July 3 – July 17, 2023

Weeks 9 & 10 of the open water season.

Water temp: 68-72

Walleye

The past two weeks have been some of the toughest walleye fishing I have seen in years. Mayflies did nothing but shut the bite off for nearly two weeks. However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. The past few days we have seen a complete 180 degree turn in the walleye bite. The fish we used to mark and work hours for maybe one bite, are now eating. Limits of walleye are still tough as we are coming out of the mayfly hatches but they are doable now.

The best bite has been in 14-24′ of water in the sand. Using your electronics is huge this time of year. If you don’t mark fish, don’t fish the spot. We have been finding large pods of walleye on the main lake sand humps and flats. Graphing the edge of the humps to find what depth they are sitting on that day is paying off and is worth the extra time to do so. Pulling lindy rigs, slow death rigs, spinner rigs and jigs tipped with crawlers and leeches have been the go-to presentations. If you like casting and pitching baits, a jigging rap has been producing good numbers of fish as well. In the early morning and late evening hours, a slip bobber and leech is still producing some quality fish in 7-18′ of water.

We have also had success trolling crankbaits in 15-22′ of water on the sand to mud transition. This bite has produced a fair number of fish and will only pickup once we get closer to August and the lead core bite fires up.

Baits of choice in my boat: Lindy rigs, slow death rigs, spinner rigs, crankbaits, slip bobbers, and jigs

Bass

The bass fishing has been respectable the last two weeks. If the weather cooperates and stays warm and sunny the bass are feeding like usual. Targeting wind blown points with large boulders, boat docks, and isolated trees is the key. It is not uncommon to catch more than 5 bass on a single boulder or point if the conditions are right. Floating a slip bobber and leech over the top of these fish is a fantastic way to locate them. Top water baits are still producing good numbers of smallies in the early morning and late evening hours.

Baits of choice in my boat: top water baits, senkos, tubes, slip bobber and leech

Check back in next Monday (7/24) for next weeks fishing report!

Zach Hrvol

Fishing with Z Guide Service

(218) 404-9200