Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late April
Spring Fishing Update in Minocqua
Winter is finally behind us, and it's time to hit the waters for some fishing in the Minocqua area. Many anglers have already started, and we're seeing more boats on the water. While the game fish season in Northern Wisconsin remains closed, fishing for crappies and panfish has been productive, with several good reports of crappie catches.
Crappie and Panfish Fishing
Crappies are somewhat scattered due to cold water temperatures. Some are found near break lines and in deep water, ranging from 20 to 30 feet. Panfish are also scattered but can be located near weeds, wood, or structures. Effective baits for crappies and panfish include Crappie Minnows, Fatheads, and soft plastics like Kalin's Crappie Scrubs.
Walleye Fishing on the Wisconsin River
For those targeting walleyes, the Wisconsin River near Tomahawk has been yielding a solid bite. Anglers are catching good numbers of small to medium-sized walleyes, with a few larger ones mixed in. A jig paired with a Fathead minnow is an excellent choice for catching walleyes in this area.
Northern Wisconsin Fishing Opener
The Northern Wisconsin fishing opener is set for Saturday, May 3rd. This region is one of the best places in the world for fishing, with countless lakes offering ample opportunities to cast a line. The Rainbow and Willow Flowage are the most popular spots during the opener, but many lakes provide excellent walleye fishing. Focus on the warmest water, typically found in the northern ends of bays and lake areas.
Fishing Techniques for the Opener
Jigging is a reliable method to kick off the season. We offer a wide selection of jigs, including Jack's Roundhead Jigs, VMC Neon Mooneye Jigs, and Northland Bottom Bouncers. And also feature plenty live bait at our Minocqua store. Slow trolling with Redtail and Blacktail chubs is another effective technique for early-season fishing.
Musky Season and Summer Musky Bash
The musky season opens on May 24th in Northern Wisconsin, so anglers have a few weeks to prepare. Mark your calendars for our 5th Annual Musky Shop Summer Bash on Saturday, July 19th. This exciting event features our biggest sale of the year, with significant savings, appearances by musky manufacturers, food, refreshments, raffle prizes, and more. Join us for a day of savings, learning, and fun centered around muskies—an event not to be missed!
Visit Us for Your Fishing Needs
We wish you great fishing this season and invite you to let us assist with your fishing needs. It would be our pleasure to serve you.
Good Fishing and God Bless,
Jim Stewart