Outdoor Report: Hunting begins, good fishing continues
The stormy weather of last week apparently didn’t entirely stop hunters from participating in the early goose season and bear hunt.
We’ve heard some reports of success in the goose hunting ranks, but it’s been scattered. That, of course can change overnight as a flock of birds can appear almost anywhere at any time. For now the goose hunt is matter of opportunity, if a hunter can locate a flock of geese and get into position, things can be productive. Plus the weather conditions can be much more pleasant early on in the season.
The storms apparently slowed bear movement and we haven’t heard of much success yet.
The bow, and for the first time crossbow season for deer opens this Saturday, Sept 13. While some hunters scoff at the early days of the deer hunt, in some respects we favor them. The deer are generally less cautious given that they haven’t been hunted in a long time. These first days can be productive for those that have taken the time to scout out a decent stand location. It remains to be seen what impact if any, the last few harsh winters have had on the deer herd.
After steady, productive summer fishing, things should only get better as temperatures cool and the fall feeding patterns emerge. Walleyes and muskies will likely be a favored target for many and in general muskie anglers will start finding success with larger, slower baits. Glide baits, jerk baits, stick baits, and plastics, such as Bull Dawgs will likely be consistent producers. We also heard reports of success with large double blade bucktails.
Walleyes as always, have been unpredictable, but on good days following some stable weather patterns, anglers are finding them where they should be; in deeper weed beds where they can find cover and food. Watch the weather though, as the cold fronts we are apt to get this time of year can shut things down fairly tight. Jigs and night crawlers should still be a productive choice.
Good crappie action has been found fishing in deep basins on some area lakes.
With some beautiful fall colors starting to show on trees surrounding our lakes and big fish opportunities plentiful, many consider fall angling in the Northwoods to be the most enjoyable of the year.
The Outdoor Report is provided by the staff of Mel’s Trading Post in downtown Rhinelander.
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