Sparta Area Lakes Have Fish on the Chew

Mother Nature and Old Man River have teamed up this year making for some high and fast moving water throughout this years open water season. If you are not a fan of the current river conditions and live in Monroe or La Crosse counties, pull out your maps and you may be surprised by the many other options we have in our areas for good fishing.

Also keep in mind there are a set of different regulations that go along with some of these little lakes such as, trolling motors only and different bag limits. With the size of most these Lakes it is necessary to over come the “I need my limit” mentality to insure healthy fish population and fish fries for years to come. Doing some homework and spending some time on these lakes and puddles will only add to your favorite fishing spots list

With my parents visiting from Florida, it has been the smaller area lakes that have produced some fantastic outings and providing a couple dandy fish fries for Mom and Dad to haul home. Crappies have been the number one target. The first outing produced a great year class of these specks for Mikehd, Dad and I. The fish were found cruising in 4-8fow and willing to take a minnow on a small jig 3-4 foot under a bobber Drifting or using the trolling motor to keep the baits on the move was the key for getting the paper mouths to attack the offering. Keeping close to drop offs is where a good number of these 11-12inch pies were spending there day. The second outing however had us baffled at first but soon after with a change of location and bait, it was game on once again

One week later the fish moved deeper 9-12fow, and Mike’s LX-5 in the front of the boat was playing tattletale on a good number of fish holding tight to bottom with some just a foot off the hard pan. The minnows were then set deep picking off a few crappies far and few between with a very soft bite. I then tied on a 32nd oz orange jig and tipped it with a whole redworm. Gotta love the way a full redworm trails behind a jig It must have looked appetizing because it wasn’t long and the Ultra Light rig was playing tug-o-war with a 12inch beauty. Then the set up had me in the bonus round and started producing some fat bellied orange fins. With a couple perch coming overboard it wasn’t long and Mike plus Dad had redworms hanging over the side! The new meat offered to the prey below fished vertical a few inches off bottom had both crappies and perch coming over the rail

Big Sandy, North Flowage, Neshonoc, along with the numerous cranberry lakes have a good fall bite in action. Make sure you have the required permits for some of these lakes and check the regulations and postings at the landings. Don’t be afraid to check out what might be new waters to you. Make sure to practice selective harvest and only keep what you can eat

You might be surprised at the quality fish you will find on what looks like a puddle.

Also make sure to have your GPS on hand and gather your way points for the hard water season which will be arriving soon!!!!

Good luck fishing people