Memorial Day comes early this year, the only thing about spring that has shown up ahead of schedule this season. Historically the Memorial Day Weekend has been a kick off to summer, loaded with outdoor activities, picnics and time on or in the water. That remains to be seen about this weekend but a first look at the forecast shows the first stretch of warm weather is coming in and staying for a while.

The warm weather (temperatures are forecast for high 70s) will be welcome on several fronts, not the least is the for once things will seem to have moved fully toward more seasonal temperatures and that is certain to raise the spirits of all. On a more practical level, the warmer temperatures and sunny days will drive lake temperatures up to more normal levels.

Warmer water is the key to a lot of spring and summer activities, not the least is fishing. Fishing has been slow this month with many unproductive days and only a few, scattered days when it has all come together and fish have been active. This last week was no exception with only mixed results on walleyes and panfish.

A large part of the problem has been water temperatures that have been below average; that has simply put fish off. Crappies, which usually are very active in late May, have been staging off the shallows but showing little interest in moving in. The warm weather should change that and bring some good crappie action.

Walleyes also have been on-again, off-again but more usually off than on. As such it’s been difficult to see any pattern develop for them. We’re hoping some warm weather will even out lake temperatures and bring some predictability to it all.

Musky season opens this weekend for northern waters and musky anglers should find favorable conditions. Musky fishing has been improving on many lakes over the years, largely due to catch and release angling which has kept big fish alive and back in the lakes. This opener has the potential to be a good one with darker water lakes probably a better bet than the deeper, clear lakes that will still be on the cool side.

Bottom line is that this weekend looks like it holds the potential for very good weather for all outdoor activities.

The Outdoor Report is provided by the staff of Mel’s Trading Post in downtown Rhinelander.