Muskie growth rates here are nearly double of those in the northwoods. There are more adult muskies per surface acre here than anywhere else in Wisconsin. Fifty-inch-plus Esox are caught every year, by both anglers and in Department of Natural Resources surveys. But by the time any Pewaukee muskie reaches 30 inches, it has seen pretty much every variation of every lure in Rollie & Helen’s catalog -- and tasted hooks on more than one occasion.

The only mystique in fishing these waters comes from the muskies themselves. Pewaukee is a very easy lake to figure out. The east end is essentially one big flat with a couple of offshore humps and an island. You won’t be alone probing the transition zone along Rocky Point or back in Taylor Bay. Conventional wisdom says this end of Pewaukee is a great place to kick off the season because the water is shallower and warms quicker. By mid-June, there is good weed development on Pewaukee, with the deep weed edges on the lake’s west end holding a large number of cruising fish. Most of the action comes at night on topwater baits.

I’ve never been a big believer of major and minor feeding times on inland waters, although offshore in Lake Michigan the influence is undeniable. Attempts will be made this year to be out on the water during these predicted peaks -- even if they come at noon on a sunny day. Something in that little fish brain defies logic. The moon’s influence may not be a key during daylight hours, but as long as your line is in the water, you’re a weapon.

Copious studies have shown there really isn’t rhyme or reason to color choice here. But baits with primarily black and a touch of fluorescent orange work well. There is also much to be said for muskie fishing here with bassin’ gear. You may not always want a steak, but there is always room for a cookie. Downsizing your presentation is an option to keep on the table.

Contact: Smokey’s Bait, (262) 691-0360.

OKAUCHEE LAKE
This Waukesha County fishery is half the size of Pewaukee at about 1,200 acres, and is generally considered second behind Pewaukee as a muskie producer. Although smaller, Okauchee has as much -- or more -- muskie habitat than the other popular downstate muskie lakes.

The logic of black/orange lures in smaller sizes also applies here. Muskies are at the top of the food chain, so they eat what and when they feel like it. Panfish will be relatively shallow and trying to spawn until about June 1. You can bet your last Lindy Tiger Tube that big “toothers” will be cruising in water just a little deeper than the panfish spawning areas.

Concentrate on water less than 12 feet deep with a bait capable of covering the entire water column. Lindy Tiger Tubes are a good choice, and so is a pulse bait called the Spit-Fire. This lure has a fat panfish profile and a big Colorado spinnerblade off the back end. There is one in my box in crappie pattern with several sets of tooth marks. If you believe in a particular lure, you tend to fish it a little harder. Looking at tooth marks every time you get ready to make another cast is great mental reinforcement.