Gary Engberg Outdoors

gengberg November 8th, 2007

River Currents

This morning, I checked out the weather forecast on the Weather Channel icon on my computer before I started writing this column. It looks like a cooler and windy start for the week and then moderating again toward the weekend with temperatures back in the upper 50’s. The norm for this time of year is about a high of 47 degrees and a low of about 29 degrees.

We all know that winter is coming, but not quite yet, and that means that there is still more time to spend fishing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, and bird-watching. Lately, I have seen more people engaged in outdoor activities than I have in many years. I’m not exactly sure why, but besides the weather, there have been many great fishing and hunting opportunities that many of you seem to be taking advantage of in your spare time. I’ve also talked to many of you who are now taking vacation time, so that they can partake in all these activities. I wish the days were longer instead of shorter this time of year!

Fishing has been very good for those who haven’t put their boats away. Most area lakes have finally turned-over with water temperatures in the low 50’s. This morning, I had 52 degrees in the shallow water in my backyard on the Wisconsin River. The anglers who are fishing are being rewarded for their efforts with some of the best fishing of the year in both size and numbers. Lake Wisconsin is starting to produce walleyes and saugers in numbers and size. Try to concentrate your efforts on the Ferry area around the crossing on both the Lodi and Merrimac sides of the lake. Vertical jig with large minnows on jigs and blade baits like Zips and Sonars ripped upward after touching the bottom. The fish strikes usually come on the fall of the bait. All the fish of the year have grown all summer, so fish are naturally larger and fish want more of a meal when bulking up for winter.

Trolling for walleyes and saugers also is a good and proven technique on Lake Wisconsin in the fall. Try to fish the lake’s upper reaches, where it narrows and heads toward the I 90 Bridge and then toward Wisconsin Dells. Trolling with lead core line is another good way to go this time of year. The lead core makes sure that you’re on the bottom and helps present your bait in the strike zone longer than trolling with monofilament. Now, good crankbaits to use include; Rapala Husky Jerks, Reef Runners, and Mann’s Stretch 15’s and 20’s. You want a longer bait with a tight wobble this time of year. Stick with natural colors like shad, perch, and cranks that have blue and purple in them. Vary your speed and don’t be afraid to “kick it up” for reaction bites.

The fish have been biting in the Wisconsin Dells area and if you’re looking for a good guide try Big Dave Ehardt at (414)-803-7160. The nice thing about the Dells is that you have more room to fish than at Prairie du Sac and the downriver fishing allows for larger boats with deeper water than Prairie.

The Madison Lakes have turned over with the exception of Lake Mendota which is always the last lake to turn. The best fishing on Mendota is just before you have ice. The later, the better on Mendota for big walleyes, smallmouth, and northern pike as we progress to the hard water period. Now, I’d concentrate my efforts on muskies on Lakes Wabesa, Monona, Twin Valley, Silver, and Swan. Try casting bucktails, cranks, jerkbaits, and big BullDawg plastics. Always, have a good size sucker (12 to 15 inches) close to the boat for any muskie that follows to the boat. Try contacting Wally Banfi (608-644-9823) or Ron Barefield (608-838-8756) for guiding (any species) and quality information this time of year.

There is some good bluegill and crappie fishing on both Lake Wisconsin and the Wisconsin River. Fish close to the dam and search for schools of roving fish that are feeding. Use ice fishing jigs with wax worms or crappie minnows with a float. Fish for panfish during the middle of the day, when the water in the shallows is the warmest.

The deer are really starting to move with the colder weather. I’ve been seeing bucks almost everywhere that I drive these days. I was coming home the other night with Wally Banfi from recording our radio show (Outdoor Horizons 1670 AM Saturdays at 8:00am) when we saw the largest buck that I’ve ever seen, just off Highway 14 between Cross Plains and Black Earth. I rarely see the trophy bucks like you see in all the deer magazines, but this was one that would match any deer I’ve seen in my life. I think that there is something to the “mini rut” that many say happens in the end of October. Deer ace, Dean Carlson, told me Saturday that he’s been seeing lots of bucks, but not the one he wants or he hasn’t had the proper shot present itself. Dean and his friends, the Blum Brothers, are excellent hunters and get their opportunities for quality deer. But, they put in their time and deer hunting is a year-round activity for all of them. Dean hunts in Columbia County and he told me of seeing some trophy animals this fall while bow hunting.

Deer season is almost here, so you deer hunters better get prepared for this gun season. Here are a few tips and reminders; 1) Make sure that your gun is sighted in and working properly. Get out and shoot some rounds before the opener. 2) Do some exercise and try to get in some kind of shape before November 17^th. I hope that many of you have been doing this already. Many heart attacks that take place during the deer season could be prevented. Stretching and walking will help tremendously. 3) Get out your hunting clothes and air them out by hanging them outside for a few days. To the deer, humans stink and smell. If you’re serious about hunting, wash your clothes in a no-scent cleaner and have a body wash lotion too. Spray a no-scent or scent elimination product on your clothes and boots. Then, store these clothes in a scent free container. 4) Make sure of your safety harness if hunting from a tree stand. Safety first! 5) Know the land that you’re hunting on and where others will be on the morning of the opener. 6) Make sure of your shot and the background of where you’re shooting. Again, please practice safety. 7) Know the hunting rules and regulations. Always, carry a deer hunting booklet in your pocket. Drinking and drugs don’t mix with firearms and hunting. 9) Make up a check list of everything that you need for a successful hunt and check it often.

I’ll have more deer information next week, but make sure you’re ready physically and mentally for the hunt. If possible, take a child hunting with you for the experience and knowledge that they’ll learn from being with you during the 2007 Deer Gun Season.

Pheasant hunters have been out in numbers and most of the public lands that I check and talk to hunters on are happy with the season. There seems to be birds scattered and more birds for the weekend hunters. Pheasant hunting gets better as we get into December, especially hunting native pheasants on private CRP lands.

There also should be some northern ducks coming into the area as we cool down. The Wisconsin River stays open for these late migrating birds.

If you’ve put your boat away for the year, there’s still good fishing left for the angler that likes to wade at night. The Wisconsin River, Lake Wisconsin, the Madison Lakes, the Baraboo River, and the Fox River all have good wading. Fish in low light periods and try casting crankbaits and jigs with big plastics for trophy fish. Make sure to wear a life jacket and fish with a buddy. Have fun and I wish November never ends!

on my computer before I started writing this column. It looks like a cooler and windy start for the week and then moderating again toward the weekend with temperatures back in the upper 50’s. The norm for this time of year is about a high of 47 degrees and a low of about 29 degrees.

We all know that winter is coming, but not quite yet, and that means that there is still more time to spend fishing, hunting, canoeing, kayaking, and bird-watching. Lately, I have seen more people engaged in outdoor activities than I have in many years. I’m not exactly sure why, but besides the weather, there have been many great fishing and hunting opportunities that many of you seem to be taking advantage of in your spare time. I’ve also talked to many of you who are now taking vacation time, so that they can partake in all these activities. I wish the days were longer instead of shorter this time of year!

Fishing has been very good for those who haven’t put their boats away. Most area lakes have finally turned-over with water temperatures in the low 50’s. This morning, I had 52 degrees in the shallow water in my backyard on the Wisconsin River. The anglers who are fishing are being rewarded for their efforts with some of the best fishing of the year in both size and numbers. Lake Wisconsin is starting to produce walleyes and saugers in numbers and size. Try to concentrate your efforts on the Ferry area around the crossing on both the Lodi and Merrimac sides of the lake. Vertical jig with large minnows on jigs and blade baits like Zips and Sonars ripped upward after touching the bottom. The fish strikes usually come on the fall of the bait. All the fish of the year have grown all summer, so fish are naturally larger and fish want more of a meal when bulking up for winter.

Trolling for walleyes and saugers also is a good and proven technique on Lake Wisconsin in the fall. Try to fish the lake’s upper reaches, where it narrows and heads toward the I 90 Bridge and then toward Wisconsin Dells. Trolling with lead core line is another good way to go this time of year. The lead core makes sure that you’re on the bottom and helps present your bait in the strike zone longer than trolling with monofilament. Now, good crankbaits to use include; Rapala Husky Jerks, Reef Runners, and Mann’s Stretch 15’s and 20’s. You want a longer bait with a tight wobble this time of year. Stick with natural colors like shad, perch, and cranks that have blue and purple in them. Vary your speed and don’t be afraid to “kick it up” for reaction bites.

The fish have been biting in the Wisconsin Dells area and if you’re looking for a good guide try Big Dave Ehardt at (414)-803-7160. The nice thing about the Dells is that you have more room to fish than at Prairie du Sac and the downriver fishing allows for larger boats with deeper water than Prairie.

The Madison Lakes have turned over with the exception of Lake Mendota which is always the last lake to turn. The best fishing on Mendota is just before you have ice. The later, the better on Mendota for big walleyes, smallmouth, and northern pike as we progress to the hard water period. Now, I’d concentrate my efforts on muskies on Lakes Wabesa, Monona, Twin Valley, Silver, and Swan. Try casting bucktails, cranks, jerkbaits, and big BullDawg plastics. Always, have a good size sucker (12 to 15 inches) close to the boat for any muskie that follows to the boat. Try contacting Wally Banfi (608-644-9823) or Ron Barefield (608-838-8756) for guiding (any species) and quality information this time of year.

There is some good bluegill and crappie fishing on both Lake Wisconsin and the Wisconsin River. Fish close to the dam and search for schools of roving fish that are feeding. Use ice fishing jigs with wax worms or crappie minnows with a float. Fish for panfish during the middle of the day, when the water in the shallows is the warmest.

The deer are really starting to move with the colder weather. I’ve been seeing bucks almost everywhere that I drive these days. I was coming home the other night with Wally Banfi from recording our radio show (Outdoor Horizons 1670 AM Saturdays at 8:00am) when we saw the largest buck that I’ve ever seen, just off Highway 14 between Cross Plains and Black Earth. I rarely see the trophy bucks like you see in all the deer magazines, but this was one that would match any deer I’ve seen in my life. I think that there is something to the “mini rut” that many say happens in the end of October. Deer ace, Dean Carlson, told me Saturday that he’s been seeing lots of bucks, but not the one he wants or he hasn’t had the proper shot present itself. Dean and his friends, the Blum Brothers, are excellent hunters and get their opportunities for quality deer. But, they put in their time and deer hunting is a year-round activity for all of them. Dean hunts in Columbia County and he told me of seeing some trophy animals this fall while bow hunting.

Deer season is almost here, so you deer hunters better get prepared for this gun season. Here are a few tips and reminders; 1) Make sure that your gun is sighted in and working properly. Get out and shoot some rounds before the opener. 2) Do some exercise and try to get in some kind of shape before November 17^th. I hope that many of you have been doing this already. Many heart attacks that take place during the deer season could be prevented. Stretching and walking will help tremendously. 3) Get out your hunting clothes and air them out by hanging them outside for a few days. To the deer, humans stink and smell. If you’re serious about hunting, wash your clothes in a no-scent cleaner and have a body wash lotion too. Spray a no-scent or scent elimination product on your clothes and boots. Then, store these clothes in a scent free container. 4) Make sure of your safety harness if hunting from a tree stand. Safety first! 5) Know the land that you’re hunting on and where others will be on the morning of the opener. 6) Make sure of your shot and the background of where you’re shooting. Again, please practice safety. 7) Know the hunting rules and regulations. Always, carry a deer hunting booklet in your pocket. Drinking and drugs don’t mix with firearms and hunting. 9) Make up a check list of everything that you need for a successful hunt and check it often.

I’ll have more deer information next week, but make sure you’re ready physically and mentally for the hunt. If possible, take a child hunting with you for the experience and knowledge that they’ll learn from being with you during the 2007 Deer Gun Season.

Pheasant hunters have been out in numbers and most of the public lands that I check and talk to hunters on are happy with the season. There seems to be birds scattered and more birds for the weekend hunters. Pheasant hunting gets better as we get into December, especially hunting native pheasants on private CRP lands.

There also should be some northern ducks coming into the area as we cool down. The Wisconsin River stays open for these late migrating birds.

If you’ve put your boat away for the year, there’s still good fishing left for the angler that likes to wade at night. The Wisconsin River, Lake Wisconsin, the Madison Lakes, the Baraboo River, and the Fox River all have good wading. Fish in low light periods and try casting crankbaits and jigs with big plastics for trophy fish. Make sure to wear a life jacket and fish with a buddy. Have fun and I wish November never ends!

• Fishing , Muskies , Walleye , Hunting , Pheasant , Waterfowl , Deer , My Local Column , River Currents