|
|
Posts: 122
Location: Bloomington, IL | Hi guys,
I'm starting to plan a fall Musky trip to N. WI. My inlaw's have a small place in Montreal, WI, so I will be looking to fish the Gile Flowage, Pine Lake, Island Lake, Moose Lake, and the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. (all in Iron County)
Fuel being what it is, I am only going to be able to afford one "Up North" trip this fall. So my goal in this trip is to really catch good numbers, and maybe a big mama, if I can. I am trying to time it when the big fatty fall feed is going on. My first thought is to try and get up there the weekend of Sept 13, and come back a few days after the Full moon, which is on Sept 15th.
So my question for you magnificent musky masters (flattery will get you everywhere, right???) is, is that time frame going to be too early to really be part of the fall bite, or is that timing ok?? If I would be better off going at at different time, when would that time be?
Thanks as always!!!
Scott |
|
| |
|
Posts: 133
Location: Lake Tomahawk, Musky Central, USA | Seems like it's always better when the buck rut is in full swing lol...and you can't be 2 places at once... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1996
Location: Pelican Lake/Three Lakes Chain | I think your timing is probably good, but you have to adjust your mental approach a bit. This is not, more than likely, going to be a "fall fatty" approach, more likely a late summer cool down. That is my favorite period of the year to fish, when fish come back out of the depths, get on structure, get stupid shallow, and chase topwaters like crazy.
Other traffic on the water should be very light, I think it is very good timing. |
|
| |
|
Posts: 4266
| Not too early at all. As soon as the evenings get cool and the water temps start to fall the fish activity picks up.
You have to factor in the effect that the late spring had. Find out how high the water temps actually got this year. Don't forget the impact of global warming, so you'll have a good chance of some summer-like days during that time slot.
Don't overthink it. The moon phase is good. Mid September is usually a good time of the season for me. I'd go. |
|
| |
|
| Nwild hit it dead on for that time of year....But if I was looking for the true fall musky fishing I would hold off until around the 2nd week in october all the way until ice up if your looking for the true fall fatties....The Turtle Flambeau heats up pretty good at that time of year too... |
|
| |
|
Posts: 2686
Location: Hayward, WI | I love that time of year. Fish are really going in the shallow water. You easily have an opportunity for multiple fish days at that time of year, and don't let anybody fool you. Though you might have a great chance at a real trophy in November, the big fish are coming shallow and eating this time of year too. I have seen some nice fish from the first late August cool down and later. Good luck.
curleytail |
|
| |
|
Posts: 122
Location: Bloomington, IL | WOW! Fast reply's!! I guess flattery does work, eh?? 
Ok, so........If I were to be going for increased action, but not necessarily a world record, then this time period is good, am I understanding that from you guys correctly? But for the fat mama's, later = better?
The only reason I am really focused on this weekend is its my birthday...and i would REALLY like to be up there on my birthday, successfully catching the lunge. haha |
|
| |
|
Posts: 18
Location: Northwoods | Hi, The Gile and the Turtle Flambeau will give you the peace and wilderness feel and a chance at a nice fish These are both good choices for early Sept. I too, like mid Oct, but the weather can be a crap shoot too. Bring your topwaters, I have luck with the orange and black tallywackers on both bodies of water . If you want action try Mercer lake, Mercer. Good luck, Joe |
|
| |
|
Posts: 122
Location: Bloomington, IL | Hey Joe! THanks for the tips!
Yeah, the Gile Flowage is definitely a nice lake. We were out fishing this spring, but only caught a few northern after 2 days. So the last day we went to Pine Lake (in search of a smaller, warmer lake, since the water was still very cold) and I caught 2 muskies in about 45 minutes, and had one go after the bait. I saw the wake, got too excited and yanked the bucktail out of the water!! I was pretty ticked at myself....lol 
Edited by scolba 7/31/2008 6:46 AM
|
|
| |
|
| I fish up there usually the 3rd week in SEPT. Seem to always have some action--Pine is a very good choice---I see lots of fish out there up to about 45 inch. Gile and TFF are absolutely beautiful. GOOD LUCK |
|
| |
|
Posts: 622
Location: Seymour, WI | Scott Kieper from Hayward just wrote and excellent article in MHM about fishing the fall cool down period. Sept is a very productive time of yr for both numbers and big fish.
|
|
| |
|
Posts: 910
Location: Hastings, mn, 55033 | Do you guys get much turnover happening in later Sept on those WI lakes? |
|
| |
|
Posts: 1916
Location: Greenfield, WI | The best time to go is when you can!
That time in September should be great. You are there before turn over, a good topwater bite should be an added bonus. There could be the start of Chamber of Commerce fall colors. You shouldn't have to worry about snow flakes and monster cold fronts.
As with NWild, it is my favorite time to fish. Tie down the weekend and bring up your grouse gun, I think that seasons opens about then. |
|
| |
