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The Guide Log of a professional muskie fishing guide specializing on the Flambeau Chain.

40 Years on the Flambeau Chain


04/01/2012
The Flambeau Chain remains one of Norhtern WI best trophy fisheries for many species of fish.

It's hard to believe this year marks 40 years since I first went out on Flambeau Lake with Doc Stricker. (6/72) The Northern Pike fishing was tremendous near Medicine Rock. It seemed you could catch a Pike every cast on Mepps #5's. Musky were also prevelent in the large Cabbage beds. At age 11, I caught two 26-29 inchers my first weekend out. By 14, I had my first leagal Musky (39 1/2").

Walleye were around but not caught in great numbers by most anglers. Then came the "Lindy Rig"!

Fast forward to 2012. The fishery has totally changed. Bass rule the waters and Walleye are very prevelant. In most lakes, however, the Musky and Northern are almost gone! Pokegama has the most Pike currently, but in lakes like Fence & Big Crawling Stone they seem almost extinct. Musky also have become scarce & ellussive; but the average size is usually over 40 inches if you get one. Trophy fish are there for sure, but catching numbers like in the "old days" just doesn't happen.

Spring time Bass fishing on the Chain offers the opportunity have 100+ fish days! Largemouth and Smallmouth can be caught in big #'s with average size fish in the 2-4 lb range! Platic worms rigged "weedless wacky" are the best!! (Thanks Pat Dwyer) The month of May offers fast action and quality fish. The best Smallmouth bite for me is Fall for big fish (5-lbers are not uncommon) but spring and summer can also be great at times depending on weather. Walleye fishing really heats up in June and catching 15-20 fish is not uncommon when the bite is on. Big fish can also be had! I routinely boat 3-5 in the 27+ range every year! Other good months to fish Walleye include August and October. And of course I love ice fishing!! (31" 10.8 lbs caught 12/10)

I don't spend near the time fishing Muskie I use to, but when I do it seams Aug-Sept remains the best. Deep water far out produces the old weedbeds. The Deep Green Cabbage has given way to all kinds of foriegn weed growth. It's not good! Boat traffic also, I believe, has pushed the fish deeper.

Nice size Crappie are available in numbers, however, the nice Perch are scarce these days. Spring & fall are best.

By targeting the most prevalant fish species at the right time of year your success is guaranteed to increase!!


- Rick Domini
rickd@ricks-fishing.com

 
* 10/05/2013
   Persistence pays off with two nice Muskie
* 03/23/2013
   2012 Season Recap
* 04/01/2012
   40 Years on the Flambeau Chain
* 11/20/2011
   Late fall = Fast action for Smallmouth Bass
* 11/19/2010
   2010 Year of the Big Walleye for Domini boys!
* 12/17/2009
   Summer Peak & Predicting the Hot Bite!
* 07/19/2009
   Summer Peak
* 10/15/2008
   Big Fall Smallmouth!!
* 06/16/2008
   Walleye bite is on!
* 05/08/2008
   The Chain is finally open!
* 11/04/2007
   Smallmouth Grandslam!
* 01/30/2007
   Non moon phase trophy !
* 01/19/2007
   Safe Ice and good fishing are finally here!
* 11/08/2006
   Post Turnover Smallmouth
* 10/11/2006
   Turnover is here!
* 05/21/2006
   Cold Water Temps
* 04/23/2006
   ICE OFF CHAIN BY 4/15/06
* 10/23/2005
   FULLMOON SMALLMOUTH!
* 10/04/2005
   Warm Water / Slow Fishing should come to an end soon!
* 08/05/2005
   Full Moon, hot weather turn on the Big Smallmouth !
* 06/27/2005
   Full Moon + Moon Rise = Success!
* 02/07/2005
   Two Trophy Pike!
* 01/24/2005
   Big Winter Pike!
* 09/19/2004
   Big Crawlingstone comes through again!
* 09/05/2004
   The August Full Moon!
Great Guide Tips on catching big muskies, walleye and bass. Focus on the Flambeau Chain of Lakes.
* 05/03/2015
   2015 Walleye size limit has changed!
* 10/04/2013
   Late, Turnover Bigins
* 06/08/2013
   Cold Water!
 
More Guide Tips >>
 
Guide Log full of fishing info on the Flambeau Chain of Lakes.

The Walleye pictured is a rare "mid day" Walleye off the chain. Anyone who knows me knows I rarely fish ...

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Flambeau Chain of Lakes Muskie Fishing.


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