port washington

[Rempump]

Fished Port on Thursday evening. Fished from 70 to 150 feet of water strait out from port and a bit south. Fishing was very slow. Had our lines set any where from 40 to 80 feet deep. Tried dodgers/flys, spoons and plugs. Had one hit on a high line. Fought the fish for about 30 seconds when he threw the hook. Looked to be a little coho.

Trolling speeds ranged from 1.7 to 2.4 mph. Nothing seemed to want to hit any any speed. Most of the fish we graphed were in 80 to 120, tight to the bottom. As the evening went on the fish did come up a little. Started to graph them in 70 to 80 foot.

Anyone headed out in the near future- BRING A FLY swatter! The flys were horrible! They covered the boat. Everytime I sttod up to work on the lines they would get up and be som thick that it was hard to breath.

Good luck and keep the reports coming!!

Rempump

[Eric Haataja]

Great report Rempump!
Eric

[AllEyes]

Ran a quick solo trip this morning from 4:30-6:30 going 5 for 8. Fished from 70-120ft and caught fish all over that depth range. Three kings off the SWR set at 60 with a JB rattle spoon (custom green monkey puke/pearl glow rattle spoon), one bow and one coho off a board with full core and a JB Brownie spoon in the purple/glow. Only other hits came down 50 on the other rigger with a JB Seagull Snot spoon. If you're ever in need of spoons and in the Sheboygan area stop in at the Wharf...if they don't have the color combinations you're looking for they'll make them up for you as you wait/pick out combinations. The Brownie spoons have been great off the boards for me this year, they're actually casting spoons, and the rattle magnums have been great on the dipsy's and downriggers. Leadcore was the answer for me Monday. Good fishing.

[AllEyes]

Stopped for a few hours the other afternoon and had some success with browns, coho, and kings. The kings were in awful shape, the coho were still alright, and the brown was beautiful in its fall colors. Not too many people fishing. I really enjoy the fall, winter, and spring in Port as there is great opportunities without having to bring the boat over or fish in crowd.

[AllEyes]

fished around in port for a few hours this morning. picked up a fish here and a fish there. ended up with one bow, one brown, 2 coho, and 2 kings. kings and coho were in bad shape. broke off a few more, but they faught like kings. lots of the newly planted to deal with too. all fish caught on brown skein below a float or drifted on the bottom.

[Eric Haataja]

Glad to here your still getting some nice fish up in Port.

Eric

[AllEyes]

picking up some winter browns in port...lake shiners have been best for me. nothing spectacular, but fair action that should only get better as we get more into winter. probably averaging a fish or so an hour. i've just been hitting it after work for a couple hours here and there.

[msolberg621]

decided to give the browns down here a break and packed up my spinning tackle and headed north. been fishing off the rocks and have been absolutly killing the browns! 10 to 15 fish every morning with most fish over 8lbs all the way up to 19 1/2lbs.... casting only spoons and working the top 10ft of the water column. blue and silver, green and silver, and chart and silver have been working the best. heading up to bay de noc tommorrow for 4 days or i would keep fishing there... this is a bite that you guys have got to get on now before they push out!

[Eric Haataja]

Yeep lots of brown in Port now and they are biting good, ecspecially casting just as mentioned, my buddy pounded them this morning as well! Get out while it's good!

Eric Haataja

[Brian Mirek]

Never fished here before. Might head up this weekend. Any advice on where to park or access points? Any info is much appreciated. Thanks.

[Reel Addiction]

I'm thinking of heading up to Port this weekend to try my luck casting for some browns, do to the deteroriating ice conditions. Any word if the browns are still around up there?

[fromunda]

as of monday the browns were in pretty thick. I started with shiners by the dishcarge which had worked well over the weekend. The water was a little churned up there and after 30 minutes of no action I moved to the white railing and started casting spoons. Me and a buddy CPR'd 20+ Browns in about 2 hours. Good luck.

[benfishin]

Was at Port tuesday morning. Three off us landed 7 browns in a little less than 3 hrs. Saw a guy land 8 or 9 himself drifting spawn in the discharge flow. Other than him, every body out there caught maybe one or none. I'm sure the browns are near, just spread out throughout the harbor, instead of being so congragated like they were last week. I'll bet you could nail them trolling with a small boat in the harbor!

[yatch]

[B]I fished port from the rails by the discharge on Monday and Tues. Used spoons on Monday and caught only one but a nice 24" brute. I had a lot of fish that would just follow like a musky. I went back on Tues. with spawn, spinners, spoons and jigs. I know I can make them go. Well, I caught only one again with the spawn near the discharge area. I spent most of my time netting fish for the locals that have been fishing this bite all winter and know what they want. After fishing (and netting) I checked the launch area and found that one of the ramps is open and it should be no problem launching and fishing the harbor. Can anyone help me with the structure, depths etc. in the harbor for these browns. I have never fished in the harbor. I need some practice for the Bender park bite as soon as the launch is opened:D up. I would like to hit it next week, I'll file a report then.

The guy on Tues that was catching all the fish was dragging, not floating, spawn at the edge of the rocks near the discharge. It is like the Milw. discharge wall the guy in the middle catches most of the fish. :D

[Eric Haataja]

No major structure issues you need to worry about.... I will probably be out there next week in my boat fishing as well! try casting jigging spoons that can be the trick!

Eric

[yatch]

Fished Port from the rails today with a friend. Landed four fish using Cleos. One was a beautiful steelie at 28", and a big Brown at 11.5# and 29.5 inches. The other two were browns 4 to 6#. Checked the boat ramps and all are open for business. Great day with light winds and 35 degrees plus. Thanks Eric for your advise on this great mid winter bite.

Yatch

[Geoff]

Anybody been out this week at all? Looking to go up there friday mornin but not sure yet.

Goodfishin all!

[yatch]

Took a ride up to Port on Tues. the creek by the power plant discharge looks like the Mississippi river, moving at 20 mph and all muddy. The whole harbor is muddy. The only clear water we found was at the charter slips west side. Had one follow and saw one caught. end of story

Yatch

[Marksburg]

Fished Port Harbor yesterday from 5:30ish to 7:00ish. Run in full swing, plenty of fish to be caught from many different locations in and around Harbor.

Skein under a float did the trick, saw fish being caught on cranks and spoons as well.

Tight Lines! :)

[Marksburg]

Fished Port's inner Harbor Tuesday from 3:30 to 6:30, very foggy.... Crank baits did the trick while spawn under float was a bit hit or miss, only a few small bumps.... :confused:

Many people fishing, only saw a few fish landed with a 15lb Chinook being my best for the day. Thank you to the nice gentleman for helping with the net.

Tight Lines! :)

[sruege]

hey lookin for some action out of port washington anyone out that way send me a line ill be out 2/04 will send a report..thanks shane

[blitzfish]

there is nothing biting, I went there today and caught/saw NOTHING. There was no warm water being pumped so no fish found :/

[yatch]

Thinking of hitting Port on Friday but have nothing to get me interested in the way of reports. (Its a 50 mile drive) Hear anything lately anyone? Eric? All I know is last year we did great before the brown water thaw happens and that is near.

Yatch:D

[Eric Haataja]

Should be a lot of browns in there now with some steelie this harbor is totally over looked for trolling and fishing.

[k-mann]

Port Washington is simalar to milwaukee with a warm water discharge. But it's fishable from shore. A buddy of mine went a couple two weeks ago and saw a couple guys catch he was guessing around 40 fish within a couple of hours. He was about 30' down from them and only caught a few.

The moral is get there early and get the spot if you are fishing from shore.

Spawn, spoons, jerkbaits will get the fish.

[sruege]

hey guys was at the discharge k-mann was talking about and the water levels are low this year caught a few small browns on spawn have to get out in the harbor should improve soon from shore not a consistent spot this year last year was much better anyone getting out that way should check a report or send one that would be great. "take a kid fishing!!!"....shane

[yatch]

Thanks for the come back, (Thats why this site is the greatest) I'll go up on Friday early and give it a try with spawn, and cleos. I'll check the launch and see if it is doable for the boat also.

Yatch:D

[Rempump]

Thanks for the updates on Port. My dad is coming up on Friday and I am trying to find a place to fish. I took him to the Milwaukee harbor last year and we did real well on the browns. This year looks like the harbor is going to be locked up with ice. If the boat launch is open, Please post the details. Never fished Port in the winter.

[sruege]

hey Rempump should be great fishing this weekend with temps. might want to give milwaukee a try port has been on off and i know eric and the milwaukee crew have been havin one hell of a winter ask around our web sight for some tips on fishin the locked up harbor some of these guys have alot of tricks and im sure they would love to help you out. have a great weekend my opinion stay with milwaukee happy fishin let us know how ya did........sruege

[blitzfish]

I will see you guys there, I did alright last weekend. One bow and one brown, both on shiners.

[yatch]

Just got back from the Port harbor, caught 0 with 2 hits. Water is stained but not muddy. Two guys next to us landed 4 total and lost 2. I was using spawn and cleos, They had there fish on larger golden shinners, one was about a 5 or 6# brown. According to another angler yesterday the water was a lot clearer.

Went over to the boat launch and marina,about 2" of snow on the ramp but that will be gone later today. The harbor is free and clear of ice and the launch is open. Water looked lower than last year by a foot or so. Well, that's all I know. Get out there this weekend and give us a report.:D

Yatch

[sruege]

out at port this morning thought warm up would improve my odds all i caught was a snag and a left over spawn sac someone left behind had one follow up but no luck... used spawn and cleo follow up came on a silver rattle trap......time to move inland gonna give Random Lake a try.. see ya sruege

[Eric Haataja]

Just got off the phone with my buddy who said the river (Suak) looks decent and should have a bunch of steelies in it. He said guys were doing really well with 3 ways and golden shiners at the pump house, lots of browns being caught from shore.

Eric

[sruege]

hey man thanks for the info should be up that way this weekend ill let ya know how it turns out was a crap shoot between milwaukee and port ....port sounds like the ticket for me great news thanks man....sruege

[blitzfish]

Hope to get out there Wednesday after school sometime. Till then, tight lines!:p

[sruege]

fished port on sunday 4/06 water moving with the power plant running looked good but produced nothing. did happen to find hundreds of suckers trying to make it up sauk creek went 100/100 on suckers was fun if they only had silver or rainbow in color i would of had more fun..... nice day to get the boat out ready............cheers shane

[blitzfish]

The run is quickly approaching with summer coming to an end, but that is kind of off in the distance. I fished the pier on saturday with no luck. Got out early AM with a buddy. Saw tons of fish jumping, but couldn't quite identify them because of the low light conditions. they stopped jumping as soon as the sun came up. We ended going 0 for 0. Not even nibble today. Tried everything we had, artificials and live bait. Then we headed to the discharge with hopes of maybe a few browns... but NOPE... instead maybe about 2 dozen carp swimming the area. some of them huge!!! at least i ended up catching a goby, so as to not feel the regret of getting a complete skunk!!!! :mad:

[sruege]

spent a few hours casting glow spoons of pier end was out from 7-9pm with 0. wind was out of south east at 10-15. no luck and only one out. will be out tonight to give it another run... cant wait for run to start.. anyone out that way please post. will save all us drivers GAS and time..thanks..shane:D

[sruege]

will be headed out to the lighthouse tonight to give some spoons a try.. will get some conditions posted this evening..

[sruege]

well we energies had the current crankin tuesday evening. I knew it was bad when you have 25-30 guys fishing the wall and rocks and i was the only one fishing. water was steaming and the DNR was taking temps 71 at the discharge. sunday was a different story with browns being taken on sacks. odd year i hope it picks up anyone headed out let us know!

[Eric Haataja]

Talked to a buddy of mine Captain Brian Settle who absolutely pounded the kings coho's and browns Tuesday at the lighthouse he said he limited in just over an hour of fishing! He caught his fish All jigging gulp!

Captain Bry's info is 414-559-9238

[joey13]

Made it down to the pier this morning and did fairly well on the kings. Caught fish jigging, casting cranks, spoons , and fishing spawn on floats. Ended up with six kings and one nice mama brown. All the fish were pretty dark considering the water is colder than milwaukee. Talked to a guy and he said there catch fish by the plant, in all the slips, and off the rocks on all the break wallls just like milwaukee. Just put your time in you should have some action .

[blitzfish]

Fished Saturday and Sunday Morning. Fishing was great for about the first hour and a half of fishing, but after that it became slow. not as many people are showing up on the weekends now, or at least fishing on the wall/catwalk area, many people I've seen switch to the creek or leave. Lots of the salmon are in the creek, but are hard to get to hit. WAY TO MANY SNAGGERS DOWN THERE. It is ridiculus seeing an intricate web of snaggers all the way up to where Ewigs is. I heard various people had called the dnr, but the warden never called back. I don't know if he showed up because I had to be to work by 3 yesterday. Please stop doing this and leave some fish able to spawn/catch legally for the others!!!

[avid1010]

Once the kings run up that tiny creek there's no way anyone can really have any sport of catching them in a lagit manner, nor does it matter if they spawn. I guess from one standpoint I'd like to see every salmon planted kept and eaten; however, I don't see a lot of fresh fish come out of that creek;)

I don't like to see snagging, and there are some steelies and browns that come in and out of the creek that I would hate to see snagged, but this can be a busy time of the year for wardens and they have to prioritize.

If the weather is at all decent this weekend I'll be in Port. I haven't fished there for too long. Anything doing for browns/bows?

[Eric Haataja]

Actually if one wants to venture miles and I mean miles up river you can catch them on spinners or small cranks like flat fish in a few area's very little to no pressure is the key to getting a few fish to strike at baits while spawning or dying. That was fun for us years ago, but the snagging and spawning deal I totally agree with you on. Can you imagine if they tatsted like perch! :-):p

Good fishing!

Eric

[blitzfish]

I believe that the fish can only make it up to where the high school is and not much further than that. The water levels here are so low, most of it is just a trickle.

i have seen some salmon naturally reproduced from the creek, not much, but some.

[avid1010]

Am I to guess that (especially if water levels are up) a guy could get into some decent brown/steelie action upstream a ways? I'm living in Kohler now, so I'm working on figuring out the section of the Sheboygan river in my backyard, but I never would have guessed upstream in Port.

If the salmon/trout tasted like perch I'd be in heaven. I give my salmon away (I do like them smoked), but I did hear of a place that takes donations. Might be a fun thing to organize on this site as I don't know many people that fish Lake Michigan that don't have more salmon then they care for. A few years ago I volunteered to clean fish for a club tournament in Port and they were being donated...can't remember where/who to though.

[blitzfish]

The man I would talk to would be the owner of the Baitbox in Port. He might be able to help you with finding where to donate to, or at least point you in the right direction.

[.Pan Handler]

I highly doubt there is any natural reproduction in Sauk Creek. It's tiny!

[Eric Haataja]

Same here I think the rivers in mid to southern WI have very very little natrual reproduction and the only way to tell is to basically catch year of the young off spring in the rivers after they hatch and the only ones I know that check for that is the dnr so they would be the ones to verify it. Yes when the water is up fish go WAY past the high school. Take a look at Eastabrook falls, Kletzch falls, and they make it over thoses falls. You'd be surprised some years how far the fish will go..........:eek: Higher the water the further they go up all these little streams up and down the lake front! Steelhead as well!

Good Fishing!

[avid1010]

It's probably worth a note that natural reproduction is not necessarily wanted either. I have talked with some wardens/biologists who think the game of matching the amount of fish stocked to the amount of baitfish has become more difficult because of the natural reproduction taking place up north.

I stopped in Port today on my way through. I didn't fish just walked around a bit. Saw a coho or two that had been caught/kept, but overall very slow. Bring on the winter browns!

[blitzfish]

I was down this morning by the discharge. Lost a few browns, some nice ones too!!! :( Caught one coho in the creek right before I had to leave and caught one buck brown I gave away and caught a huge hen brown that I kept to replenish my spawn sacs. Other than that not too many fish caught, but boy were there lots of nasty kings by the discharge today :eek: I had a few of them on that hit my spawn sacs... YUCK!!!

[blitzfish]

Was out there today. Did crap out by the discharge, WAY TOO MURKY. West wind should take care of that though. Decided to switch to the creek. Lost about 10 and caught four, 2 of which I gave away (cohos that were a little too dark for my taste), the other 2 were also little cohos, you know the great grillin types. Anyways, I finally decided to find out how far these fish can actually go upstream. I started by the high school and soon found a walkbridge about 1/4 mile or so upstream of the high school. I had never been to this area, but it is MUCH different than it is by the mouth. The current is more centralized and the creek is actually a little deeper, just not as wide. I found where it comes to a hault for the fish though. There are some fall just about a hundred yards north of the foot bridge. If anything could make it over that after really heavy rains, it would probably be the smaller fish. Anyways, at least the area up there is VERY PRETTY. Totally did not expect the view I would see from there. I might actually take a friend just to fish the creek more for the fun of it than to actually keep any fish like I do for the most part out of the harbor. It would be a change. Well, GL and TL

P.S. I will try to take pictures of this beautiful area when we go.

[blitzfish]

Went on Sunday, Water once again was murky like the other day and not much fish. Did end up with a nice hen to add to my stock. She was skein, but close, so the eggs came off fairly easy for more sacs. All the fish caught were caught on different colored sacs, so nothing in particular hit their interest, other than just getting it close enough to their face. The creek was a great little endeavor which we LEGALLY caught 3 fish from, all cohos, but all hens and I already have plenty of coho sacs and skein, so I let them go to finish their lives and hopefully reproduce!!! very unlikely, but hopefully :p :(

[blitzfish]

talked to a few buddies that went out by the discharge today. they caught a lot of browns earlier in the afternoon but it turned off after the water started becoming murky.

[cheddermelt]

Hey Blitzfish,

When up past the high school as well and man it is pretty i never would have guessed. I guess steel and browns get up there idk how many or what not but thats what some of the locals have told me. Did they turn on the plant yet and is it still kickin? Would love to try it this saturday if the winter browns are in!!!

Good luck!

Chedder

[deadeternity]

I cant wait to get up there and use wolf river rigs with shiners, fatheads, skein, or cast Krocadile Spoons and GULP!!!! I can bet this winter will be amazing for them Browns because ALOT!!!! of fish are present in Southeastern Wisconsin.

I love getting them hard fighting browns that are in the 5-10 pound range, or the occassional giant in the 15+ pound size. I remember one winter day where shiners were just nailing the browns. I also landed pike and a friend of mine caught a 18 inch walleye.

There are alot of fish, and many species that will nail the shiners,small suckers, and fatheads on Wolf River rigs, or slipsinker rigs. Use 3-4 feet of Flourocarbon line in 8-10 pound test for your leaders.

Also, a famous way to fish jigs for crappies is also a great tactic for browns by the discharge. I discovered doing this by pure curiousity. Use a 2 inch white PowerTube on a 1/16 ounce jighead under a slipbobber rig. Tinsel jigs, hair jigs, small fathead minnows, and 2 inch Gulp minnows will also work. Cast the rig out and slowly turn the reel handle as you apply twitches to the rodtip. Pause the rig for up to a minute at a time, and then continue your retrieve. Sometimes th fish will hit when it is paused, expessially negative mood fish. Also with the eddys and discharge currents you can also fish this rig, cast spoons and crankbaits, and fish your sinker rigs with livebait or skein.

I WANT SOME BROWN TROUT ACTION!!!!!!!! Love icefishing but, sometimes open water fishing can really pay off in winter.......

[Eric Haataja]

Made it up to Port a couple of times in the past 2 weeks and the bite really picked up for us the last time we were there casting cranks and trolling. I also heard they are getting nice fish at the discharge from shore and starting to get some fish ice fishing in the slips as well.

Eric

[deadeternity]

I would have never thought to use a swim bait like that Eric. And that is one big,monsterous, and ugly brown trout:eek:

[blitzfish]

Well, I have decided to head out tomorrow morning, last minute of course. I haven't been down there in a month, but hopefully I will be able to get a few. Will post when I return.

[Eric Haataja]

Port typically can just be awesome the month of Feb both from a boat,from shore or when possible ice fishing.

Casting from shore can be awesome in Feb.

[blitzfish]

Well, had one on, and a bunch of follows, but not much going on. Browns and bows there, not many though, just need a little cloudier water. It was crystal clear.

[BigMusky]

down size when water is like that...

[blitzfish]

I did!!! I threw everything I had at them, just follows and the one on.

[sruege]

going to give port a try today will post this evening!

[sruege]

not much action in port today water was crystal clear saw some browns swimming around the plant but no takers. The bridge is taken down by the plant looks like replacement time! moved to the slip had open water with lots of pumps going fished spawn under a float had 1 bite in 2 1/2 hours west wind and was pretty cold not much going on in port but another couple weeks it should be stacked!

[cheddermelt]

Going to port saturday thru sunday to fish the plant and other various places. Was wondering if anyone had any updated info on the fishing up there ik this time of year it can be hit or miss. I plan on bringin some stuff for casting, drifting, and ice fishing. Does anyone know if the north slip or the creek is frozen at all? or if the plant is pumpin? any info would be great!

got a couple nice bass 14.5 was the smallest and largest was 17.25 a couple weeks ago. I must say largemouth taste excellent in the winter time no muddy taste at all. In the summer its a different story

chedder

[trophyconnection]

Was out of Port took 2 clients out boated 9 browns in the boat. Fishing has been hit or miss depends on the color of water and if the power plant is running. Now booking trips for spring browns www.trophyconnectioncharters.com

[Eric Haataja]

Trolling, casting, live bait?? More info?? Any pics...

[trophyconnection]

all of my browns catches has been trolling. I am a big fan of the challenger minnows.
9 browns
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/trophyconnection/s1121727713_30046980_816.jpg
1 brown from the other day trolling
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/trophyconnection/april19fishin006.jpg

[trophyconnection]

was out today not to good of a day they were not pumping and alot of ice chunks out there managed to get these in 2 hrs
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/trophyconnection/fish007.jpg
Trophyconnection Guide/Charter Service www.Trophyconnectioncharters.com booking now for 2009 spring browns out of beautiful Port Washington

[Eric Haataja]

Nice fish and thanks for the reports!:)

[sruege]

Well gave the rain a chance in port today! Fished the north slip. Water clarity is cloudy. Fished shiners under slip bobber. Had lots of bites. The bites came soft and they seemed to play with it. Not a lot of action went 1 for 8 in 4 hours water warms up a tad they should be stacked! good fishing
shane

also some reports of good casting action off the rocks...cleo's working well. early morning bite!

[sruege]

Headed to port this morning north slip muddy. Had 2 bites in hour. Feel like being dry today so headed home. Was surprised to see Eric "NOT" cleaning out the trout pond at the sports show with darter heads and gulp!:) . Might give the sport show pond a try today will post conditions on that later!:D

[sruege]

fished port this afternoon. I thought the weather might do some good. Lots of debris floating around. looks like sauk creek kicked around a lot of stuff. The north slip had half ice and water was brown and cloudy with just crap floating all over! 2 boats in harbor nobody at the discharge. Not sure what the deal is with port this year! Time to move on inland! had 4 bites all light! no fish.:(

[tim_mueller]

Was out at Port today. I got bored and figured i would brave the rain. Managed to get one brown by the discharge on spawn. Gonna try again tommorow.

[tim_mueller]

Fished port today. Got one nice rainbow on spawn. Also got three browns on gulp minnows. My buddy also got 1 raindow and one brown.

[Eric Haataja]

Great report Tim thanks!!!!!!!!!

[tim_mueller]

Figured i would take a few casts in port after eatin dinner out there tonight. Ended up with one nice brown. Caught him on a silver and green little cleo. Seen a lot of people with fish out there on spawn, spoons and cranks. Seems like they are hittin pretty good out on the rocks past the blue bridge and in by the current from the discharge. Startin to really heat up. I should be out there early tommorow. Just look for the hat with a big skull on the front.

[Eric Haataja]

Thanks for the update Tim!

[Fishingaddict]

Fished on Friday for a few hours in a few different spots. Caught three browns all on plastics, one real pig! Lots of guys fishing and the creek was really being hit hard. Don't know if anyone was pulling any out thought. Felt good to have fish on again;) Good luck everyone.

[blitzfish]

Decided to hit up Port for a little while today and just a few days ago, not too many being caught in the creek, a few off the rocks, one every once and a while by the discharge. People hitting the creek hard up by the high school, with little to no success early in the morning. None for us today :mad:. Oh well, back to my honey hole :p.

[SheHateMe]

My father and I trolled out of PW Saturday 7 am to 1 pm. SLOW....we threw everything we had at them. Worked the harbor and 7 fow to 50 fow. Marked a couple big bait pods in about 40 fow. Water temps were 37 to 44 in the harbor. Caught one four pound brown right off the harbor mouth on an orange j-12. Besides that....fishing was amazing....catching sucked.

[trophyconnection]

Was out most of the week on trips did ok for the muddy rough conditions. Trolled everywhere from 5 miles north to 6 miles south this week fished everywhere from 10-40 foot of water pulling cranks, spoons on yellow birds, lead core, dipseys, and downriggers fished the surface down to 32 foot on the riggers. www.trophyconnectioncharters.com
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/trophyconnection/april11th2009borwnfishing004.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/trophyconnection/brownfishing492009002.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/trophyconnection/s1121727713_30046980_816.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/trophyconnection/s1121727713_30086329_4050.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/trophyconnection/april19fishin006.jpg
http://i261.photobucket.com/albums/ii53/trophyconnection/april19fishin005-1.jpg

[C. Busalacchi]

I will be presenting two different salmon trolling seminars at the Gander Mountain in Germantown.


May 6th: Small Boat Salmon Tactics @ 6:30 p.m.

I will be discussing Small Boat Rigging; the why’s and how’s of equipment placement on your boat, Tackle; the best rigs to maximize your productivity on the water, and Trolling Spreads; the theory behind effective trolling spread when running six lines or less.


May 27th: Summer Salmon Tactics @ 6:30 p.m.

Topics covered will include: how to locate salmon throughout the summer, water temperature and its effect on salmon movement/location, lures and color selection and key presentations/spreads.

All seminars are open to the public

Capt. Chris Busalacchi
Salmon Specialist Sportfishing Charters
414.426.2584
salmonspecialist@hotmail.com
www.wisalmonspecialist.com

[trophyconnection]

Was out most of last week trolling anywhere from 10-65 foot of water depending on water clarity any where from the surface down to 45 on the riggers. Cranks, spoons, and j-plugs are working good. Colors are blue,green,orange www.trophyconnectioncharters.com
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[Captain Nolan]

Fishing was great today 20-35ft
www.nolanstopguncharters.com

[Eric Haataja]

Talked to a buddy of mine who fished here last week and killed the kings jigging. The great thing is that no one else was jig fishing there at all! So heads up if this is closer for some of you guys at times it can be just as good if not even better with out the crowds!!!

They were also slamming the browns some steelies and lakers at the discharge with skein up until Sat. Lots of fish were caught from shore and the bite should only get better!! the shore bite was awesome!!!!!!

[blitzfish]

actually, the past week or so has been very slow for most but the boats that are trolling in the harbor. i've been fishing on and off the past two weeks here and the bite on the breakwall turned down on wednesday... i've been sticking to the power plant and the number of fish caught by everyone there i usually count on 1 hand lately except for two days where a few little cohos were caught. Kings, Cohos, Browns, Lakers, and some rainbows are in there but not much stacking in there yet because they've had the power turned down a lot lately.

[Eric Haataja]

Kings were going good at the mouth of the harbor and browns and lakers at the plant I know 2 guys that did very well there 4-5 days ago 9 fish from shore in 3 hours) . I suppose at the plant it's hit and miss but the piers has been decent for the few guys I know that have been fishing it, similar to milwaukee.

[trackermike]

Water temp was 60-61 in the harbor yesterday evening with those brisk NE winds. Trolled cleos, flutter spoons and thundersticks behind 1-2oz snap weights and didn't get a bump. Was my first time trolling with my 'new' boat. Could only get speed down to 2.3-2.5 on the GPS with a bucket out the bow. Not sure if that made a difference. Do the GPS's normally read higher/lower than actual speed on water?

[Eric Haataja]

I would suggest getting 2 dispey rods as well I'm actually going to be selling a bunch of lake Mi stuff for cheap so if your interested in some stuff give me a call.

If your by yourself try trolling 2 dipseys and 1 long line with a heavy snap weight, spoons and J-plugs seem to be the ticket. 2.2 is fine as far as speed goes.

[RobL]

I haven't had a chance to fish Port Washington Harbor. How is the setup for shore fishing?

[Eric Haataja]

You've got the whole north pier and inside the harbor most people tend to fish the power plant. It's has a lot of fish each year all winter long as well.

[cory]

i was out there a couple weeks ago fishing and i didnt even see one fish :mad:

[Fishingaddict]

Fished yesterday from 8:30 to 2 at the powerplant and had a slow day. Ended up with one female brown and one small Rainbow. Used gulp baits instead of spawn, I like using something different than everyone else. Saw some nice big browns caught and only a handful of kings(dark of course). Nice day to be out though. Good luck to all.

[Fishingaddict]

Fished off the pier head last night for two hours with not a single strike or bump. There was a ton of fish around the harbor surfacing so they were there. The boats weren't even getting hits. This wind change will help, good luck everyone:)

[sruege]

Looking great in port! lots of browns at the plant didn't see lots of fish pushing in sauk.. but then again rain should help! even had Mr. Warden out Sat checking license and stamps..hope that keeps the idiots from snagging in sauk! for us veterans of Port giving the DNR violation hot line a call would help!!
tired of seeing it every year!
thanks for the help
the # is 1-800-847-9367

[Fishingaddict]

Hurray for me! Finally caught a few this morning. Went 3 for 5, wound up talking home three very fresh coho's. Didn't see a lot of other action, the plant wasn't pumping this morning for some reason.

[sruege]

Well the weekend in port was hit and miss..no current running at plant made for a bobber and skein weekend! lots of people at north slip get an early spot to avoid sitting on on someone's lap!! sat went 1/3 hooked a friend into his first king!! always fun to do! sunday morning had 7 hook ups all kings!! even had a double ..not fun by yourself had to cut one line and fight the second as both went on a screaming run!! all fish on skein and slips and had a 3 hour window in the morning and 2 hours before dark!! great weekend in Port!:D

[Eric Haataja]

Thanks for the report Shane!!

[blitzfish]

Did pretty poor this weekend... missed a bunch, but managed 5 in total. Best bite seemed to be later in the day or just after the sun came out both sat. and sun. would be good if the pumps were running at the discharge, but theyre supposed to be down for maintenence for another 2 weeks still.

[Fishingaddict]

Did alright this morning, went 3 for 5. Two silver coho's and one 22lb female king. The king hit a Moonshine spoon before dawn, nearly took the pole out of my hand, what a fight. The coho's were caught on skein under a bobber. No current by the power plant and only a few fish in the creek-clear water too.

[blitzfish]

talked to a friend who said it has been decent down here, but u just have to be there at the right time. one minute its game on, the next its off. They are starting to get more cohos too, but it's still overall not too great, but if they were pumping the current at the plant it would definitely be fish on!!! I'll be here on Friday for 2 hrs or so around noon and I'll be here on Friday and Sat. Mornings if anyone wants to say hi... or if anyone even would like to meet me there... pm me

[Justinm]

I have not fished this spot for 20 years! WOW I need to go back more often! I went 1 for 3 in the harbor today casting flicker shads and husky jerks. I had a small fish to the boat but never got a look at it and it shook the hooks (maybe a coho?) - had several other kings follow and not get hooked up. Not bad action for just a few hours of fishing.

I saw people on the shore getting fish all over using skein. With so many people on shore it actually made fishing a little difficult - the wind was also brutal.

Justin
www.fightingthefish.com

[Fishingaddict]

Fished today from 8:30 to 10:15 and wound up with two kings using bobbers. Water is clearing up so the fishing is slowing down and now the harbor is full of little stockers(egg robbers). Was funny watching the seaguls trying to catch them-none were successful. Went back for the last hour of the day with no hits at all. Good luck all:)

[Fishingaddict]

Took a half day off of work and fished from 10 to1 and went 2 for 5. Two kings-one broke the line and the other I broke on purpose due to the golden hue the fish possessed:eek: Didn't hook one coho well enough and the other two that I kept were a buck coho and a beautiful female rainbow. Still plenty of clean fish swimming, I'm just running out of vacation:mad:. Good luck people!!

[blitzfish]

I talked to a few sources that I have down here. It seems like it's getting to be like it normally is... dark kings, some coho's (some still silver, some getting pretty dark), lots of browns, and some rainbows. A mixed bag with steady amounts of fish being caught, but it is still having it's ups and downs... I wont be back down again until Halloween weekend so I will post more then or if I talk to my sources sometime next week again...

TL

Blitz

[TJPike]

Do you guys get the small gizzard shad invasion there from now til December near the warm water discharge ? Sheboy plant is loaded with them now.

[Fishingaddict]

Yah we had them in thick last winter by the discharge. Was kind of fun to hook up with a couple when the fishing got slow. They could be in now but the water is just mud right now, yummy. Tried yesterday and today but to much debris in the water and the fish can't hit what they can't see. No hits, no fish, no luck, not giving up:D

[blitzfish]

The big ones were in there full force this summer, but yes during the winter we get them in thick sometimes. Anyways it sounds like you're having fun there addict, hopefully it will clear up a little bit by next weekend, but not too clear of course!!!

[blitzfish]

Well, now i will be out there Sunday morning... idk what time i want to get out there yet though... especially if the police are enforcing that park hours policy, because the lower wall counts as a city park and park hours start at 6am and the official start time starts before then... it might be interesting if they do enforce it. Either way, I will post either sunday afternoon or monday morning.

[blitzfish]

From what I heard while I was there, the past week or so has been mainly miss with a fluke hit every now and then. Sunday, i didn't get any, but lost a few. most fish caught were browns with a few moldy chins. The water was very murky, but not horrible. It was VERY slow too, only about a dozen fish caught out of about 25-30 guys... there were also some russians snagging in the creek by the time I got there at 5:20... what a joke... and a little later they switched to fly rods as it got light out, but that was after they decided to push around in the creek with a net trying to force them into it... i should have called the DNR, but I had my phone back in the car and didn't leave until 10... hopefully it will pick up when I come back next week.

[deadeternity]

To be honest, with an almost zero possibility of these salmon and trout successfully spawning, I dont really know why snagging is illegal. Sure it is cheating and, it seems wrong but, this is a put and take fishery for these browns, chinooks, cohos, and rainbows. I know some of these fish like the steelhead spawn a few times throughout life but, their eggs have almost no chance of hatching and surviving unfortunately. I think they made snagging illegal because the DNR wanted another way and reason to bust people and make profit from tickets. I hear Michigan has great spawning success but Milwaukee does not. Why that is I do not know because, it is only about 80 miles across from us and yet, they get all the good spawning when we dont here in Wisconsin.

Well, the browns are showing up here in Milwaukee pretty good, and the same should go for Port Washington and everywhere else the browns are stocked. I got a report from a buddy that said there are females well over 20 pounds swimming around right now just loaded with eggs. He said these fish are way bigger then the Kings you see swimming around and being caught. It looks like we may have a great icefishing season for these beasts. I hope my 6 pound test Suffix icefishing line holds up to their power, and I also hope the 150 spawn sacs I tied from brown trout eggs go to good use this winter. Good Luck all of you and lets hope fishing begins to pickup soon.....

[avid1010]

Fishing has been pretty good for browns for the last week or so. Different areas and baits on a daily basis.

My $0.02

As far as snagging goes...the DNR makes no money off of it (which is why they write so few tickets for it), it was banned because of safety issues (drunks flinging hooks around) and because non salmon/trout species were being snagged.

As far as stocking goes...they would prefer fish not successfully spawn as it makes it more difficult to judge the proper number of fish to stock in relation to the amount of baitfish available.

[blitzfish]

There were many reasons why snagging was banned, for safety, for protection of other species, to show that the salmon will actually bite when they run, it allows for more competition in fishing, and just about any reason you could think of for why shining for deer is illegal... that would be the same. Some trout and salmon can naturally spawn in this state, but that occurs in VERY small amounts normally on the Lake Superior side but mainly up into the UP and Canada that any of that happens, that is why some pink salmon are still caught up north sometimes (though far and few in between). As for why the salmon can't naturally reproduce here and they do in Michigan, is because the rivers here can't always give enough water running through them long enough and with cold temperatures running through them as well which allows salmon eggs to develop.

As for the fishing, i talked to several buddies of mine that fished almost the entire week. and told me that he probably never saw more than about a dozen fish caught in total by everyone every day he was there, but then I heard that they did decent saturday night with a few people slaughtering them. When I say this, this is a report of fishing by the power plant. Over in the slip it's been slightly better, but still not anything good. It is true that there are tons of browns coming in now and lots of HUGE mommas, but there aren't many that have been biting here in port, give it another week or so and it should start to be even better unless the water clarity here doesn't get any better.

GL and TL
Blitz

[sruege]

Such a great report! Thanks should be out that way today! Have done well out on the lake 50-100 FOW lots of 3 year old kings! Giving the slips and plant a go. I think watching these guys push fish into a net would have pushed me over the edge. Not going to happen in a place I've been fishing since the age of 12. Hope to meet ya out sometime! And yes I have Doug the wardens # on speed dial! Great report!

[sruege]

Fished port for 3 hours and hooked into 1 nice clean brown. Fished the slip and the power plant. Slip produced nothing I was the only one fishing north slip. Did see some current coming out of the corner and some browns but no takers. Moved to plant and ran into Jack and Wally who did well at the mouth of the Sauk. Must have missed feeding time! Looks like they are feeding early mornings. Lots of browns and a few rainbows moving up the creek. Used skein and sacks... Go smaaaaal with sacks they are picky. Used yellow. Even had some of Jacks magic sacks! Thanks man! No current running and lots of fish in creek. and word for the wise DNR is watching creek! hope to be out again maybe Thurs!
Shane

[blitzfish]

Jack is the man!!! I'm surprised Wally was fishing though, he's almost never down there! Good to hear they did okay. How was the water clarity?

[egadwall]

As for why the salmon can't naturally reproduce here and they do in Michigan, is because the rivers here can't always give enough water running through them long enough and with cold temperatures running through them as well which allows salmon eggs to develop.

Blitz

Just read a report that said basically this same thing. Michigan's streams on the Lake Michigan side are spring-fed for the most part, while rain run-off is the primary source of water on the WI side. Warmer water here, much more up and down depending on the rainfall. Trace headwaters of WI streams back, and many of them are cattail marsh. Trace headwaters of MI streams back and you'll find Spruce/Cedar/Tag Alder swamp.

Just watch the Menomonee River going under the Swan Ave bridge in Milwaukee sometime, and you'll see exactly what they mean by flow fluctuationi. In low times, it looks like trout water (but it's warm) and after a rain it's running two-three times as heavy.

[blitzfish]

Well, this weekend was poor at best, not much going on in the harbor due to it being basically pure chocolate. I only heard of a few fish being caught all weekend. somewhere around the amount that you can still count it on one hand! maybe next weekend.

[blitzfish]

I'll probably be heading out there tomorrow morning, I will post sometime this weekend...

[deadeternity]

Great reports guys but about the snagging. I witnessed the DNR at Grant Park ticket 3 guys for snagging on purpose. The DNR were watching from a distance and, they busted the guys, took their rods and tackle boxes, and handed them all tickets. I dont know if this was for kept fish or just for snagging but, I do think they can bust you for snagging reguardless. If they see you trying to dig treble hooks into a salmon or trout they will probably bust you but, if you are drifting spawn or flies and one accidently hooks up then I think they'd leave you alone. But I see people purposally snagging all the time, keeping snagged fish, and the law does not matter to these people even when it is brought to their attention. Good luck guys and, I hope the fishing starts to heat up alot better then it has been lately for some of us....

[blitzfish]

Well, yesterday morning was terribly slow while I was there. The water could have been a little clearer. I only saw 1 fish caught while I was there!!! it was horrible... i should've sat in the tree stand!!!

[blitzfish]

Well, I will be up north this weekend, but I will probably be back here Wednesday morning. Haven't talked to my normal sources, but hopefully its cleared up!!! GL and TL
Blitz

[blitzfish]

I will be out there tomorrow morning for a little. feel free to say hi. GL and TL
Blitz

[blitzfish]

Tried my luck for a few hours this morning. I lost a few and landed one mama brown (I REALLY needed those eggs bad!!!). Not much going on though. Maybe another time :rolleyes: . GL and TL

Blitz

[blitzfish]

Well, it was pretty slow the few days I went this past week. Caught 2 on Thursday morning (1 mama brown, 1 buck brown), nothing on Saturday morning but lost about 6 fish and caught 1 female steelie (arlee) about 5-6lbs or so on sunday. It should be better than it is right now... but it's quite bad out here. At least i got a TON of eggs to tie up now!!! :p GL and TL

Blitz

[blitzfish]

I found some gold today on the plans for the old coal dock!!! just check this link out http://www.hitchcockdesigngroup.com/projectwebpages/portwashington/portwashington_20090216_openhouseprnst.pdf

pg. 48 has a overall picture with different designs on pgs.51-54. take a look through the entire thing, it's quite cool looking and it looks great!!!

[avid1010]

Good find. Thanks for posting. I hope they're able to undertake such a project with the current economy. It looks like they're doing things right with the planning process. It's one of the better ones I've seen.

[sruege]

Well headed to Port mon morning and it was morning bite for sure all fish caught between 8-9 then shut off all day ended up with 2 steel and1 small brown all on sacks. Fish seemed to be on the edge of the deeper water not shallow. Nothing in the creek and fished the north slip for an hour with nothing to show.... Waiting for the ice!!!!!!

[sruege]

Well fishing sucked today in port!! Ended up buying smoked fish at Ewigs if that tells you anything! Lost a nice brown in the north slip! The slip is 3/4 locked. Headed out to the pier and battled the strong south east winds. The plant was dirrrrty and nothing going on. other than the cold I caught and ad Eric puts it "that's why they call it fishing"!!

[blitzfish]

Will be out here tomorrow morning. hopefully the bite will exist!!! The low pressure coming should make it good for everyone! It should also make ice fishing a little better for those inland too!

[avid1010]

Hey Blitz and Sruege, I surely appreciate your reports. I don't fish Port much anymore during the winter, but when I have the time it's nice to have a recent report if for nothing other than water clarity.

Much appreciated!

[Fishingaddict]

Wow is it slow here in Port. The water is STILL dirty and very few fish are around. Fished last two hours of the day yesterday and the morning today with only one fish caught on spawn and a bobber. Tried many different baits but one fish was it. Was a tad nippy this morning but always fun to be out. Good luck all and watch that frostbite.:)

[Fishingaddict]

Is anyone connecting with decent numbers of fish lately? I've been fishing an hour or two here and there and have only seen a few fish caught unless I'm missing all the action. I have only been able to catch 10" trout.

[blitzfish]

I tried it out here yesterday too and it was quite murky. Got sacked once and that was it.

[Fishingaddict]

Got out this morning after dropping the kids off at school and fished till 1:30. Wound up with only one small female rainbow on a pink twister tail. Awesome coloring on her and released to catch another day. Couple of guys were catching bows and browns drifting feathers under bobbers. Cool technique, it out fished my spawn that's for sure!

[Fishingaddict]

OK here's the fantastic Port report-Fri. fished 2:30 till dark in the current-nada. Sunday fished from 1:30 till 4:30 in the North slip were there was fairly fishable water(somewhat clear) and had one hit on an alewife I found floating in the harbor. Swing and a miss. Also tried plastics and cranks. Will be out again once the harbor clears from the rain. Desperately need some fresh spawn:mad:

[blitzfish]

with those terribly strong east winds, i decided to head inland and i'm happy i've done so... lol :rolleyes:

[Fishingaddict]

Fishing has slowed down considerably from last week. Water went from clear at first light to very murky now. Lot's of stocked coho's to deal with now along with the suckers. Creek is getting fished very hard with not a lot of success. More rain please!

[Fishingaddict]

Got out yesterday with my son for three hours and went one for two-a hen steely. He said he had a blast and we were able to dodge the rain so it was special. Also went today and managed 3 hens, two spawned out and one loose. Picked up one winter brown on a minnow too. All but one today were released for another day:) so taking off of work paid off!

[Needtofishmore]

What a great experience for both you and your son. Great job! I love the pic!

[blitzfish]

Had an amazing day out here yesterday! Fished off the lighthouse and ended up 9 for... well, we missed a LOT. Some shakers, some cohos, but mostly big ole kings. Soaked alewives and only caught a perch off that, but missed lots of bigger fish off from it. All of our fish were caught casting. We came out in the morning and caught 4, then decided to come back out in the early afternoon, just before that first storm rolled through (which missed Port). But just when the second round came by to the south again it sent some major winds straight towards us from the south. This pushed a ton of bait fish right into the lighthouse and between the few of us brave ones out there, we just NAILED the fish. The fish were taking advantage of these baitfish and we took advantage of them. We could see fish flashing everywhere in the water and we were just stunned by how many there were around and how fast our luck had changed. We were casting during this time and the kings just hammered anything you could throw out there! It was great to get into fishing like that again!

Well, until next time... GL and TL!!! Blitz

[TJPike]

Hey Blitz, awesome report that must have been a blast :eek: !!! Fun Fun Fun !!! What were you casting at them or didnt it matter ?

[blitzfish]

It didn't matter at all when those bait pods came in. Let me put it this way... You know your into fish when a very inexperienced guy with a 5' rod catches two in a short amount of time. Everyone was using something different casting and everyone caught fish in that little window.

[Fishingaddict]

Great report Blitz! I'm still trying to get out for some casting with glows. Hopefully the water temps stay favorable for a bit longer. Good luck everyone.

[Fishingaddict]

Water temps have been great and a ton of fish were taken on sunday. All the one's I've seen caught have all been off of alewifes off the bottom. Went out this morning and went 1 for 2-12lb king off of bait. Hopefully water stays cool just awhile longer.