LOTW - Muskie Advise - Big Narrows Area

[eyeman_1]

We are headed back up to LOTW the first of July for 10 days and I was hoping to get some advise on muskie fishing in that area.

We fished for ski's but not seriously on a few past trips, and we've caught a few up to the mid 40's. Every spot that we think looks fishy we've tried and some are obviously Fishy and others are not. Any advise on how to break down spots that really are good vs not?

What should we be looking for that time of year? If the water is cool, my guess is the fish will still be on weeds. If not warm, will the fish likely have moved to the rocks. These may be obvious but since I'm not an avid muskie fisherman I'm open to any advise or suggestions. As far as baits, bucktails, topwaters, or jerkbaits? Smaller baits if water is cool or bigger if not?

We will be fishing out of Wiley Point area and are usually pretty occupied with eyes and bass, but this year we'd like to focus more on skis.

Thanks for any advise, much appreciated.

[Thumpr50]

Well, I'm no expert but I can offer a little direction. Have fished LOTW for muskies the last several years and make at least one run each year up to Big Narrows. First week in July chance they could be still holding to some weeds; even with the late spring my bet would be them moving out to rocks. Used to go up for the opener-3rd saturday in June-switched to mid-July as weather is more stable and fish are easier to pattern. Do not fish much weeds now during the mid July timeframe. Rock points, saddle areas between islands and reefs with deep water close by are good bets. Fishing "yesterday's wind"-rock points, reefs & shorelines where the wind was blowing up on the previous day-can serve you well. As for baits, "must-haves" would include Topraider, black maribou mepps bucktail w/silver blade, double cowgirls/Bucher magnum tinsels or comparable double 10 tinsel bucktails in red/black, orange/black, orange/gold, chartruese. Bucher's "goldylocks" & "Elvis" (pearl white tinsel w/chartreuse blades) are two of my favorites. Black and white bucktails can do well also. Always good to have a couple Bulldawgs in the boat, also a few crank/twitchbaits for a change of pace and for a follow-up bait. Believers, Depth Raiders, Grandmas in firetiger, perch, walleye patterns are good. Be religious with your figure 8's, nicest fish I boated last year (47") appeared out of nowhere on the third turn of a figure 8 and took 4 more turns before she ate it-speed it up and go deeper with it if you can. good luck and hope you have some success!

[jake6767]

What r grandma and depth raiders?