Muskies are like an old friend that I annually clear my calendar for, and I always choose the full moon period in October for the visit. Like almost everything, the longer you do something the better you will become at it. Fishing muskies for 20 years on the same weekend every year, I’ve learned a lot by trial and error.
Prime Locations
Most of the time, I fish the lakes of Northwestern Wisconsin in Polk County: the Apple Flowage, Deer Lake and Bone Lake. I have found that the fish are very active and feeding after the lake turnover. Turnover is when the lake becomes mixed, the upper part of the water column sinks and the lower waters move to the surface. I have found over the years that ultra clear water can really spook the fish; it’s better when the water has a little color.
Bait Selection
The lakes I fish all allow trolling and the bait of choice is suckers. I troll them along prime structure. Over the years, I have learned the more suckers I bring, the better. Not all suckers are created equal; never waste time with poor swimming bait. You want a sucker that swims like mad trying to get to the weeds or to the structure. Always consider the size of your suckers. I prefer using medium-sized baits. A medium size sucker, approximately 10 – 12 inches, will catch the 32- to 36-inch fish while allowing the possibility of a trophy.
Key Structure
The key locations to focus on are steep break lines with hard sand or rock bottoms or main lake points. Choose break lines in proximity to large weed flats. With cold water, muskies pull out of the shallow weeds and stage on the break lines. The best depth has averaged 12 – 15 feet of water.
Rigging Strategy
I like to fish the suckers on quick strike rigs. To keep the suckers at the required depth, try a small egg sinker. Always use a sinker that allows your bait to swim freely. I have experimented with bobbers and have found that the big Styrofoam ones that you peg with a stopper can create a weak spot in the line. I know, because I recently lost a fish because of it. Instead, use sliders that have very little resistance getting pulled under, or one could also use an ordinary balloon. The balloon will offer the opportunity to adjust the size of the bobber to the size of the bait.
Equipment and Setup
With two people fishing, I usually fish six poles: two bobber poles and four rods with bait under the boat. I use seven foot or longer rods teamed with an Abu Garcia 6500 C3, which has a live bait clicker. I’ve also figured out that monofilament line is the only way to go. Dacron and fishing lines like them will freeze in cold weather on the spool causing resistance when a fish strikes. Twenty-pound Silver Thread is preferred.
With four poles under the boat, you want to vary the depths. Don’t try to hug the bottom with the baits because the decomposing weeds can become a factor. This time of year, especially with clearer water, the fish will come from a long way away to attack the bait. Back in the day, we all used to cast lures. Now, there’s typically only one rod used for casting lures, the purpose is to draw fish into the suckers.
Over the years, I have had some good trips, 15 – 20 muskies in three days and, as was the case last year, I’ve also been skunked.
Dave Duwe can be reached for guide service at 262-728-8063.
