|
|
Posts: 14
| I have alway enjoyed musky fishing in Northern Wisconsin but have never tried for them around my hometown. Since I am less than an hour from Shelbyville I am wanting to give it a go this fall, hopefully starting in a couple weeks after this hot weather moves out.
From what I have gathered, most of the fishing is done around Lithia and the dam. That is about as much as I know right now. I know the lake fairly well since I crappie fish and duck hunt on it.
Anyone have any info about certain lures/size/color that work well?
Thanks |
|
| |
|
Posts: 171
| Jeremy, you are correct about the south end being where the majority of people fish. For good reason. Not only are there a good amount of fish in that area, but all the "good" looking stuff is so close together. The great thing about Shelbyville and fishing the south end is you can pretty much get a good idea of what the fish are doing by fishing a few main lake points and the back of a few coves. Then you can explore and go as far north as you want and still have a shot at connecting with fish. The farthest North I have hooked a fish is Skull Cover, but I hear the rip rap farther north can have its time.
Myself and others have had success on a variety of colors. I have done best on Bluegill pattern lures for some odd reason. No specific reason why I started throwing Bluegill patterns on Shelbyville other than water color and the color selection I had in that particular lure. Thanks to the first fish I caught in that pattern I decided to have my other "Shelbyville-Baits" painted up by Custom X and Big Game Tackle. White works great in any lake.
I only throw a few baits to begin with, but here they are... Squirko (I never personally caught a fish on this lure in Shelbyville, but I did net a few), Double 10, medium SS Shad, 10" Kickin Minnow, Squirrely Super Stalker... That may be it for my experiences. I have yet to get as much of a follow on that lake with a 10 inch Jake. According to the locals and the GIANT, prehistoric fish Kevin Nash and Duane Landmier have pulled out of there, that is the bait to throw. They got the touch... I'm missing something, but those other lures - minus the Squirko - have treated me well. I think I only have about 30 fish personally out of the actual lake and I did get one Illinois giant (all casting in the fall), but luckily I have been able to pattern them well down there and the average size anyone catches seems to be in the 38-40 inch range during this time with a legit shot at a 44-45+... (windless areas and areas with no apparent signs of baitfish seem to be where I catch my fish there for some reason) The less clouds the better.
Good luck! Shelbyville is an extremely fun place to Muskie fish due to how tough it can be. Its a great challenge for ANY Muskie fisherman and I would highly suggest making a trip at least once... just be sure its mid September-November. That is the best time to avoid any possible frustration IMO. You will figure it out and catch some giant fish I have no doubts at all.
Edited by bshep 8/27/2013 6:50 PM
Attachments
----------------
 shelbyville1.jpg (140KB - 244 downloads)
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 171
| If you want to send me your email address I can show you some spots if you are interested. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 427
| what direction are you from shelbyville? chances are you have other waters close to you that are a little easier to fish then shelbyville |
|
| |
|
Posts: 14
| I am west of Shelbyville. What other waters are close? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 171
| I will put the E in Easy. All you gotta do is cast out a lure that looks like a fish and reel it in 
Shelbyville is awesome.
Edited by bshep 8/29/2013 8:07 AM
|
|
| |
|
Location: Illinois | You are lucky to live that close to Shelbyville. A hard lake, but one that will reward you with nice fish every once in awhile! Fish hard with cranks and bucks and you should stumble on some good spots. A way to learn how other people fish a body of water is to join a tournament- or to fish it on a day one is being held. There are two this fall Sep.21 and Oct.6 Water clarity is murky, so pack your bright lures. Good crappie lake, too.
The lake can be frustratingly tough, and it's size can be overwhelming. My advice is to study a map, and pick out 3 or 4 good looking coves, and learn those, from front to back, and back to front. Eliminate the rest for now. At the same time, you should give a little time to nearby main lake rip-rap, points, and mouths of coves.
The Spillway is also an option for winter casting should one be tempted. |
|
| |
|
| That lake has always been pretty good to me. A 9 inch chart/black dot weighted suick has been money casting and for some odd reason, a little ernie in crappie has been a great trolling bait. BR |
|
| |
|
Posts: 427
| I you are west of shelbyville there are several lakes just to your north that have muskie. Google illinois muskie lakes and see what you get. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 171
| www.illinoismuskies.com
Since he is less than an hour from Shelbyville, there really is nothing closer.
Edited by bshep 8/29/2013 9:33 PM
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 162
Location: Chicago, IL | Good luck out there, Jeremy. I agree with all that's been said above, but would add that when the lake is on.. it is ON! Multiple fish days are possible but you'll have to fight through slow periods of no-fish to get 'em. Another cool thing about throwing big musky baits in Shelbs is that you'll run into some nice 20"+ large mouth. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 14
| Appreciate all the help guys.
Has anyone had luck using topwaters? Seems like back in the coves with the calm water a topwater might work pretty well. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 162
Location: Chicago, IL | I haven't personally done well on top waters but I also mainly fish Shelbs in early spring and late fall when top water isn't real a main presentation (in my opinion). Did have one hit a top raider over 30 fow once though. |
|
| |
