Most of the largemouth bass action has been in Trinkes or Geneva Bay. You can catch them using either white spinner baits or green pumpkin Senkos, fished Either Wacky rigged or split shot rigged, with nightcrawlers. This bite has been slower than is typical for this time of year. I’m not sure if it was the cool spring or the up-and-down weather pattern that we’ve had that is causing the slowdown. The bluegill and pumpkinseed bite has been very good in 6-8 feet of water. The best location has been by Yerkes Observatory or in Trinkes Bay. Split-shot rigged leafworms or leafworms fished on a slip bobber have been producing most of the action. You want to place the bait about 1 ½ ft above the bottom. This bite should be improving over the course of the next week as the warmer, stable weather continues. Smallmouth bass have moved outside their spawning flats and are now positioned on the break lines in 18-20 ft of water. Most of the success is coming off Carolina-rigged Chompers and 4-inch finesse worms. The best location is just east of Cedar Point near Williams Bay. Walleye action remains very good at night in water depths of 12 to 15 feet. The best location is by Knollwood, Williams Bay, or Abbey Springs. Trolling large stick baits, such as Smithwick Perfect 10s or Wally Divers, has been producing most of the action. You want to place the lures about 60-70 ft behind your planer boards. Rock bass remain steady.
The vast numbers are not yet here, but if you want to take a bunch of fish home to eat, they are available. The best presentation is small hair jigs or nightcrawlers fished on a split-shot rig. Most of the success is coming near Belvidere Park in 12-14 ft of water. Lake Trout are starting to become active in the main lake basin in the early morning hours. The fish are located in 110 feet of water, suspended 70 feet down. Nickel and green or nickel and blue spoons have been producing most of the action. Dodgers and Flies can also be effective.
Good luck, and I hope to see you on the water.
For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 262-
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