A very consistent bite in is progress on Hayward WI area lakes.
We found water temps ranging from 63 to 66+ on the clear water lake that is our home base. Still lagging behind seasonal norms.
Crappies remain our primary target. Pitching and drifting 1/16 oz green jigs tipped with fatheads along deep cabbage edges (8-12′) is putting fish in the boat. The fish seem to be size-selective, as smaller crappie minnows are picking off the 8-10 inchers while walleye-sized fatheads are scoring the quality fish. A mobile presentation is key…slib bobbers are getting ignored while the same presentation on a slow retrieve or drift is getting whacked.
This is a great multi-species presentation with so many different types of fish relating to the deep cabbage edges. In addition to specks, we scored perch, LMB, a big gill or two and two muskies on the same technique. The ‘lunge were 25 and 34″. Lots of fun on light tackle, that’s for sure. Pics of the happy anglers are coming tonight.
Gills are still making their way into the shallows. The peak gill bite is predicted to be a week or two away. Crappies will likely peak this week and then start making their way to summer haunts.