The weather has been way less than cooperative in Nebraska this ‘spring’, if you can call it that. One day it’s 98 degrees, the next you can’t see 5′ in front of you because of the snow. Needless to say, the fish have been a little ‘out of it’.
The water has slowly climbed up to the 60 degree mark, which is a good thing for the area. It’s been difficult to catch fish lately, and has forced us to try new things and learn different techniques. Some have worked pretty well, while some need improvement. But now that the water has warmed up, some usual patterns are starting to show themselves.
We managed to find some water that was near 70, and the saugers cooperated nicely. We caught some saugers, northern pike, crappies, white bass, and even drum. Me moved to another lake and found the wipers were on the chew. We caught 5 wipers from 24 to 25 1/4", and had numbers 6 and 7 pop the hook when they got closer. Throw in a couple white bass (the biggest was 16 1/2") and a 23" walleye, and you have yourself a good night of fishing.
Monday was another great day. We managed 27 eyes, with the largest being the 28 1/4 incher shown above by my buddy Dave who wrangled the beauty in. Also had a 23, and a handful from 20 to 22", and 3 more saugers. First fish of the day was a monster pike that went 39"….we’re guessing. I’ve never seen such a thing, but its tail fell off in the boat in pieces all over the place. If you look closely in the pic, you can see there are just a few shreads left. I’ve never seen such a thing; it wasn’t like it was caught in a prop or stepped on in the boat, they just fell off. If anyone has anything to add, I’d like to hear it.
The next day wasn’t as good, but I do know a buddy pulled out a 24 and a 27 less than a mile from us. Let’s hope the pattern persists for at least a little while and the weather keeps cooperating!
Nice fish, Brian! Thanks for the report.
Pete
Those are some nice looking fish. Do you mind sharing what you were using? or you can pm me
You bet. Mostly a variety of cranks for most all of these fish. The new Storm Smash Shad is for real. The pike smoked a Shad Rap, but the walleye drilled a Flicker.
Nice fish B, especially the wipers. Id bet when theres a really good wiper bite its loads of fish and fun.
Thanks Dan. It can get downright CRAAAAZY. When you hook a wiper, all you do is wait for it to stop so you can gain some line on them. The weird thing the other night was they were heading right for the boat, so we had to reel real fast to keep the line tight. Once they got to the boat, it was a different story. You had to be ready with the drag because you knew they were going to keep going….somewhere. When you hook two at once….well, you better have some help!
Wow! I know they run in schools so have you ever been on a bite where its one after another. Do you have to follow the school around. Whats some of the cool things you’ve seen or heard of that they do? I heard a good wiper bite is something to experience.
Matter of fact, I have experienced exactly what you describe a great number of times. The thing about wipers is they never stop swimming, and seem to never stop eating either. And you’re right, they travel in schools quite frequently, and if you’re in their path, you better be ready. And once you have it narrowed down to what they’re keying in on, yes, it’s one after another for a little while. I’ve had it last from 15 minutes to a couple of hours. If it’s a couple hours, you’re tired afterwards. You’re either reeling in fish, netting fish, or baiting up. Usually when it’s like this, I’m parked on top of them and let them come to me. But in the fall, you have to chase them down and find them. Once you do, they can be caught. I’m not what you would call a wiper fisherman, but I’m sure trying harder these days to be better at catching them. They are truly a blast!
The coolest thing I’ve seen and heard about wipers is what I call the aquarium effect. We have a place where the water is somewhat clear at times, and if you are out there on a calm night, you can actually see them circling around the boat smashing bait. I’ve seen 25-30 at once in a 20′ radius I would say. It’s so cool, kinda like picking out your lobster at the restaurant (although I’ll never clean a wiper again)! Of course this happens on a calm night with virtually no wind, which seems rare around here at times. Not only do you see them, but you can hear them in a foot or less of water at times just smashing the water surface. It’s almost like applause. Good times!
Just thought of something else. To give you an idea of what they will do to your reels and rods, I had one hit a rod while trolling. I had 44′ of line out, and when I was finally able to start gaining some line on him, he had it out to 120′. They have so much power. I recommend that nobody catch one, because they’re more addictive than cocaine I’m pretty sure!
Yes! I know what that sounds like, the fishes usually do a synchronize swimming routine right AROUND my bait
But it sounds more like they’re laughing..at me. lol
It does seem that way at times, no doubt. But once you find what they will hit, hold on. They’re comin.
Good looking fish Brian!
Anothoer great report.