Browns and Shad

Wow, winter sure came out of nowhere. The harbor is still open but I would say that it is time to start watching the river under Hoan and stretches upstream from that. In other words, I think its inner-harbor season.

The fishing in general has been spotty at best this fall. Let’s hope that the winter fishery improves.

Some recent searching and scouting has turned up just what we like to see. Good schools of Gizzard Shad!!!

The Gizzard shad are what make this winter fishery what it is. Warm water and an abundant food source all winter long are what make Milwaukee such a great Brown trout destination.

Above is a shot of the size shad that we are excited to see. At times you will find some really big ones (we have caught them up to about three pounds), but this is the size that you are looking for.

Match the hatch for lures. Two and a half to three inch crankbaits, rattle baits, jigging spoons, tube jigs, and spoons. Silver with blue, green or purple accents are good. Pearl or white baits are also very good. Tail spinners like Little Georges are a good bait in the inner-harbor two. They are very castable and the Trout like the sound of the spinner.

Let’s watch this develop. Follow the Shad!!!

Marc