Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Reports 5/19/2009
By Capt. Jim Hirt
May fishing is improving and action on Chinooks has been good. We have been out everyday for the six days. Tons of baitfish around and this should crank up the action.
Patterns and program under 35 feet
Here are two different options for fishing, which should produce for all big and small boat anglers. Around the harbor and in the break wall gaps mostly Browns with some Chinook and post spawn Rainbows. This is an all small spoon bite. Church Walleye Planner Boards with 25-foot leads and 3/8-ounce weight is taking browns from 3 to 10 pounds. Downriggers at all depths are also working. Slide Divers are producing very well set to #3 with 35 feet of line out. Our best spoon has been the red and white Nestor Wobbler Sunburn Glow, Vulcan Bloody Nose Glow and Vulcan OL Sherbet. When the wind and waves keep you in the gaps are options. The water flowing into Milwaukee harbor is 66 degrees the lake is 46.
Patterns and program 45 to 60 feet
Out in the deeper water South and East of the main gap Milwaukee has held the best fishing for Chinook 10 to 18 pounds and Lake Trout. All our fish came on Magnum spoons. Two, three, four and five color leadcore or downriggers 12 to 45 down had action. The water is very clear and you must run the spoons 50 to 100 behind the downrigger weight to get fish.
Some of our best producers have been Reaper Magnum Peacock Silver and Magnum Fish n Chip on sunny days. Try the Reaper Magnum Glow spoons on overcast cloudy days. Run the boat speed slow in the 1.8 to 2.1 MPH for the cold water. I tried plugs and flasher flies with no action. Vulcans, Nestor Wobblers and Reapers are sold only on the web at http://www.badgertackle.com Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2009, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.