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| jmac - the muskie nets are not out yet to my knowledge. The DNR put out nets on south spring on Sunday for northern pike. When they are done they will move them to north spring for muskies. Actually Spring had a lot of ice this year compared to others and as far as the weeds getting pretty bad, they haven't even started growing yet! The weeds are still what is left from last year and when they begin growing again it will get worse. I agree that this quicker than normal warm up may have put those fish into a funk. Everyone wanted warmer weather but warming up too quick looks like it might be a bad thing. My buddy that lives out there said there has been a lot of traffic since the warm up. He had a water temp of 47 yesterday afternoon on his dock already. I expect the pressure to really pick up this week. Good luck out there. I will be out there soon. |
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Posts: 1636
| Ed, I was out saturday with esox50, brandonshorle, and Thad H and I think we can all agree and say the weeds are pretty bad right now and should only get worse. We saw many fish sitting in the pockets in the weeds only to take off under them out of sight. Its pretty tough to use traditional muskie lures. We also found temps up to 48/50 degrees. Fish can be caught but it may be tough, but thats muskie fishing. Then again, it is pretty boring fishing that lake when the fish aren't active. |
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| Didn't the DNR treat the weeds a few years ago when they got out of control? Since it sounds like that is where it is headed again, maybe they will treat them this year. Hey Reel, I agree with you that it can get boring fishing out there when the fish aren't going but when they turn on it can be a blast. A couple years ago we had a 16 fish day there. Nothing over 40 but a lot of fun. |
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| Guys the report from Spring is the muskies have been very very slow. The water went from ice out on Saturday to a temp of 60 on Wednesday. This quick warm up has turned the fish off. It looks like the latest ice out bite isn't going to happen and soon it will be a post spawn bite. The DNR plan on having the nets in for muskies on Sunday or Monday. Bass fishing has been a little better with reports of a few bass up to five pounds this week. My buddy said there has been a lot of musky anglers out there this week and with the tourney on Saturday it will be busy. I think I'll wait a while before I make the drive downstate. Things should be heating up at Shelbyville and I hear Banner is good once it warms up too. |
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Posts: 1636
| Ed, don't you work at the bait shop down by spring lake? I think I talked to you last time in. |
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Posts: 284
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Ed,
Drive downstate .... ?? ~ don't you have to drive NORTH from MAPLETON to get to Spring Lake ??
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Posts: 108
Location: Crystal Lake,Illinois 60014 | Hey Ed, We saw the DNR on Sunday getting the Musky Nets ready on Spring N.
In your opinion from years past, what does this do to the fishing after netting?
I was thinking on taking my son down there for a few days on Spring Break, wondering if there is a general lull after netting is complete? |
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Posts: 405
| Brandyn I totally agree with you about that lake being a boring fishing if the fish arent active. I cant stand the constant 3-4 ft depth and really only using two lures I prefer lakes with all structures not just one |
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Posts: 108
Location: Crystal Lake,Illinois 60014 | Brandon, I can't agree more....I was drooling for breaks,edges,crests, spines.
I had fun out there for a few days but, Besides 2 baits and smaller fish,its drives ya crazy with 2-4 ft depths!
Trolling Lake Sule for a few days this week.
Bring on the thaw! |
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Posts: 1636
| Is Lake Sule open? As in, are the gates open? Thanks and good luck! |
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| Sule is open, gates and all!
I think the weather might throw plans for the next 2 days now....70-80% chance of storms and rain until friday....BUMMER!
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| Ejake - yes there is a lull after the nets are put in. Ususally it picks up after a couple weeks. If you come down and get bored take a tour of the hatchery down the road from Spring Lake if you have down time. Good luck |
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| The lull is over and the muskies are snapping. We have caught 14 in the last three days. The largest was 43. A lot of bass fishermen have been catching them and having bite offs. A lot of pressure on the water with a bass tourney this weekend. The bass have been going good too. The south end produced a documented ten pound release this week. Downsize those baits, have fun and release them quick. |
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Ed,
Please stop putting your tall tales on this message board. I live on the lake and muskie about everyday. The bite on this lake has been terrible all year. I fished Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday this week I have only seen 2 fish.
You are nuts !!! |
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Posts: 186
Location: West Chicago, IL | Will someone please tell me how anyone fishes that lake after April 1? I can't even keep my trolling motor from getting bogged down with weeds much less alone fish through that crap. |
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| Larry - Sorry you are having bad luck. We found that if you are fishing them with traditional musky gear it will be slow. Fish them like bass using thin leaders and certain baits in certain areas and the fish will eat.
Musky23 - Fish the edges of the weeds and find the edges of different depths and the fish will be there. If you are fishing in the shallow flats of weeds, it will be tough going. Try to find where the edges of weeds and slight dropoffs occur.
I probably won't get down there this weekend with the bass tourney on Saturday and Sunday. Hopefully these tips will help. |
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