Archive for the 'Sturgeon' Category

The Northwoods Report by Naomi Shapiro 11-2-08

gengberg November 3rd, 2008

As of November 3, 2008:

Fishing, Outdoor, and Event Reports for Eagle River, Wisconsin,
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area; Lake of the Woods and Rainy River out of
Sportsman’s Lodge (Baudette, Minnesota).

1. THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES:

Walleye bite strong on both the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, with
grouse and duck hunting excellent on the south end of Lake of the Woods, out
of Sportsman’s Lodge, Baudette, Minnesota.

– Excellent northern action, with a good musky, walleye and crappie bite
in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

Trophy muskies and northerns hitting, with excellent action for smallies,
walleyes, white bass and crappies in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area.

- - 2. WEEKLY OUTDOOR AND FISHING REPORTS, and current calendars:

***Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY) — as of November 3, 2008:

(Head): Excellent northern action, with a good musky, walleye and crappie
bite in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

Northern are hitting often and hard in the Eagle River area. Fish in and
around the weeds in 15 feet of water or less. Use a four to five inch
sucker or chub under a slip bobber. Husky Jerks in minnow patterns are also
producing well.

The musky bite in the Eagle River area is good and continuing to improve.
The musky are primarily locating in 25 feet of water or less over hardbottom
areas adjacent to the outside of the weeds. Suckers on quick-set rigs in the
12 to 15 inch range are working, as well as jerkbaits and crankbaits. The
muskies are going into the upper 40s in size, with some 50 inch plus fish
reported, but not verified.

The walleye action in the Eagle River area is good, but it can be sporadic.
Fish deep water mudflats in 18 to 30 feet of water, using a jig and a
fathead minnow.

Crappie are hitting in deep water over structure. Fish 18 to 30 feet of
water, targeting the crappies two to four feet off the bottom. Use a
crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative
Brilliance interview with licensed guide, Mat Hegy of Guides Choice Pro
Shop).

Contact info for Eagle River:
* Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org
* Guide’s Choice Pro Shop, 715-477-2248
* George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guides Association, 715-479-8804.
e-mail: fishing@eaglesportscenter.com Continue Reading »

Clements Fishing Barge on the Mississippi River at Genoa, Wisconsin 10-23-08

gengberg October 30th, 2008

Fishing is finally picking up. More fish have been caught in the last couple of days then all fall I think. The water temperature is getting a lot colder, around 52 degrees and should continue to fall with the colder weather. Walleye and sauger are hitting on hair jigs, blade baits and floating jigs. Most people are using minnows with their jigs, the fish seem to want the live bait right now. Still a lot of small fish, one fisherman said he caught 60 small sauger and walleye. Northern are still around too and even some crappie have been coming in. Looks like we are having a late fall run this year. Weather looks good too, nice and brisk with some cloudy days. Perfect walleye fishing weather.

Mark Clements
www.clementsfishing.com

The Northwoods Report 10-12-08

gengberg October 13th, 2008

As of October 13 , 2008:

Fishing, Outdoor, and Event Reports for Eagle River, Wisconsin,
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area; Lake of the Woods and Rainy River out of
Sportsman's Lodge (Baudette, Minnesota).

1. THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES:

-- Walleye in a feeding frenzy as the fall emerald shiner run begins on the
Rainy River, with jumbo perch, slab crappies and some monster muskies being
caught as well, on the south end of Lake of the Woods, out of Sportsman's
Lodge, Baudette, Minnesota.

-- Strong musky bite, with good action for northern, and walleye, smallies
and panfish providing average success in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

-- Strong musky, walleye, crappie and bluegill bite, with white bass action
explosive, and some nice sized smallies being taken, in the Wausau/Central
Wisconsin area.

- - EDITOR'S NOTES: Information for all upcoming Wisconsin hunting and
trapping seasons is posted at the end of these reports, with gracious thanks
to guide Phil Schweik of Hooksetters Fishing & Hunting Guide Services,
Mosinee, for providing the excellent information.

- -See a detailed explanation of "turnover" at the close of the reports
under "Item 3" - - "WARNINGS AND INFO FOR A FEW WEEKS OUT" - -important that
all anglers understand and know how to deal with this yearly phenomenon.
-----

2. WEEKLY OUTDOOR AND FISHING REPORTS, and current calendars:

***Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY) -- as of October 13, 2008:

(Head): Strong musky bite, with good action for northern, and walleye,
smallies and panfish providing average success in the Eagle River, Wisconsin
area.

Musky in the Eagle River area are chomping down hard on 12-14 inch suckers
along weedline edges, which range from 6 to 14 feet deep, depending on the
lake. Musky hunters also having success throwing minnow baits, or twitch
baits like a Crane, Grandma or Jake. Any bait that has an erratic, darting
action, such as a Suick are also doing well. Best sizes for all the lures
is about six inches.

Northern are still in the weeds in the Eagle River area, hitting in 10 feet
of water or less. Action is best on sunny days, using a lipless minnow bait,
or a "flash bait." Good bite.

Walleye in the Eagle River area are putting on a slightly better than
average bite. Best action comes fish hardbottom at the rims of deeper
holes, depths going from 16 to 20 feet. There are also a few walleye still
around the healthier weeds. Best bait is a jig and fathead minnows, with
some anglers using a jig and half a crawler.

Smallies are slipping deeper in the Eagle River area. Fish deep, greener
weed edges, over hardbottom areas in water 8 to 15 feet deep. Live bait is
the key. Use a jig and a minnow, or jig and half a crawler for best results,
with some anglers getting hits on diving crankbaits. Average bite.

Bluegills and perch in the Eagle River area hav moved, generally to the
deeper weed edges. Fish bluegills and perch in 8 to 15 feet of water.
Crappies will be found over cribs and wood, suspending at different depths
in 10 to 20 feet of water. Use a crawler or crappie minnow under a jig or a
slip bobber. Decent bite.

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative
Brilliance interview with "Ranger Rick" Krueger, owner of Guides Choice Pro
Shop).

Contact info for Eagle River:
* Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org
* Guide’s Choice Pro Shop, 715-477-2248
* George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guides Association, 715-479-8804.
e-mail: fishing@eaglesportscenter.com
—–

***Some outdoor activities and events coming up in Eagle River, Wisconsin:

Eagle River, The Snowmobile Capital of the World®, voted number one as The
People’s Choice ­ “The Best Wisconsin Town for a Snowmobiling Getaway.”
Thousands from the state and nation voted in The Wonders of Wisconsin
competition. Eagle River was also ranked number three for “Best Town for a
Fishing Getaway” and “Best Town for a Boating Getaway.”

- - Sat.-Tues., Oct. 18-21, 2008: Ranger Rick’s Fall Musky School. To be
held at various lakes in the Eagle River area. Hands-on expert tutelage from
one of Eagle River’s legendary guides. Eagle River Area Chamber of
Commerce & Visitors Center: 800-359-6315; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web:
www.eagleriver.org

GENERAL: The fall season in Eagle River, Wisconsin means many things:
Beautiful crisp weather, pristine forest with the fall colors of vibrant
reds, golds, and yellows; 1200 lakes including the Eagle River Chain of 28
lakes (the largest freshwater chain of lakes in the world), providing
excellent fall fishing along with unmatched deer, bear, bird, and waterfowl
hunting. Great time for hiking, biking, birding, picnicking, fall
festivals, fabulous fishing, hunting, exploring and just plain relaxing.
Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; web:
www.eagleriver.org
—–
—–

***Wausau/Central Wisconsin area (MARATHON COUNTY, including the communities
of Kronenwetter, Mosinee, Rib Mountain, Rothschild, Schofield, Wausau, and
Weston) — as of October 13, 2008:

(Head): Strong musky, walleye, crappie and bluegill bite, with white bass
action explosive, and some nice sized smallies being taken, in the
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area.

Lots of rain in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area has the local waters
swelling, but in-turn, it has fish on the move.

The musky bite in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area has been outstanding.
Lots of fish on being taken on suckers, with jerkbaits and bucktails gaining
their share of muskies as well. Overcast days have been producing fish in
shallow bays, but when the sun is shining look for the muskies to be off the
deep weed edges.

The walleye bite in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area is very strong. Look
for the walleyes to be holding in 12 to 16 feet of water. Work these areas
thoroughly, with jig and minnow combinations.

Lots of slab crappies and bull bluegills are being taken in the
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area. These fish are holding in about 10 feet of
water in the backwater areas. Drift fishing minnows or worms with slip
bobbers over these areas will take fish all day long.

White bass are making their annual fall run up the Wisconsin River system in
the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area. The action can be furious. Look for
shorelines with overhanging grasses and toss Mepps’ spinners right up to and
along those grassy areas on the banks. Slowly retrieve the lures, and the
white bass will strike with a real fury.

Smallies have been a very pleasant addition to daily bag limits in the
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area. Quite a few nice sized lunkers are being
caught. Look for downed timber and big boulders. Target the smallies with
a Rapala Husky Jerk in firetiger for best results.

Wausau/Central Wisconsin duck hunters have taken advantage of the rainy
weather and are loading up on some nice mallards and wood ducks.

Trappers looking to head to area streams and fields in the Wausau/Central
Wisconsin area should make sure they have all their gear in order as the
season opens soon.

And remember, that unlike so many lakes further north, that have daily
walleye bag limits of two or three fish, the walleye bag limit remains at
FIVE (5) fish on most of the waters of the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area.

With such a wealth of opportunities, it’s important for anglers to practice
catch-and-release for everything but a few for the frying pan. This simple
and mindful conservation will insure that the legendary fishing in the
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area will continue for generations to come.

(This report for the Wausau/Central Wisconsin CVB based on Creative
Brilliance interview with guide Phil Schweik of Hooksetters Fishing &
Hunting Guide Services, Mosinee).

For more information about the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area:
*Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau: 888-948-4748, or
715-355-8788; web: www.visitwausau.com
Fishing and hunting info:
* Hooksetters Fishing & Hunting Guide Services (Phil Schweik, John Sparbel,
Craig Lemmer, Justin Gaiche); phone: 715-693-5843; e -mail:
info@hooksetters.biz; web: www.hooksetters.biz.
* Wisconsin Angling Adventures (Joel DeBoer), web:
www.wisconsinanglingadventures.com; e-mail: joelthe muskyman@charter.net;
phone: 715-297-7573
—– Continue Reading »

The Northwoods Report by Naomi Shapiro for Eagle River, Central Wisconsin, and Minnesota’s Lake of the Woods

gengberg September 22nd, 2008

As of September 22, 2008:

Fishing, Outdoor, and Event Reports for Eagle River, Wisconsin,
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area; Lake of the Woods and Rainy River out of
Sportsman's Lodge (Baudette, Minnesota).

1. THIS WEEK'S HEADLINES:

-- Walleye and crappie fishing excellent, with northerns, muskies and
sturgeon hitting, and grouse along with small game season off to a good
start, on the south end of Lake of the Woods, out of Sportsman's Lodge,
Baudette, Minnesota.

-- Walleye and smallies doing very well, with an excellent crappie bite,
sporadic action for northern, largemouth, bluegills and perch so-so, and
musky slow, in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

-- Big muskies active, walleye, smallies, crappies, bluegills and catfish
all producing very well, and bow hunters going after trophy white-tails in
the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area.

- - EDITOR'S NOTE: Information for all upcoming Wisconsin hunting and
trapping seasons is posted at the end of these reports, with gracious thanks
to guide Phil Schweik of Hooksetters Fishing & Hunting Guide Services,
Mosinee, for providing the excellent information.
-----

2. WEEKLY OUTDOOR AND FISHING REPORTS, and current calendars:

***Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY) -- as of September 22, 2008:

(Head): Walleye and smallies doing very well, with an excellent crappie
bite, sporadic action for northern, largemouth, bluegills and perch so-so,
and musky slow, in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

Walleye are doing very well in the Eagle River area, albeit, while the
numbers are great, the sizes are average to small. Fish the weeds using a
jig and a minnow. Depth will vary from three to twenty feet depending on
the lake. In the morning and evening walleyes are hitting on a X-Rap Rapala
(feathered tail) along rock bars, sand bars, and humps in depths as shallow
as three feet.

Smallies are hitting aggressively in the Eagle River area. Early in the
morning fish three to eight feet. During the day the smallies will go from
15 to 20 feet. Target rocks, rocky points and hardbottom with cover, such
as sticks or brush piles, a plus. Use a large minnow, or an imitation
crawler.

The crappie bite in the Eagle River area is excellent, especially on the
Eagle River Chain of 28 lakes (largest freshwater chain of lakes in the
world). The crappies have moved up somewhat shallower Fish eight feet of
water or less, and target cribs, and cover - -such as a tree with branches
laying down in the water, drowned wood, or brush piles. Minnows, crawlers
and Berkley Gulp are all working.

Northern action can be furious at times, in the Eagle River area, but the
bite is sporadic. The northerns are hanging in the shallow weeds - -two to
eight feet of water. Plain spinner baits are working best.

The largemouth bite is so-so in the Eagle River area. Fish the weeds in
five to six feet of water. Use a minnow, crankbait, spinnerbait or
imitation crawler.

Pretty good action for small bluegills in the Eagle River area. Kids will
love the bite. Fish brush piles in six to eight feet of water (gills will
be found as deep as fifteen feet, if there's a good brush pile in the area),
using a red or garden worm, or Berkley Gulp.

Lots of little perch are mixed in with the crappies and some of the walleyes
in the Eagle River area. Use a minnow. Action is average.

Musky action is slow in the Eagle River area. Anglers are starting to go
with bigger lures, and are just beginning to drag suckers. Fish over the
tops of weeds that are two to three feet under the surface. Slow roll a
bigger bucktail, or drop a bigger jerkbait right down alongside the weeds.
The muskies will be in the shallows early in the morning, and go as deep as
twelve to fifteen feet during the day. The sizes vary from the mid 30s to
lower 40s. Biggest musky that we know of this year came in at thirty
pounds, and was caught by a ten year old girl!

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative Brilliance
interview with the staff of Guides Choice Pro Shop).

Contact info for Eagle River:
* Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org
* Guide’s Choice Pro Shop, 715-477-2248
* George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guides Association, 715-479-8804.
e-mail: fishing@eaglesportscenter.com
—–
Continue Reading »

Local Column River Currents 9-15-08

gengberg September 17th, 2008


   The lake sturgeon hook and line season which opened September 6 is off to a slow start. This past weekend, I checked the local registration stations and didn’t find any legal fish registered this season. This fall, the lake sturgeon season has been shortened by about two weeks on the Wisconsin River, Lake Wisconsin, and the Lower Wisconsin River due to the over-harvest of mature females below the dams at Wisconsin Dells and Prairie du Sac. The minimum size for this prehistoric fish is now 60 inches which is a compromise between the previous size minimum of 50 and 70 inches. Previously, the size minimum alternated between the two size minimums every other year.

Lake sturgeon are a slow-growing and late maturing fish that doesn’t mature and spawn till they are 20 to 25 years old. Then, the fish only spawn every three to five years. Wisconsin is one of the few states that has a natural reproducing lake sturgeon population that the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources monitors and closely regulates. The Lake Winnebago system has a large sturgeon population, but these waters don’t have a hook and line season. The Winnebago season has a very popular spearing season during the winter that attracts thousands of spearers. The other state locations that have a hook and line season for lake sturgeon are portions of the Chippewa River, Flambeau River, Jump River, and the Yellow River all in northern Wisconsin.

Usually, the number of sturgeon anglers coming to this area has the VFW camping area and parking below the Prairie Dam lot jammed with vehicles with a vast majority of them are from Illinois and surrounding states. The lake sturgeon is a delicacy to many people from Eastern Europe and Russia who have settled in Chicago, Milwaukee, and other metro areas. The most prized part of the sturgeon is the caviar, but anglers tell me that the meat is also good for eating particularly if smoked. I’ve watched the influx of sturgeon fishermen for decades and this year there seems to be a sizeable decline in the number of anglers in town to fish for sturgeon. The sturgeon anglers coming to this area spend a sizeable amount of money on food, gas, motels, bait, equipment, and licenses that help the local economy. So, why are we having this downturn or decrease in visitors? Continue Reading »

Outdoor Horizons Radio 9-13-08

gengberg September 16th, 2008

Besides the normal fishing and hunting information, Wally and Gary have  interviews with Brad Wagner of the Wisconsin Waterfowl Association and Bob Nack, the Director of the State Game Farm in Poynette, Wisconsin. Gary was at the “Pheasant Field Day”at the MacKenize Environmental Education Center where most of the state’s stocked pheasants are raised. Bob and Gary talk about the stocking for this year, the history of pheasants in Wisconsin, and wild bird prospects for this year.

icon for podpress  Outdoor Horizons Radio 9-13-08: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Outdoor Horizons Radio 9-5-08

gengberg September 12th, 2008

This is the Outdoor Horizons radio show from 9-6-08. The show can be heard live on Saturdays mornings at 8:00 AM on WTDY 1670 AM if you’re within a 75 mile radius of Madison, Wisconsin. the shows are also archived on wtdy.com and this web site.

This week’s show features an interview that I did with great Lakes Captain Andy Carrao of We’ll Sea Charters out of Kenosha, Wisconsin and Simmons Marina. Andy has been a Captain for going on 20 years and really knows his stuff. I went out with Andy on Labor Day and did this interview while fishing Lake Michigan for Kings and cohos. I would highly recommend Andy, if you’re looking for a good, quality charter! Be sure to listen to this interview.

Plus the normal fishing reports, hunting openings, and outdoor tips from Gary, Wally, and Tony your outdoor professionals.

icon for podpress  Outdoor Horizons Radio 9-6-08: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Clements Fishing Barge 9-8-08

gengberg September 9th, 2008

    Fishing was pretty good today, they caught walleye, sauger, northern pike, bluegills and yes a few sheephead.  Catfish have been fairly plentiful as well.  Most of the walleye and sauger were caught on hair jigs, purple or blue chartreuse.  Most were tipped with minnows.  Some were caught on blade baits too.  Water temp has dropped two degrees in one night!  This will certainly help bring in more walleye and sauger.  A lot of bait fish near the dam already and around the barge. Continue Reading »

The Northwoods Report by Naomi Shapiro 9-7-08

gengberg September 8th, 2008

As of September 8, 2008:Fishing, Outdoor, and Event Reports for Eagle River, Wisconsin,
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area; Lake of the Woods and Rainy River out of
Sportsman’s Lodge (Baudette, Minnesota).

1. THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES:

– Excellent walleye bite continues, with limits of eaters, and some
trophies going to 29 inches plus being caught and released on the south end
of Lake of the Woods, out of Sportsman’s Lodge.

– Northern, crappies, bluegills hitting best, with a good to average bite
for walleye, decent smallmouth and largemouth action, and musky slow, in the
Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

– Great fall season bite for walleye, smallies and musky, with hunters
gearing up for bear, turkey and deer seasons in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin
area.

- - EDITOR’S NOTE: Information for all upcoming Wisconsin hunting and
trapping seasons is posted at the end of these reports, with gracious thanks
to guide Phil Schweik of Hooksetters Fishing & Hunting Guide Services,
Mosinee, for providing the excellent information.
—–

2. WEEKLY OUTDOOR AND FISHING REPORTS, and current calendars:

***Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY) — as of September 8, 2008:

(Head): Northern, crappies and bluegills hitting best, with a good to
average bite for walleye, decent smallmouth and largemouth action, and musky
slow, in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

Northern are hitting strong, but the action can be sporadic, in the Eagle
River area. Fish anywhere in, around and over the weeds in 3 to 8 feet of
water. Best action coming on spinner baits.

Good bite for big crappies in the Eagle River area. The crappie are
suspending at various depths, depending on the lake. As an example, in 40
feet of water, the crappie will suspend between 15 and 18 feet, so anglers
are moving up and down the water column, starting at the bottom and coming
up, until they find the schools. Best baits have been minnows and a variety
of Berkley Gulp.

There’s plenty of action for smaller bluegills in the Eagle River area. The
gills are locating in shallow weeds in the evening, and during the day will
be found over brush piles in 15 to 20 feet of water. Berkley imitation pink
waxworms, or minnows are both working.

Walleye action is average to pretty-good in the Eagle River area, albeit
most of what’s being caught is on the smaller size. The walleye are
locating in 20 to 23 feet of water, with weeds a big plus. Anglers are
either jigging with a minnow right on the bottom, or “free hooking” the
minnow in the back, with a weight attached, allowing the minnow to swim
around about 14 inches off the bottom. Early morning or evening hours are
the best times.

Smallies are providing a decent bite in deep water in the Eagle River area.
Fish deep rock and gravel bars. Artificial worms and bigger minnows are
working, with early morning and late in the evening providing the best
action.

Largemouth are doing OK in the shallower weeds in the Eagle River area.
Fish 2 to 8 feet, and use a wacky rigged plastic worm, dragging it along or
on top of the weeds, or jig with a minnow just as you would for a walleye.
The Eagle River Chain of 28 lakes (largest freshwater chain of lakes in the
world) is providing some nice action.

Musky in the Eagle River area are slow. In the early morning and evening,
the musky are locating in shallow weeds. During the day, the fish are in
deep weeds which come up to 2 to 4 feet under the surfaced. Action during
the day coming on slow rolling a bucktail over the top of the weeds. Early
morning or evenings, topwaters or a small spinner bait worked slowly will
work. On the Three Lakes Chain, a front spinner Thunderhead topwater, in
pink with black dots has been producing pretty well.

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative Continue Reading »

Local Column River Currents 9-8-08

gengberg September 8th, 2008

     This past weekend was a typical fall weekend with many things to do and not enough time to do them all. I had three separate events that I wanted to cover and do some filming for the up and coming outdoor show that I’ve been working on for a couple of years. I have a graduate student, Daniel Robinson, from the UW who is doing my videography and editing. Daniel met me at my rural home early Saturday morning and we proceeded to Bill Medding’s property between Black Earth and Cross Plains. Bill has been generous in offering his property for the third annual “Women in the Outdoors” program which was why Daniel and I were at his property.

Nationally, the National Wild Turkey Federation is the sponsor for the Women in the Outdoors events starting the introductory program for women some years ago. The Black Earth Creek Longbeards is the local NWTF chapter that sponsored and provided volunteers for this event. This was the third year that the local chapter has had a women’s event. This year, there were 43 women who registered with some women coming from as far away as Chippewa Falls and Eau Claire, Wisconsin to participate.

The local event started at 8:00 AM and lasted to 4:00 PM. The $40.00 registration fee covered the lunch (a turkey cooked in a garbage can by Terry Welsh of the Glacier Valley Chapter), use of all equipment, ammunition, program materials, a gift bag, access to a silent auction and raffle, and a 1-year subscription to the Women in the Outdoors Magazine. The women were asked to rank the activities offered from 1 through 9 with one being the first choice. The class preference was based on a first come basis by the date of registration receipt. Continue Reading »

Next »