Despite the recent downpours, the Wausau/Central Wisocnsin area has seen increasing fishing action on area waters. Many area lakes and rivers were at lower than normal levels, and with the newly refreshed levels, the fish have been putting on a very agressive bite.

The musky action is fantastic in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area, and as the days get shorter and the water temperatures continue to drop, musky hunters can expect the bite to get even better. Fish are hitting a variety of baits, but the most productive still remain bucktails and topwaters, around rocks, weeds and drowned timber, in depths from 6 to 10 feet of so. Low light conditions are best, but for those who like to fish during the day, try going deep and look for suspended fish in 12 to 30 feet of water.

Target them with Bulldawgs and deep diving crankbaits like Depth Raiders or the Triple D.

The walleye bite is outstanding in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area. Limits of good eating size fish (15 to 20 inches) are coming on every trip. Locate pockets of walleye in the main river channels and set up just above the school. Then drift a small jig (small as possible, depending on the current) and minnow right into the walleye holding area. After the slightest tap or feeling of weight, SET THE HOOK HARD. Jigs in chartreuse and orange or yellow and red have been working best. But depending on the time of day the colors may vary, so be prepared to try different colors if the action starts to slow down.

In the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area, the crappie bite is virtually non-stop. Simply locate submerged wood in the Wisconsin River system and work jig and minnow combinations in and around the structure, looking for active fish. Try different depths to find the one the crappie are holding at and pound away. When the fishing is this easy, please remember to take only what you need and return the rest to the water immediately - -next year, those same fish will be even bigger!

Bluegills in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area are averaging 8 to 10 inches. The mighty Wisconsin River system is chocked-full of these bull gills. Target them by working areas of submerged stumps and weeds, looking for pockets of fish that are holding in 4 to 8 feet of water. Once a school of gills is found, simply drop your bait (usually a small jig and a chunk of crawler) right in on top of them. Wait for the line to move and haul back. Great action and sizes.

The catfish bite is going strong on the Wisconsin River in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area. Day or night, simply locate one of the many deep holes or pools in the river system and toss a small sucker minnow into it. Set your rod in a good solid rod holder. Watch your rod, as a catfish strike can pop your rod from any holder. The cats will go from 5 to even 20 pounds, and every one of them, from small to large will test any angler's strength and resolve.

NOW is the time to have everything ready for the fall hunting season. Bear, deer, goose, waterfowl, small game, grouse and wild turkey seasons are just around the corner. Tune your gear and yourself up for the fall hunt right now and see what a difference it makes!

Remember, unlike any number of the lakes further north, the daily bag limit for walleye on almost all the waters in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area remains five (5) fish. Come and enjoy some of the greatest fishing anywhere, any time!