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| I don't fish any musky lakes that have rock but I am planning on it this year. Why do musky leave the weeds for rock structure later in the summer or do they? Are the weeds still healthy? |
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| Todd, you are talking about my favorite spot in the whole world to find those fish that will bite. There is indeed something almost magical about those weed to rock transitions. They are always worth a look in the Spring, Summer or Fall. Worth starting and staying around in the Summer however. If you can find those spots where the green weeds meet clean rocks you will have found a place where the fish will be. Just keep checking these spots and you will meet those Muskies there. Typically these areas are relatively deep on the weed edge. So the fish will not always be there. Sometimes the fish are shallow. However the fish will be in the area somewhere. Find these areas if you can, establish what the fish are doing that particular day. Then fish the areas around the weed to rock transition that matches the days pattern. Sounds easy huh? They are still Muskies so the easy part is out. As you can tell I LIKE THOSE ROCKS. Did I tell you that I like to fish on the rocks? I wonder if Muskies ever feed on the rocks? Maybe I will try the rocks near the weeds next year to see if those fish are around. My favorite spot, bet you couldn't tell.[:devil:] |
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| ToddM,
I also am a BIG fan of weed to rock or weed to hard bottom transitions. I look for exactly that on a weedline that is mostly marl, and if I find a 'rock pile' or gravel area, I have a spot on the spot for certain. Many times, that condition also creates an inside turn, and a nice pocket in the outside edge of the weeds.
I don't think it is cooincidence that M1 and I key on these areas, and both of us are very serious jig fishermen. A jig is a PERFECT search tool to find areas like this even if only a few feet or yards wide, as one can literally feel the harder bottom with the jig.
And Walleyes?? They WILL be there, during any time of the year when the water temps allow. Smallmouth, too. AND crappies, after the spawn. |
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| Todd, I have no idea why muskies are on the rocks, all I know is that they are.
I have one theory that is very simple.
First off like the weeds, the rocks contain food for the muskies but my theory is that the reason the fish can be caught on the rocks when they can't on the weeds is fishing pressure.
Many musky fisherman that I know do not or will not fish rocks. Some guys think that the only place that muskies hang out are on weeds. Think about the first time you ever caught a musky, I'd be willing to bet it was in or near the weeds. Then as you progressed as an angler you decided to check out the rocks.
Every year I catch as many fish on the rocks as I do on the weeds, maybe even more! God bless. |
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Posts: 212
Location: Madison, WI | I started fishing rocks on Eagle lake in Canada with guidance from Herbie. I apply that pattern to all seasons. Early Spring and late fall, muskies will be on rocks resting. These spots tend to warm faster and help them digest food so they can go on to the next feed. During the summer, I find that rocks tend to be a transitional place for muskies on the move. Basically, a rest area between their ranges. It is really hard to pass up a good rocky area in any season. |
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Posts: 389
Location: Presque Isle Wisconsin | The type of forage base has a lot to do with Skis transitioning from weeds to rocks on certain types of lakes ie; cisco or shad forage base lakes. The weeds on these types of lakes may be a minor factor at best as this type of forage will prefer the open water and relate to deeper rocks etc.
Seasonal movements from weed to rock can occur because of other factors also such as weed condition from year to year and a general tendency for baitfish to move offshore as the water warms.
Its also safe to say that some muskies will relate to and prefer either weeds or rocks almost exclusively if both are present on a particular lake.Many times the larger fish will be the rock related fish, at least in my experience ,in my area. HC "Howie" Meyer Seven Islnds Guide service Presque Isle Wis. |
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Posts: 229
| Pick up a copy of the latest Musky Hunter Magazine. It has a good article on Rock fishing.
ANdy
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Posts: 132
Location: Kawarthas, Ontario | There is no question that transition are key holding areas. But why muskies hold to rock is an interesting question. Here is a personal opinion and observatios, and I'm sure it will generate some thought and debate. (Aside from the usual baitfish discussions.)
We know that fish are affected by temperature. But so are many mammals and reptiles. Why do cats, groundhogs, and reptiles like to lay on the black asphalt in the cooler weather and "sun themselves"? Because the black asphalt heats up and retains the heat. I believe that in the fall, the rocks absorb and hold the sun's heat, delivering that heat back into the water as the sun drops down. Similarly, in the wee morning hours, those rocks conduct heat into the water as they begin to warm. While I've never run around to take temperature readings and prove my theory, I'll bet there is a temperature variance between a rocky area versus a mud or sand area. Frequently, I've caught muskies (and some large ones too) in shallow rocky areas that were devoid of baitfish. So why are they there? I believe it is the warmth that attracts them... either to aid in digestions or to perhaps nurture egg development. There certainly is no end to the scientific theories that might come from this.
No matter what the reason, those rocks and transition zones are hot in the fall, and late summer. If you pass them by, you're passing up a huge opportunity to put some extra fish in the boat.
Steve Wickens |
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