Outdoor Reports & Tips

Throughout the season you can come and visit this page for the most current Outdoor Reports and tips for fishing the Rhinelander area.

For more fishing reports check out Hodag Guide Service - CLICK HERE

Weekly Rhinelander Area Outdoor Report from Mitch Mode of Mel's Trading Post:

July 27th, 2010

Walleyes are not a good bet during summertime heat so we were surprised this week by a reliable report of very good action on the big-eyed fish. The report was instructive for summer walleye tactics: fish near cribs (or cover) adjacent to a drop-off in medium depths. Jigs tipped with a nightcrawler provided the right combination. 

All that makes sense. Walleyes like cover, be it cribs or weeds. And they like the cooler waters found in deeper parts of the lake. If you can find a spot that matches this, you may do some good this week. The cover will usually hold smaller baitfish so the walleyes do not have to move far. Food and shelter; fish like it as much as we do!

Crawlers on jigs seem to edge out leeches on jigs lately. Either one usually works well in the heat of July and into August so don't get too fixated on either one. The important thing to remember is that walleyes do feed in mid-summer. It is simply a matter of locating them. Oh, and evenings or early mornings are still the best times.

Musky action has been a mixed bag in the past 2 weeks. We've not heard of any real great days when the big fish go wild but they do feed, usually at night into early dawn hours. Surface lures really come to the fore now but again, most often after dark. Some summer days of heavy overcast and south or westerly winds can be productive as well. The key thing with muskies is to get out there and start tossing big lures.

Bass remain in an active phase with smallies in deeper, cooler water feeding on minnows or crayfish. Imitate either and you should see some fish. Largemouth are in thick cover, venturing out to nab a passing minnow, frog or mouse. Fish them with weedless lures and some stout tackle, the better to manhandle them away from weeds or wood.

August is nearly here and that often brings things to a seasonal low, especially for muskies. We'd keep fishing though, working into the evenings or looking for cloudy days.

Enjoy the Rhinelander Area Outdoors!
Report By:
Mel's Trading Post
105 South Brown Street
Rhinelander, WI 54501
715-362-5800

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