Water temperatures drop as harvest continues
After several days of harsh winds and subprime conditions the weather finally broke for the weekend as a small army of fishermen resumed their activities on the Wolf River.
Observations
Anglers were met with relatively stable river levels at New London last week, with the most significant observation being the change in water temperatures. The water temperature fell over 12 degrees in six days triggering a major movement of frogs, baitfish and subsequently predators such as the walleye.
Previously for six weeks strait on the Wolf crappie and smallmouth bass anglers had dominated the boat landings in and around New London however walleye fishermen were also quietly doing well amongst the others. Limits of walleye were common, yet few anglers targeted toothy fish in the fair weather weeks of September and early October.
Now that the water temperature is below 50 degrees more anglers are switching their tactics in search for walleye.
Current breaks close to shore can be prime locations right now for hungry walleye. This time of year frogs and many other aquatic critters nestle into bottom as winter approaches. Naturally walleye take every advantage of this food source as they lurk near the leaf covered river bottom.
Bait selections
Passive jigging and or drag methods are effective with a variety of bait dressings in this pre-winter period. Wolf River Rigs tied with short lead lines and soft body floaters also work well. A shiner minnow or fathead is the preferred bait by most cold water anglers right now; however a few fishermen are still using up their leftover crawlers and catching fish.
For those of you who are Berkley Gulp followers "Good Luck" let me know how you do. Although I am a live bait confidant, I am currently trying to find out if anyone has Gulp "Baby Leach" or Gulp "Frog", if they do, I'll be buying some by the end of the week. And "Yes, honey that means more field testing."
Prime times
The summer slump is over. Put traditional catch times such as early morning and evening in the backdrop of your mind and fish whenever time allows. This time of year fish are feeding almost constantly and you'll be surprised at the noontime catch as you bask in the fall sunlight.
Dress accordingly
Dressing for fall fishing is more difficult than gearing up for the ice season because temperatures can change 30-40 degrees within hours. Dress in layers and be prepared to put on and take off your sweatshirt six times a day if you're on the water. A protective wind breaker is a great friend in the boat this time of year. I also like to keep a fleece neck warmer in my pocket as well as two pair of lightweight gloves. Usually after a couple hours of fishing one pair of gloves becomes damp and the back-up dry pair sure does come in handy for the cold boat ride home.
Final voyage
Docks, rafts and fishing piers must be removed from the Wolf River by Oct. 31. For many of us our boats will also be taken out and winterized sometime within the next month. Try to use up any old gas and if you do fill up for those final fishing trips, use ethanol free gasoline. The extra money is worth the investment as more and more studies show that ethanol is hard on recreational motors. I also recommend using a fuel treatment stabilizer at the end of the year.
Keep your line fresh and your hooks sharp. God Bless and best fishes!
John Faucher is a freelance outdoor writer, born and raised in New London, WI. He has plied the waters of the Wolf River for over 30 years and served in the local bait shop at Riverside Park for over 20 years. He is a 1997 graduate of the UW-Stevens Point. He can be reached at rustyhook0007@yahoo.com.
Observations
Anglers were met with relatively stable river levels at New London last week, with the most significant observation being the change in water temperatures. The water temperature fell over 12 degrees in six days triggering a major movement of frogs, baitfish and subsequently predators such as the walleye.
Previously for six weeks strait on the Wolf crappie and smallmouth bass anglers had dominated the boat landings in and around New London however walleye fishermen were also quietly doing well amongst the others. Limits of walleye were common, yet few anglers targeted toothy fish in the fair weather weeks of September and early October.
Now that the water temperature is below 50 degrees more anglers are switching their tactics in search for walleye.
Current breaks close to shore can be prime locations right now for hungry walleye. This time of year frogs and many other aquatic critters nestle into bottom as winter approaches. Naturally walleye take every advantage of this food source as they lurk near the leaf covered river bottom.
Bait selections
Passive jigging and or drag methods are effective with a variety of bait dressings in this pre-winter period. Wolf River Rigs tied with short lead lines and soft body floaters also work well. A shiner minnow or fathead is the preferred bait by most cold water anglers right now; however a few fishermen are still using up their leftover crawlers and catching fish.
For those of you who are Berkley Gulp followers "Good Luck" let me know how you do. Although I am a live bait confidant, I am currently trying to find out if anyone has Gulp "Baby Leach" or Gulp "Frog", if they do, I'll be buying some by the end of the week. And "Yes, honey that means more field testing."
Prime times
The summer slump is over. Put traditional catch times such as early morning and evening in the backdrop of your mind and fish whenever time allows. This time of year fish are feeding almost constantly and you'll be surprised at the noontime catch as you bask in the fall sunlight.
Dress accordingly
Dressing for fall fishing is more difficult than gearing up for the ice season because temperatures can change 30-40 degrees within hours. Dress in layers and be prepared to put on and take off your sweatshirt six times a day if you're on the water. A protective wind breaker is a great friend in the boat this time of year. I also like to keep a fleece neck warmer in my pocket as well as two pair of lightweight gloves. Usually after a couple hours of fishing one pair of gloves becomes damp and the back-up dry pair sure does come in handy for the cold boat ride home.
Final voyage
Docks, rafts and fishing piers must be removed from the Wolf River by Oct. 31. For many of us our boats will also be taken out and winterized sometime within the next month. Try to use up any old gas and if you do fill up for those final fishing trips, use ethanol free gasoline. The extra money is worth the investment as more and more studies show that ethanol is hard on recreational motors. I also recommend using a fuel treatment stabilizer at the end of the year.
Keep your line fresh and your hooks sharp. God Bless and best fishes!
John Faucher is a freelance outdoor writer, born and raised in New London, WI. He has plied the waters of the Wolf River for over 30 years and served in the local bait shop at Riverside Park for over 20 years. He is a 1997 graduate of the UW-Stevens Point. He can be reached at rustyhook0007@yahoo.com.
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