Well, Willard was nice to me earlier in the year. I haven't posted in while and have read the less than "great" dirty water reports from Willard. I am heading out with the in laws on Saturday to try some Wiper action. I smell a skunk coming. Any tips would be appreciated.
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If you have caught wipers before then use the same lures. The areas that has been producing lately are along the North dike for trollers and the inlet channel of the South marina, for shore fishermen. I have also heard of a few being caught along the East shore by the freeway. I hope this helps but you could get more information by clicking on search above and typing in Willard. Good luck and let me know if you have any other questions. WH2
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[cool][#0000ff]That is not being very positive. You need to say "I am positive I am going to be skunked."[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Seriously, Willard should be prime fishing for the next month...or longer...regardless of the murky conditions. And, if you can time your trip to follow a few calm days the clarity should improve. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]You did not mention how you would be fishing...boat, bank, tube or whatever. But, I am guessing that you will be trolling. If that is the case, and the water is still murky, you need to move slower than you would in the warmer waters of summer and use lures with a lot of visibility...fire tiger or other colors with contrast that can be seen in stained water. Lures with rattles are also good for helping the fish find your lure better. [/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Slow trolling plastics with active tails can often be productive too...especially if you can get them down near the bottom. A better chance of picking up a walleye. They start turning on when the water cools in the fall. And, a white tube jig with a piece of crawler bounced along the bottom can be deadly.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]If you find an area where there are fish, but you are not getting bit, shut off the engine and cast jigs. You can work jigs slowly enough to get bites when the fish cannot see well enough to chase lures that are being trolled too fast.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]At this time last year, there were several "regulars" who caught lots of wipers along the north dike by wading and casting either big white tube jigs or white spinnerbaits when the fish were active. They caught fish in fairly shallow water, later in the day, when the fish seemed to be looking for a bit of warmth after a sunny day.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]The point is that there are plenty of fish in there. If you can find them you just have to figure out how to get them to bite. That sometimes takes some creative approaches, but you definitely have to use different lures and techniques than you do in midsummer.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Good luck...and be more positive.[/#0000ff]
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Thanks for all the information. Tubedude you have inspired me. Praise the Tubedude! Hallelujah! There maybe some hope on Saturday. The temps suppose to get back up in the 80's with a few days of stable weather. I will be in a boat trolling. I will definately be taking you advice to the water. I will post the slaying when I return. Say a prayer for me to the fish gods Tubedude. Thanks WPH2 for your info as well. LC
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