Outdoor Report: Weather cooled outdoor activity but warm up is on the way
Cool weather in the past week has brought a feel of fall to July; early mornings have reminded us of September. That will change this week as warmer weather is on the way. Which is good news for all.
The water temperatures on all lakes dropped in the past seven days and fish activity slowed as a result. Other water-related activities, swimming and boating come to mind, had less appeal as well. But all that is due to change as the warming trend ahead will bring water temps back up and make all outdoor activities more enjoyable.
Looking at the forecast, we’re liking the initial look at the early part of the week for fishing as temperatures will rise and some cloud cover will move in. That may not do much for swimmers or boaters but fishing should improve. Keep in mind that some late afternoon storms can come in hard and fast so use caution and keep an eye on the weather, good advice for on-water or off-water both.
Heavy cloud cover and high humidity on summer days often brings with it a good opportunity for musky anglers. Bigger fish are often active in those conditions, especially when winds are from the south and west. In short, conditions the forecast calls for starting Sunday and into early next week.
If the forecast holds true musky anglers may see fish on those days throughout the day. Typically, top-water lures do well on those days as do lures that run at shallow to moderate depths. Weedy areas are always the place to start on summer days and we’d find those places and fish there. If fish don’t show in 15 minutes or so, its best to move on.
Walleyes and bass are in their summer patterns; deeper weedy areas that border sand or gravel for walleyes and similar for smallmouth. Largemouth bass will locate in different areas depending on the lake type. While shallower water and weeds will hold largemouth on many lakes other, deeper lakes may see them in 25 feet or water or more. Location, as with all fishing, is the key and it pays to check different areas. All lakes are not equal and what works on one may not do so on another.
Fishermen should find better conditions in the upcoming week and the rising temperatures should bring good opportunities for all outdoor enthusiasts.
The Outdoor Report is provided by the staff of Mel’s Trading Post in downtown Rhinelander.
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