Still cool, but fishing is heating up

Green Bay bass, walleyes and northern pike have been the most consistent biters in the past week. Bass were starting to spawn in the warmest, shallowest bays and harbors, but the cold likely delayed that in much of the main bay. Meanwhile, walleyes have been best dusk to dawn, though daytime catches are definitely starting to improve now that the post-spawn funk is over.

Yellow perch fishing on the bay has reopened, but is still closed on Lake Michigan and its tributaries. Inland and on Green Bay waters, the muskie season gets underway May 24. As always, be sure to check the regulations closely for the water body you’ll be fishing.
Lake Michigan charters are starting to explore the offshore waters, and some Chinook salmon have already been caught off Kewaunee County. Look for salmon and steelhead to join lake trout in bigger numbers in the coming weeks.

The most recent blast of cold, wet weather slowed the inshore movement of bass and panfish on inland lakes, flowages and rivers. Once the sun returns and warmer air arrives, watch for them to cruise the near-shore shallows as they scout out spawning sites.

The first batch of mosquitoes has hatched, and ticks have been active for weeks. If you’ll be in the fields and forests, consider treating your clothing with permethrin to keep ticks away, and use DEET, picaridin, lemon eucalyptus oil or another favored insect repellent for mosquitoes.

It’s definitely time for sunscreen, too. We’re less than a month away from summer solstice, and have entered the two-month window where you’re most likely to suffer serious sunburn if you don’t take precautions. Pale skin from a long winter and cold spring plays a big role, as does reflection off the water and many hours spent outdoors.

In addition to a high-SPF sunscreen on your face, neck, shoulders and other exposed skin, the use of a shade-producing cap is a good idea. Some types even have sun-blocking neck flaps for those who’ll be out long hours. Pair that with dark gray (sunny days) or brown (low-light or overcast) polarized sunglasses, and you’ll be good to go.

Boating safety

It’s National Safe Boating Week, an annual reminder to anglers and pleasure craft users to keep safety first and foremost in mind when on the water.

There were more than 3,800 boating accidents involving 564 deaths and $63 million dollars of property damage due to recreational boating accidents in 2023, the latest year stats were available.

About three-quarters of the deaths each year are from drowning, and nearly 90% of the victims weren’t wearing life jackets. Always make sure your life jacket is the right size, and properly fitted and secured.

While only required for operators born on or after Jan. 1, 1989, Wisconsin boating safety certification or out-of-state equivalent is available to anyone. Check out www.dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/safetyEducation for the details. You can also learn basic navigation rules at https://boatoncourse.com/, and more at https://cgaux.org/boatinged/.

Alcohol use is the leading known contributing factor in fatal boating accidents. As such, that means save any drinking for after you’re safely back at the dock.

Weather can play a factor as well, especially with small craft like kayaks, canoes and jon boats. Always monitor the forecast closely. A good place to start is the National Weather Service’s Weather-Ready Nation site. Take the time to get to know it here: www.weather.gov/wrn/#.VS_95ZOUJKg.

Additionally, the Coast Guard has a free boating safety app. It allows you to file a float plan, request assistance, request a vessel safety check, and report pollution and hazards to navigation. Check it out: www.uscgboating.org/mobile/.

Finally, those using kayaks and other paddle craft are encouraged to label them with “IF FOUND” stickers to help the Coast Guard determine if a boater is in distress. Here’s a link for some free ones: www.wow.uscgaux.info/content.php?unit=013-11-01&category=if-found-stickers.

Weekly water levels

Even though Lake Michigan water levels have risen four inches in the past month, they’re down eight in the past year. Levels have fallen more than three feet since May of 2020, but are still about two feet above the record monthly low, set in 1964.