Harborside Bait & Tackle Fishin' Report

fishin' report 1-20-12

2012-01-20T08:24:00.000-08:00

As of today, the ice in the harbor is not safe enough to walk on. If you think about it, one week ago it was 55 and sunny. Tues. and Wed. the 10th and 11th found Max and Jerry trolling out by the hill. They started looking for baitfish in about 70ft. of water, didn't find any, but did mark larger fish. They dropped a couple of spoons down to the bottom- what kind I will not disclose- and wound up with several nice Lakers which they released, and a couple of nice Browns. The second day they got more Browns than Lakers. Jerry told me the Lakers were really pale with not much color which started us wondering whether they just lay on the bottom this time of year- basically dormant until something swims past their face. I'm merely illustrating two things with this tale, first- not everybody is brave enough to troll in January and I think this is a great accomplishment, (especially for guys their age) and second- the ice isn't that old. This weekend it may be safe enough, but I'm not recommending it to anyone who calls here. The marina is solid enough for traffic if you want to mess with Northerns. I'm afraid the days of trout being caught in there with any regularity are behind us. Inland lake ice is safe for pedestrians according to all my reports. Be careful- no fish is worth dying for- Bob

fishin' report 1-9-12

2012-01-09T07:36:00.001-08:00

Holidays are over and there is still no ice to speak of in SE Wisconsin. Last weekend, (Jan 7th &8th) saw boaters still fishing the harbor. These die-hards have been doing quite well with Browns and Rainbows all winter. They usually average 3-5 fish per outing, sometimes more. That may not sound like a lot, but compared to how the shore fishermen have been doing it's a bonanza.
Nothing to tell about the inland lakes. Did hear on the news about a Pleasant Prairie resident who had to be rescued from the pond at Big Oakes Golf Course. Stay off the ice please. This week's temps will average around 30 with Thurs. being the first actual cold day (23). Personally I don't miss the nasty weather, but I'm sure there are those of you who are dying to get out on the ice. Let's wait a while so this statement doesn't become literal. Later, Bob.

fishin' report 12-27-11

2011-12-27T06:14:00.000-08:00

Boaters are still picking up fish in the Kenosha Harbor. Crankbaits such as Luckycrafts, or Rapalas, or knock offs of same have been the ticket. Some fish are coming on tube jigs, and also the gulp minnows (jigged). Not huge numbers, but enough to keep it interesting. There is no safe ice inland, and as far north as Oshkosh. So this is a way to fish without ice. Racine is doing about the same. A few fish here and there. You don't have to be out there at the crack of dawn, so give it a shot.--Bob

fishin' report 12-19-11

2011-12-19T07:12:00.000-08:00

When the weather isn't terrible, and the water isn't too dirty, people are catching fish with some regularity in the harbor. Windy miserable days keep fishermen in. As of yesterday there were still boaters willing to brave the weather for a shot at a nice Brown or Rainbow. None of these guys in boats have been getting skunked. They may not be getting limits of fish, but they are happy to catch a few. The best bait from shore has been the small white tube under a bobber. The best one from boats has been Luckycraft Pointers in both the 78 & 100 size. Some guys like Billy have been doing well with the Bass Pro knock-off version of the Luckycraft. This makes losing a bait to a dock, rock, or cable a lot easier to swallow than losing the full price version.
Today is in the 40's with not much wind. Seems perfect weather for die-hards to me. Get out there and give it hell. -Bob

fishin' report 12-9-11

2011-12-09T05:34:00.000-08:00

I've been MIA for about a week, but not much has changed, or happened to write about. The guys who were brave enough to venture out in their boats last week did catch fish. They were hovering in the vicinity of the bridge, and were doing best casting cranks. The majority of fish caught were Browns, but there were a few Rainbows. Luckycrafts were the ticket. Tube jigs also produced last week. From what I've heard this week has been a bust. Sunday is forecast to be 40 degrees so look for those boaters to be out there again. They walk the sanity line. I know Roy will be there if the ramp isn't frozen. Later- Bob

fishin' report 11-28-11

2011-11-28T08:51:00.000-08:00

Generally, if I don't update this blog for a while, it probably means that not much is going on here on the big lake. There have been scattered reports of scattered fish, but nothing to write home, or make a report about even. I had heard that Joey D. a young shorefishing legend here in town caught 5 fish in one night sometime around the 20th. This is unconfirmed however because I didn't get it first hand. The regs. Freddie, Billy, Randy and the other curmudgeons have not been doing that great for the last couple of weeks. At most they've gotten a fish here and there. The weather has been not exactly steady which may have played a factor. Many locals and Illinois boys fished on Thanksgiving morning, but I believe it was more in an attempt to get away than to fish determinedly.
As with most times here on the lake, you have to be there when they turn on. Many fish are being seen cruising, but that doesn't mean they are going to bite. And while we're on the subject of seeing fish, I've had reports of some Crusty Kings still swimming in the Pike along with a few Browns and Rainbows. Neither Browns nor Rainbows have made any kind of substantial run this year and we're running out of time.

My advice is the same old rhetoric: put in your time, try the old reliable small tube under a bobber, be there when the switch is thrown, and you may get some action.

I'm happy to see that Roy Kaye is back motoring his Ranger up and down the harbor corridor. Roy had to sit out most of the season due to a powerhead injury to his Mercury. We were all worried about him when he was absent this fall. Incidentally, on Saturday (the 26th) he lost 2 and caught one, so there are fish out there. Later, Bob

fishin' report 11-02-11

2011-11-02T09:08:00.000-07:00

Fishing has slowed to a crawl here on the harbor in Kenosha. There are some die-hards, and some late comers who are still trying for Kings, but I think the Kings are done. There are lots of Browns and Rainbows still around, and they can be seen swimming past wherever you are standing along the harbor walls. There are also fish in the creek as far up as Petrifying Springs, and several are still biting. I heard those who fished the Root have done exceptionally well this year. Yesterday seems like it was the last day for at least a week where temps will be good enough to venture west to the inland lakes. With fall winds, rain, and clouds the fishing doesn't look promising. I hate to think that ice fishing will be what we have to look forward to. Spawn, small white tubes with waxies, and Oslos- in that order seem to be the producers.
Hope for a warm snap! Later, Bob

Fishin' report 10-11-11

2011-10-11T07:09:00.000-07:00

Can't believe it's been so long since I've posted. Can't even catch my breath. Been tying spawn sacks until my hands ache. Not just me, Dave too. They have been flying out of here so fast we can't keep up. (O.K. mom too. She thinks she's faster than me. I guess some day we'll have to have a little contest.)
Fishing has been really good for those who use the right stuff. People have been coming in for weeks saying they have seen lots of fish being caught on our spawn sacks. For those who haven't been doing good, try to stop in and talk. We'll try to help. Crankbaits- like the glow green thunderstik have been good early morning and late evening. Have also seen the Bill Lewis rattletraps leaving the store. Also had to re-order the Luckycraft pointer 100 in the pearl AYU color. So those are the top cranks. Spoons- the one I've had to re-stock the most has been the Nickel Neon Blue 3/4 oz. Cleo. Second would of course be the Nickel Neon Green. Both of these metallics work well in sunshine, and that's what we've had plenty of. Also rans- glow 3/4 Cleos when it is cloudy, or in poor light conditions in orange, blue, or green. Haven't sold many Krocodiles this year. Don't know why. Usually the glo/green with the black dots is a big hit.
Kastmasters have been selling like crazy also, but I see nothing special about them. It could be that people like the distance they can achieve when throwing one of them. Again, in the metallic colors. Oslos? They were their good usual selves, but I haven't had a chance to replace them yet. Been too busy to put in an order. White was the color while it lasted. Then chartreuse followed by pink. Will work on getting more. Moonshines flew out of here at the beginning of the fall debacle, but have now slowed. Happy meal was number one, followed by agent orange, with a new just tried this year color- tangerine tiger bringing up the rear. Kind of a femmy name for a spoon, eh? It's almost like I can hear him introducing himself to the other spoons- "Hi fellas, I'm Tangerine Tiger". He speaks with a lisp. You have to add that yourself. Now put your hand on your hip. Nevermind.
Well that sums up the hot items from here. As far as it being over? I don't think so. The DNR just had their open house at the weir in Racine last Saturday, so there are plenty of fish still around.
Inland- Hit Delevan and Geneva and you will return with big pansfish.
I'm dying to get back out to Silver and throw some bucktails, but it probably won't happen.
Gotta run- Bob
P.S. if we're ever short with anyone here, it's because as much as we try to be cheerful we can only take hearing the same question a couple of thousand times before we want to scream. If someone is a true beginner and is having trouble I, and Dave as much of a hard-ass as he is, will make time to show him, or her the ropes. Because while we are showing them they will not try to tell us we're wrong. You can only teach those who want to be taught. There's a lady that came in here this year, early in the morning when I had time that had a ton of questions. She listened intently, did everything I said, had done a little homework so she already had the right gear, at the end of our talk she said I was, "awesome". So I must not be the A-hole everybody thinks I am. There are only two kinds that get my goat. They are what I refer to as- drive-by, or phone it in fishermen. Number one is the guy that calls and asks me 40 questions on the phone nearly to what color underwear the people who were catching fish had on. This guy wants water temp., clarity, a barometric pressure reading, wind speed and direction, blah,blah,blah. I only have so much info.. More along the lines of: if they're biting, on what, and what time of day is best. In the case of trolling, I can, for the most part tell you how deep they're getting them. That's all. No crystal ball. No magic bait shop owner pipeline. I will never say something is hot just to make a sale. I will also be the first to tell you to stay home if they have lockjaw. Dave and I believe honesty is priority one. We've both been bullshitted by bait shops in our travels. Who hasn't? Guy number two is the guy that calls, and before I can get the answer out of my mouth he's already answered what he asked me. No matter what I say- he has his own version. My response after he hangs up is: What the hell did you call for? You already know everything.
This place is so nuts this time of year, not that I'm complaining, that we get rattled with all the questions. So if we've wronged anyone, we apologize.

fishin' report 9-20-11

2011-09-20T05:33:00.000-07:00

THEY'RE HERE. Kings and Browns are now in the harbor and as of yesterday's opening of the creek by the city, in the Pike as well. This last weekend was a slaughterfest. Even rookies were catching fish. Today would be a good day to hit the creek if that is where you prefer to fish. The harbor was and is still very good. Top producers were spawn, Oslo spinners, Moonshine Spoons, and the longtime favorite 3/4 oz. Little Cleo in blue/silver, green/silver, and gold/orange. My Oslo supply is sparse, and the Cleos should be in toward the end of the week. It is impossible to keep the hot lure in the store right now. That about covers it-get out there and get yours.

Dave is heading to Delavan today, and our friend Leroy Linton is going to try to get to Geneva some time this week. I'll let you know how they do. Leroy has been very happy with Geneva the last 6wks. and has given up on Delavan. Because as we've talked about, the constant hammering of Delavan has resulted in smaller fish. Leroy is consistently getting 9's and often 10's on Geneva. That size equals a very powerful Bluegill. (in case you didn't already know that)--Later, Bob

fishin' report 8-22-11

2011-08-22T08:29:00.001-07:00

Things have been tough on the big pond. Struggling was the word for the past couple of weeks. Even though numbers have been down, it seems to me like the fish that have been coming in have been way above average. Many nice kings in the 20's. Vigansky and Reuter have been connecting with some real beauts. Jerry's best was a 24.6 monster, and Steve is exactly one pound behind him. Most guys, including the charter capt's are saying that the majority of these fish are males, but I am seeing way more eggs coming in the store this year, than last year when the fish were also predominantly male. Thanks to all who think of me when they have eggs.

Dare I even talk about perch? Perch fishing has been just plain half-assed this year. Inconsistent winds, inconsistent weather...blah...blah...same old story. There are guys that got them steady like: Mr. Fredrickson, and Gordy, and Bob Capoun, but for the average harbor fisherman the action has sucked. The three above mentioned hoodlums did pretty well all season off the jetties at Southport. Other diehards did pretty well off the rocks at the marina fishing both inside and outside. As of this morning one of these marina maniacs told me he is still getting them on minnows, and that they are "nice sized". I say maniacs because to fish these areas you take your life in your own hands. One false step on those rocks and it's bye bye fisherman. Think I'm full of it? Ask a guy named "Chinese Jack" how many hours he spent wedged between the rocks one summer. What I'm getting at is the fact that it would be nice if this bankrupt city could make more accessible areas along the waterfront for fisherman. Not just for disabled guys, who are really limited, but for able-bodied anglers as well. Have you seen the pier they made years ago at Kemper for the seniors and disabled? Not only is it 20ft. from the water, but it looks like a strong wind would blow it over if anyone was standing on it. When I see the nice fishing friendly waterfronts of towns like Port Washington, and Sheboygan, it makes me steam because Kenosha's could be just as nice if the city council saw the lake as a moneymaker like these other towns do. The Kenosha Charter Boat Association's selling point is that Kenosha is the number one fish catching port in the state. This is true, but only if you're in a boat. Well it looks like it happened again. Started talking about perch and got off on a rant about the lakefront.
Maybe I'll talk to the guys in the KSFCA and ask if they could get some cooperation from the city. After all, sportmens' clubs are what get conservation issues and ideas going, right?
Later, Bob
P.S. on a lighter note: made three trips to Delavan.

fishin' report 7-9-11

2011-08-09T07:48:00.001-07:00

Fishing has still been tough for the trolling crowd. Very few limits are coming in. Hawkeye is still doing as good as, if not better than everybody else while running Capt. Cliff's boat. Yesterday he had 15, with several nice Kings. Not bad for his first year as a pro.
Perch has been great in some spots while slow in others. Guys that were fishing both inside, and outside of the marina were cathing limits all last week. Harbor guys have not been doing well. Anglers that were fishing the old jetties off of Southport were also killing the perch. As of Sunday night I was down to nothing but medium roaches in the bait tank, and by 8:30 Mon. morning those were gone too. I was also cleaned out of all crabtails and my source was out as well. As of now we are re-stocked on everything.
Actually finally got out to Delavan. Killed 'em. Later- Bob

fishin' report 8-1-11

2011-08-01T08:04:00.000-07:00

FLASH- Five perch committed suicide today. The victims were seen being transported out of the marina in a wire-mesh basket owned by Scotty Haebig. When questioned Haebig admitted that several more tried to follow their friends in the death pact, but they some how didn't make it to the shore. He further stated that he will be going to the same spot tomorrow, just in case this freak occurrence happens again.
Many people have been connecting with perch the past several days. Undoubtedly the best spot has been in a boat fishing the jetties that protrude off the beach at Southport. People seem to be bypassing the bubbler entirely to fish the jetties instead. Some of the old-timers have also been getting fish off the south pier, but that bite is before most people are out of bed. It is actually done by 5:30a.m.
Delavan is still a slaughter-fest. Geneva has also been good for big gills lately.

Trolling has been tough. Some people think that we are now seeing the pre-dawn bite as in years past. Limits of fish are rare. Generally if you get over five-fish per outing you are doing well. Hawkeye has still been working from 70ft to 130, with about 110 being best. Some days the pre-dawn glow spoon pattern has worked, but some days it hasn't. He has still managed to take around 15 fish a day, so he must be doing something right. In case you don't remember, Hawkeye is generally a dodger/fly puller. He doesn't have as much trust in spoons- just a little something to keep in mind.
Will let you know if anything changes. Later- Bob

fishin' report 7-27-11

2011-07-27T06:42:00.000-07:00

Fishing has been tough the last couple of weeks to put it mildly. Charters have been having a hard time getting fish for their clients. Last week's record heat did not help anything. Many captains have been making runs to more than 250ft. of water. Still, they are only picking up a few stray fish. Today's storms seem to be followed with more for the next couple of days. If I hear of any changes I'll let you know.
Browns are now starting to be caught with some regularity in the harbor. Some regulars are leaving in the morning with two or three fish a piece. This is a big improvement from how it has been. The usual waxworm on a small tube is #1 producer. Lots of fish are being caught accidentally on perch plastics. Spoons are also starting to work.
Perch action is a coin toss. If you're there when they start to bite, you can eek out a limit. Lots of guys have been doing pretty well in the marina. I've been to the bubbler twice, and think the potential was there both times for a limit, but was either too early or too late. In other words, I caught fish both times, but then they stopped. Sometimes you have to wait for the school to come around again.
Did a night trip to Powers and got skunked. Threw topwaters in what seemed like perfect areas until my arm got sore, but went hitless for the night.
I think I'll take my brother to Delavan this weekend. I owe him a trip or two.-Later, Bob

fishin' report 7-13-11

2011-07-13T08:17:00.000-07:00

Today I would call unfishable. Even though die-hards like Steve Reuter went out there in rough seas. Other, more sensible club members like Steve Mueller decided to give it a rest. I know that last night on my way back from the bubbler i was fighting 3-4 footers and today was worse.
There was actually a guy that came in the store this morning with a flat bottom that was going to try to make it to the breakwater or even the marina. What do you say to a guy like that? I'll tell your wife you died happy? No fish, especially perch, is worth that. I'm all for going when you have the time available, but not to the point of becoming an anchor.
Fishing has been tough for even the pros these last few days since the high temps. of the weekend. Most guys were lucky to catch even a couple of fish.
My trip to Minocqua was a joke. I probably put in a total of 3 hrs. of actual fishing. Good thing there are Muskies in Silver Lake. I did find some panfish and some smallies to entertain my nephew/nieces.
Perch were biting for a couple of days before the winds switched to NE. They'll be back. Delavan ix still going strong. I plan on a trip out there today or at least this week.
Will let you know if anything changes. Later- Bob

fishin' report 6-24-11

2011-06-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

Hopefully this weekend will change things for the fishing in the harbor. It will be the first Saturday this spring for which rain is not in the forcast. Perch action has been slow to non-existant. Many regulars aren't even trying anymore. Still other veterans are convinced that it will materialize and is just a little late. I hope that is the case. Usually if you can't get them at the bubbler with bait, then it is not a good sign. I haven't been out myself yet. Just haven't had time. I am relying on old salts like Freddie for my info. No one can doubt his credibility, or perch prowess.
Browns have been showing up in the harbor the last few days, but have not been caught much. If you have an Alewife on a hook- you have a chance, otherwise they are not hungry.

Lake Geneva is giving up the usual Rock Bass Bonanza. Delavan has been steady all season for gills and crappies. Otherwise, not much is happening. Heard hooker was good for nice gills, but I get that report every year and usually it boils down to Kenosha Keepers. For those of you that are unfamiliar with that term, we're talking about 6&1/2 to 7&1/2 inchers which magically change from 8-9's when the fish story is told.
I will get out soon for perch because I have to run my boat before I take it up north the week of the fourth. So I will judge the existance of perch for myself. Good luck on your outing-Bob

fishin' report 6-16-11

2011-06-16T06:17:00.000-07:00

Well today's perch opener has so far been a bust. Dave stopped by on his way home, and said he didn't even have one bite. Not many people were out because of the threatening weather. Freddie was seen hoisting one out of the water in Capoun's boat by Eddie. So Eddie broke down and bought a dozen minnows and headed out. I will be curious to see how the boat guys did. There were only 2 trailers in the lot at about 6:30. Looks like rain and storms as far ahead as the weather channel shows except for tomorrow (Fri.). Not good for father's day cookouts.

Trolling- fish are deep and scattered. Again, the weather is playing a huge role. Probably a good time to start putting away the peanut flies and orange OO dodgers, and start pulling bigger set-ups. Some nice Kings being caught on just about every outing. Doc N. weighed a 71/2 lb. Laker earlier in the week that he got with Hank jr.

Inland- killing crappies on Delavan in about 8'. Also huge gills coming out of Geneva on our perch spinner rigs.
Will let you know if the perch are around. Bob

fishin' report 6-2-11

2011-06-09T06:05:00.000-07:00

It's been over a week since I last posted, but it's because there isn't really anything new to say. Fish have been scattered anywhere from 40ft. out to 120. Guys that are pulling big setups are taking some nice Kings close to 20lbs. Hawkeye caught a Coho last weekend that was around 12lbs. Obviously this was a 4yr. old fish, which according to the Honorable Mr. Hasenberg does happen occasionally. There have been times when even the pros have struggled lately while seeing huge schools of fish on their electronics. I guess they just have to wait until someone throws the switch. So far I have not heard of the fish changing over to the before light bite.

Smaller boat action- some days have been too rough to fish for perch off Waukegan. Many of those anglers have said that they think the spawn is nearly over. However, Mr. Wojnicz has been able to get out in rougher water, and has still been doing well. Not much news from the inland lakes other than the ever-producing Delavan.

The weather is so unpredictable that the fishing is also. This weekend is supposed to be dry, but cloudy and cool. I'm sure it will be accompanied by wind. Get out when you can- Bob

fishin' report 5-30-11

2011-05-30T06:36:00.001-07:00

This week actually had some fishable days. Wednesday was o.k., people were getting fish near the hill. (Aprox. 70 ft.), but most of the rest of the week was too rough/muddy to fish. Saturday Scottie and Steve M. got a few fish but quit early because of a bad GPS. They did weigh a laker, 6.6lbs, and a Coho, 4lbs. as of today these have been the only fish weighed all year. Several guys are fishing today, Hawkeye, Steve Mueller, Muskrat, and they may have fish to weigh at the end of the day. So far for the Harry Rash memorial I haven't seen many fish weighed. Tomorrow the weather will be bad again, but Wednesday looks decent so far. No guarantees.

Freddie and Eddie traveled to Delavan yesterday, but haven't heard any news yet. I'm sure they did good, though. I did get to Fremont on the 20th, and caught as many whitebass as I wanted to. It wasn't as crowded as I've seen it before, but there were at least 200 boats in the vicinity. They were all big males. So at least my skunk streak is broken. I'd like to try it again this week, but it's a 350 mi. round trip, and with the price of gas, I'm not sure it's worth it.

Will let you know if any more fish made the board at the end of today. -Bob

fishin' report 5-17-11

2011-05-17T05:22:00.000-07:00

Miserable weather has basically shut down fishing here on the big lake. Friday was the last good day. Mike W. aka Hawkeye got 14. Saturday was rain and wind. Sun. was rain and wind. Mon. wind and cold, and the same goes for today. Fish were out there in big numbers when it was last fishable. In close like they're supposed to be this time of year. Perch fishing has obviously been non-existent as well because of the weather. Here, the water is dirty out to 44ft. That report came from Minnie Al who actually ventured out this morning because he couldn't talk his customers into not going. He was here on dry land by 6:am, so they must have gotten enough of the bouncing early. Not much going on inland either. Will keep you posted-Bob

fishin' report 5-12-11

2011-05-12T03:31:00.000-07:00

They are finally getting fish on the big lake. Most guys actually ran into a couple of schools of Cohos over the weekend. Mostly south and inside, (around 40ft.). Some of the "less" professional of the group are still getting limits. Of course mostly Cohos, but also nice Kings are showing up. Some in the area of 20lbs. Basically everyone fishing inside 100 is catching fish.
Delavan is still going strong.
I will be trying to get to Fremont on the 19th, and possibly on the 26th, but the 26th may actually be the first trip. I only have a week to get my boat ready. That's all the news for now-Bob.

fishin' report 5-6-11

2011-05-06T06:23:00.000-07:00

In case you didn't hear it from all the other sites out there, the perch started biting this week in Waukegan. They're getting them in approx. 65ft. of water. Poor Tim Wojnicz has a lot of catching up to do. Eddie has gotten them a couple of times now, and Dave and Harley S. got them yesterday also. The lousy spring and rough water has really pushed everything back. This has been the first actual fishable week, and several days of it have been too windy.
That's the big news. I heard that the crappies on Powers weren't that big. Delavan of course has been good.
Trolling is lousy. Only one and sometimes no fish per outing. At first the capts. thought that maybe the Cohos had already traveled north despite the bad weather, but now the consensus is that they haven't really arrived yet.
As usual, I'll keep you posted. Until then if anyone has a phone number for honest reports from Fremont, I could use it. Thanks, Bob

fishin' report 5-2-11

2011-05-02T06:32:00.000-07:00

First, the results I promised from Friday. Trolling- Hawkeye and his pals got 6, but had to work for them. He is out there today, and as of this time (8:33) has zero. Powers- Freddie and Eddie did get crappies at Powers, but not real big ones. Mostly between 8&9 inchers, Eddie had a nice one on, but lost it at the side of the boat. They kept around 20 ea. Speaking of Eddie, he left his coolers on the porch, one of them with the fish he was going to clean the next day, and during the night they disappeared. He knew they were there as of about 1:30 am, so it must have happened some time after that. Not a lot of people fished over the weekend. Too much wind, and it really wasn't quite warm enough. That's all the news for now, Bob

fishin' report 4-29-11

2011-04-29T05:50:00.001-07:00

What's that big yellow thing in the sky? I don't recognize it either. Maybe my readers should get out there today if they can because tomorrow is back to the same old B.S.. The fishing has been...well it's hard to say because nobody has been fishing. The big lake has been super muddy, so the shoreline Coho action dried up. Perch? I think my good buddy Tim Wojnicz has been hurting. He has been putting a hell of an effort in trying to locate perch, but there has been no reason for them to leave the warmer water to the south. Supposedly the launch in Waukegan finally opened yesterday. No rush though because I think there were very few fishable days this month.
My trolling friends have been out a total of three times. The first time they gave up and actually jigged and threw cranks for Coho at the bubbler. (A good idea to try some time by the way) The second time they got 5 fish, and yesterday they got 2. They are out again today so I'll let you know how they did. The fish are no longer real close from what I've heard, of course the mud-line is out there about a mile and a half.
Freddie and Eddie are heading to Powers today for crappies. They usually are not far off the public launch in the tall weeds every year about this time. They should do OK. Delavan is still producing when it is fishable. Yesterday Bob Capoun battled wind, rain, sleet, and snow like a mailman and got fish. Do I really have to keep mentioning Delevan? Let's just say from now on you will always catch fish at Delavan.
Will let you know how all my scouts did. -Bob

fishin' report 4-20-11

2011-04-20T05:43:00.000-07:00

I stand corrected. Apparently, as of this weekend, there are still Steelhead in the Pike. The end is not here yet. However, I'm positive that with all the rain and snow this week it is too muddy to fish.-Bob

fishin' report 4-18-11

2011-04-18T06:36:00.000-07:00

Well from what the charter guys are telling me, this rough weather snap has shut down the fishing that was just starting. Cohos were gearing up but the muddy water and non-stop East winds have made the fishing impossible. So far the perch in Ill. are quiet also. Will give you a better report hopefully soon. May has to come eventually.--Bob

fishin' report 4-13-11

2011-04-14T05:00:00.000-07:00

From what we are hearing, the Steelhead run is about wound up for the season. It seems like it was fairly successful, however. Many people caught fish in Racine, and the Pike did pretty well also with most fish coming from inside Petrifying Springs Park. It is now Coho time for those of you who like salmon. This is the time of year to keep fish for the freezer if you want quality eating. Nothing beats 3+ lb. Cohos on the grill in some foil. Of course as usual there have been very few fish-able days this month. Several of my buddies did well yesterday, (the 13th) but the next week looks to be nasty. Keep an eye on the weather, and get out when you can. The fish have been close, (less than 30ft. of water) so even shore anglers have a shot. Inland- Delavan is producing phenomenally as usual. Many anglers are leaving with limits of mixed bag panfish. It amazes me that one piece of water can produce that consistently. I still am predicting it won't last forever. That about sums it up. I'm looking forward to the May opener. I would like to try Fremont in the middle to last part of May because I think with the lousy March and April we've had, the White Bass run will be late.--Bob

fishin' report 4-1-11

2011-04-01T06:41:00.000-07:00

They're still getting Rainbows in the Pike, Root, and the harbor. Best bets are spawn, small white tubes with waxies under a bobber, and spoons and Oslos. Oslo colors- green or yellow blades. Spoons- orange and gold, or something with red in it. Flyfishermen already know what patterns work this time of year, but if you're new- egg imitations, flesh flies, egg sucking leaches in either black or purple. Usually the brighter the better. Get out there and give it a shot before they're gone- Bob

fishin' report 3-22-11

2011-03-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

Wow, Jan. 24th eh? Well that's because there really wasn't anything to write about until now. Winter along the big lake's harbors was a bust. I have it through a fairly reliable source that there were only six fish weighed in Racine's winter trout tournament, out of approx. 450 holes in the ice. Kenosha's harbor was just plain poor all winter.

Today's rain, combined with Sunday's will undoubtedly bring lots of Rainbows up both the Pike and the Root.
Of course, this will fire up that age old dilema -rain brings fish, but also mud.

Hopefully by this weekend the water will have cleared up enough for all you sight fishermen to be able to see your quarry. There were a few fish starting to show up already last week in the creeks, and two weeks ago when we had that little warm snap, many of the old timers caught fish in the harbors. Our European friends have been doing well with both Oslos and crankbaits in the harbor, along with the tried and true sm. white tube with a waxie, and spawn under a bobber. White has been the best Oslo color. Best cranks have been the Luckycraft pearl ayu as always. Those Luckycrafts catch fish when other cranks won't. Will be updating more often now that things are starting to happen again.
Will be extending the store hours to the 5 am opening hopefully around the first of April.
In the meantime let's hope for a huge perch season, a good spring Coho run, and a long King run for next fall. Later, Bob

fishin' report 1-24-11

2011-01-24T09:39:00.000-08:00

Fishing is still slow, but some people are getting fish everyday, sometimes 2, or 3. Several people have broken off on really big Browns and Steelies. I've heard of a couple of Rainbows in the 12-15lb. range being caught lately. Same old stuff seems to be working- spawn, white tube with a waxie, and medium roaches.
County is miserably slow. People catching a few fish per outing, but most say it isn't worth the effort. I know of a couple guys that fished the Mississippi over this last cold snap, and although they got lots of fish, very few made the 8" mark. That's a long way to drive for that kind of action. Supposedly my polish friend Szymanski fished Ill. this last weekend, but I haven't gotten a report yet. I'm sure if he had done well he would have been in here talking it up. Sport shows are just around the corner, at least that's something to look forward to. Later- Bob

fishin' report 1-11-11

2011-01-11T09:51:00.000-08:00

They're getting fish today. And have been doing pretty well lately. Not everyday, but often enough to keep people interested. Most people are getting more than one fish per outing. Keep plugging, or jigging, as the case may be. Haven't heard much about the county. Heard Mark H. has been getting some fish at Delavan, had to do some sorting, but managed to get enough for a meal a few times. Don't forget the Lake Andrea Derby on the 29th of this month. $20.00 for all you can eat food, beer, and a shot at a car? How can you go wrong. Stoney's derby is on both Twins Feb. 12th. That one has been known to be a good time. I have tickets for both.
Sorry, just a quick update, Bob

fishin' report 1-01-11

2011-01-01T05:43:00.000-08:00

Please be careful if you venture out on the ice in the harbor. I don't really like it at all since the aerators have been in. If you still want to fish it, watch where the other guys go and stay closer to the launch than they do. Yesterday, (the 31st), I saw a pretty good crowd spread out from the launch to half way between the launch and the bridge. I think that it is pretty solid through there. However, a couple of weeks ago there were guys on the ice less than 10ft. from the open water where Matzur's docks start. There's a word for that......I think stupidity is the one I'm looking for. The fish swim around. I know guys that do just as good right where the first docks from the launch start. Having taken a cold bath last year, I can say it is exhilarating, but scary. You start to wonder if you're going to make it in, if you know what I mean. Then you start to wonder if you don't make it.... which way you'll be heading afterwards. I think of myself as basically a good guy, but am I good enough to make the big league? Not exactly what you want to be thinking about while you're trying to claw your way back to safety.

The bite has been poor, period. The county lakes have been inconsistent also. I heard they were getting nice fish at Delavan, but had to hop around quite a bit. Speaking of Delavan, if someone knows the real deal on the parking out there give me a call. I hear all kinds of rumors about being able to pay to park at the Marina near the south end, but don't know for sure. I heard years ago they would let people park at Lake Lawn Lodge, but also heard that is a thing of the past.
I'd like to try Eagle Lake this year. First, to see if there are keep able gills out there, (size limit on panfish is 8") and second, I'm just curious to see what kind of comeback it is making. It's worth a shot.
If I was going out for Salmon or Trout, I'd try either Racine, (more area, better ice) or the South Marina here in town. Sitting on the docks is easier, (SAFER) fishing.
Happy New Year, Bob

fishin' report 12-19-10

2010-12-19T06:03:00.000-08:00

FYI had varying hrs. that we were open the last couple of weeks due to another back surgery.

Should be open regularly from now on. 6:am till noon- Tues., Wed., Thurs.,
6:am till 5pm- Fri., Sat.
6:am till 4pm- Sun.
They have been getting a couple of fish through the ice the last few days.

The weather has been tolerable. Might as well give it a shot if your holiday chores are done.
Take care, Bob

fishin' report 12-6-10

2010-12-06T12:33:00.000-08:00

There were several fish caught over the weekend. Especially on Saturday. Mostly Browns, but some Rainbows came in as well. Spinners-(oslos) were disappearing all day, so that must have been the hot bait. Running a close second were the small white tube with a waxie under a slip bobber. Not much new there. That's all the news, Bob.

fishin' report 11-30-10

2010-11-30T07:03:00.000-08:00

I haven't updated this thing in over a month. There just hasn't been anything to write about. The harbor has been a joke. All my sources tell me it's full of fish, but they can't get them to bite. I think the guys with the small boats that cast plugs, and vertical jig have caught some fish. Typically, those guys could probably do better if they drifted a small tube under a bobber as they casted, but they won't do it. I don't blame them. Bobber fishing is almost as dull as stand hunting for deer in this state.
I think the inland guys are finally done now. Eddie P. did get out a couple of times this month when we had those freaky 65+ degree days. I heard he and the rest were getting a mixed bag of Crappies and Gills in the deepest part of Delavan.
Last year at this time our European friends were slaughtering the Rainbows, but that just goes to show how much the lake changes from season to season. As of now we really have not had any significant precipitation. If this fall would have been wetter, I'm sure it would have been more productive.

So now we wait for ice both on the harbor, and on our inland haunts to provide some action.
I plan to ice fish more this year because my good buddy Syzmanski has purchased a quad.
I hate to buy an Ill. license at this time of year, but if I hear of fast action on the chain I will.
Will write when there's something to say......have a good holiday season.--Bob

fishin' report 10-24-10

2010-10-24T03:47:00.000-07:00

This rain might be the last push for the Kings. Not that there was ever a good one before now. To say this was a slow year is an understatement. However, lots of people caught fish. And some of them were rookies. Several new people got turned to the Oslos this year.
Sometimes I think it's over, and then I'll get a rush on a certain lure, which means, someone must have connected. I'd say the creek was a bust this year with the low water, as well as the Root, but then I get a rush on a certain colored fly, which again, shows otherwise.

In summary I'd say you just had to be there when the fish bit. There were lots of fish in the harbor at least, all season, if not the creek. In fact there still are at the moment. And there are still Rainbows around and Browns. Last year the Rainbows were being caught by the ton until the ice went on.

The last couple of weeks have not been conducive to going to Delavan, but I'll check with Eddie to see if the gills are still biting. I know the last time he went, around the 15th, they still got 'em.

Although most sportsmen's thoughts are turning to hunting, many are still fishing and doing well.
Steve Reuter hasn't put his boat away yet, and he may not. Mike Williams finally pulled his out this last week, and has been long- faced ever since.

If I hear of any Walleye runs, or White Bass runs I'll pass it along. This time of year is often as good for those fish as it is in the spring. Later- Bob

fishin' report 10-12-10

2010-10-12T08:18:00.000-07:00

What can I say? The fishing has been slow the last couple of weeks to say the least. We have been plagued with high temps, high skies, and dry air. WE NEED RAIN. The temps should be at least 10 degrees cooler than they have been for this time of year.
There are people getting fish, but nowhere near as many are being caught as should be at this time.
Spawn seems to be the go to bait. There are still some fish coming in the evenings on crankbaits like the glow-green thunderstik. Personally, I like the look of the new Reefrunner colors that are out right now. They look like they could do the trick when all else fails. Not many people use them which makes them more appealing.
Rainbows haven't really started yet.
Browns have been being caught consistently, and are now moving to their small tube under a bobber routine.

Inland- as unbelievable as it may seem, the Bluegills are still hitting on Delavan. They are now very deep, (42 ft.) but still hungry.
Geneva- most of what I've heard is that Geneva has not been producing as it should be either. There have been rumors of big gills deep (40+), but I haven't been able to substatiate this.

Hang in there. We still have the Rainbows to look forward to. There were plenty of fish at the Racine Steelhead Facility for their open house last Saturday, so I'm going to remain optimistic as to the end not being here yet. Later- Bob

fishin' report 9-26-10

2010-09-26T11:06:00.000-07:00

For all my friends that are waiting for the Salmon report....Here goes.

The rain we received again this week was slight to say the least.

Big storms that were supposed to hit....didn't.
The West winds and the little rain we did get managed to open the creek (Pike) enough to let the fish up it. Actually a few of our Central European friends shoveled it open last weekend, but it only lasted for a day or two. At this time, it has been open since Friday, and is still open today (Sunday). So I'm sure there are enough Kings in there to play with if that is your game.
Fishing in the harbor has been great at times, and lousy at times. If you happen to be there when they turn on, you can get them on just about everything. Again, for those of you that are newcomers we're talking about: Oslos-inline spinners with rubber skirts with different colored bodies and blades that plain kill the Salmonids, Cleos- one of the original casting spoons that come in different weights and colors most popular of which this time of year are glows and metallics in 3/4oz., K.O. wobblers available in the same colors as the Cleos, but with a different profile which gives them a different action in the water that- sometimes makes all the difference in the world, Krocodiles- another casting spoon that is heavy with a longer thinner profile (longer casting) that is available in more glow colors than the rest, Kastmasters- another heavy/thin spoon that is an old standby, Blue Fox Spinners- large sinners in blow colors with dressed hooks, Moonshine spoons- heavy, and glow like a flashlight, Rattletraps- a great water covering lipless crankbait that gets the fish's attention, Thunderstiks- made by Storm- long stickbaits that are available in every depth and some great glow and firetiger colors, Rapalas- old reliable- if you don't know what these are...I can't help you, and our own hand-tied spawn sacks- a mixture of trout and salmon eggs that we cure and tie in little mesh bags that you can impale on a hook available in pink, green and orange. Others that merit mention- Play doh, we carry it. People say it really works. I have never used it, but that doesn't mean it doesn't work. And last but not least, Luckycraft crankbaits- very good colors, very good action, catch lots of fish, but at a price tag of $20.00 (average) I have to say they don't really fly out of the store. But those that don't mind spending money on them swear they are the best for fish in the harbor.

Well, I meant to keep this short, but as usual it got away from me.
Inland- not much happening, most Delevan fishermen are waiting for the crappies to start biting. Haven't heard about Silver yet, but being a Muskie fisherman, I'd like to get out there and cast bucktails on the flats. Geneva- heard they're getting gills in deep water (30+).
That's it for now.