Northern Wi Bass Spawn

[Scott F]

Shell Lake is also pretty good. The smallie bite, which hasn't been great, just died this morning. We got a bunch of greenies first thing but apparently, the smallmouth did not approve of the front that went through last night.

[tipptruck1]

I hit the WI river south of Wausau this weekend. The water temp had to be close to 55-60. The problem is its still high, and fast. I could not cast 1/2 jig. Then let it hit bottom. The current was taking it down the river fast. My buddy's friend on the other hand. Was fishing the same river in Mosinee. Caught around 10 walleye and one pike.

[Danarchy]

The Chippewa, Mississippi, and St. Croix rivers are all still high. As soon as they started to recede we got a few more inches of rain so they all swole right up again.

[KYBassin']

Any largemouth spawn updates?

[tipptruck1]

Any largemouth spawn updates?

That right there is funny. I would not come from KY for the LG mouths here. Small mouths would be far better. Both small and large mouths should spawning right now. But with it being colder, and many lakes and rivers at flood level. I haven't come across a single bass on a bed yet.

[KYBassin']

That right there is funny. I would not come from KY for the LG mouths here. Small mouths would be far better. Both small and large mouths should spawning right now. But with it being colder, and many lakes and rivers at flood level. I haven't come across a single bass on a bed yet.

 

I'm a WI boy, KY transplant.  I'd much rather be fishing on any WI lake than anywhere in KY.  

 

Thanks for the info tipp.  I figured things were behind but I know it has been warming up lately, just curious on how things are progressing.

[Scott F]

With several warm days in the forecast, the water will be warming. I've been fishing the Northern part of the state for the last week. Surface water temps on big lakes are still just in the mid to upper 50s. The smallies are schooled up and killing small jerk baits. Guys who are using ANYTHING else are having a hard time, at least on the lake I'm on. Largemouth are just beginning to move on to the shorelines. It looks like at least a couple of weeks before they start to spawn.

[KYBassin']

With several warm days in the forecast, the water will be warming. I've been fishing the Northern part of the state for the last week. Surface water temps on big lakes are still just in the mid to upper 50s. The smallies are schooled up and killing small jerk baits. Guys who are using ANYTHING else are having a hard time, at least on the lake I'm on. Largemouth are just beginning to move on to the shorelines. It looks like at least a couple of weeks before they start to spawn.

 

Thanks Scott.  Hope you guys are having a great week.  I've had a good time tracking your trip through your posts.

[tipptruck1]

KYbassin I guess that makes sense. Sorry I offend you. If I have time this week. I am going to hit the WI river just south of Mosinee. Just to see if the basss are one the beds for you. In my book that don't mean any thing though. The rivers warm up faster then lakes.

[KYBassin']

KYbassin I guess that makes sense. Sorry I offend you. If I have time this week. I am going to hit the WI river just south of Mosinee. Just to see if the basss are one the beds for you. In my book that don't mean any thing though. The rivers warm up faster then lakes.

 

I wasn't offended.  Just wanted to explain why I was leaving KY for WI to fish for largemouth.  I'm a UWSP grad, spent a good number of days fishing the river in Mosinee back in the day.  Was always a good time.

[tipptruck1]

Kybassin, I went to chucks landing in Mosinee below the dam today. The water was about 3-4 feet higher then normal. It was also pitch black. Usually I can see 2-3 feet in the water with out my costas. Today I could not. I did catch one small mouth. I think I might have pulled it off a bed. As i snagged it near the dorsal fin. Not a single hook near its mouth.  While I was trying to get it in. It kept taking off in the direction from were I snagged it. 

 

As for the water temp. I was standing in it up to my ankles for around 45 minutes. No waders just water shoes, and shorts. I would say it is about as cold when some one flushes the toilet. When you are taking a shower. So that has to be what 65-75.

[KYBassin']

Kybassin, I went to chucks landing in Mosinee below the dam today. The water was about 3-4 feet higher then normal. It was also pitch black. Usually I can see 2-3 feet in the water with out my costas. Today I could not. I did catch one small mouth. I think I might have pulled it off a bed. As i snagged it near the dorsal fin. Not a single hook near its mouth.  While I was trying to get it in. It kept taking off in the direction from were I snagged it. 

 

As for the water temp. I was standing in it up to my ankles for around 45 minutes. No waders just water shoes, and shorts. I would say it is about as cold when some one flushes the toilet. When you are taking a shower. So that has to be what 65-75.

Thanks tipp.  Sounds like the river is tough right now.  Hope it chills out soon so you have better luck.

[tipptruck1]

I hope so to. I have never seen the river this black. I am fine with it being higher. The color of the water is what makes fishing hard. 

[hunt_britto]

Anyone on here from Iowa? Any updates on the pattern? I was thinking late prespawn to early spawn

[tipptruck1]

Anyone on here from Iowa? Any updates on the pattern? I was thinking late prespawn to early spawn

I use to live in Iowa if that helps.

[Scott F]

My earlier estimate on the largemouth spawn needs to be updated. The above average air temps, lots of sun, and little to no wind has caused the water temps to soar. The big lake I'm fishing is slower to warm than most and the temps here are nearly 70. LM bass are starting to build nests now.

[KYBassin']

My earlier estimate on the largemouth spawn needs to be updated. The above average air temps, lots of sun, and little to no wind has caused the water temps to soar. The big lake I'm fishing is slower to warm than most and the temps here are nearly 70. LM bass are starting to build nests now.

Ok. I'll be up there next week. Guess I'll be dealing with spawn conditions. Was really hoping to get out before. Oh well....still better than working. Thanks for the update Scott.

[tipptruck1]

My earlier estimate on the largemouth spawn needs to be updated. The above average air temps, lots of sun, and little to no wind has caused the water temps to soar. The big lake I'm fishing is slower to warm than most and the temps here are nearly 70. LM bass are starting to build nests now.

You are not kidding. It went from snow and cold in April. To 60 the next day. It has been 60 plus up here since late may. The last few weeks it has been 75 plus.

[tipptruck1]

Well I hit the Wi river again this weekend. It is still high but not as high as it was a few weeks ago. They opened the gates at the mosniee dams. The water was also a clearer then it was a few weeks ago. I could see at lest the normal 3ft-4ft in to the water. The fishing is starting to get hot. I had one chase. Not sure if it was a bass, pike or a muskie. I only saw the fish as I pulled my bait out of the water.