There is a NEW LIMIT ON WALLEYE for WISCONSIN- MICHIGAN BOUNDARY WATERS (Cisco Chain). Even though in the Wisconsin DNR 2026-2027 hook and line fishing regulation book (page 76) states the daily limit for walleye is 5 over 15 inches, their website says only 3 walleyes over 15 inches can be kept on (Mamie, West Bay & Big Lake) the Cisco Chain of lakes. But the limit of walleyes on the Chain for MICHIGAN LAKES is still 5 over 15 inches.

DEPENDING ON THE LAKE AND TIME OF DAY, THE WATER TEMPERATURES ON THE CHAIN ARE 56 to 58 DEGREES. I HAVE BEEN HEARING A LOT ABOUT THE LAKES TURNING OVER, (NOT YET) SO THAT WILL BE THE FISHING TOPIC NEXT WEEK.

THE BAIT SHOP WILL BE CLOSED TUESDAY THE 20th AND CLOSING NEXT WEDNESDAY (THE OCTOBER 21) FOR THE SEASON. BUT WE STILL HAVE LEECHES, CRAWLERS, MINNOWS, LARGE AND MEDIUM MUSKY SUCKERS UNTIL WE RUN OUT. (CALL AHEAD TO SAVE YOU A BOAT RIDE OR DRIVE).

WALLEYE – GOOD. The walleye bite is getting much better. Anglers have some keepers in 7 to 10 feet weed edges. Some are now being found on rock bars 18 to 20 feet. Others have been doing well fishing just outside the deeper end (8ft) of drowned trees.  Walleye suckers have been working the best, but some people have been using fatheads and walleyes are even going after crawlers. Using a jig under a slip bobber is working well.  Don’t overlook the evening bite in shallower weeds and rock shorelines when they come up to feed.

PERCH – GOOD.  Perch are being found in 7 feet over vegetation.  But if you are not getting bite, just move around in areas with green weeds until you start catching them. Jigs tipped with a crappie minnow or a piece of crawler are still working well.

CRAPPIE – GOOD. Not much has changed from last week. Most are holding on weed edges in 6 to 10 feet, but some crappies have been seen suspended in deeper water and will not commit. Still, give early mornings a shot near shorelines weeds. Crappie minnows and small jigs tipped with a piece of crawler or plastic has been working.

BLUEGILL – GOOD. Find any weed beds and you will find Gills. They are being caught in 4 to 6 feet weeds. A piece of crawler, wax worms, beaver tails are the bait to use.

SM MOUTH BASS – FAIR. 6 to 8 feet shallow rocks still seem to be the location. Medium plastics, 3″ worm rigs are still working well. Even people fishing for perch with a jig tipped with fathead minnows and crawlers are catching bass. In the evening you might find a few walleyes in these locations also.

LG. MOUTH BASS – GOOD. Lg. Mouths are being taken on top water baits over thick weeds, and around stumps in really shallow water. Top-water and buzz bait have been the go-to.

MUSKY – GOOD. Trolling large suckers over shallow vegetation has been producing fish. Because the surface temps are hovering around 60 degrees, I was a little surprised to hear anglers are finding musky on deeper (12 to 16 feet) rocks. (THIS SUNDAYS FISHING ARTICLE). Top-waters baits and larger soft plastic baits are getting looks too.

NORTHERN PIKE – GOOD.  With cooler water temps, the Pike bite has been strong around shoreline weeds. For live bait, larger minnows are working better, but medium artificial have been productive also.

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