Steve Heiting's Northwoods Musky Report

Water temperatures were well into the 80s on northwoods lakes, and for the first time since he started producing his weekly musky reports Steve did not fish for muskies. Instead, he discusses what he does when water temps get too warm, and explains how his customers caught a lot of largemouth and smallmouth bass from northwoods lakes.

In this week's report, Steve celebrates the biggest musky of the season so far for one of his clients, and discusses the little things that seemed to matter for that and other muskies that were caught and released from his boat. He also discusses the rising water temps and suggests what to do if you encounter them this week.

With water temperatures warming in the Northwoods, Steve outlines the best methods for releasing muskies safely. But first he discusses current conditions as well as lures that have produced musky action.

In this week's report, Steve informally polled several musky guides and anglers and found that all are experiencing short feeding windows this year. Steve then discusses what feeding windows are and how to best make the most of them when they occur.

Water temperatures in northwoods lakes have fallen, and Steve discusses the lures and locational patterns that have been most effective. He reports on the results of a big weekend tournament and lists a variety of musky fishing events in the next few weeks.

Musky action is getting hot right now in weeds as well as deep water for suspended fish, and Steve reports on what's been working. He also discusses what happened during the University of Esox Musky School held in St. Germain, and lists upcoming musky events in the northwoods.

The big warmup has water temps climbing, yet muskies are still a little behind with some still paired up and spawning. Steve reports on the conditions and lures that are working, and discusses a couple big musky events coming up in the next few weeks.

The traditional musky season opener was Memorial Day weekend, and Steve and two friends enjoyed terrific musky action. Steve reveals the lures and patterns that paid off.

While fishing for walleyes and smallmouth bass, Steve and his son stumbled into a small musky frenzy and reports on what they caught. Then, he describes how to easily find post-spawn muskies.

In this week's report, Steve lists his top five musky baits for early season fishing, and adds a couple honorable mentions that aren't well known to the masses. He also provides an update on state funding for the DNR's musky stocking efforts.