Big four-year-old Chinooks, lots of two and three year olds are making up the catch on most boats. Now is the time to get out on the water. All species are active in all sizes. The wind has been light with east wind and west moving the temp break up and down. Check for the location of 52-degree water for the best action.
All presentations are working with fish from 45 to 100 feet down in 65 to 150 feet of water in Whitefish Bay. On the calm days run leadcore in 5, 8 and 10 colors or if you don't have leadcore run 150 foot leads behind the ball on your downriggers. Spoons in the magnum or regular size are my first choice. It is a continuous all day bite when you use this presentation. Lots of big Rainbows this season with fish to 18 pounds.
The Coho are getting big in the 5 to 9 pound range. Kings are running 5 to 22 pounds. Rainbow Trout action has been best in the warmer water just above the break on Reaper Magnum Peacock Silver or Vulcan Dolphin Silver spoons presented on 5 and 8 color leadcore. Slide Divers with magnum spoons, 60 foot leads set to #1 with 95 to 120 feet of line out. 80 to 170 feet of water has been best for the big kings. Reaper Magnum Fish N Chip, Peacock and Vulcan Magnum Silver Leaf, Silver Sky spoons on the downriggers are taking Chinooks and Lake Trout.
Run the spoons 80 or more feet behind the downrigger ball for success. The only place you will find Reaper and Vulcan spoons is on their web site at http://www.badgertackle.com I recommend a temp check on your next outing to confirm the location of 52 degree water, as warm water will change everything. When you find the 52 water fish just above and below for great salmon action. Our best bite has been at slow speed 1.7 to 2.0 mph.
Have a great fishing season. Let's go fishing!!
Capt. Jim Hirt
Charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com |