Western U.p., Northern Wisconsin Smallie Fishing

[HookSettr]

I fish a lot in the boundary waters of northern minnesota for multiple species and I've always had success, some years obviously more than others. This year we are trying out a new place on the Mich/Wisco border for what is fabled to be tremendous smallie territory. I've fished it once before with moderate success. Just wondering if anyone is familiar with the area and if so if they have any suggestions. From what I remember, lots of rocky lakes, mostly drop off shorelines. We will hopefully make it right at the end of their Pre-spawn period. Its a wilderness protection area so I'll be fishing from my canoe which is always fun.

Any thoughts are appreciated.

[dgretz]

I don't know that area well. Here in the Hayward area in the lakes I've been fishing, the spawn is well underway. Water temps in the low to mid 60's.

I have been having great luck with fat ikas. You need a wide gap hook. I've been using 5/0. They cast like a bullet, and are easy to fish in a breeze too.

have fun!

[Crookedneck]

I live north of Green Bay. Below is a link of some small mouth caught on the Menominee a week or so ago. The small mouth spawn is over with here. The post spawn bite is currently going right now. Farther north of here I am not sure if the fish have spawned or not. The weather here has been wierd this year. Walleyes were in and gone 3 weeks early the smallmouth spawned early too. I think the large mouth are just about done, but I haven't really seen too many of them this year as I concentrate on the small mouth most of the time.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/102546-fishing-with-the-kid-today/

If you happen to get this way send me a P.M. I'll send you in the right direction. I know the Turtle Flambeau Flowage was hot a couple weeks ago.

Good luck!

[Marsh]

Sylvania? if so which lakes?

-Tim

[Gavin]

There is a guide book for the Slyvania...Fish Sylvania...forget the author...pick up a copy if you are planning a trip there.

[HookSettr]

Yes in Sylvania. Clark, Loon, Helen, Katherine, and Crooked. Like I said, I've fished it before, and I didn't do bad, but being that it is all catch and release I know it can produce more and better fish.

Thanks for all of the insight!

[kzoosmallies]

I just found this website and got registered. I am assuming you already went on your trip and I'm extremely jealous. I've fished the Sylvania lakes multiple times and have had a blast every time.

If you haven't gone yet, for me, burning a white spinnerbait has been very productive for me and an absolute blast. Soft plastics (hula grubs) fished deep during mid day also has worked well. One tip I would give you is every time you're paddling somewhere, put on a crankbait and troll...it works great and really can help locate the fish.

If you have gone already, I'm going in a couple of weeks and am curious how you did and what worked for you.

Thanks