FISHING REPORT FOR THE CISCO CHAIN OF LAKES

Before I write about the opening weekend, I need to tell anglers the NEW LIMIT ON WALLEYE. This is going to be confusing, but the Wisconsin DNR did it again. The 2026-2027 Wisconsin hook and line fishing regulation book I guess it must be a misprint, because on page 76 for the WISCONSIN- MICHIGAN BOUNDARY WATERS (Cisco Chain) the daily limit for walleye is 5 over 15 inches.

Now, on another of their websites it says, on inland lakes the limit is 3 walleyes over 15 inches can be kept, but fish between 20 – 24 inch’s must be released and one over 24 inches is allowed. But yet another page on their website, the DNR states only 3 walleyes over 15” can be kept on the Wisconsin (Mamie, West Bay & Big Lake) Cisco Chain. But the limit on Michigan lakes on the Cisco Chain is still 5 over 15 inches.

UNDERSTAND ALL OF THE ABOVE? All I can tell you is just stay with 3 walleye limits on the three Wisconsin lakes until May 15th (MICHIGAN OPENER) and if you catch 5 walleyes on those Michigan lakes, DO NOT stop and fish Wisconsin waters on your way back.

AFTER ALL THAT, HERES MY CISCO CHAIN REPORT.

May 2nd was opening day on Wisconsin waters, and it didn’t disappoint. It’s been quite a few years since anglers did this well as many keeper Walleye were caught opening day and a few days following.   SOME ANGLERS ARE USING CHUBS & WALLEYE SUCKERS, BUT SO FAR FATHEAD MINNOWS HAVE BEEN THE BAIT OF CHOICE. Water temperatures have been fluctuating depending on your location, between 48 to 52 degrees, and I do not see that changing until maybe later next week.

WALLEYE – With water temperature still in the 40s, walleyes have not finished spawning, so let’s be responsible and release the bigger females. As suspected, walleyes are being caught in cover and over structure. Some have been boated early mornings in 6-foot vegetation (north side of lakes) and moving out to the first drop off 9 to 12-foot range later in the day. Rocks/ gravel have been producing some nice fish, again 10 to 12 feet of water seems to be working well. Kind of surprising, anglers have been fishing and catching walleye in deeper wood also. DON’T overlook the evening bite on rock bars in 8-to-12-foot range and shallower weeds. This before dark event only will last around 30 to 40 minutes as they move up for dinner.

PERCH – Again, with water temps still in the 40s, perch are in the middle of spawn and the ones being hooked are by walleye anglers in shallower weeds 6 to 8 feet still are loaded with eggs.

CRAPPIE – I got nothing to report. It won’t be until the end of May or beginning of June before we start reach 60 degrees.

BLUEGILL – Nope nothing to report here either.

SM MOUTH – Sorry zilch. But with the water hovering around 50 degrees, they will be the next spawners.

Lg. BASS – Like crappie, gills and small mouth, I have nothing to report.

MUSKY – Again, see above.

NORTHERN PIKE – Ok, finally I have something to write about. Next to Walleye, a ton of Northern Pike have been caught. They have spawned and recovered, so they are hungry and active. I will say, not many have been over 30 inches, but

As I wrote before, weather/water temperatures can affect spawning times, and it seems that is happening now as some walleyes are being caught that still have eggs and milking. Add that the perch are basically following the same pattern they are just starting to spawn.

PLEASE RELEASE WALLEYES OVER 24 INCHES. THESE BIG GIRLS PRODUCE MORE EGGS AND LARGER WALLEYES IN THE FUTURE.