Northern Wi Bass Spawn 2024

KYBassin' reply :

Good morning,

I'm heading up to a little north of Eau Claire the 1st week of June and I'm wondering what to expect from the bass spawn situation. I know it was a cold winter with some late snow fall..so I'm guessing water levels will be up. But does anyone have any insights into the normal timing of the spawn and what might happen this year?

Thanks

MarkH024 reply :

It is different every year, solely based off ice out. Once the ice is gone, shallower lakes can heat up quickly if the sun shines often. Cold rains can cool the water down really quick. Based off my experiences, you'll find fish spawning (all stages) from May-Mid June. The only way you're going to really know is to just get out there and look. The weather and temps are so inconsistent in the midwest that it is never a set in stone time frame.

If you're targeting LMB at that time, look in 6 fow or less and lots of cover. If you're targeting smallies, 8-12 fow, in rock, sand, riprap closest to the greenest vegetation you can find.

Good luck!

KYBassin' reply :

Thanks. Yeah, I know there are a lot of variables to the timing and what stage they'll be in. But I'm guessing they will be a little behind the normal process with snow and ice still present.

MarkH024 reply :

I just checked some reports on that area, some lakes with ice, some without as of now. Based off that info, Bass will probably be on beds last 2 weeks of May into June. I think you'll be finding fish in all 3 stages of spawn to be honest.

What lake will you be fishing?

KYBassin' reply :

It's a smaller lake, stained water. It's one of those "honey holes"...not many people know about it. Sorry to dodge the question, but I'm keeping the name a secret. But I do appreciate your input.

MarkH024 reply :

On 4/23/2014 at 11:27 PM, KYBassin said:
It's a smaller lake, stained water. It's one of those "honey holes"...not many people know about it. Sorry to dodge the question, but I'm keeping the name a secret. But I do appreciate your input.

No worries, I get it completely. My home lake is small so I don't share the name to many people.

plumworm reply :

I'll bet the name of the lake is "Bass". There are 47 "Bass" lakes on maps in Wis.

Danarchy reply :

FIB (Mark) is spot on - usually mid to end of May. Mid June they are usually starting to get into their summer patterns and the fishing is great. On local rivers here like the Miss, some of the backwaters are already getting close to 60 degrees or more, so the spawn can be a few weeks ahead.

Edited April 24, 2014 by Danarchy

MarkH024 reply :

Lol. FIB

Danarchy reply :

Woops - Mark - I was looking for your name after reading your post and saw Fishin FIB.

MarkH024 reply :

Its all good. I didn't take offense.

FlipnLimits reply :

As FIB, I mean Mark, has said.....late May, early June will find you with all phases of the spawn.

plumworm reply :

Danarchry, where did you come up with mid 60's in the backwaters of the Mississippi? The river temps are in the low to mid 40's. Go to Lake-Link and look at pool #9 posts. I have a cabin 70 mi. north of Green Bay. There is still about 24" of snow up there. and most lakes still have 18-24 of ice. Ya, there is at some melting on the shore because of the angle of the sun, but I will bet you that most lakes north of "29" will still have ice for the fishing opener on May 3. The 10 day weather for N/E Wis. is highs in the 40's/low 50's and half of the night temps. below "32" I will also bet that the LM will still be spawning in late June and the SM will still be still be spawning in late July like they did in 2010. 60's in the backwaters of the Mississippi, No freeking way.

FlipnLimits reply :

On 4/24/2014 at 11:23 AM, plumworm said:
Danarchry, where did you come up with mid 60's in the backwaters of the Mississippi? The river temps are in the low to mid 40's. Go to Lake-Link and look at pool #9 posts. I have a cabin 70 mi. north of Green Bay. There is still about 24" of snow up there. and most lakes still have 18-24 of ice. Ya, there is at some melting on the shore because of the angle of the sun, but I will bet you that most lakes north of "29" will still have ice for the fishing opener on May 3. The 10 day weather for N/E Wis. is highs in the 40's/low 50's and half of the night temps. below "32" I will also bet that the LM will still be spawning in late June and the SM will still be still be spawning in late July like they did in 2010. 60's in the backwaters of the Mississippi, No freeking way.

Maybe closer to Clinton or Dubuque, not further North. Haven't been there but also doubt it can be that warm in WI, especially north of the IL border.

jiggz125 reply :

On 4/23/2014 at 11:27 PM, KYBassin said:
It's a smaller lake, stained water. It's one of those "honey holes"...not many people know about it. Sorry to dodge the question, but I'm keeping the name a secret. But I do appreciate your input.

Hope its not lower turtle lake just kidding, best of luck when you are up this way.

What do you guys suggest using in early on just after Ice Out for LMB? I will be going fishing this weekend for opener as the most the areas I fish up here the ice just dropped within the past week. I am thinking lipless cranks, swim jigs, flukes and maybe bigger profile flippin/pitching jigs?

KYBassin' reply :

Ha. It's not a lake named "Bass" and it's not Lower Turtle. Or is it?

Danarchy reply :

On 4/24/2014 at 11:23 AM, plumworm said:
Danarchry, where did you come up with mid 60's in the backwaters of the Mississippi? The river temps are in the low to mid 40's. Go to Lake-Link and look at pool #9 posts. I have a cabin 70 mi. north of Green Bay. There is still about 24" of snow up there. and most lakes still have 18-24 of ice. Ya, there is at some melting on the shore because of the angle of the sun, but I will bet you that most lakes north of "29" will still have ice for the fishing opener on May 3. The 10 day weather for N/E Wis. is highs in the 40's/low 50's and half of the night temps. below "32" I will also bet that the LM will still be spawning in late June and the SM will still be still be spawning in late July like they did in 2010. 60's in the backwaters of the Mississippi, No freeking way.

Plumworm - I read it in a report somewhere, can't recall. I remember for a fact that this time last year (or a few weeks back) there was 60 degrees in some of the backwaters of the Miss, pool 4 area. The fish were stacked in these shallow areas where the water was 10-15 degrees warmer than the main channel.

KYBassin' reply :

So, is the ice off yet? Or will I need to bring a few tip-ups?

KYBassin' reply :

What are water temps looking like? I saw it is finally starting to warm up in northern WI.

tipptruck1 reply :

Not sure on the water temps. As of right now every thing is close to flood stage. With all the snow melt and rain. The WI river in Wausau. Is about 3-4 feet higher then normal. When the water is that high, and fast. I do not even bother trying to get out. You can not present a bait to save your life.

BDAWGIN reply :

Do any of you have any reports from Grindstone Lake in Hayward WI? Been up there a couple times in previous years but having trouble any fishing reports. Any information would be greatly appreciated!!

MarkH024 reply :

Some reports here for Grindstone, but not a lot.

http://lake-link.com/Wisconsin-Fishing-Reports/report.cfm/1919/Grindstone-Lake-Sawyer-County/

BDAWGIN reply :

Yes I saw Lake-link posts and posted on there.... Thanks anyways

Scott F reply :

I'm in North central Wisconsin (east of Hayward) right now and the water temps are currently in the middle to upper 40s. The largemouth are staging in deeper water and the smallmouth are just beginning to make their move into the shallows. It will be a few more days before things really get going. We're catching fish, but it is much slower than normal for this time of year.

BDAWGIN reply :

Thanks for the information Scott F... I figured it would be in the mid-upper 40"s... Hopefully this couple day stretch of better weather will fire them up for this weekend when we arrive... We have only fished the lake with water temps below 50 in early May so we decided to push it back few weeks I think this decision will pay off. Are there better lakes to fish Smallies in the Hayward area besides Grindstone, LOC & Round?

Scott F reply :

Shell Lake is also pretty good. The smallie bite, which hasn't been great, just died this morning. We got a bunch of greenies first thing but apparently, the smallmouth did not approve of the front that went through last night.

tipptruck1 reply :

I hit the WI river south of Wausau this weekend. The water temp had to be close to 55-60. The problem is its still high, and fast. I could not cast 1/2 jig. Then let it hit bottom. The current was taking it down the river fast. My buddy's friend on the other hand. Was fishing the same river in Mosinee. Caught around 10 walleye and one pike.

Danarchy reply :

The Chippewa, Mississippi, and St. Croix rivers are all still high. As soon as they started to recede we got a few more inches of rain so they all swole right up again.

KYBassin' reply :

Any largemouth spawn updates?

tipptruck1 reply :

On 5/26/2014 at 8:52 AM, KYBassin said:
Any largemouth spawn updates?

That right there is funny. I would not come from KY for the LG mouths here. Small mouths would be far better. Both small and large mouths should spawning right now. But with it being colder, and many lakes and rivers at flood level. I haven't come across a single bass on a bed yet.

KYBassin' reply :

On 5/26/2014 at 11:52 AM, tipptruck1 said:
That right there is funny. I would not come from KY for the LG mouths here. Small mouths would be far better. Both small and large mouths should spawning right now. But with it being colder, and many lakes and rivers at flood level. I haven't come across a single bass on a bed yet.

I'm a WI boy, KY transplant. I'd much rather be fishing on any WI lake than anywhere in KY.

Thanks for the info tipp. I figured things were behind but I know it has been warming up lately, just curious on how things are progressing.

Scott F reply :

With several warm days in the forecast, the water will be warming. I've been fishing the Northern part of the state for the last week. Surface water temps on big lakes are still just in the mid to upper 50s. The smallies are schooled up and killing small jerk baits. Guys who are using ANYTHING else are having a hard time, at least on the lake I'm on. Largemouth are just beginning to move on to the shorelines. It looks like at least a couple of weeks before they start to spawn.

KYBassin' reply :

On 5/26/2014 at 7:20 PM, Scott F said:
With several warm days in the forecast, the water will be warming. I've been fishing the Northern part of the state for the last week. Surface water temps on big lakes are still just in the mid to upper 50s. The smallies are schooled up and killing small jerk baits. Guys who are using ANYTHING else are having a hard time, at least on the lake I'm on. Largemouth are just beginning to move on to the shorelines. It looks like at least a couple of weeks before they start to spawn.

Thanks Scott. Hope you guys are having a great week. I've had a good time tracking your trip through your posts.

tipptruck1 reply :

KYbassin I guess that makes sense. Sorry I offend you. If I have time this week. I am going to hit the WI river just south of Mosinee. Just to see if the basss are one the beds for you. In my book that don't mean any thing though. The rivers warm up faster then lakes.

KYBassin' reply :

On 5/26/2014 at 11:29 PM, tipptruck1 said:
KYbassin I guess that makes sense. Sorry I offend you. If I have time this week. I am going to hit the WI river just south of Mosinee. Just to see if the basss are one the beds for you. In my book that don't mean any thing though. The rivers warm up faster then lakes.

I wasn't offended. Just wanted to explain why I was leaving KY for WI to fish for largemouth. I'm a UWSP grad, spent a good number of days fishing the river in Mosinee back in the day. Was always a good time.

tipptruck1 reply :

Kybassin, I went to chucks landing in Mosinee below the dam today. The water was about 3-4 feet higher then normal. It was also pitch black. Usually I can see 2-3 feet in the water with out my costas. Today I could not. I did catch one small mouth. I think I might have pulled it off a bed. As i snagged it near the dorsal fin. Not a single hook near its mouth. While I was trying to get it in. It kept taking off in the direction from were I snagged it.

As for the water temp. I was standing in it up to my ankles for around 45 minutes. No waders just water shoes, and shorts. I would say it is about as cold when some one flushes the toilet. When you are taking a shower. So that has to be what 65-75.

KYBassin' reply :

On 5/28/2014 at 5:37 AM, tipptruck1 said:

Kybassin, I went to chucks landing in Mosinee below the dam today. The water was about 3-4 feet higher then normal. It was also pitch black. Usually I can see 2-3 feet in the water with out my costas. Today I could not. I did catch one small mouth. I think I might have pulled it off a bed. As i snagged it near the dorsal fin. Not a single hook near its mouth. While I was trying to get it in. It kept taking off in the direction from were I snagged it.

As for the water temp. I was standing in it up to my ankles for around 45 minutes. No waders just water shoes, and shorts. I would say it is about as cold when some one flushes the toilet. When you are taking a shower. So that has to be what 65-75.

Thanks tipp. Sounds like the river is tough right now. Hope it chills out soon so you have better luck.

tipptruck1 reply :

I hope so to. I have never seen the river this black. I am fine with it being higher. The color of the water is what makes fishing hard.

hunt_britto reply :

Anyone on here from Iowa? Any updates on the pattern? I was thinking late prespawn to early spawn

tipptruck1 reply :

On 5/29/2014 at 12:52 PM, hunt_britto said:
Anyone on here from Iowa? Any updates on the pattern? I was thinking late prespawn to early spawn

I use to live in Iowa if that helps.

Scott F reply :

My earlier estimate on the largemouth spawn needs to be updated. The above average air temps, lots of sun, and little to no wind has caused the water temps to soar. The big lake I'm fishing is slower to warm than most and the temps here are nearly 70. LM bass are starting to build nests now.

KYBassin' reply :

On 5/31/2014 at 1:59 AM, Scott F said:
My earlier estimate on the largemouth spawn needs to be updated. The above average air temps, lots of sun, and little to no wind has caused the water temps to soar. The big lake I'm fishing is slower to warm than most and the temps here are nearly 70. LM bass are starting to build nests now.

Ok. I'll be up there next week. Guess I'll be dealing with spawn conditions. Was really hoping to get out before. Oh well....still better than working. Thanks for the update Scott.

tipptruck1 reply :

On 5/31/2014 at 1:59 AM, Scott F said:
My earlier estimate on the largemouth spawn needs to be updated. The above average air temps, lots of sun, and little to no wind has caused the water temps to soar. The big lake I'm fishing is slower to warm than most and the temps here are nearly 70. LM bass are starting to build nests now.

You are not kidding. It went from snow and cold in April. To 60 the next day. It has been 60 plus up here since late may. The last few weeks it has been 75 plus.

tipptruck1 reply :

Well I hit the Wi river again this weekend. It is still high but not as high as it was a few weeks ago. They opened the gates at the mosniee dams. The water was also a clearer then it was a few weeks ago. I could see at lest the normal 3ft-4ft in to the water. The fishing is starting to get hot. I had one chase. Not sure if it was a bass, pike or a muskie. I only saw the fish as I pulled my bait out of the water.

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