FISHING WITH THE GUIDES with George Langley - WEEK OF 8/25 to 9/1

As we head towards fall, we are seeing some of the change that will grow on us into September. We now see some colored ferns on the roadways, a hint of color in some trees. We always look forward to the prettiest season of the year, as it also produces some of the best fishing of the year. There is usually an edge to the early morning air now, even on warm days. Weeds are now starting to die in the shallows, and water temps have really been up and down in the last couple of weeks. We’ve seen both upper 70’s and upper 60’s. So, as has been the case, temps will depend greatly on what the weather has been like for the 2 or 3 days before you fish. Look for the deepest green weeds you can find. Panfish are using these weeds for cover, as are the walleye and Northern. With schools starting, there is much less water traffic now, and the anglers get the lakes back for the fall season - to their delight.

Walleye fishing has been slow this past week, especially on the Eagle River chain.  Again, you should be looking for the deepest green weeds you can locate.  Jigs and minnows or leeches are working. Evenings are best, especially on the clear water, deeper lakes where you should also fish the deeper weed edges. As we’ve mentioned many times since Spring, Keitech paddle tail plastics have been a favorite this year and continue to bring success - when you find the fish.

Bass fishing has been much better than the walleye in the last week or so, with both largemouth and smallies hitting very well. The largemouth are deeper on many lakes now, and plastics are working well on the clear lakes off the weeds and structure. Some big largemouth have been caught on both wacky worms and frogs. Smallies have also been hitting, as they have moved a little shallower. Plastics are also working nicely for these guys. We have even been catching some of these fish in the weeds near rocks.

Northern pike are moving in the weeds as usual, and hitting on any bright, flashy lures thrown in the weeds. For live bait, use bigger sucker minnows under slip bobbers for very good results.

Musky action has remained surprisingly good, especially on both the Eagle River and the Three Lakes Chains. The last week we’ve seen some nice fish being caught in the area, and in very good numbers also. We’ve heard from anglers that got frustrated with walleye and switched to musky – and had more success catching the musky! The weeds have been holding a lot of fish and the action has been consistently good on smaller bucktails and smaller surface baits. We are also seeing some fish suspended – but they’re all seemingly hungry! Evenings have been very active for musky – and it’s also quieter on the water.

Panfish action has been ok, with the bluegills hitting well in the weeds. Waxies and worms are working on all lakes for these fish. Move around - and use bigger bait to catch the bigger fish. Crappie action has been good, with the crappies spread out from shallow water to the holes on the Chain. Small jigs have worked well, such as Mini Mites or tube jigs. Perch have also been in the deeper weeds and are getting them on leeches or fathead minnows.

After the heat of this last weekend, it looks to be some really nice late-summer weather this week, aside from the rain mid-week. And we have one last hurrah with Labor Day Weekend coming up – then the water will really quiet down, especially during the week days. We’re looking forward to some of the best fishing of the year coming up here, along with the beautiful Fall colors we all love so much. Enjoy!

Good luck and good fishin'!

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