Greetings All:
With the Labor Day weekend just a few days away, many folks will be heading out to do some fishing. If your heading to the Mississippi or Wisconsin Rivers, look for decent angling to be occurring. Keep in mind that it is forecast to be very hot mid day so if possible, get out early and again in the late afternoon. The fish have been much more active during these two periods.
Lots of good catfish action on dip baits, stripers starting on steep tapering shorelines and sand flat areas. Panfish hit and miss. Main channel structure holding some bluegill on worms and larva baits. Crappie on deep timber on minnows.
Walleye have been slow. Remember, water temps are still in the high 60's to mid 70's. Look for clean water as some areas have lots of floating weeds.
All in all, hope you can get out to wet a line this weekend. Enjoy the holiday and be safe on the water and in your travels.
Till Next Time, Take Care and I'll See You On The Water.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Thursday, September 3, 2015
Saturday, August 29, 2015
BASS FISHING ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER IS HOT!!!
Greetings All:
If you like fishing for bass, now is the time to get out on the beautiful Mississippi River and enjoy some fast action.
With a great year class of bass available, anglers are having a ball catching these great fighting fish. Both largemouth and smallmouth are biting well.
From Pool-6 all the way down to Pool-15, bass are hitting with reckless abandon. Early in the day and again before sunset, there is a great topwater bite available. Stick baits are working well in colors that match the forage base in the pool you are fishing. Some action on crankbaits for smallmouth bass are also doing well. Choose smaller cranks with a nice tight action for best results.
For you folks that like to fish the many backwater areas the river has to offer, try fishing plastic frogs over the weed beds and also very tight to timber laying in the water. Lots of nice bass still available in the backwaters as of this report. Use a slow, twitch and pause retrieve for the frogs and you will catch fish. Once the Sun is up in the morning, go to a spinnerbait for best results fished near weed edges and also tight to timber in the water. Use a nice steady retrieve for best results.
Right now my friends the bass action on the Mississippi River is absolutely wonderful with many big fish available. Hopefully if you like to catch bass you can get out and enjoy this fast action that's going on in a pool near you.
Note: When fishing spinnerbaits in the backwaters, don't be surprised if a big old Northern smacks your lure. They are available in good numbers also in these areas.
Till Next Time,,,Take Care and I'll See You On The Water.........
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
If you like fishing for bass, now is the time to get out on the beautiful Mississippi River and enjoy some fast action.
With a great year class of bass available, anglers are having a ball catching these great fighting fish. Both largemouth and smallmouth are biting well.
From Pool-6 all the way down to Pool-15, bass are hitting with reckless abandon. Early in the day and again before sunset, there is a great topwater bite available. Stick baits are working well in colors that match the forage base in the pool you are fishing. Some action on crankbaits for smallmouth bass are also doing well. Choose smaller cranks with a nice tight action for best results.
For you folks that like to fish the many backwater areas the river has to offer, try fishing plastic frogs over the weed beds and also very tight to timber laying in the water. Lots of nice bass still available in the backwaters as of this report. Use a slow, twitch and pause retrieve for the frogs and you will catch fish. Once the Sun is up in the morning, go to a spinnerbait for best results fished near weed edges and also tight to timber in the water. Use a nice steady retrieve for best results.
Right now my friends the bass action on the Mississippi River is absolutely wonderful with many big fish available. Hopefully if you like to catch bass you can get out and enjoy this fast action that's going on in a pool near you.
Note: When fishing spinnerbaits in the backwaters, don't be surprised if a big old Northern smacks your lure. They are available in good numbers also in these areas.
Till Next Time,,,Take Care and I'll See You On The Water.........
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Wednesday, August 19, 2015
HEAVY RAINS HINDERING ANGLERS SUCCESS
Greetings All:
Just a quick update on current fishing conditions here in the Midwest. Many areas received large amounts of rain in a short period causing flooding and heavy runoff. Area rivers and lakes are currently muddy and it will be a few days before they start to once again clear. On the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers, try and search out the cleanest waters you can find for best results. All waters are muddy but the cleanest water will be those that do not contain a lot of floating debris.
Best bet right now is the catfish. Use dip baits near snag areas and you will catch some nice fish.
All other species are slow due to the stained water. Hopefully by the weekend, fishing will improve if Mother Nature keeps the rains away.
Till next time, Take Care and I'll see You On The Water................
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Just a quick update on current fishing conditions here in the Midwest. Many areas received large amounts of rain in a short period causing flooding and heavy runoff. Area rivers and lakes are currently muddy and it will be a few days before they start to once again clear. On the Mississippi and Wisconsin Rivers, try and search out the cleanest waters you can find for best results. All waters are muddy but the cleanest water will be those that do not contain a lot of floating debris.
Best bet right now is the catfish. Use dip baits near snag areas and you will catch some nice fish.
All other species are slow due to the stained water. Hopefully by the weekend, fishing will improve if Mother Nature keeps the rains away.
Till next time, Take Care and I'll see You On The Water................
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Tuesday, August 11, 2015
EVEN WITH HOT WEATHER, RIVER BITE GOOD!!!
Greetings All:
Even with the hot temperatures we have been experiencing lately, the Mississippi River is producing excellent catches of fish.
Right now the water levels are slightly below normal in Pools-11-12-13 & 14. The water temperature is holding in the high 70's to low 80's in spots. Even with those warm waters the river current is keeping the fish well oxygenated so they are surviving well. Main river fishing is the norm right now with most fish concentrated in deeper holes of the river.
I have been doing my fishing both early and again late in the day to beat the heat and this has been paying off. Lots of nice Bass on topwater lures for you bass anglers with spinnerbaits also working well. Don't be surprised if a nice Northern hits that spinnerbait as there is a great class of nice big Northern available to catch.
For you catfish anglers, use those dip baits near deadfalls in the water and you will do well. Also drifting a nightcrawler under a slip float along fast tapering, rocky shorelines will take some nice catfish as will fishing the upstream side of the wingdams.
Walleye are slow now with best action coming early and again late into dark on small crankbaits fished near structure such as wingdams and sunken timber. Some success trolling nightcrawlers on a harness close to rocky bottom areas in deeper water. Vary your trolling speed until you find what the fish want.
Lastly, I have been getting some really nice big Stripers fishing fast tapering sand flat areas and casting a 1/4th. ounce all white hair jig. Fan cast the area well and when you hit a school you will load up fast. Use line no heavier that 8lb. test for best results.
All in all my friends, by staggering your time on the water from early to late, you will beat the Summer heat and be on the water when the bite has been happening. Hopefully you can get out and enjoy.
Till Next Time, Take Care and I'll See You On The Water.......
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Even with the hot temperatures we have been experiencing lately, the Mississippi River is producing excellent catches of fish.
Right now the water levels are slightly below normal in Pools-11-12-13 & 14. The water temperature is holding in the high 70's to low 80's in spots. Even with those warm waters the river current is keeping the fish well oxygenated so they are surviving well. Main river fishing is the norm right now with most fish concentrated in deeper holes of the river.
I have been doing my fishing both early and again late in the day to beat the heat and this has been paying off. Lots of nice Bass on topwater lures for you bass anglers with spinnerbaits also working well. Don't be surprised if a nice Northern hits that spinnerbait as there is a great class of nice big Northern available to catch.
For you catfish anglers, use those dip baits near deadfalls in the water and you will do well. Also drifting a nightcrawler under a slip float along fast tapering, rocky shorelines will take some nice catfish as will fishing the upstream side of the wingdams.
Walleye are slow now with best action coming early and again late into dark on small crankbaits fished near structure such as wingdams and sunken timber. Some success trolling nightcrawlers on a harness close to rocky bottom areas in deeper water. Vary your trolling speed until you find what the fish want.
Lastly, I have been getting some really nice big Stripers fishing fast tapering sand flat areas and casting a 1/4th. ounce all white hair jig. Fan cast the area well and when you hit a school you will load up fast. Use line no heavier that 8lb. test for best results.
All in all my friends, by staggering your time on the water from early to late, you will beat the Summer heat and be on the water when the bite has been happening. Hopefully you can get out and enjoy.
Till Next Time, Take Care and I'll See You On The Water.......
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Tuesday, August 4, 2015
IT'S GOOD TO BE BACK!!!!
Greetings All;
Well it is sure good to be back!!! After spending the last two weeks plus on the road with time spent in Oshkosh, WI., at the big EAA Airventure Airshow, it was off to the bush country of the Canadian wilderness for some great fishing. One thing for sure, the last 3 weeks have flown by. As always the Canadian fishing was exceptional with many big fish being caught and released. Walleye up to 9 pounds, Northern in the 20's and numerous big lake trout made for another wonderful experience fishing the wilds of Canada. Thanks goes to the Cree Nation that allowed me to fish their sacred waters and for their hospitality in making my stay wonderful. To the Tribe Elders, I thank you for making me feel so very welcome.
Back here on the home front, fishing on the Mississippi River has been exceptional for species like largemouth and smallmouth bass. Topwater baits, plastics and small cranks have been producing excellent catches of bass. With an excellent year class of fish available, bass anglers should enjoy good fishing for the foreseeable future.
If you like catfish, the cats are going crazy on the Mississippi river. Stink baits fished near snags taking most fish right now. Early in the day and again in the evening best time for cats.
Walleye scattered and slow right now with a few fish on the wingdams trolling a crawler on a harness. Otherwise walleye slow. Look for great fishing when water start to cool as we approach the Fall season of the year.
Panfish are scattered also with crappie in their summer deep water pattern. Deep water timber holding crappie on the Mississippi right not with minnows being the best bait.
Lastly look for some great striper fishing all up and down the river with many nice fish available. I look for September and October to be the prime time for these big stripers to go on a bite. Look for many fish in excess of 4 lbs.
Don't let the "Dog Days" scare you. Head out to the Mississippi River and enjoy some great fishing. Best part is that it's only going to get better as the Fall season approaches.
Glad to be back. Now get out and make some memories!!!
Till Next Time, Take Care and I'll See You On The Water........
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com.
Well it is sure good to be back!!! After spending the last two weeks plus on the road with time spent in Oshkosh, WI., at the big EAA Airventure Airshow, it was off to the bush country of the Canadian wilderness for some great fishing. One thing for sure, the last 3 weeks have flown by. As always the Canadian fishing was exceptional with many big fish being caught and released. Walleye up to 9 pounds, Northern in the 20's and numerous big lake trout made for another wonderful experience fishing the wilds of Canada. Thanks goes to the Cree Nation that allowed me to fish their sacred waters and for their hospitality in making my stay wonderful. To the Tribe Elders, I thank you for making me feel so very welcome.
Back here on the home front, fishing on the Mississippi River has been exceptional for species like largemouth and smallmouth bass. Topwater baits, plastics and small cranks have been producing excellent catches of bass. With an excellent year class of fish available, bass anglers should enjoy good fishing for the foreseeable future.
If you like catfish, the cats are going crazy on the Mississippi river. Stink baits fished near snags taking most fish right now. Early in the day and again in the evening best time for cats.
Walleye scattered and slow right now with a few fish on the wingdams trolling a crawler on a harness. Otherwise walleye slow. Look for great fishing when water start to cool as we approach the Fall season of the year.
Panfish are scattered also with crappie in their summer deep water pattern. Deep water timber holding crappie on the Mississippi right not with minnows being the best bait.
Lastly look for some great striper fishing all up and down the river with many nice fish available. I look for September and October to be the prime time for these big stripers to go on a bite. Look for many fish in excess of 4 lbs.
Don't let the "Dog Days" scare you. Head out to the Mississippi River and enjoy some great fishing. Best part is that it's only going to get better as the Fall season approaches.
Glad to be back. Now get out and make some memories!!!
Till Next Time, Take Care and I'll See You On The Water........
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com.
Thursday, July 9, 2015
ANGLING ON THE UPSWING!!!
Greetings All:
It's no secret that with all the heavy rain we have been experiencing here in the Midwest that our lakes, rivers and streams are quite muddy. When this happens it can make for some mighty tough fishing.
Well folks, the good news is that the waters are starting to clear and the fish are putting on the feed bag once again.
Right now on the Mississippi River the bass fishing is breaking loose with many quality fish available. Area river backwater areas are producing big fish on Frog baits fished near and over submerged weedbeds. Plastic worms and lizards are also catching their fair share of fish.
For you catfish anglers, stink baits are taking many nice catfish near snags in the water. Next best bait for the catfish is a fat, juicy nightcrawler fished under a float near some type of shoreline structure. The catfish are very hungry right now and hitting baits hard.
Panfish like bluegill and crappie are scattered but picking up as waters clear. All in all, it's once again time to plan that special trip to get out and catch yourself a nice mess of fish. Be safe, have fun and make some memories.
Till Next Time, Take Care and I'll See You On The Water............
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
It's no secret that with all the heavy rain we have been experiencing here in the Midwest that our lakes, rivers and streams are quite muddy. When this happens it can make for some mighty tough fishing.
Well folks, the good news is that the waters are starting to clear and the fish are putting on the feed bag once again.
Right now on the Mississippi River the bass fishing is breaking loose with many quality fish available. Area river backwater areas are producing big fish on Frog baits fished near and over submerged weedbeds. Plastic worms and lizards are also catching their fair share of fish.
For you catfish anglers, stink baits are taking many nice catfish near snags in the water. Next best bait for the catfish is a fat, juicy nightcrawler fished under a float near some type of shoreline structure. The catfish are very hungry right now and hitting baits hard.
Panfish like bluegill and crappie are scattered but picking up as waters clear. All in all, it's once again time to plan that special trip to get out and catch yourself a nice mess of fish. Be safe, have fun and make some memories.
Till Next Time, Take Care and I'll See You On The Water............
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
FIRECRACKER SMALLMOUTH BASS TIME!!!
Greetings All;
As we get ready to celebrate another 4th. of July Holiday weekend, many folks will be heading to their favorite river, lake or stream that holds these scrappy fighters to enjoy some fishing. Well folks, right now those smallies are active and hungry. Best baits to use for the upcoming weekend are some good old topwater stickbaits. Smallmouth just love these and right now they are hitting them like crazy. As a second, try using some type of spinnerbait or inline spinner. These also will yield good catches.
Try and fish current break areas where the bass can hide from the main current and ambush passing prey. These areas will hold the majority of the active fish. If your fishing current, cast upstream from your target and let the current float your lure down past the fish. Use an occasional twitch and hang on. If smallmouth are there, you will know in a hurry.
With great year classes of smallmouth bass available all up and down the Mississippi River, look for the great fishing to last right up into the Fall of the year. Hopefully you can get out and enjoy this weekend by going after some of these very aggressive
smallmouth.
Note: The tactics I talk about here will work in lakes and streams also.
Enjoy the Holiday weekend, be safe and save a few "Firecracker Smallmouth" for me.
Till Next Time, Take Care and I'll See You On The Water.....................
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
As we get ready to celebrate another 4th. of July Holiday weekend, many folks will be heading to their favorite river, lake or stream that holds these scrappy fighters to enjoy some fishing. Well folks, right now those smallies are active and hungry. Best baits to use for the upcoming weekend are some good old topwater stickbaits. Smallmouth just love these and right now they are hitting them like crazy. As a second, try using some type of spinnerbait or inline spinner. These also will yield good catches.
Try and fish current break areas where the bass can hide from the main current and ambush passing prey. These areas will hold the majority of the active fish. If your fishing current, cast upstream from your target and let the current float your lure down past the fish. Use an occasional twitch and hang on. If smallmouth are there, you will know in a hurry.
With great year classes of smallmouth bass available all up and down the Mississippi River, look for the great fishing to last right up into the Fall of the year. Hopefully you can get out and enjoy this weekend by going after some of these very aggressive
smallmouth.
Note: The tactics I talk about here will work in lakes and streams also.
Enjoy the Holiday weekend, be safe and save a few "Firecracker Smallmouth" for me.
Till Next Time, Take Care and I'll See You On The Water.....................
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
ITS TIME FOR GREAT CATFISH ACTION!!!
Greetings All;
Well it is no secret that Mother Nature continues to pummel the Midwest with copious amounts of rain and bad weather. What this has done is to put many of our lakes, rivers and streams into flood stage making most fishing nearly impossible. With that thought in mind though, there is one fish that is biting like crazy and I'm talking about the good old Catfish.
Right now this species is feeding heavily and due to the fact it is predominantly a scent feeder, anglers using dip bait, or "Stink Bait" as it is know are doing very good on these tasty fish. Fish the upstream sides of snags and deadfalls in the water and the catfish will find your offering. Try and fish some type of backwater area or slough with minimal current for best results. I look for this bite to continue as the water stays on the high side. Also, don't forget to bring along some healthy nightcrawlers as the cats are eating them up also.
So while other species of fish are hard to find, the catfish will save the day if your looking to get out and have some angling fun on a waterway near you.
Till Next Time, Take Care and I'll See You On The Water.......
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well it is no secret that Mother Nature continues to pummel the Midwest with copious amounts of rain and bad weather. What this has done is to put many of our lakes, rivers and streams into flood stage making most fishing nearly impossible. With that thought in mind though, there is one fish that is biting like crazy and I'm talking about the good old Catfish.
Right now this species is feeding heavily and due to the fact it is predominantly a scent feeder, anglers using dip bait, or "Stink Bait" as it is know are doing very good on these tasty fish. Fish the upstream sides of snags and deadfalls in the water and the catfish will find your offering. Try and fish some type of backwater area or slough with minimal current for best results. I look for this bite to continue as the water stays on the high side. Also, don't forget to bring along some healthy nightcrawlers as the cats are eating them up also.
So while other species of fish are hard to find, the catfish will save the day if your looking to get out and have some angling fun on a waterway near you.
Till Next Time, Take Care and I'll See You On The Water.......
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Thursday, June 11, 2015
HEAVY RAINS CAUSING HAVOC FOR ANGLERS!!!
Greetings All:
Well, Mother Nature is unleashing her fury in the form of very heavy rain here in the Midwest. With copious amounts already on the ground and up to 4 more inches possible this afternoon and through tonight, look for the area rivers and lakes to become very muddy and possibly causing flooding conditions in some areas. Conditions for the upcoming weekend are not currently looking good if you are planning on getting out for some fishing.
The Mississippi River is currently high and very muddy and this will continue until we get some stable weather in the Midwest. Best bet for some fish is the backwater areas where you can go and catch some catfish on dip baits fished near snags. Main river fishing is not recommended with the fast currents and dirty water. I look for the gates on the navigation dams to once again be opened which will lead to faster water in the main channel areas.
Keep in mind that this heavy rain is also effecting fishing in area lakes also.
With the above in mind and more rains in the forecast, this might be a great weekend to get caught up on that "Honey Do" list so that when conditions do improve you can get out and enjoy.
Till Next Time,,,,Take Care and I'll See You On The Water..........
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Well, Mother Nature is unleashing her fury in the form of very heavy rain here in the Midwest. With copious amounts already on the ground and up to 4 more inches possible this afternoon and through tonight, look for the area rivers and lakes to become very muddy and possibly causing flooding conditions in some areas. Conditions for the upcoming weekend are not currently looking good if you are planning on getting out for some fishing.
The Mississippi River is currently high and very muddy and this will continue until we get some stable weather in the Midwest. Best bet for some fish is the backwater areas where you can go and catch some catfish on dip baits fished near snags. Main river fishing is not recommended with the fast currents and dirty water. I look for the gates on the navigation dams to once again be opened which will lead to faster water in the main channel areas.
Keep in mind that this heavy rain is also effecting fishing in area lakes also.
With the above in mind and more rains in the forecast, this might be a great weekend to get caught up on that "Honey Do" list so that when conditions do improve you can get out and enjoy.
Till Next Time,,,,Take Care and I'll See You On The Water..........
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com
Monday, June 1, 2015
MAKE SOME TIME TO GET OUT AND ENJOY!!!!!
Greetings All:
Glad to be back from a few great weeks of fishing and shooting some outdoor videos in the far North Bush Country of beautiful Canada. Without a doubt, the beauty of the Canadian wilderness is truly something every outdoor oriented person should experience. As one that travels to Canada quite regularly, its natural beauty never ceases to amaze me.
This trip was outstanding with many trophy fish caught. Walleye up to 10lbs. plus, Northern in the 20's and lots of great tasting lake trout. It truly was a keeper of a trip. Except for a few, most fish were released unharmed to fight another day.
OK, as I said, glad to be back. Locally here on the Mississippi River the fishing has been steady with anglers taking some nice fish. Walleye on the wingdams backtrolling a nightcrawler has been good along with small crank baits. Good action for stripers continues on large sand flat areas casting jigs. start light on the jig and increase weight as necessary. Was out this morning and a white, 1/4th. ounce hair jig was the ticket. The stripers where hitting it hard and some nice 3+ pound fish were caught.
Catfish action good in side sloughs and backwater areas near structure in water. Crawlers and dip baits both working.
All in all my friends, its a great time to get out on the River here in the Midwest. The fish are active and you will have a great time.
So with that thought in mind, get out and make some memories. The grass cutting can wait a few more days.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com.
Glad to be back from a few great weeks of fishing and shooting some outdoor videos in the far North Bush Country of beautiful Canada. Without a doubt, the beauty of the Canadian wilderness is truly something every outdoor oriented person should experience. As one that travels to Canada quite regularly, its natural beauty never ceases to amaze me.
This trip was outstanding with many trophy fish caught. Walleye up to 10lbs. plus, Northern in the 20's and lots of great tasting lake trout. It truly was a keeper of a trip. Except for a few, most fish were released unharmed to fight another day.
OK, as I said, glad to be back. Locally here on the Mississippi River the fishing has been steady with anglers taking some nice fish. Walleye on the wingdams backtrolling a nightcrawler has been good along with small crank baits. Good action for stripers continues on large sand flat areas casting jigs. start light on the jig and increase weight as necessary. Was out this morning and a white, 1/4th. ounce hair jig was the ticket. The stripers where hitting it hard and some nice 3+ pound fish were caught.
Catfish action good in side sloughs and backwater areas near structure in water. Crawlers and dip baits both working.
All in all my friends, its a great time to get out on the River here in the Midwest. The fish are active and you will have a great time.
So with that thought in mind, get out and make some memories. The grass cutting can wait a few more days.
Regards: Lastcast Mike Cyze lastcast13@yahoo.com.
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