July

The water temperature is up and the cats are moving very well. July and August are
the best for producing big catfish in good numbers. Reports have already come in to
verify this fact, 20 to 35 lb cats have already been reported in the catches. Look for
them in about 20 to 30 feet of water and fish them early in the morning. This is when I
have my best results.
Walleyes should do well again, hit them early and try about 15 to 20 feet of water just
off weed beds. This is one of my favorites. I use a new bait I developed being a
spinner rig with red beads and a chartreuse streamer fly that I tie myself. Works
wonders on hungry walleyes.
The smallmouth bass hit quite readily on a slip bobber rig and a leech just off of the
weed edges. Alot of early "Honey Holes" are grown up with weeds now so you may
have to find new spots for the rest of the summer. Spinner rigs also work well.
Crappies can be had now if you look for them suspended in the deeper water. I like
to hunt for them in 35 to 45 feet of water and you can see them suspended at about 25
feet. They must like the cooler weather down there.
Now as the water has warmed to a higher temperature in most lakes, I kinda give up
on the bluegills and wait for the cooler waters of fall and winter and the gills seem to
firm back up and rid themselves of that musty water smell of summer.
The chinooks and trout are hitting well in Lake Michigan and also in Lake Superior so
give them a try. Ask the locals about how the catch is going, and try the sports shops
for info as to how and what lures to use. Have a great and safe month of fishing, and
keep the good comments and fishing reports coming in.






				Tom Welch doing what he does best.. catching big cats!