Crappie fishing has been excellent during June on northwoods area lakes. Cooler than usual nights and bright, cloudless days have pushed crappies, gills and bass off spawning beds, forcing fishermen to spend more time looking for active fish in weeds.
By mid-June crappies lost interest in minnows, as is usually the case, and have been chasing plastics. Clouds and light wind are fisherman's most welcome when jigging for hungry, post spawn fish.
I was treated to a small surprise this morning when retrieving my minnow bucket. A fawn had curled up for a rest under our dock, no doubt while mom was out searching for breakfast. Less than two feet apart, we startled one another.
Daughter Emily is headed this way from Kansas City the second week of July. Her timing might be perfect for peak fishing as the lakes are running two to three weeks late due to delayed ice out. However, swimming will likely be a bit on the chilly side.
We are headed out tomorrow looking for smallmouth action on a big lake. We should do well provided we get some cloud cover.
