Andrew Ragas splits time between the Chicago area and Wisconsin's Northwoods. Based in Minocqua, WI, he specializes in trophy bass fishing and offers guided trips from May thru October. While big bass is the passion, he dabbles in multi-species as well. He may be visited online at www.northwoodsbass.com
Every fall season, there always seems to be a week or two of disruptive weather delaying fall turnover and the season’s entire progression. High pressure systems stall overhead, persisting and seemingly unwilling to relent, bringing with it bright sun, heat, and little wind. 60 degree water temperatures that should be cooling into the upper
Across many northern natural lakes and lowland flowages, some of the biggest bronzebacks available in the system can be found dwelling in weedy cover. They’ll utilize weeds for cover and habitat for cover and feeding opportunities more often than you think. These weed oriented smallmouths continue to be overlooked and under fished, with the
Eons ago, during pre-settlement times, the natural shallow water areas of many northern lakes were brimming with vast amounts of wood cover and plant life. Entirely undeveloped centuries ago, these lakes were pristine ecosystems. I could only wonder how virgin and unexploited our current fisheries were back then.
