“In The Smiley Barn”
I-94 & Hwy 83 * Delafield, WI 53018
(262) 646-2218
www.dicksmithslivebait.com
Thursday, April 10, 2025
Water temperatures on the area lakes were reported to be in the Low to Mid 40’s. Warmer days ahead will raise the surface water temperatures. Mother Nature has not been on our side recently, but the long range forecast looks favorable ! This weekend looks great, especially with the Full Moon period.
The Rock River in Jefferson and Fort Atkinson has produced Walleyes, Saugers and a few Catfish. Anglers caught the most fish near deeper holes, while larger females were caught in shallow water seeking areas to spawn. A 3/8 oz to 3/4 oz. Hair Jig or Leadhead Jigs dressed with a minnow, or a 3” to 4” plastic tail such as a Moxy, Pulse R, Sauger Slayer or Paddletail produced. A stinger hook is highly recommended for those short bites. Shore anglers have done good using a Dick Smith Naked Three Way rig with either a streamer fly, floating jig, or #4 hook baited with a fathead, tuffy, or rosy red minnows. You will need a 3/4oz to 1oz Pencil Weight during this period. Blade Baits, Rippin Raps, and casting jig and plastic combos have also produced. Please release female walleyes loaded with eggs to spawn.
The Wisconsin River at the Dells, Prairie Du Sac and Nekoosa; Fox River at Depere; and the Mississippi have also been giving up walleyes.
It’s time to hit our local lakes for panfish! The key to catching panfish in the spring is to look for warmer water temperature along with emerging weeds. Prevailing winds will help determine which part of the lake to look for the warmest water. During warm, sunny days bluegills and crappies will move into shallow, dark bottomed bays, channels, and marsh areas in search of warm water and food. When panfish are in these shallow areas, use your trolling motor and make long casts. Afternoon and evening hours are the best times to fish when the water will be warmest.
Use a small Dick Smith 1/64th or 1/32nd ball head jig baited with a spike, wax worm, redworm, or small plastic tail for Bluegills. A black ant fly tipped with a wax worm also works excellent. Suspend these under a small bobber and make long casts for best results.
For Crappies, use a small fathead or rosy red baited on a #8 aberdeen hook suspended under a small pencil bobber or rocket bobber. Casting a 1/32oz jig with a #6 hook dressed with a small plastic tail such as the Dick Smith’s Panfish Grub, Bobby Garland Itty Bitty, Cubby Mini Mite Jig or Kalin’s Crappie Scrubs can also be effective.
Catch and Release Bass Season is now in effect. You can legally target Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, but only catch n’ release. The Bass should start cruising the shallows and relating to weed flats. Lipless Crankbaits, Suspending Jerkbaits, Spinner Baits, Chatter Baits and Swim Baits are the best options for early Spring Bass.
Anglers have been fishing the Lake Michigan harbors for brown trout. Casting a 3/8oz darter jig dressed with a 4” Gulp minnow or paddle tail was effective. Soaking a spawn sac or medium golden shiner minnow on a #8 Octopus hook suspended under a slip bobber worked as well. Casting Acme Cleos or Kastmasters can also produce.
The Root, Milwaukee, Menomonee, and Pike Rivers have produced a few steelhead. Soaking a spawn sac on a #8 Octopus Hook under a Raven float will produce, as will Bloop Beads, Raven Jigs, Wax Worms, and small spinners.
Please practice Selective Harvesting for the Future of Fishing.
Please visit the WI DNR website for rules on possession, bag, and minimum size limits.
Good Luck!
Mike & Becky Smith