If you were able to get out on the water, anglers saw relatively good fishing this week.

Fall winds made some of the days this week pretty tough for any kind of boat control. Small mouth bass are again moving back into the shallows.  They are positioned on the main lake points such as Black Point, Coleman’s Point and Conference Point.  Some of the secondary spots to try include the prevalent spawning flats, such as Elgin Club and the Military Academy.  The best depth has been 10-12 ft. of water.  I’m primarily using night crawlers on the split shot rig or using Kalins grubs fished on a 1/8 oz darter head.  I’m using a very slow retrieve.  This pattern should be very effective for the next few weeks.

Northern Pike fishing has been very good.  The thermocline has now dissipated and most of the fish are in their shallow water haunts.  They are again associating with weed beds and the juvenile panfish.  The best success can be on slip bobbers fishing medium to large golden shiners in approximately 12-15 ft. of water.  The best locations are the Fontana Beach area and Knollwood.

Largemouth bass fishing was average last week.  Most of the fish were caught in the shallow water. I have been exclusively drifting night crawlers on the split shot rig.  Some of the best locations have been in Geneva Bay, the weed flat east of Knollwood and by the Military Academy.

Perch fishing has been awesome.  You have to sort through them, but if you put in your time you can catch a good selection of 9-10 inchers.  The fish are in shallow weeds with a hard sand bottom.  Most of the action is coming on small minnows fished with a slip bobber.  Some good locations are Rainbow Point and near Knollwood.  Look for them between 7 and 10 ft. of water.

Rock bass are plentiful, with the cooling water.  Wherever you find active rock bass, you will most likely find a few small mouth as well.  The best depth has been 8-12 ft. of water.  All the fish I caught last week were on nightcrawlers.

Good luck and I hope to see you on the water.  For guide parties, please