Minocqua Area Fishing Report - 10/31/23

Ending October with 3” of snow in Arbor Vitae. Yesterday’s (10/30) low at launch, 18 degrees. Surface temps averaging 47-48 on 10/30. Despite cold and wind, anglers still fishing for Musky, Walleye and to a lesser extent, Smallmouth and Crappies.

***UPDATE*** Kurt's on the water this morning guiding and found water temps as low as 44.5 degrees.

Musky: Fair – Bite seems off from most reports. Not a lot of opportunities and even fewer boated. While suckers have been best, working twitchbaits (Cranes, Grandma’s) and gliders (Smity Jerks and Phantoms) in water 8-14’ moving some fish. Hold boat out in 15-20’ and cast into shallower weeds

Walleye: Fair – Not many reports. But of those gathered nice fish in 27-37’ of water on chubs or suckers.

Smallmouth Bass: Fair – Taking the higher ground with Walleyes deeper. Fish gravel/rock in 18-28’ using similar baits as for Walleye.

Crappie: Fair – The few anglers targeting finding Crappies over cribs using medium fatheads in 12-16’

With forecast mostly showing lows in the 20’s, most highs in mid-30’s with a couple of days cracking the low 40’s (mostly this coming weekend, 11/3-11/5) expect surface temps to crawl down into low to mid-40’s. Live bait and slow retrieves the key. Rod guides and reels freezing up, bring extra reels! Warm clothes, gloves, hats and tall boots to access landings with no docks.