Steve Heiting's Northwoods Musky Report

In this week's episode, Steve discusses and explains his lake choice, preferred locations, and the lures he will fish during the northern Wisconsin musky opener.

Forward facing sonar, also known as live sonar, is a hot-button topic in the musky fishing world. In this episode, Steve reports on the debate, how the issue led to the end of one longtime musky fundraiser tournament, and how the organizers of other tournaments have reacted.

Steve and his friend struggled to find walleyes on Opening Day but then put together a pattern that allowed them to catch their limit. Steve explains what worked for them, and discusses a completely different pattern that worked for Rhinelander guide Andy Hendrickson. Following that, Steve discusses two different patterns that produced crappies.

In his first fishing report for the 2025 season, Steve provides updates on local conditions and then explains how he and northwoods guide Rob Manthei plan to fish on Opening Day.

Steve begins with a live report after a client catches four northwoods muskies in a single day. Then he reports on the Hodag Musky Challenge and welcomes wounded vets to the Wounded Warriors In Action Eagle River Musky Challunge.

Summer doesn’t seem to want to quit in the Northwoods. Muskies are where they should be, but they aren’t very aggressive. Steve reveals the lures that produced fish during the last week, and offers his thoughts on pitch-back baits, one of which produced a big musky for his boat last week.

Steve can’t hide the fact he thinks the pre-turnover period is the best of the year for musky fishing. In this week’s report, he quickly covers location and then reveals his favorite baits for catching muskies at this time, and why.

Many northwoods lakes contain a heavy algae bloom right now and Steve discusses how you can overcome it. He talks about how you can help muskies find your lures in the green water, as well as where you should fish. Steve wraps up this segment by reporting on the catch of his biggest musky of the year so far, and how practicing what he preaches paid off.

Cool nights, warm days, bright skies and little wind are typical for what many call the “dog days” of August. In this week’s Northwoods Musky Report, Steve reveals his game plan for such conditions and tells the story of how he and a client succeeded while following these tactics.

In this week’s segment, Steve reports from the National Championship Musky Open where big muskies — and lots of them — were caught by tournament anglers. Steve reveals the best patterns.