Fish Report
Fall: November 10-16, 2025
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LAKE CONDITIONS: This period represents the final stage of open-water fishing for November, which is deep into the late-fall transition, often leading up to the first safe ice of the season. Water temperatures are typically at their lowest point before freezing, likely in the high 40s to low 50s. Fish are highly congregated, moving very slowly, and focused exclusively on major forage and preparing for the winter. This period requires extreme patience but can yield the biggest fish of the year.
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FISH REPORT:
Musky & Pike - EXCELLENT (The Final Big Bite): This is the final push for trophy musky until ice-fishing begins. The biggest fish are feeding aggressively, but their activity windows are short.
Location: Musky are almost entirely focused on deep structure. Look for main lake points, deep rock humps, and steep breaks dropping into the main basin (30–60+ feet). They will often suspend off these breaks.
Bait: Live Suckers - Now the dominant bait. Use the largest suckers you can find (12–18 inches) on heavy quick-strike rigs. This is a waiting game. Slow Artificials - Large glider baits, crankbaits, or deep-diving jerkbaits worked extremely slowly (stop-and-go retrieves with long pauses).
Technique: Dedicate time to vertical fishing with suckers over deep structure. When casting, slow your retrieve to a crawl; cold water means fish won't chase fast-moving baits.
Walleye - EXCELLENT (Targeting Deep Schools): Walleye fishing is stable and very productive for anglers willing to fish deep.
Location: Walleye schools are tight to the bottom on rock humps, break lines, and deep gravel/sand flats in 30 to 50+ feet.
Bait: Minnows are Essential - Tip heavier jigs (1/4 oz to 3/8 oz) with large fatheads or chubs. This provides the protein they are seeking. Blade Baits - Can sometimes trigger a reaction strike when jigged subtly near the bottom.
Technique: Use your electronics (sonar) to locate the schools and fish directly below the boat. Vertical jigging or "deadsticking" (holding the rod still) are the most effective presentations.
Smallmouth Bass - Good (Highly Concentrated): Largemouth fishing is slowing dramatically, but Smallmouth are highly catchable as they congregate before going completely dormant.
Location: Smallmouth are stacked up on deep rock piles and steep transitions in 25–40 feet of water.
Bait: Tubes, drop-shot rigs, and Ned rigs are effective. All must be tipped with small minnows or scented plastic.
Technique: Fish directly over the structure and keep your bait on or very near the bottom. Strikes will be subtle.
Panfish - (Crappie & Perch) - Excellent (Easy to Locate): Panfish are aggressively schooling up, making them easy targets once located.
Location: Crappie: Look for them suspended in large schools over deep, main-lake basins (40–60 feet). Perch: Tight to the deepest remaining green weeds or staging on deep, hard bottoms (20–40 feet).
Bait: Small jigs tipped with minnows (small crappie minnows or fatheads) or plastic tail baits.
Technique: Use electronics to find the schools. For suspended crappie, drop the bait right to the level the fish are showing on the screen.
Tips:
Bait: Availability of large musky suckers may become limited, so call bait shops ahead of time.
Extreme Cold Water Safety: Water temperatures are life-threatening. Always wear an approved PFD/Life Jacket (even if fishing from a large boat). Fish only with a partner.
Dressing: Insulated, waterproof clothing is mandatory. Cold rain, sleet, or wind can be brutal
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Best Catch Contest will Open again when the ice is ready!
Current Weather Data
Boulder Jct. Wisconsin
