Northwoods Bass Fishing Report – End of Year 2018

My 2018 fishing season in Wisconsin concluded on 10/31, and I’m back down south now in IL coping with the winter months and desk work season. While some fish are still out there to be caught for the next week (maybe?), winter is now making its early arrival.

Just like last season in 2017, ice was already forming on our lakes by November 10th. The weather and snowfall has been almost the same, therefore this year I’m predicting ice formation on small and midsize lakes by November 15th.

The peak of fall bass season ended a few weeks ago following post-turnover. My last bass outings and trips of the year took place shortly after I wrote my last report on October 4th. We caught a couple more fish before wrapping up with the smallmouth.

Northwoods Bass Fishing Report – Early Fall 2018

This fall, I wish we had a longer, slower-cooling season that was a repeat of October 2017. Last fall was awesome for bass. This fall was wasn’t. The rapid, condensed change in seasons and cooling water temps quickly drove fish into their wintering locations. During first week of October, our lakes turned over quickly, water temps were down in the upper 40’s, and snow showers were the daily norm.

The bass pictured here is the last one of the year, caught by Mark Benson. This one is Mark’s PB – one of an astonishing 20 PB fish caught by the boat this season.

Since my bass season ended, a number of nice muskies were caught. This summer I was too busy with bass, and I did not have my first opportunities at muskies until after Labor Day weekend. I had really good September & October months; boating 20 muskies in limited duty…… the only opportunities I got for them all year.

On October 31st, the Ranger was winterized and went into its winter storage garage.

I want to thank everyone for giving me the pleasure, enjoyment and rewarding satisfaction of hosting bass trips this year. Here in year-2, we successfully completed 34 guide trips. It was an incredible season for big fish, numbers and PB’s; spring thru fall. A record 20 personal best bass were caught this season for guests and friends.

Each day of fishing in my boat brings high expectations and very high standards. My objectives are for you to catch, and for me to instruct and educate. Whether or not you caught a giant bass with me that day, I’m sure you returned home with a new outlook on bass fishing, and acquired more knowledge and intellect that will make you a better angler for years to come. After every day fishing, I know I do.

Check out some of the big bass and groupers we caught in 2018. That could be you in 2019.

A 6 pounder largemouth is considered a giant for northern bass. Guide customer, Sam Duell, holds one of the biggest and heaviest bucketmouths caught in recent Vilas County, WI fishing history.

For those of you planning early for next year, please contact me for 2019 trips, instruction, and fishing opportunities. I will be scheduling spring fishing trips and most of 2019 already this month. I will then follow up with you after January 1st to collect deposits. I don’t guide on season opener weekend, since there is always the chance of there still being ice on the lakes like we had this season. Also it would be unfair to host customers because it would be like blind fishing. So to those of you wanting to schedule with me early, spring trips begin a few days after season opener later that week.

I will make my month of May and June 2019 fishing dates be known as soon as I get my wedding planning schedule and other events taken cared of first.

Looking for winter events and activities? I’ve got a program scheduled for you!

To those of you reading this from northern Illinois or southern Wisconsin, I already have 2 winter seminars booked with fishing clubs and organizations. I have those dates already published in my calendar of events. More to come, soon.

Seminars and Appearances

Andrew Ragas
Northwoods Bass Fishing Adventures, LLC
Licensed and Insured
Specializing in Northern Wisconsin inland bass fishing

tel: 708-256-2201
email: andrew@northwoodsbass.com
web: www.northwoodsbass.com