Back From Pewaukee Lake: We got skunked, all three of us. It's only our second time on the lake. Is it just me or is it diffecult to fish a lake you don't know? Northern...Pike was the...

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

We got skunked, all three of us.
It's only our second time on the lake. Is it just me or is it diffecult to fish a lake you don't know?
Northern...Pike was the main goal. We each put out a sucker minnow on a bobber and casted with another rod.
Last time we went we caught two small bass but couldn't fish that spot due to windy and wavy conditions.

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

mistred64 wrote:

We got skunked, all three of us.
It's only our second time on the lake. Is it just me or is it diffecult to fish a lake you don't know?
Northern...Pike was the main goal. We each put out a sucker minnow on a bobber and casted with another rod.
Last time we went we caught two small bass but couldn't fish that spot due to windy and wavy conditions.

Did you try the edges of the weed beds Ed? Pike are ambush feeders and like to attack from cover. A noisy topwater, like a Whopper Plopper should get their attention as well. Better luck next time buddy.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

Fredfish wrote:

Did you try the edges of the weed beds Ed? Pike are ambush feeders and like to attack from cover. A noisy topwater, like a Whopper Plopper should get their attention as well. Better luck next time buddy.

I was telling my daughter about edge of weed beds. I know that tactic and use it. On this lake we're either in the weeds at a depth of 5' or in the deeper water and can't see the weeds. I have yet to find weed bed edges in this lake.
When we fish up north I know the lake and our spots we try first. I know where the weed edges are. Same with the lake I fished where my folks had a cottage. That lake also had productive lilly pad areas. I get it but can't figure this lake out.
Can you get maps that show weed beds?
Am I wrong in focusing mostly on dropoffs? I'm thinking water temp plays into that?

Fredfish Loc: Prospect CT.

mistred64 wrote:

I was telling my daughter about edge of weed beds.... (show quote)

The easiest way to find the edges of the weed beds, if the water's not clear enough to see them, is with a fishfinder. That being said, there's not enough light to support plant growth beyond 10-15 feet deep, depending on water clarity, in most lakes. Probably the best source of information for any lake is the local tackle shops. They should know the local conditions, as well as seasonal trends for local fisheries.
Fish will always go where the food is, regardless of water temperature, when they are feeding. They may hang around elsewhere when they're inactive.

Jer Loc: N. Illinois 🇺🇸

mistred64 wrote:

We got skunked, all three of us.
It's only our second time on the lake. Is it just me or is it diffecult to fish a lake you don't know?
Northern...Pike was the main goal. We each put out a sucker minnow on a bobber and casted with another rod.
Last time we went we caught two small bass but couldn't fish that spot due to windy and wavy conditions.

Ed, have you used any maps to help you? Here’s one from the Wisconsin DNR.

https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/maps/DNR/0772000a.pdf

Did you fish the weeds by the dam?

OJdidit Loc: Oak Creek Wisconsin

Ed, the NE corner of the lake is usually choked with weeds. Find the Southern edge of those and there should be fish.
The Muskies hang out near the islands.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

Jer wrote:

Ed, have you used any maps to help you? Here’s one from the Wisconsin DNR.

https://dnr.wi.gov/lakes/maps/DNR/0772000a.pdf

Did you fish the weeds by the dam?

Yea Jer, I had the map with me as well as the recommended spots from the bait shop/boat rental.

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

OJdidit wrote:

Ed, the NE corner of the lake is usually choked with weeds. Find the Southern edge of those and there should be fish.
The Muskies hang out near the islands.

There were people trolling the islands.

Bcmech1 Loc: Clinton Wisconsin

mistred64 wrote:

We got skunked, all three of us.
It's only our second time on the lake. Is it just me or is it diffecult to fish a lake you don't know?
Northern...Pike was the main goal. We each put out a sucker minnow on a bobber and casted with another rod.
Last time we went we caught two small bass but couldn't fish that spot due to windy and wavy conditions.

Here you go Ed, I found your new fishing shirt!

mistred64 Loc: Grayslake, illinois

Bcmech1 wrote:

Here you go Ed, I found your new fishing shirt!

I like it but my shirt would just say "I suck at this". "Cheaper to buy fish at the store".