Now that fall has officially arrived, it’s very difficult to get out on the water.

The short days, cold temps, kids activities and hunting season all add up to close my 2020 fishing season!

Northern Pike are in the shallows in about 8-10 ft of water.  They are being readily caught on white spinner baits.  The best location has been Trinkes and Williams Bay.  Another approach that is having some success is slip bobbering large golden shiners.  I prefer casting that way you can cover more water.

Smallmouth bass are in the shallows.  They are concentrating on the main lake points in 4-10 ft of water.  Conference Point, Black Point and Cedar Point are great locations this time of year.  The best approach is Carolina rigging Arkie Crawlin Grubs or casting darter heads with small smoke colored twister tails.  With the water being so cold, slow retrieves are the best.

Perch are now schooled up in the 8-10 ft depth range.  Look for the fish by Knollwood or by Rainbow Point.  It is not very hard to catch a limit of fish but some sorting is required.  The best approach is slip bobbering small fathead minnows or fishing ice jigs tipped with wax worms.  Purple or chartreuse are my favorite colors.

Walleyes can be caught at night while trolling large stick baits.  I like the Walleye Bandit or large Rapalas.  Look for the fish in 12-15 ft of water by Trinkes or by Fontana.

Bluegills are again shallow.  They are being caught on small leaf worms or on ice jigs tipped with wax worms.  Good locations are Geneva Bay by the Riviera Pier or by Knollwood.  I’ve been fishing them in 6-8 ft of water.

Good Luck and I’ll see you on the ice, for ice and spring guide parties, please call Dave Duwe at 608-883-2050