Chequamegon Bay & Hayward, Wisconsin Fishing Report 8-31-15

I just finished a three day swing that included a stroll down memory lane and a glimpse into the future.  What a ride!  Some of my old running mates from a lifetime ago showed up on Saturday, and we dug up a few memories as well as a few fish.  Brent Jacobson (Mauston, WI), Kevin Murphy (New Lisbon, WI), Larry Parce (Holmen, WI), Aaron Reichel (New Lisbon, WI), and Andy Howell (New Lisbon, WI) spent the day with me doing one of my favorite things…  Catching crappies!  I was curious to see if the fall pattern was starting to set up, and it didn’t take us long to confirm that it was.  We located scattered fish in 20′ – 25′ of water and caught them steadily through the morning jigging plastics.  Water temps ranged from 65 – 68 degrees.  The size was nice as they ranged from 10″ – 12″, and it didn’t take us long to have all we wanted to keep as well as plenty that went back.  After lunch was a different story however.  The bite slowed dramatically, and we were only able to manage a few fish before we decided to head back and prepare for one heck of a fish fry.  We ate like kings and laughed until it hurt.  That’s one good crew of dudes and a day I won’t soon forget…

With half the crew on their way home, Brent and Andy had a few hours on Sunday to spend fishing before they needed to go.  We headed to Chequamegon Bay, and I figured we’d have enough time to hit two spots.  Stop #1 was a bust as water temps were still all over the place from all of the strong winds we’ve had.  50 degree water just isn’t going to cut it at this time of year!!!  Off to spot #2 where we found 64 degree water, and that made all of the difference.  After several drifts over marked fish in 12′ – 15′ of water with minnows, they finally started to pop.  Brent and Andy put some brutes up to 20′ in the boat as we ended the weekend with a bang.  This was Andy’s first time on the bay, and I always get a kick out of people’s reaction the first time they see one of those monsters in the net.  It’s a special place with some special fish.  Thanks for putting this trip together Jake 20.  You’ve always been The Man!!!

 

Morgan and I have struggled to get out in the boat this year with every opportunity dealing us a bad weather card.  We were able to finally correct that on the last possible day.  The Morganator along with her two good buddies Chloe and Beau Sipsas from Iron River, WI spent the last day of their summer vacation with me on Monday, and we had a blast catching some monster smallies up to 20″ on minnows in 15′ – 20′ of water over rocks.  The steamy weather trend we’ve been on continues with temps in the 80’s, but a stiff south wind took the edge off.  Fortunately the fish were on the bite, and this gang was up for it.  They did one heck of a job cranking in some magnum fish and finished up their summer in style.  After a boat ride and a swim it was time to head back home for last minute preparations and an early rise for the school bus.  I know it’s not possible, but I’d sure like to make time stand still after a day like this.  Thanks for the great day kids, but I’m sorry to report that the party is over…  Back to school!!!