Jarrid Houston Column: Muskies start taking spinnerbaits – Duluth News Tribune

Happy Birthday, America!

We sincerely hope everyone is having a safe, healthy and enjoyable holiday week. It has been another interesting week of fishing, to say the least. As I write this report, we are heading out on a summer road trip to Traverse City, Michigan. I can’t help but be happy to have a break from our usual activities. We sincerely appreciate everyone who has sent us updates, big fish pictures and stories.

Let’s dive into the fireworks editions of our weekly fishing column:

Lake Superior has some great fishing opportunities for a few lucky anglers. Some Chinook, as well as a few Coho and the usual Lake Trout, have been coming up next to the boat for some. As mentioned last week, stick baits are becoming less popular. Most of the fish are certainly in medium to deep areas. The recent calmer winds on Lake Superior have provided good natural currents. Spoons with deep diving gear have worked well. The same goes for areas that extend beyond the typical North Shore and Wisconsin shorelines. We are still waiting to crack the code on Gitch’s walleyes. Stay tuned for that!

The St. Louis River estuary, along with other regional river systems, continues to be a bit tricky for walleyes. Fishing slower water or areas with good structure are the best places to target. Large, streamlined crankbaits are always a better option. Make no mistake, the typical live bait rig will still catch fish. These techniques will also open the door to a variety of species. We are still eagerly awaiting Mother Nature to slow down her rain vengeance/wrath and make up for this lack of winter precipitation.

Let’s talk about the inland lake bite! Crappie are still doing well. For bluegills and pumpkinseed, continue to search the deeper weed pools. If you’re holding on to vegetation, you’re in the right place. Walleyes continue to be strong in 12-22 feet or in hard bottom transition areas. Jigging with soft plastics or hard bodied puppet minnows is getting better and better. Don’t be surprised if you catch smallmouth bass with this information.

Finally, muskies are biting, and in some waters, they are biting well. Large spinnerbaits, such as the Double Cowgirl, can be among the most productive. Fishing windswept shorelines and keeping your boat low will yield good results. As always, don’t be surprised if you encounter other predatory fish along the way.

OK everyone, have fun and be safe and courteous to each other during this holiday week. See you on the water!

Jarrid Houston of South Range is a fishing guide (houstonsguideservice.com) on the inland waters of Minnesota and Wisconsin, the St. Louis River and, in the winter, Lake Superior.