FISH WITH THE GUIDES with George Langley - WEEK OF 10/5-10/12/2024

We’ve seen a bit of a drop in water temperatures but it’s still quite a mixed bag of weather in the forecast. Generally, we’re seeing temps in the low to mid-60’s in the morning, warming to the upper 60’s by the end of these warm days. Thankfully we’re now getting some cooler nighttime temps, so we expect the water to continue to cool as we move into October.

Walleye fishing has been good despite the warm temps. We’re seeing these fish in deeper water at 15-25’ and jigs with minnows or crawlers are still working great. There’s no harm in trying something bigger like sucker minnows, to try for some bigger fish.  No matter what body of water you’re fishing, think deep and look for those holes.

Panfish action has remained decent, with plenty of action for both fishing off the dock and from a boat. You will find crappie on the Chain mixed right in with the walleyes in deeper water. Small plastics or fathead minnows are best for these fish. Perch are basically moving to deeper water but tend to hold longer in the deeper weeds.

Bass fishing is highlighted right now by smallies. The best action is in the  20 – 30' range with plastics. Jigs and larger minnows will also produce in this deeper water. A few largemouth are being caught in the weeds and under docks, but there’s not a lot of fishing for those guys now.

Northerns are hitting well in the weeds. Anything flashy like Mepps Spinners, buzz baits or Johnson Silver Minnows are working well. If you’re more of a live bait angler, try some pike chubs. Look for the deeper green weeds to hold the most fish.

Now that we’re seeing the water temps drop, the musky anglers heart rates are going up. We are starting to see a little action with suckers, despite the warm days. The best baits right now are jerk baits and twitch baits over the weeds and on the deeper weed edges. Out over deeper water, try some diving crank baits or plastics for those suspended fish.

With the little bit of rain we got this last weekend, the colors are really starting to pop. Too bad it’s been so windy, but get out there on the water to catch that brilliant color before it’s gone. And maybe some fish, too.

Good luck and good fishin’!

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