Musky Shop Northwoods Fishing Report: Late May

Hi Everyone,

We hope everyone is off to a good start to the fishing season. The season is off to a very good start here in the Northwoods of Wisconsin. We are approaching the Memorial Day holiday and from all at the Musky Shop, we would like to say, “Thank You,” to all of our veterans for their service to our country as we are very Grateful.

As many of you know the Musky season basically north of Hwy 10 starts the last Saturday in May and all of us at the Musky Shop and I'm sure all of you are super pumped to go Musky Fishing. Musky fishing is such a fantastic sport filled with a lot of excitement, thrills, big smiles, and the occasional fatigue of casting all day or Muskies not cooperating but it keeps us going after them, it's a sport we all Love.

Our weather in Oneida and Vilas counties has been pretty typical so far this spring with a good amount of rain. The water levels are near normal as well. Most of the water temps are in the low to mid 60's. Most all species of fish are shallow from the shoreline out to let's say 10 feet. I say that as most everything is shoreline out to 5-6 feet however as the water temps warm fish will start to scatter a bit. Our guide staff are already starting to see that a bit. 

Maybe a good plan to consider as you start your Musky season would be to start shallow, hit any type of structure whether it be down timber, rock, reeds, and any submerged weed growth as well as the warmest water areas on the lake. For baits, everyone always thinks small to start the season and that would be correct however try not to box yourself in and be open-minded. Muskies will throw you a curveball once in a while so if one stays open-minded that will help in your success. Maybe consider starting with small to medium size bucktails, glidebaits, and shallow crankbaits. Work them slowly. Our guide staff has been catching a lot of Crappies, Walleye, Bass, Pike, and panfish all working very slowly. Most of the time Muskies aren't really in chase mode at this time of the season so I think slow to moderate speed will be a good way to start. Some good Musky baits to start off your Musky season would be: Phantom 4”, Phantom 6”, Sand Cat 4.5”, Sand Cat 6”, Windels Pike Harasser, Original Inhaler, 5” Shallow Raider, and Crane 205.

We hope you all have a wonderful fishing season and please let us know if we can be of service to you as it would be our pleasure.

Mark your calendars for Saturday, July 20th for our 4th annual Summer Bash. This is one of the most fun days of the year at the Musky Shop. There will be dozens of Musky vendors, free raffles, food, soda, and a day filled with talking everything Musky all while some good tunes are played as well. There will be some great sales as well as being able to talk with many of the vendors and pros from the industry, it really is a super fun day. 

Again, we thank our veterans for their service and thank you our customers for your support, as we Greatly appreciate it.

Good Fishing and God Bless, Jim Stewart

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