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Category: Article

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 6/18/2014

MegannateMilwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 6/18/2014
By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Captain Jim Hirt

Chinooks and Coho action in Milwaukee!
Catch the buzz from the cleaning station and get full detailed fishing info. Megan and Nate from Eagan Minnesota double teamed this 18.2 pound Chinook. They were in forty feet of water when the Chinook hit a Vulcan silver spoon. To get my fish reports and how to videos first go to http://www.jimhirt.com By subscribing you will keep ahead of the other anglers. When I post you will get it fast by e-mail!
How Coho
The rainy days continued this week. This has kept many anglers off the lake. When we can get out we caught Coho in the top 35 feet on 6-inch flashers or OO dodgers with Howie peanut, flies tied 14-16 inches long. The Coho are not all that picky on color most green or blue Howie flies will work. The majority of the fish are Coho for most anglers. Our best presentation is Yellow Bird planer boards with 25 foot leads behind the boards.
How Chinook
Chinook are coming on magnum spoons run long behind the downrigger ball. Slide divers are working set to #2 with 80 feet of line out. Reaper Magnum and Vulcan Magnum spoons in blue/green or silver/ green on the leadcores are taking Chinooks and Lake Trout 8 to 15 pounds. Leadcore in 4,5,6, and eight colors are the best for kings. The only place you will find Reaper and Vulcan spoons is on their web site at http://www.badgertackle.com
Where!
Water temperatures near shore warmed to 52 degrees on the surface and Coho fishing was good in 30 to 50 feet of water. Start your trip in close to shore for Coho and go to 70-110 feet of water for Chins and Lake Trout. Fish the top 50 feet for the best action. More anglers are finding Chinook action north of Milwaukee in Whitefish Bay. Our best speed was 1.7 to 2.0 mph measured at the ball with the Depth Raider.
Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing! Note All alone we put together groups at $125 per person. Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2014, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 10/7/2013

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 10/7/2013

By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Big Numbers on Chinooks, Don’t put the boat away !! West wind has cranked up the fishing for all species. It is some of the best fishing we had all year. One week left in my season if you have time to get out. Let me explain where and why. To get my fish reports and how to videos first go to http://www.jimhirt.com By subscribing you will keep ahead of the other anglers. When I post you will get it fast!

How Chinooks
Harbor fishing has been best at first light or low light with glow magnum Reaper spoons, J-plugs and crank baits. Jiggers and shore anglers are having some success with spawn and jigs. I have also had some fish on white flashers with aqua Howie flies.
On the 6th we had a great trip in 70 to 115 feet of water. All Chins 2 and 3 year olds 20 to 60 down. Magnum Reaper Fish n Chip did well on 2,4,5 or 6 color lead core. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed at the ball. The boat speed of 1.9 to 2.0 has been best.

Where!

Watch your temperature and fish in 55 or less degrees of water. Fish are marking from 65 feet and all the way out north or south of Milwaukee to 120 feet. Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!
Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2013, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/5/2013

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/5/2013

By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Spawning salmon slow with better fishing out!
Let me explain where and why. To get my fish reports and how to videos first go to http://www.jimhirt.com By subscribing you will keep ahead of the other anglers. When I post you will get it fast!

How Chinooks
Harbor fishing has been best at first light with glow magnum Reaper spoons, J-plugs and crank baits. Jiggers and shore anglers are having some success with spawn and jigs. I have also had some fish on white flashers with aqua Howie flies.
In the deeper water small Vulcans or Reapers will work on 4,5,6, and 8 colors of lead core. Chinook are coming in 85 feet of water 65 down. You may try under 40 feet of water when the temperature is cold in shallow. I was in there the other day and had a nice box of 5 pound Chins with a few Brown Trout mixed in. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed at the ball. The boat speed of 1.9 to 2.0 has been best.

How Lakers
For Lake Trout magnum Reaper glow spoons presented within inches of the bottom will bring in some hogs with the most running 8-10 pounds. A size 0 dodger and Spin N Glow may be needed on some days.

Good year for Rainbows
Lead core in 2,3,4,5,6, and eight colors are best for working the Rainbows when you are out over 160 feet of water. I like magnum spoons. Reaper Peacock has been a good choice.

Where!

Watch your temperature and fish in 55 0r less degrees of water. Fish are marking from 30 feet and all the way out north or south of Milwaukee to 220 feet. Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!
Note I have openings on the schedule. I am the only charter offering an extra hour for $35 when added to any five hour charter. Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2013, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 6/25/2013

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 6/25/2013

By Milwaukee Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Fishing has been on again off again but improving the last three days. To get my fish reports and how to videos first go to http://www.jimhirt.com By subscribing you will keep ahead of the other anglers. When I post you will get it fast!

How Coho
Coho are coming up high on small size spoons and dodger flies. Reapers and Vulcans made by http://www.badgertackle.com have been working for us. The small silver Vulcan has been working on the lead cores. Six inch flashers or dodgers with green or blue Howies peanut flies must be part of your presentation for Coho. Coho are in the top 35 feet. Some action on Slide Divers set to #3 no ring and 35 feet of line out. Tie your flies 14.5 inches on 6 inch dodgers, 24 inches for 6 inch flashers. All orange dodgers and flashers. I hope this helps.

How Chinooks
Chinook are taking magnum spoons. Run 2,3,4,and 5 color Cortland lead core and downriggers 12 to 48 feet down. I use the Depth Raider to measure speed at the ball. The boat speed of 1.9 to 2.2 has been best.

Where!
No change…. fish are scattered from 70 feet and all the way out north or south of Milwaukee to 140 feet. Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!
Note I have openings on the schedule. I am the only charter offering an extra hour for $35 when added to any five hour charter. Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2013, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved

Leaping Rainbow Trout Fishing Milwaukee

Leaping Rainbow Trout Fishing Milwaukee

By Lake Michigan fishing Charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Activity and habits of fish are dictated by many variables. A rather basic approach will put you on fish and keep you there. I will cover how to find the most productive zones by species Now let’s look at Rainbow Trout as it applies to Lake Michigan and other ecosystems.

Questions
Should you have a question please e-mail me from my Blue Max website contact us page. Read all my articles and see video fish reports at http://www.jimhirt.com

Zones By Species
Last year was an above average year for Rainbow Trout on Lake Michigan Milwaukee. Wisconsin Lake Michigan holds the state record of over 27 pounds for this species. We boated many between fifteen and twenty pounds. This fish can be elusive to some anglers; however, armed with the information in this article you will be on your way to many great outings of this tail-walking acrobat. Allow me to offer environmental preferences for this fish. Breaking each fish down by their preferences is the best way to find steady consistent action on any fish.

Rainbow Trout Zone By Temperature
Rainbows offer great action. Nothing matches the excitement of being on the rod with ten pounds plus of leaping muscle on the line. Once again the answer to putting them in the box is temperature. A thermal break is the way to find them. Thermal break is a point where water changes temperature. Look for them in temperatures between 43 and 58 degrees. This is a wide range and offers some challenges. My article will provide information on how to locate them as the water goes from 40 to 75 degrees through out the season. The trick to success is mobility and presentation.

Forage big part of the equation
The principal types of forage for most fish in Lake Michigan are the Alewife and Goby. You will find at times the contents of their gut contain these bait fish. My experience with rainbows may change your mind on bait and presentation. The spring and early summer is the answer to easy pickings on the big pond. The reason for easy rainbow fishing at this time is the abundance of insects. Following the bugs may seem like a crazy way to catch any fish but it is key for rainbows. Any warm spring day will provide an excellent hatch of the diet of all size Rainbow Trout. The location on the water with the most bugs will have the best concentration of fish.

Where to start looking
When I am on a rainbow hunt, off shore is the place to be. It is smart to start trolling in about 50 feet of water and head out deeper. As action picks up you should note GPS, depth and temp info. This info will be your key to staying on fish. With the water in the forties don’t be surprised to find some huge fish in this cold water. When the bite slows troll back to your best GPS numbers. I have found that in deeper water fishing the surface is always better for monster bows all season long.

The best months
April, May and June. Work the temp breaks and bugs for hot action. The top 25 feet where warm water has accumulated is the answer to your best numbers. Early May run your baits in the top twenty-five feet and progress to deeper in the water column as the water warms up. Anytime of day is a good time for them. I call them fish with banker’s hours 9 to 5 is the time to get them.

What baits are best?
Water temperature will dictate your best bait. I will break this down by temperature. All season long use crankbaits; minnow type lures and small spoons like the regular size Vulcan in silver or bright colors sold by Badger Tackle. Eight-inch flashers and dodgers with flies or squids are a staple as the water warms up to 60 and above. The distance between the attractor and the fly or squid will vary with the temp of the water. Try two to three times the length of the flasher or about sixteen up to twenty-four inches. Longer lead on the fly seems to work better in colder water.

Presentation advice
You may catch some fish on downriggers but they are not my first choice for presentation. Church Tackle Walleye Boards and leadcore are the way to go. I run three or more on each side of the boat working an area over three hundred feet wide. You should set up for rainbows with a 1,2,3,4,5 color leadcore. This will give you coverage from 5 to 25 feet. The Church Planer Board will run well off to the side of the boat out of your travel path.

Hot Lures Define The Day
Let’s wrap this up with my favorite lures. For spring crankbaits, minnow type lures and small spoons like the regular size Vulcan or 8-inch flashers and dodgers with flies or squids. My best spoon color is chartreuse/silver/green. Magnum Reaper spoons did very well for us in July and August on Bows in recent years. Baitfish size should be considered when selecting your spoon size. Vulcan and Reaper spoons are both sold by http://www.badgertackle.com I will continue with Zones for Lake Trout in the next article. Good Luck! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2013, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved

Fishing Tackle Auction

Fishing Tackle Auction
Sponsored by the Great Lakes Sport Fisherman

Saturday, March 2nd 2013 at American Serb Hall Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Huge selection with bidding bargains on all types of fishing equipment.

Meat raffles and tons of other items!!

Doors open at 9am Bidding Starts at 10am sharp!!

Open to the Public at 9am – Auction Starts at 10am!
Auction will end at about 3:30pm

5101 W. Oklahoma Avenue Milwaukee Wisconsin
Directions: Serb Hall is located at the corner of South 51st Street and West Oklahoma Avenue. We are just minutes from nearly any location in the greater Milwaukee area. Just exit eastbound or westbound I-894 at 60th Street and head north 2.5 miles to Oklahoma Ave. Turn right and head east on Oklahoma to 51st St. Or from the north, exit I-894/45 at Oklahoma Avenue, head east about 3.2 miles to Serb Hall.

I will be there enjoying the fun. Come on over and say hello Jim Hirt at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com

How do I use my G.P.S

How do I use my G.P.S
By Lake Michigan fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Finding and consistently producing fish is the goal of every fisherman every trip out on the water. The question is how can it be done? This article will communicate the importance of G.P.S. for filling the cooler and returning home safely.

Questions
Should you have a question please e-mail me from my Blue Max website contact us page. Read all my articles and see video fish reports at http://www.jimhirt.com

The Tool
For those of you not familiar with G.P.S. I will give you a brief overview of the product. Global Positioning System is a series of satellites that circle the earth each with a distinctive signal. This signal is sent by the satellites to a receiver. The receiver will then tell you your location on the earth in longitude and latitude. The accuracy of this information is within 15 feet or less.

The Cost
The price of a G.P.S. can range from $80 to several thousand dollars. The more expensive units will offer more graphic information that makes them easier to use, although the accuracy is the same. My experience with both high and low priced units tells me I do not need an expensive unit. The key to successful operation is learning how to apply the extensive information available.

G.P.S. and Safety
The question is how do I use my location as provided by G.P.S. to fill the cooler and return home safely? Let’s start with safety. You should always enter in the memory of your unit the spot where you put your boat in the water. We will call this your home waypoint. Most units will store 500 or more waypoints. Assuming there is no shallow water or obstacles like land in your path, use your home waypoint and compass to find your way home. Fog, darkness or bad weather does not effect the operation of this unit. In the event of an emergency you could call someone with your coordinates and they would know where to find you.

G.P.S. and finding fish
In the more sophisticated units a map showing your position with the depth of water at your location is displayed. The use of this information is critical when working bottom structure for fish.

There are many ways to use G.P.S. for finding fish. On my boat we log the coordinates of every fish caught on a sheet of paper. These coordinates are used to return to the same spot day after day. After a fish hits a lure it makes perfect sense to turn the boat around to try the same spot again. Many times we will get another fish on immediately as we pass the same location. When no additional fish are taken, we will circle in that area using the original coordinates as the center of our search.

Save the spot
I usually enter one of the areas where action has been very good as a waypoint in the G.P.S. for future trips. Working with latitude and longitude numbers takes a little practice, stay with it the work is worth it. There are chart plotter units that draw a line showing the path of the boat on the display screen to simplify this process. As I mentioned earlier a chart plotter G.P.S. with a map chip for your area will give you your position relative to water depth, land features and harbor entrances. I use the water depth when I follow a bottom contour for fish holding near the bottom. Lake trout are known for staying near the bottom. This technique is very effective for them.

G.P.S. save tackle
On the Great Lakes we often fish in areas where wrecks are located. The location of wrecks entered in the G.P.S. will save a lot of lost tackle. It will allow you to fish near wrecks without the fear of hanging up on them.

G.P.S. a must have
I like to enter the location of schools of bait fish you see on the locator when under power heading out to a spot or trolling for further investigation.

On a trip that starts before daylight, you must have G.P.S. to pin point the location of yesterday’s hot first light action.

I could go on and on about the importance of knowing precisely where you are and where you want to be. Some would consider G.P.S. a luxury or not needed. I find the information this unit supplies as invaluable and you will too. Good luck. Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2013, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved .

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/24/12

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/24/12

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Milwaukee Fishing Remains Steady!
Surface temperature is 60 degrees and the fish are in the harbor and out to 190 feet of water. To get my fish reports and how to videos first go to http://www.jimhirt.com By subscribing you will keep ahead of the other anglers. When I post you will get it fast!

Anglers are catching all species and you find the fish of your choice by working the temperature preference of your quarry. Reaper spoons by Badger Tackle have been the ticket out deep and in the harbor. Reaper spoons are made by http://www.badgertackle.com

Presentations
Our best presentations are 8 color Cortland lead core for Rainbows to 10 pounds on Church Walleye Planner boards. Downriggers 70 to 130 down for two and three year old Chinooks and divers set to #2 with 125 to 150 feet of line out with the ring. Fish have been on regular and magnum spoons in a blue and silver or green and silver pattern. Our best boat speed is 1.7 to 2.0 mph on the Depth Raider.

Where!
Water colder than 52 is out over 100 feet of water 70 feet and down. Set up in 100 feet and troll northeast. Whitefish Bay is the shortest distance to deep water. Harbor fishing is best at first light. On lumpy days you will find big spawning Chinook on plugs and spoons in the harbor. Out in front of the water filtration plant in 60 feet of water is a good option on calm days for small boat anglers. The water is warmer in 60 however this has not slowed the action. I caught big Chinooks to 16 pounds in that area over the weekend. Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/17/12

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 9/17/12

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
Milwaukee enjoying great fishing and weather!
Surface temperature is 70 degrees and the fish are in the harbor and out to 150 feet of water. To get my fish reports and how to videos first go to http://www.jimhirt.com By subscribing you will keep ahead of the other anglers. When I post you will get it fast!

West is best
Anglers are catching all species and you find the fish of your choice by working the temperature preference of your quarry.
Reaper spoons by Badger Tackle have been the ticket out deep and in the harbor. Reaper spoons are made by http://www.badgertackle.com

Presentations
Our best presentations are 8 color Cortland lead core for Rainbows to 14 pounds on Church Walleye Planner boards. Downriggers 40 to 130 down and divers set to #2 with 125 to 150 feet of line out with the ring. Fish have been on regular and magnum spoons in a blue and silver or green and silver pattern. Our best boat speed is 1.7 to 2.0 mph on the Depth Raider.

Where!
Cold water is out over 100 feet of water 80 feet and down. Set up in 100 feet and troll east. Whitefish Bay is the shortest distance to deep water. Harbor fishing is turning on and on lumpy days you will find big Chinook on plugs and spoons. Out in front of the water filtration plant in 60 feet of water is a good option for small boat anglers. The water is warmer in 60 however this has not slowed the action. Have a great fishing season. Let’s go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/12/12

Milwaukee Fishing Lake Michigan Salmon Report 8/12/12

By Wisconsin fishing charter Capt. Jim Hirt
The Gales of August are over!
Two days at the dock but what can you do. Ten foot waves are gone and it’s time to go hunting for fish. This is more of a heads up and maybe a how to for anglers heading out after the big blow.

Where to Start.

Surface temperature is up to 76 degrees and the fish are going to be scattered. I recommend. The tools you will need are depth gauge, temp gauge and fish locator. I key on temp and food. In most cases when you find them you will catch fish. Start with a temp check on the surface. If it is too warm for your target species, you must take a temperature check from the top to the bottom in the water you are in to see if it is cold enough for your target.

How To

East wind will bring warm water into Milwaukee. The result may be water that is too warm for your target. When you find this scenario move out to deeper water and check again. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the temp. Look for a sharp break in temp from the warm surface to the colder water. I work tackle both slightly above and below the break. Having said that, there are exceptions to every rule. I would also run one line well above and below the temp break. This may be out of the temp you expect to catch fish, but at certain times of the day they will be there.

Lures

Run your most aggressive lures with the most action on the warm side of the break. In contrast, use slower less aggressive tackle on the extreme cold side. Baitfish are a very important ingredient to this mix. Always fish schools of baitfish when you see them. When you are under power on the way out and see baitfish on the locator get the lines in. Good Luck Captain Jim. Let’s go fishing!! Jim charters out of Milwaukee, WI. with Blue Max Charters. He can be reached at 414-828-1094 or visit his web site at http://www.bluemaxcharters.com Copyright© 2012, James J. Hirt, All Rights Reserved.

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