Update 7/17/01

Walleye action is slow on the bay. My last three trips have turned up empty handed. Even my traditional, 'never fail' spots have come up dry. The lower bay bite has practically shut off completely. It's been tough to even get bit by a white perch. I suspect the 'eyes have moved out of the lower bay, following the baitfish. I have heard of some decent catches in the Fox River, which doesn't surprise me in the least. Due to some semi-recent heavy rains, the floodgates at the dam in Depere were opened, significantly increasing the current. This usually will pull the fish out of the lower bay. But I have not fished it in over a month, so I cant say for sure. But traditionally, the trolling bite in the river starts to turn on around the fourth of July. I will be participating in this weekend's MWC tournament out of Oconto, and the Fox is unfortunately out of bounds.

I have heard some decent catches out of Geano's reef. The Menominee River has been producing fish, especially at night. During the day, jigging the deeper structure has been good. Expect half of the MWC field, or more, to occupy the river this weekend. It has been the steadiest spot on the bay all year, and remains so.

I fished Door County over the extended weekend, and failed to get an 'eye. Known techniques and locations failed to produce a fish. So did my unorthodox techniques and locations. Same for my buddies and their buddies. These spots produce best in August and September.

Yellow perch proved difficult to keep off my line, all the way from Chaudoirs dock up to Little Sturgeon. I went through four dozen crawlers on Saturday, conserving as best I could.

Bass action remains steady. Fish are still on their beds in northern Door County and are vulnerable. Washington Island opened on the first of July, and annually produces six pound plus smallies. Find the reeds, tie on a tube jig, and prepare yourself. Practice catch and release!!! A fish of these proportions can take well over twelve years to achieve its size. Go eat a bluegill if you want some tablefare, leave the bass and walleye to swim another day!

And yes, the reports of a sixty inch, estimated sixty pound musky caught this year from the bay, are apparently verified. Of course, it was caught by a bass fisherman. It would be nice to see someone who actually puts in their time after these fish hook into one of the bay's trophies. Apparently the guy killed it. It seems he worked so long and hard at catching it that he felt justified in ending its life, accidental catch or not…….whatever. 

Next week, due to the MWC tourney, I'll have all the details on the walleye bite and will share all - most, anyway.

Be safe, be courteous, and please practice catch and release!!!

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