School is back in session for both kids and the bass.  The bass bite has improved dramatically with the cooler water temperature and the decreased fishing pressure.  It’s a great time to be able to fish.

Smallmouth bass fishing has been good.  The fish are positioned on main lake weed points in 20-25 ft of water.  They are aggressively hitting lindy rigged nightcrawlers and small perch caught in Lake Geneva.  The biggest fish I caught last week was almost 21 inches.  The fish are very schooled up now, so if you catch one, you’ll catch a bunch.  The best locations have been by Black Point, the Military Academy or by Belvidere Park.

The bluegill action has also been fantastic.  The bluegills are suspended in 25-30 ft of water.  The best location has been by the Yacht Club or by the Military Academy.  I’ve been using a split shot rig with a ½ of a nightcrawler right beneath the boat.  Some of the bluegills have been in excess of 10 inches, with the average size being about 7 inches.

Perch fishing has been good however , the size has been very small.  Most of the fish I’ve been catching have an average size of 6 inches.  They make nice bait but not a great fish fry.  The best location has been by Knollwood or by Rainbow Point.  The best presentation is a slip bobber rig with a small minnow.  Work a depth of 10-12 ft of water.  The perch fishing will be improving as fall wears on.

Northern Pike action still remains kind of slow.  The fish are still deep and still scattered.  I think we will see a major improvement as the water cools and the fish move up into the weeds.  Look for the fish by Fontana Beach or the North shore of the narrows.  The best approach continues to be lindy rigging suckers.

Good luck and I hope to see you on the water.  For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050