Hayward Lakes VCB
11-03-2022, 12:04 PM
Musky:
Musky action is good to very good and getting better nearly every day with the cooling water. Focus on weeds, weed edges, points, humps, and structure in 8-18 feet. Medium to large suckers on quick-strike rigs are working best, but anglers are also catching fish on big Bull Dawgs, stickbaits, swimbaits, jerkbaits, and gliders. Do figure eights!
Walleye:
Walleye fishing is still slow, but with some anglers having success. Fish are at varied depths, from shallow to deep, and the trick is finding active fish. Shallower water is best in low light conditions; going deep during the day is probably best, but never know! Weeds, weed edges, rock, points, humps, flats are all possible holding areas. Baits of choice include walleye suckers and fatheads on jigs, spinner, and live bait rigs, Jigging Raps, crankbaits, stickbaits, and Beetle Spins.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is good and consistent, with fish visiting various depths and cover. Most action is around weeds and weed edges in 8-25 feet, and as always, any place hosting panfish and baitfish concentrations. Top baits include northern suckers, minnows, spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons, swimbaits, Husky Jerks, jerkbaits, gliders, and swimbaits.
Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth bass anglers are not in great number at this time, but those who are finding fish are doing well. Find mid-depth to shallower weed areas holding panfish and baitfish and you should be good to go. Live bait, spinners, spinnerbaits, minnowbaits, and crankbaits all work at certain times. Offer the fish some options and they will tell you what they want.
Smallmouth Bass:
Smallmouth bass anglers are doing well fishing deeper rock, hard bottom and soft bottom transitions, and river channels. Sucker minnows, minnows, plastics on jigs and drop-shot rigs, and crankbaits are all working quite well.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good to very good. Fish are schooling and low in the water column in deep holes, basins, and cribs. Best fishing is in late afternoon into evening hours. Minnows, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, and small Beetle Spins and Jigging Raps are all effective.
Bluegill/Perch
Bluegill and perch fishing has slowed somewhat and/or not many anglers are currently targeting these species. Work shallow weeds, green weeds if you can find some, and you should have success. Waxies, worms, small minnows, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks, with or without bobbers, are the best enticements.
Musky action is good to very good and getting better nearly every day with the cooling water. Focus on weeds, weed edges, points, humps, and structure in 8-18 feet. Medium to large suckers on quick-strike rigs are working best, but anglers are also catching fish on big Bull Dawgs, stickbaits, swimbaits, jerkbaits, and gliders. Do figure eights!
Walleye:
Walleye fishing is still slow, but with some anglers having success. Fish are at varied depths, from shallow to deep, and the trick is finding active fish. Shallower water is best in low light conditions; going deep during the day is probably best, but never know! Weeds, weed edges, rock, points, humps, flats are all possible holding areas. Baits of choice include walleye suckers and fatheads on jigs, spinner, and live bait rigs, Jigging Raps, crankbaits, stickbaits, and Beetle Spins.
Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is good and consistent, with fish visiting various depths and cover. Most action is around weeds and weed edges in 8-25 feet, and as always, any place hosting panfish and baitfish concentrations. Top baits include northern suckers, minnows, spinners, spinnerbaits, spoons, swimbaits, Husky Jerks, jerkbaits, gliders, and swimbaits.
Largemouth Bass:
Largemouth bass anglers are not in great number at this time, but those who are finding fish are doing well. Find mid-depth to shallower weed areas holding panfish and baitfish and you should be good to go. Live bait, spinners, spinnerbaits, minnowbaits, and crankbaits all work at certain times. Offer the fish some options and they will tell you what they want.
Smallmouth Bass:
Smallmouth bass anglers are doing well fishing deeper rock, hard bottom and soft bottom transitions, and river channels. Sucker minnows, minnows, plastics on jigs and drop-shot rigs, and crankbaits are all working quite well.
Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good to very good. Fish are schooling and low in the water column in deep holes, basins, and cribs. Best fishing is in late afternoon into evening hours. Minnows, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, and small Beetle Spins and Jigging Raps are all effective.
Bluegill/Perch
Bluegill and perch fishing has slowed somewhat and/or not many anglers are currently targeting these species. Work shallow weeds, green weeds if you can find some, and you should have success. Waxies, worms, small minnows, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks, with or without bobbers, are the best enticements.