Minocqua Area Fishing Report - 10/18/21

Getting some of what we anglers have been asking for. Colder temps and wind have lake surface readings in the 50’s. So, what’s with the fish we ask? High pressure, full moon…, could point to all types of excuses (and we usually do)! Fishing, with a few exceptions, has remained sub-par for this time of year. Participation seems light also.

Musky: Fair-Good – In my boat “POOR”, but a few anglers reported seeing fish and a few upper 40” fish (46, 47 & 48” ers) reported. Mixed reports, one large fish on top-water, though that will probably end as water temps dip into mid-50’s. Gliders, Jerks and twitch baits preferred, with suckers producing some of the best fish of the week.

Walleye: Fair-Good – Wind made for tough boat control. Anglers able to find fishable fish found them in gravel/mud transition fish in depths of 20-34’ using 1/4 - 3/8 oz jigs tipped with black chubs or large fats. On lakes less deep, work 12-15’ weed edges, wind-blown, with 1/8 oz weedless jigs and fats

Smallmouth Bass: Fair-Good - Same with Walleye, wind made locations tough to fish. Drop-shotting 3” minnow imitations best near drowned timber.

Crappies: Fair – No reports of numbers, but fish running large – 10-12” eaters and 13-15” slabs not uncommon. Lakes in warm, calm bays over weed tops in 9-12’. Flowages near drowned wood in 12-18’

Northern Pike: Fair – Few targeting. Pike still relatively shallow on jig/chub combos.

Due to wind and time of year (lack of participation) reports on Gills, Perch and Largemouth lacking.

While forecast of high 60’s temps early in week, night time temps in low 30’s and highs of low to mid-40’s by the weekend will put lakes in or at the brink of turn-over. Check water clarity before launching.