Weekly Fishing Report

Greetings! As summer is winding down, we have finally received some rain! Here is the weekly fishing report...

Strong bass bite, with good panfish action, and average bite for walleye, musky and northern in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

The best gamefish patterns in the Eagle River area remain on both ends of the day. That means low-light.

Bass are still the big thing right now in the Eagle River area. The average smallie is still over 18 inches, and taking whole crawlers, beavertails and leeches in some of the deepest parts of the lake. If there's rock or sand, all the better. Look for those subtle humps on your electronics, and try working a Tiger Tube over them. Deep weed beds are also producing quality fish.

Largemouth are taking longer plastic worms dropped into the weeds in the 6 to 12 foot range. Fatraps, Timberdoodles, and Mepps XD spinners are working, cast in that same area or bounced off of logs or stumps. Work shadowed areas on sunny days for largemouth.

Panfishing rates high right now in the Eagle Rvier area, and deeper weed edges remain the key. Perch and bluegill are taking leeches and worms in depths to 18 feet. The slip bobber and jigging combination are pulling some nice eaters. Cubbies and one inch Mister Twister are working, tool. Crappie have been hit and miss, but generally in the same areas. Look for more solid structure, like a tree or crib for the crappies.

Walleye are hitting an extra large fathead or redtail during low light periods in the Eagle River area. Work the weeds in depths averaging 6 to 10 feet. During the day work the deep holes with rocky bottoms, with a slip bobber or jig rigged with a crawler or large leech. Depending on the lake, walleye anglers are fishing over 30 or more feet of water.

Muskies in the Eagle River area are somewhat elusive right now in the Eagle River area. While there have been plenty of sightings and hookups, the catching has been sporadic. Fish pre-dawn or dusk hours, using topwaters, jerks, big spinners or other noisy lures around weeds or structure. During the day start dropping Bulldawgs, Suzi's, or Double Cowgirls around deep weeds and work them out.

Northern action has evened out with mid-sized chubs and spinnerbaits still taking the most fish. The target area remains weed edges with direct access to deeper water. Anglers are also having success tossing a small glidebait over the weed tops.

The 22nd Annual National Championship Musky Open in Eagle River, resulted in 171 muskies being caught and released. Tournament musky angler winner won with five fish and a total length of 180 inches. Largest musky came in at 47 inches. 1109 musky anglers representing 15 states entered, an all-time record, including 67 teams consisting of an adult and child, along with 69 husband and wife teams.

Hunters should start preparing to get up to Eagle River for the unmatched fall hunting opportunities, including black bear, deer, waterfowl, geese and gamebirds such as grouse. Get your equipment tuned up, apply for your permits, and make your reservations to come up to Eagle River. And don't forget that fall up in Eagle River means trophy musky and great walleye fishing. Now's the time to make your plans and join us in Eagle River for the wonderful fall season.

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative Brilliance interview with Mike Michalak of Guides Choice Pro Shop).