Sturgeon Bay small talk
Category: Tournament
May 22nd, 2019 by Keith Worrall 315
Modified May 22nd, 2019 at 9:26 PM
Sturgeon Bay small talk
Although it was disappointing to have the Fort Gibson Bassmaster Elite Series stop postponed, I never like to waste an opportunity to go smallmouth fishing. So instead of heading home, I drove up to Sturgeon Bay, Wisc., to fun fish and compete in a few local events. I’m fishing the Sturgeon Bay Open, along with some other Elite Series pros like Gussy (Jeff Gustafson), Seth Feider, Chris Groh and maybe Brad Whatley.
Here’s what I’m finding out about the smallmouth bite right now.
Late-start spring
There’s no doubt that spring this year is definitely behind schedule — about two weeks behind, I think. It’s been cold and we’ve got a ton of high water, but that’s not a bad thing for the fishing. It can actually make it better.
In Sturgeon Bay this week I’m seeing water temps from 44 in the big water to 55 in the backwater. The smallmouth start making their beds when the water gets into the mid-50s. We’re not there yet. Instead, we’re still in full prespawn.