FISHING WITH THE GUIDES with George Langley - Week of 11/16 to 11/23

We’re now firmly settled into winter’s waiting room. The woods are quiet, skim ice shows up in the back bays some mornings, and lake temperatures have dropped solidly into the low 40s. With the cold nights holding on, turnover is behind us and what little vegetation that remained has mostly laid down. Fish are operating in clear late-fall patterns, and the action reflects that.

Walleye anglers continue to do fairly well, though the bite has definitely become more precision-based. Most fish are holding deep and staying put during daylight, with short but productive feeding windows at dawn and dusk. Days, few and far between, with lighter winds have helped with boat control - and those who stayed mobile found good pockets of fish. Tuffies and small suckers on light jigs or suspended just above bottom are still the best bet, especially on the Eagle River Chain.

Bass activity is limited, as expected for this time of year. There are just not many anglers out fishing for them – but if you’re looking, smallmouth should be found tight to rocky structure in deeper water. Largemouth are about as inactive as they get and are likely buried in the last isolated weed patches or holding tight to shallow wood where the sun gives them a little warmth.

Northern remain one of the more consistent options. They’re patrolling what’s left of the weed cover, and they’re more than willing to crack at flashy presentations worked slowly but steadily through those pockets.

Panfish reports are sparse, but anglers chasing crappie and bluegill are finding them deep, often off the ends of points or suspended in basins. Small jigs tipped with waxies or tiny plastics will still catch them if you’re patient and willing to search.

Musky fishing continues to draw the diehards, and the fish are clearly in feed mode before the real cold clamps down. With water temps dropping further, suckers have been the dominant producer, though throwing big rubber remains a good way to cover water and warm yourself up. The feeding windows are brief but meaningful, and timing them right makes all the difference. If you’re chasing one more November fish, focus on low-light hours and any noticeable pressure changes.

Boat traffic is almost nonexistent now. Most folks have winter on their minds, hunters are in full swing, and the remaining anglers are squeezing in those last few comfortable days before real ice starts forming in earnest (fingers crossed!) If you’re out there, enjoy the solitude and the unique feel of these final days of open water.

Good luck and good fishin’!

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