Wausau Area Fishing Report
Beautiful summer days and nights have accompanied some excellent multi-species action in the greater Wausau area as of late. Smallmouth bass into the 20 inch range have been attacking a variety of baits. Rocky structure in depths of 2'-8' has been holding good number of fish. Surface lures such as Frantic Freds and PT Pro Poppers have been working well for the shallower fish while a jig and 3" Mister Twister tail has been working well for fish holding deeper.
Walleyes are being caught from deeper weed lines in the low-light periods by anglers working slip bobbers or casting crankbaits such as Firestick Minnows or Flicker Shads; brighter color combinations have been working best. Fishing deeper logjams on the river has also been effective by pitching a weed less jig and leech or jig and Mister Twister and slowly working it through the wood.
The resident channel catfish population has been very active and some large specimens into the mid 30" range have been reported. A slip sinker rig baited with either fresh cut bait or with a commercially prepared product such as the Doc Chumley line from Frabill is your best bet. Begin by fishing the head of deeper holes in the daytime and then working adjacent to larger stump fields or log jams in the evening hours.
Muskies have been quite active in both the shallower weeds as well as wood. Surface lures such as Topraiders and Top Dancers are scoring on nice fish as well as supplying some exciting action. For anglers casting the deeper weed edges, a willow leaf style bucktail such as a Mepps Giant Killer or Giant Killer Sassy Shad is a fine choice; again, brighter color combinations have been working well. There are plenty of big muskies to be caught and released in the deeper holes and off the deeper breaks also. Large rubber baits such as Suzy Suckers, Curly Sues, and Fluttertails worked erratically continue to hook these giants. It's important to use heavy enough line and rods when tossing these giant baits all day to prevent an equipment malfunction when the ‘big one' strikes. Rods such as the 7'9" XXXH St. Croix are perfect for this type of fishing; in the Wausau area, muskies grow big so make sure you have the power of a good hook set behind you!
Anglers looking for a picturesque setting will find enjoyment pursuing the Brown, Brook, and Rainbow Trout that inhabit many of Marathon County's streams. Fly-fishermen are reporting some nice catches on dry flies while smaller in-line spinners are also taking fish. Some excellent hunting is just around the corner and hunters would be wise to visit the greater Wausau area for a vast array of game species. Begin your preparations now for this fall's big hunt!
Tight lines,
Joel DeBoer