Wisconsin Fishing Reports & Outdoor Report for July 17, 2014 for July 23, 2014

[Rick]

Cooler weather this week led to a drop in recreational activity on lakes and rivers across the state, which gave anglers more opportunities to be out and about fishing. Periodic rain showers continue to keep water levels above average summer levels, but major river systems have been dropping. The Mississippi River dropped 4 feet in the last week and slow-no-wake rules have been rescinded, but the river is still 4 feet above average at La Crosse. Increasing numbers of sandbars are now appearing on the lower Wisconsin River.Water levels on Lake Superior are up this year, causing some issues at boat launches and docks, and Lake Superior surface water temperatures are still a chilly 48 to 54 degrees. Some trollers out on Lake Superior have been getting near limits of lake trout. On Lake Michigan, chinook salmon fishing really started to take off over the past week along Door County, with anglers were having luck up and down the peninsula fishing. However, perch fishing has generally been slow with mostly smaller perch being caught and released. At southern Lake Michigan harbors, trollers have been scattered and have had varied success, with some chinook and mixed bags reported.

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