As the "dog days" of summer have reached us here in the North-Central Wisconsin area, fishing has remained good during the morning and evening hours, with terrific sunburn action during the mid-day period available. Smallmouth bass have been active during these periods and will readily take a jig tipped with a 3" Mr. Twister tail retrieved steadily; try using a black head with orange tail or another high contrast combination. Fishing a lipless style crankbait such as a 3" PT Pro Rattler is a good method for locating areas holding active fish. Try using erratically retrieved PT Pro Popper or Mini Slopmaster buzz bait during the low-light periods for some aggressive strikes as well.
Good catches of walleyes are still to be had, with a very quality fishery available here in Marathon County. Slip-bobbering deeper structure with leeches has been working well during the day. Once you have located active fish, try setting out 2 slip bobber rods while slowly working a jig and 3" G Grub to maximize your catch. Use lighted slip bobbers during the evening into the nighttime hours to present large leeches and minnows along weed edges and snags to also score on local walleyes.
The musky and pike remain very aggressive with the hot weather, and some very nice fish of both species have been caught and released as of late. Fast moving presentations such as ‘burning' a Mepps Marabou has been working well; make sure to figure-eight after each and every cast. Surface baits such as Topraiders and Top Dancers are providing exciting action during the day and nighttime hours. Look for shallower stump fields and weed edges to be holding active fish.
Anglers looking for an exciting and interesting change of pace can try their luck at the local channel catfish population. Fresh cut bait or the Doc Chumley line of commercially prepared bait fished on a Mustad Demon circle hook will take cats regularly. Look to the deepest holes during the day but then move to working along downed trees, stumps, and the like in shallower water if fishing at night.
Now is as good a time as any to enjoy the plenty of the greater Wausau area! I'll see you on the water…
Tight lines,
Joel DeBoer
