold nights (launch time temps at 32-34 degrees) also slowed fishing from the active bite it was.
Musky: Fair-Good. Action tailed off with the high pressure and cloudless skies. Bucktails, gliders and twitch baits all accounted for fish this past week, just not as many fish as the week before. Suckers were favored, as is typical at this time of year, but also probably due to the less active bite.
Crappies: Fair-Good. Deep wood (14-20’) and outside coontail edges holding nice crappies. Watch your locator for suspended fish 2-4’ off bottom. Jig and minnow or ½ crawler or slip bobber rigs helped produce nice catches of 11-12” crappies using the above cover.
Walleye: Fair-good. The high pressure system late last week really seemed to hit these fish, but, by moving around on dark water lakes and flowages, some nice catches of walleyes were caught on small to medium redtails. Deeper lakes were off, but, should improve with weather this weekend.
Smallmouth Bass: Good. Nice big fish of 18-21” this week, but not a lot of anglers out targeting this species. Jig and creature baits as well as 4” swim baits crept along sand/gravel humps of 10-18’. Larger chubs meant for walleyes also finding fish.
Pike: Fair-Good. Lots of little fish on the flowages taking chubs or fatheads on jigs. Reports of larger fish falling off this week.
Largemouth Bass: Fair. Reluctant biters best on Wacky worm rigs and live bait. Participation falling off for the season, though Guide George Metrich had a client boat a monster 23” bucket mouth on a jig and redtail mid-week.
Bluegill/Perch: Fair. Not a lot of reports despite beautiful afternoons. For bluegills try waxies and leaf worms in 6-8’ cabbage if green weeds found.
The return of clouds and maybe some rain in the forecast should bring back a better bite. This is typically sucker time for muskies and with the lake temps in the 50’s this weekend should be prime.
Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com
EAGLE RIVER: This report came the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce, based on Creative Brilliance interviews with Eagle River guide “Muskie Matt” and legendary George Langley of Eagle Sports Center and hunting enthusiast Dan Anderson:
(Head): Walleye, northern and smallmouth bass putting on a good bite, with musky, largemouth bass and panfish, providing fair to good action; all in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.
Water temps in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area range from the high 50s to low 60s.
WALLEYE: Anglers are picking up some walleyes off deeper weed edges in10-15 feet of water. There is also some walleye action in sand grass areas in 20 feet of water. The walleye are tight to bottom. Use a jig and a minnow – and right now the walleyes are starting to prefer redtail chubs, as the water cools. All day bite, and the action is good.
NORTHERN: Fish over the tops of weeds in 3-10 feet of water. Use a spinner bait or a Johnson Silver Minnow. If you’re fishing weed lines, and going for walleye, you’ll also pick up a northern here-and there on your walleye rig. All day bite, and the action is good.
SMALLMOUTH BASS: Fish 8-15 feet of water over hardbottom areas, including rock piles and humps. Use a jig and a minnow. All day action and the bite is good.
MUSKY: Fish deep weed edges in the 8-12 foot range. Medium sized bucktails are still working best. Regular retrieve, and don’t forget to always do a “figure 8″ as your lure nears the boat. All day bite, with feeding windows, lake and weather dependent. The action is fair to good.
LARGEMOUTH BASS: The largemouth’s are still in the heavy, tight slop/weeds in 3-5 feet of water. Use a plastic, or a weedless jig. All day fair to good action, with the bite better as the water warms in the midday hours.
PANFISH: Panfish in the Eagle River area are providing an all day bite with fair to good action. Crappies are suspending in main lake basins in 10-20 feet of water. The depth is lake dependent. Use a slip bobber and a small fathead minnow. Bluegills are still in the shallow weeds. Fish 3-5 feet of water. Use a slipbobber and a red worm. Perch are still on the deeper weed edges in 15 feet of water. You’ll also find them in the same sandgrass areas as the walleyes in 20 feet of water – and in these areas the perch will be good sized – going to 10 inches or so. The perch are tight to bottom. Use a jig and a crawler or minnow.
FLY FISHING: With untold numbers of rushing streams, brooks and rivers, Eagle River provides wonderful opportunities for fly anglers of every ilk. And for the adventure of a lifetime go for gamefish with a fly rod on one of the Eagle River area’s hundreds of lakes. Eagle River guide guru, and 35 year avid fly angler for musky, George Langley, tells us that it’s a memorable experience for fly anglers, but realistically you must be able to double-haul cast and attain distances of 70-90 feet on your cast.
NORTHWEST INDIANA
See shoreline salmon/trout at top. Staff at Mik-Lurch said boaters are taking some perch out of Portage; crappie and bluegill are decent at Pine and Stone lakes.
ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN
The Wisconsin DNR Root River Report is generally posted on Tuesday.
ST. JOSEPH, MICHIGAN
For shoreline salmon/trout, see top. Staff at Tackle Haven said perch reports are spotty with the blow, but a few have been caught off the pierheads.
ST. JOSEPH RIVER, INDIANA
Click here for reports from the Indiana DNR.
SHABBONA LAKE
Clint Sands at Lakeside said muskie are still being caught and crappie are still in the cribs; water is cooling toward 60.
Lakeside is open 6 a.m.-6:30 p.m. For more information and reports from Lakeside, go to shabbonalake.com or call (815) 824-2581.
SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN
The Wisconsin DNR posts a report at http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/fishing/lakemichigan/OutdoorReport.html. It is usually posted by Tuesday afternoon. Stream flow info is at http://waterdata.usgs.gov/wi/nwis/current?type=flow.
WOLF LAKE
Staff at Mik-Lurch said some walleye are being caught again at night on the Indiana side.
WOLF RIVER, WISCONSIN
Around Fremont, guide Bill Stoeger said there are good white bass going, especially from the Rat to the mouth, on river rigs and minnows; crappie picking up deep (12-16 feet) near trees. Water is mid-50s, bite should only improve.