Northern Pike are still biting on the thermocline.  I’m finding bigger fish 35 ft and deeper.

The smaller fish are readily available in the 29-35 ft range.  I’m still using lindy rigged suckers on 17 lb. Test line.  The best locations for me have been the east side of Williams Bay and down in Fontana.  I’m catching several smallmouth on the smaller lindy rigged suckers also when fishing for pike.

Largemouth bass are biting on surface lures.  I prefer the chug bugs or the PopR’s.  The best depth has been over the shallow weeds in 10-12 ft. of water.  Largemouth have also been located on the weedlines in 12-20 ft of water.  I’m either drifting a split shot rigged nightcrawler or Carolina rigging.  The best baits last week were either a 6 inch zoom green/pumpkin lizard or a green/pumpkin centipede.  The best location has been by Knollwood or by Linn Pier.

Smallmouth bass fishing has been improving.  I’m catching several fish on live suckers in 30-35 ft of water.  The best concentration however is in the 20-25 ft. range.  I’ve been using nightcrawlers on a lindy rig with an 1/8 oz walking sinker and a 18 inch leader.  The best locations have been off the weedlines by Coleman’s Point, Elgin Club or by the Fontana Beach.

Walleye fishing remains consistent.  Like always, they are only being caught at night.  Trolling crank baits or crawler harnesses have been producing nearly all the fish.  The best depth has been on the weedlines in 15-17 ft of water.  Look for the fish near Trinkes or in Geneva Bay.

Crappie fishing has been very spotty.  Most of the crappies I’ve caught or heard about being caught have been in the weedline in 12-15 ft. of water.  The best location has been by Williams Bay or by Conference Point.  The best bait for crappie have been either a cubby jig or a small tube bait, smoke colored works well.

Bluegill fishing remains excellent.  The best depth has been 20-25 ft of water.  The best bait has been small pieces of nightcrawler or red worms.  The best success has come straight lining beneath the boat and slowly drifting.  I’ve been fishing them by Elgin Club and by Gage Marine.

Good luck and I hope to see you on the water.  For guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 262-728-8063