muskies in the heat?

Well ive been planning on heading up to bald eagle to chase some muskies tomorrow for a couple weeks. But with this weather will they even be active…i mean a week of being in the 90’s? and would it even be good for them to be caught in such heat (too much stress??) thanks for answering a rookie question. just trying to decide if its worth my time to head up that way.

Heat and humidity can sometimes be the best fishing. If there is alot of traffic on the lake, try fishing after dark. Good luck.

Some studies point to stress from hot water can be deadly. One report done by the MN DNR showed that proper handling and release were of the highest importance during this time. Playing the fish to a absolute minimum, absolute minimum time out of water (zero time out is best) water temps at midnight aren’t much different than at noon. 80 and up can be deadly. treat them right and they should be fine.

For more info on stress and Muskies send me a PM for some links.

S-

Water temps now are between 75 to 78 degrees in the Metro Area and Mille Lacs. Fish should be fine if handled fast and efficient.

Right now I would recommend fishing the last three hours of light, into the evening. I have a “gut feeling” that the muskies have been on a steady chew in the evening/night and digesting in shallow water during the day. Lots of fish are being seen in shallow on mille lacs at high noon, however these fish are very slugish. However part of this “gut feeling” is that moon out there that is on the down swing……..

Good luck on your hunt and let us know if you have any luck!

The summer heat can shut down muskie fishing on local lakes, but on good muskie rivers like the Chippewa in my area or the Mississippi in northern Minnesota the action can be as hot as the weather….