This whole summer, Lake Geneva has been more difficult to fish than years past. I have not been able to get good patterns on smallmouth or largemouth bass. The pan fish bite has been decent all year, as has the walleye, it’s really just the bass that have been a challenge.

Pan fish remain in the 18-22 ft depth range. The best location has been by Gage Marine or Elgin Club. The fish are positioned 6 inches to 1 foot off bottom. The fish can be caught split shot rigging a leaf worm or a trout worm. As the water cools, the bluegills will start moving shallower again.

Northern pike fishing has been good in 33-36 ft of water. The fish are by Black Point, Fontana Boat Channel or in the narrows on the north shore. You want to lindy rig chubs or suckers with a 24 inch leader right on bottom. I use monofilament leaders to insure more bites, a steel leader reduces the number of strikes by about 75%.

Walleye fishing remains excellent in the evening hours. Abbey Springs and Trinkes Bay have been providing the most action. Work a depth of 15-17 ft of water. Medium diving stick baits about ½ way down the water column is a good choice. As always, you need to fish at night for any success.

The smallmouth success has been very spotty. The best action has come by Covenant Harbor or by Trinkes Bay. Work a depth of 18-20 ft of water on the outside of the weed lines. The best approach is drop shotting 4 inch finesse worms in green pumpkin with a red and purple flake. For jig fishermen, dragging All Terrain Football head jigs with a chomper or Arkie Crawlin’ Grub have also been successful. Use a root beer or green pumpkin color.

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

David P Duwe
262-728-8063