The unsettled weather and storms has not effected the action Lake Michigan. Great catches of Chinook, Coho and Lake Lobsters better known as Lake Trout. Some rainbows as well. We had our best action in 55 to 110 feet of water.
The fish are in a little closer to shore than they have been. We started south of Prince Wilhelm wreck that lies 3 miles due east of the main gap Milwaukee. In the deep water Church Walleye planer boards with 2,3,4,5 and 8 color Cortland Kerplunk leadcore with Reaper Magnum Peacock, Fish n Chip, and Big Joe Silver spoons caught Rainbows, Coho and Chinooks. For you anglers that have not tried the Reaper and Vulcan I recommend you give them a try.
They have been steady producers for fishermen worldwide. They are offering a buy 4 and get 1 free at this time. The Lake Trout have moved deeper to 45 to 80 down. The fish ranged in size from 3 to 14 pounds.
Once again we caught more Coho this week than any other species taking 6 to 8 per trip. You could limit out on Coho if you work the top 35 feet of water. The way to do that is with orange 6-inch flashers or dodgers and blue/green Johnny Flies in small or peanut size tied 22 inches back. We split our tackle with a mix of presentations to provide our customers with an opportunity to enjoy all Lake Michigan species.
Now is the time for you to catch Coho Salmon. The surface temperature is 53.5. The smaller Vulcan regular size Dolphin Green Silver spoons are taking Rainbows and Coho. Downriggers from 35 to 100 feet down picked up Chinooks to 15 pounds, Laker's and a few Coho. The 8-inch flashers in green, white or plaid with green flies caught both Chin's and Laker's. I am tying my flies 23 inches and trolling at 2.1 miles per hour on the Depth Raider speed and temp gauge.
We ran Slide Divers they took their share of fish with 30 to 36 feet of line out set to number one and a half. I used 50-pound Power Pro on all my divers this year and it allowed for better hook sets and deeper running with less problems.
The only place you will find Reaper and Vulcan spoons is on the Badger Tackle web site at http://www.badgertackle.com
Good Luck.
Captain Jim Hirt
Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. With Blue Max Charters He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com If you are going out on the lake please call me for an update. |