Musky, Cats, and Bass

Water temps warmed quick this summer and the water level dropped to summer lows of the last few years. Fishing has been fairly good with a few odd days here and there with fish that dont want to commit. Plenty of smallmouth and musky being seen and caught. Things have taken a nice turn for the weather and rain in the forecast has things lining up for a spectactul July and August.

In pursuit of smaller rivers with untapped water for musky opener, I dedicated my time on a small west WI river. Locally its know for big musky but is relatively off the radar of most anglers. We took a couple different approaches but covering ground seemed to be the key. We found fish in off current or slack water mostly. A big thanks to Heather and Steve from Tennessee. Steve grinded the day out hard. And much like Muskies.... they reward the work. Steve had an explosive take from a big girl on the mid 40s boatside. She magically jumped and shook the hooks (almost jumping into the boat). Sorry we could nof get her in the net. Things happen fast and the current plus strong winds didnt help lay the landscape for a quick net job. That is fishing sometimes. Making contact with a trophy musky in skinny water keeps me coming back for more. Next time! Conditions have improved and fishing is only going to get better. Smallmouth are starting to fan out beds (Finally). We moved 9 musky with 3 takes. Not often do we end up with Zero in the net. Tight Lines, BRIAN

I have had the chance to get out on some of our nicer days in the last week. Caddis and mayflies are sporatic when the water warms. The midges are were attracting some large trout the other night. I got furstrated playing the tippet / what fly do they want game. I tied on a big chunky streamer and was blessed with the biggest brown of the season. He came out of a beaver hut (with a few active beavers). The family unit of beavers had just spanked their tails on the water a few times as I was changing out leaders. It goes to show you... Not all the big fish spook! Better weather to come in a week. I have opening at the end of April and into May.... Fishing should be great. Smallmouth and trout fishing will be tough to choose between! Hope to see you all soon. For more up to date information - Follow us on Instagram **hidden content**