Fishing Reports

Muskie action improving, with a good bite for walleye, northern, bass, and panfish in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area. Water temps still holding in the low to mid 60s in the Eagle River area.

Editor's note: The harvest bass season will open in Eagle River, Saturday, June 19th.

Muskie action in the Eagle River area has improved somewhat. The bite is decent, and will continue to improve as the water warms. Fish 15 feet of water or less in and around the weeds. Use a small bucktail, minnow bait or crankbait during the day. There is some topwater action in the evening. As water temps warm this week, work the 5 foot depth with the aforementioned baits.

Follow up:

Here are the results for Eagle River's Spring Classic Muskie Tournament which was held this past weekend: 46 muskies caught in a day-and-a-half by 184 anglers, under less than optimal conditions (cool water temps). Largest fish came in at 43.75 inches.

Walleyes are holding in 5-15 feet of water in and around weeds in the Eagle River area. Use a jig and fathead minnow. All day bite, with peak action early and late in the day.

Northern in the Eagle River area are in 10 feet of water or less in and around weeds. Use a Husky Jerk, bass style spinner bait, or a Mepps #4.

Smallmouth bass (harvest season opens Saturday the 19th of June) in the Eagle River area are holding in the 8-15 foot depth range at the first break, over hard bottom with rocks/gravel/sand. Tube jigs, a jig and a leech or a spinner are all working.

Largemouth bass in the Eagle River area are locating in 10 feet of water or less in and around weeds and tight to structure (docks, drowned wood, stumps and brush piles). Use a Texas Rig and a plastic worm, or a crankbait like a floating Rapala.

Panfish (crappies, bluegills and perch) are all hanging together in the Eagle River area. Fish 15 feet of water or less in and around weeds. The crappies and gills will suspend up and down the water column, with the perch tight to the bottom. Use a crappie minnow or a chunk or crawler under a slip bobber.

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative Brilliance interviews with Eagle River guides "Muskie Matt" of Wild Eagle Lodge, "Ranger Rick" Krueger of Guide's Choice Pro Shop, and Mat Hegy)