With the Fourth of July holiday approaching quickly, the fishing is starting to improve in both numbers and size. One of the keys for this time of year is to arrive early for optimal fishing and parking at the boat launches.

Rock bass have been biting very well in 12-15 ft of water. Most of the fish I’ve been catching are in scattered weeds and sand pockets. The best location is by Knollwood, Elgin Club and Black Point. The best approach is split shot rigged nightcrawlers fished on bottom.

Northern Pike fishing is starting to improve with the warming water. The fish are associating to the weed line in 18-22 ft of water. The best location has been by Williams Bay, Geneva Bay or the boat launch in Fontana. In the next week or so, the thermocline should be forming which will push the fish down as deep as 35 ft of water. Use lindy rigged medium suckers or chubs for the most action. I use a 1/0 hook and ¾ walking sinker and a 24 inch leader for the lindy rig. The bite is very subtle, it will just feel like a little extra weight. At that point, give them line and set the hook.

Walleye action has been very good at night. You want to choose the nights where there is some wind. They bite better with a good chop on the lake. Smithwick Perfect 10’s and large Rapala’s have been working well. Troll the bait about 60-70 feet behind your planer boards. The best location has been by Trinkes Bay or in Williams Bay.

Largemouth bass have been biting on top water or on a drop shot rig in 12-15 ft of water. The best location has been by Trinkes or in Williams Bay. This bite is best in the first few hours of daylight. For the top water bite, I use small chug bugs in chrome and blue. For the drop shot, I’m using 4 inch Chomper finesse worms.

The bluegill and pumpkinseed bite has been very good. The best locations have been Trinkes and Geneve Bay in 8-12 ft of water. The best approach is either fishing slip bobbers with leaf worms or leaf worms fished on a split shot rig.

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