northwestern WI musky hunting

[trimbelle22]

just wondering if anyone has been out much in northwestern wi lately? i have been hitting bone and deer with some success. boated a few nice fish on bone last week (biggest was 41"). i am thinking about trying middle eau claire in a few weekends. just wondering if anyone knows how they have been doing on that lake?

[mntraveler]

We've been out the last few weekends east of Hayward with some success. Got my personal best last weekend, a 43". The fish have been suprisingly shallow in green weeds but relating to deep water. As several posts have mentioned, PLEASE be careful with the fish in this hot weather/water.

[bonelach]

I've fished the area quite a a bit this year. Things aren't as good as 06' I have caught some nice fish, but they just seem harder to come by this year. Both Deer and Bone have been pretty slow all year.

[trimbelle22]

bonelach, do you every fish the upper st. croix for muskies? I know people do it and i want to try it but I dont want to waste my time fishing an area that doesnt have many muskies...

[bonelach]

I've been on the St. Croix just north of Taylors Falls a couple times. The first time we did nothing but smallie fish, which was a blast. The other time I did spend a couple hours chucking for muskies, but little results. Not to say that I can form any sort of an oppinion after just a couple hours, but I definately can't give you any pointers that would be useful. Let me know if you have any positive results

[MuskyBrian]

extreme NW Wi has given me Lots of numbers this year but little in size....entertaining nonetheless

[trimbelle22]

Brian, have you fished the Eau Claire chain or the St. Croix flowage very much? Or are you mostly fishing the lakes around Hayward? I know the Eau Claire chain is very deep and clear water, so it is probably a little more difficult to fish. Is the St. Croix flowage above the Gordon dam worth fishing or is it all weeds by now?

[MuskyBrian]

actually man, when I am up that way I fish 2 lakes even further north then that, about 20 mins south of Superior. They aren't hard to find, there'sonly a few of them and there are not very many lakes around there...Anyways, super easy fishing and very relaxing

[longhunter]

I have a cabin on the Eau Claire Chain for 40 Years. The preasure on this lake has increased more each year. It started great this year but has slowed to a crawl for late July and August. Tatics that have worked in the past are not working this year. I was up last week and 6 boats were trolling and 5 pitching baits. It is a lake where you can catch a real nice one but you better be willing to go a long time without seeing any fish. I live in St. Croix County I would stay in Bone and Deer if you want a better chance at getting a fish.

[trimbelle22]

thanks for the information guys, Brian I think I know one of the lakes you are talking about. Might have to give it a try...

[MuskyBrian]

my email is [email protected], I don't want to broadcast a small lake but I will be more then happy to answer any questions via email