Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | I've fished the Goon several times before the opener (about 20). it's a late Spring up there this year, so things may be a couple weeks behind calendar averages.
Main lake North shore:
I found the big Pike in the current beak areas literally in 1 to 2' of water many trips. Find the warmest water in the bay mid day and fish from that area to the bay mouth. Shorelines from the Golf Course to the western arm, fishing the inside edges of the weeds between that edge and the bank.
The Larson bay area fishes like a different lake once you enter the bay. Points, saddles between points and islands, and backs of the bays. Not much current to track or worry about.
The complex of islands and reefs as you enter Contac can be really good that time of the year.
Main Lake South shore: Reef/Island/Rock/weeds complexes. Backs of the bays with good weeds, only a few there between Contac and Daunias. Daunias is an interesting deal...lots of reed/cabbage edges to hit. I would concentrate on the slack water so fish the calmer shores; the sun warms the water fast in shallow in the afternoon on sunny days. North wind, North Shore, South, South shore, West, Western Arm and the shoreline between the Western arm and Larson. Anderson Island needs to be fished every day if you are on that end of the lake, and so does the golf course to the Govt. Dock winds permitting.
If muskies are in season, fishing the areas I described you'll find 'em. There's LOTS more, so take the info and transcribe it to Wildcat, further into Contac, Butler, etc and you should do well.
I like spinnerbaits if the weeds are up. Bucktails are fine if you can get 'em through the stuff. Some topwater if water temps are up into the upper 50's or more. Twitching 5" cranks can be a blast, as you will catch some stellar walleyes doing that as well.
Enjoy the Goon, fish slower and more thoroughly than you might be used to, and idle when out of the marked areas close to shore...trimmed up.
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