Delavan Lake, WI

Decided to chase spring crappies on the lake for the first time. Got on the water at 1030 Wednesday. I was shocked to see the ramp full with parking started in the overflow yard. I guess the three days of mild weather before a frontal system got everyone on the same plan.

Now for those who don’t know Delavan it is a lake that gets hammered by fishermen and boaters. Fishing can be tough but it is worth it if you can get the right pattern established.

My plan was to target warmer water along northern shoreline with green weeds near a drop off and access to shallower water. Decided to use minnows 4 feet under a bobber in 7 to 9 feet for the search rigs then work mini mites for the bigger crappies.

Well the plan worked out well as I set up shop on the spot I wanted then it was off to the races as I fan cast and set lines to cover the area. I could not keep a line in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes. Fast action, that was quickly stopped by the swam of crappie lurkers behind me who pull up and troll by to see if anyone is catching fish to determine if they should fish or not.

One thing you learn on this lake is if you are catching fish try to not create a scene. Well, three crappies on three rods all at once does not help. Sheer chaos in the boat. The good kind of course though.

I was quickly surrounded and the fishing slowed dramatically. The guy trolling around me was not helping matters at all. Troll by, I catch a fish, then he drops anchors. I catch another fish (he doesn’t) them he moves 20 feet closer then drops anchors. Good thing I was using weighted bobbers for the lite jigs. It kept people at bay for a while.

Continued to whittle away at the fish and burned through all my live minnows. Then I started using the dead ones on the mini mite and ran thru them with the occasional northern. Which was fun on ultralights.

Baits that worked – minnows, chartruese gulp and mini mites, black mini mites.

Caught many fish (good size distribution by the way) but kept enough fish for a couple family meals.

Done fishing by 230.

Beautiful day out, just crazy with rude fishermen/women.

Good job Diesel!

great post , I use to fish Delavan alot. That is so true about people moving in on you and in the summer it is worse with the pleasure boaters who think they own the lake .

Thanks guys it was a blast. Just wish my son and wife could have joined in.

Nice lake to fish especially at night for eyes when in season.

A bit late, but congrats on getting into them good. Making me hungry just looking at those pics.