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The first three
weeks of the regular season, which opened May 5, afford the best
opportunity to fly fish for truly big northerns, Pratt says.That's
when big pike are in the shallows and most susceptible to this method,
he says. As water warms big pike go deeper and farther from shore
and become harder to contact with a fly. Muskies are just the opposite.
As summer progresses
there are always going to be at least some muskies up close in the
shallow slop, Pratt says. Fly rodding is a great way to fish in
heavy cover for musky. Another bonus is an occasional monster bass
or walleye, which are also vulnerable to big flies in heavy habitat.
Pratt, who himself
fly fishes for the big fish, says there are many Hayward area waters
that are well suited to this type fishing. Among those waters are
the Tiger Cat chain, Lake hayward, Callahan/Mud Lakes, East and
West Fork Chippewa Rivers, Totogatic Flowage, Ghost Lake, Lake Winter,
Chippewa River and the Chippewa Flowage.
To find waters
elsewhere in Wisconsin where big northerns or musky lurk try the
following links:Muskie in Wisconsin
Lakes & Rivers. For general tips try this link,
Fishing
for Muskie in Wisconsin.
Pratt's tips
for landing trophy northerns or musky using fly casting equipment
start with using larger presentations (lines and lures) than would
be used to catch big trout or bass. Use 9-plus foot rod and 9- to
10-weight line. This provides lots of punch for throwing big flies
and striking/landing big fish.
Choose flies
typically in the 2-3/0 range such as Zonkers. Dahlberg divers, big
poppers, or Clouser Minnows. Many of the better patterns have rabbit
fur strips, which impart an incredibly life-like, edible action
in the water. Match the hatch to imitate the larger baitfish in
the specific water, usually white sucker or larger yellow perch.
Next, the hook is set is important. Use the underarm reach back
set instead of the rod-bend set. Esocids have viselike jaws, which
clamp down on the fly. Only direct line pull has enough force to
move the hook so that it will set.
Finally, as
a fly angler you should know the importance of catch and release
as a method for maintaining great fishing. Read about how to release
a muskie by clicking
here.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
CONTACT: Frank Pratt at the Wisconsin DNR at - (715) 634-6509
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