Hayward & St. Louis River, Wisconsin Fishing Report
The Labor Day weekend began with two old friends staying at Angler’s Haven wanting to chase muskies on Thursday. Paul Ostertag from Stevens Point and Norm Vesta from Daytona, FL had a day that looked pretty good on paper. We had partly cloudy skies all day with storms predicted in the evening and water temps ranging from 74 to 77 degrees. We had a good fish follow off a deep weed edge in the morning and a small fish follow in the afternoon that was holding on a mid lake rock pile. Other than a pike frenzy at the end of the day, that was all we had to show for our efforts. Paul and Norm gave it heck all day, and they certainly deserved to put one in the net. Such is musky fishing… Nonetheless, I had a great time with two great guys and look forward to doing it again!
Converted Cheeseheads Andrew and Jess L’Roe currently living in Madison and formerly from North Carolina were on a mission Saturday to catch their first walleye. We headed to the St. Louis River and accomplished what we set out to do along with some unexpected bonus fish that made for an amazing morning in the boat. We caught walleyes up to 18″ trolling crankbaits in 7′ of water along with a mixed bag of jumbo perch, pike, and a great 40″ musky that Andrew landed after an incredible fight. Water temps started at 71 and warmed to 75 degrees by noon on a warm, sunny, and perfect day. Initially we had a slow start, but once the wind picked up the bite continued to get stronger as the morning went on. Congratulations to Andrew and Jess on their fishing firsts. Awesome!
Sunday was spent with Morgan and my father. This was the last hurrah for Morgan as she begins school this week. Fall made its presence felt with a huge turn in the weather. Cloudy skies and strong north winds put a bit of a chill in the air and water temps held at 74 degrees throughout the day. We caught smallies up to 18″ on slip bobbers and jigs with sucker minnows in 18′ to 20′ of water along with a couple of dandy pike in the mix. Although I’m eager for the fall cool down and the fishing action that comes along with it, I always hate to see summer come to an end… The party is over Morganator, time to hit the books!!!
Unfortunately, we lost another dear friend this week. Rusty Bogue from Paris, IL left us way too soon. Rest in Peace Rusty. We miss you!