Hayward, Wisconsin Fishing Report 10-10-13

As we settle into mid October, it’s hard to believe that the end of the season is near.  Air temperatures in the 70’s and water temps still nudging 60 have made for some interesting fishing conditions that don’t resemble usual patterns at this time of year.  The fall colors are spectacular, and this is an incredible time to be on the water!

Nick Gove from Crystal, MN returned for a fall musky hunt on Sunday along with his good buddy Tony Trulen from Prior Lake, MN.  Nick and Tony spent a cold, windy, and rainy day on the back end of a nasty weather system casting for muskies in search of their first trophy.  Unfortunately, it wasn’t to be.  The guys worked hard all day, but it was apparent we were dealing with inactive fish.  We started out the day optimistic however as we had a nice fish in the mid 40’s come up and chase our suckers on two consecutive passes along the weedline he was holding on.  We couldn’t make him eat however, and that was the last fish we would see on the day.  Water temps were 59 to 60 degrees, and the guys certainly earned their stripes.  We’ll get em next time fellas!

On Monday, we stayed with muskies but switched Lakes.  David Russo from Winfield, IL and staying at Angler’s Haven agreed to spend a day working on a huge fish I saw and wrote about earlier in the year.  The weather system had pushed through, and we were left with high skies, warm temps, and NW winds.  It was a beautiful day, but the muskies eluded us again.  We worked the core area where I believe that fish lives very thoroughly throughout the day and gave him many chances to show himself to no avail.  We did however have an interesting flurry of action in the afternoon that included 3 follows by smaller muskies and a nice pike boated by David on a perfectly executed figure 8 with a Bull Dawg.  Again, water temps were 59 to 60.  It was a very pleasant day on the water with good company.  Just in case you’re wondering, I’m not done with that big brute just yet.  We’ll be back!

Bobby Wren from Rogers, AK returned for a fall trip along with his friend Alan Bauer, also from Rogers.  We had a half day on Wednesday to fish together before they had to catch a plane home, and the fish were cooperative.  It was another very nice day with warm air temps, south winds, and fall colors peaking.  Smallmouth up to 17″, largemouth up to 18″, and a nice 19″ walleye all bit consistently throughout the morning on jigs and minnows in 15′ of water.  There was no change in water temps again with 59 to 60 holding steady.  The big girls were mysteriously absent however.  I suspect they were holding a little deeper as I could see them on the graph but couldn’t get them to bite.  As always, it was great to see Bobby and Alan was a great addition to the Razorback fishing gang.   See you next spring Bobby!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

John Lynn from Mountain Home, ID was in town with his wife Suzanne to visit family and hunt deer.  He decided to take a break from the stand on Thursday and brought Suzanne along on a half day trip.  Amazing weather continued.  The lake was like glass when we started, and it’s hard to imagine the leaves could be any more brilliant.  After a slow start, we found willing fish in 14′ to 17′ of water.  Smallies up to 17″ and largemouth up to 17″ were pretty active.  We would catch a few in each spot before the bite would slow and would move frequently to stay on fish.  Jigs and minnows along with slip bobbers all produced.  The giants we typically see this time of year were absent again, and I would look for them to start feeding aggressively once water temps start to fall consistently.  There was 58 degree water to start the day, but it had warmed to 60 by noon.  We had a great time catching fish and soaking in another great fall morning.  These are the days you remember when Old Man Winter comes knocking!

Good luck on the water this weekend everyone.  Get out there and enjoy it!