Memorial Day Fishing Report

***Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY) -- as of May 25, 2009:

(Head): Good muskie opener, with walleye, northern, crappies and perch all hitting well in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

The muskie opener in Eagle River provided some good action. Anglers were picking up consistent strikes from small to mid-size fish, fishing in eight feet of water or less - - sometimes as shallow as two feet of water - -in and around emerging green weeds. Best producers included a number 5 Mepps, and 6 inch Jakes and Grandmas - -all in bright colors.

Walleyes are hitting very well in the Eagle River area. Fish 12 feet of water or less in and around new weed growth. Use a one-sixteenth or one-eighth ounce jig tipped with a fathead minnow. Mixed sizes, but there's good potential for a trophy.

Northerns are putting on an excellent bite in the Eagle River area. Fish 12 feet of water or less in and around the weeds. Use a shiner or sucker minnow under a slip bobber, or try a chartreuse bass ­style spinner bait, as well as a Husky Jerk in a minnow or perch pattern. Everything's working.
Sizes vary but some northerns approaching 40 inches are being taken.

Crappies action has picked up nicely in the Eagle River area. The crappies are in new emerging weed areas in 12 feet of water or less. They are locating up-and-down the water column. Use a one-sixteenth ounce jig with a fathead, or try a crappie minnow under a slip bobber. Either method will work.

Perch in the Eagle River area are hanging with the walleyes in 12 feet of water or less in and around emerging weeds. The perch are locating right off the bottom. Use a one-sixteenth ounce jig and a fathead, or a crappie minnow under a slip bobber. Some nice jumbos are being caught, along with the usual "sorters." (Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative Brilliance interview with Eagle River guide Mat Hegy of Guide's Choice Pro Shop).

Contact info for Eagle River:
* Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org
* Guide's Choice Pro Shop, 715-477-2248
* "Muskie Matt", 715-479-8086; e-mail: info@muskiematt.com
* George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guides Association, 715-479-8804.
e-mail: fishing@eaglesportscenter.com
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***Some special outdoor calendar highlights for Eagle River, Wisconsin:

-- Fri./Sat./Sun., June 5-7, 2009: Fishing Has No Boundaries fishing event for the physically and mentally challenged. Held at Wild Eagle Lodge on Duck Lake, in Eagle River. Contact: Will Campbell 715-479-9309. Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org

-- Sat. June 13, 2009: 28th Annual Spring Classic of Champions Musky Tournament. Hosted by Wild Eagle Lodge, and sponsored by Headwaters Muskies Inc. A very popular, exciting event with lots of prizes and awards. Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org

-- Sat. June 20, 2009: 5th Annual Antique and Classic Boat Show at Wild Eagle Lodge in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Classic boat owners share their exhibits and stories with the public. Vote for your favorite boat. Trophies awarded. Wild Eagle Lodge: phone: 877-945-3965 or 715-479-3151. E-mail:
info@wildeaglelodge.com; web: www.wildeaglelodge.com; Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web:
www.eagleriver.org

-- Sat./Sun., June 27-28, 2009: Professional Musky Tournament Trail (PMTT).
The most high profile, exciting, educational and entertaining musky tournament in Wisconsin. Both pros and other excellent musky anglers who may have the desire and ability to become a pro enjoy this great competition and have a wonderful time in Eagle River. First place can mean up to a
$20,000 cash prize. Many other cash prizes and awards. For more
information: Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400;
e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org
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Reports compiled, written & distributed by Creative Brilliance. ©2009.
Naomi K. Shapiro or Ray Smith, Creative Brilliance 608-827-6483; 800-975-5474 (media). e-mail: cre8vads@cheqnet.net; cre8vRay@charter.net.