When it comes to freshwater gamefish, few species capture the imagination quite like the musky. Known for their size, strength, and elusive nature. These toothy predators are a favorite target of anglers across North America. Although musky fishing can be challenging in any season, the summer months present a unique set of opportunities and obstacles. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best summer musky fishing tactics to help you catch the elusive freshwater gamefish.
Understanding Musky Behavior in the Summer
Before we dive into specific tactics, it’s important to understand how muskies behave in the summer. Like all fish, muskies are influenced by water temperature, oxygen levels, and other environmental factors. In the summer, they tend to seek out cooler, deeper water where the oxygen levels are higher. They also tend to be more active in low-light conditions, such as early morning, late evening, or overcast days.
In addition to the above factors. The moon majors and minors are helpful in getting onto active muskies. Always look up the moon’s major and minors and try to target prime habitat during these time periods. You need to be casting or trolling during the majors or minors.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the most effective tactics for summer musky fishing.
Tactic 1: Troll Deep Waters with Large Baits
One of the most popular summer musky fishing tactics is to troll moderate to deep depths with large baits. This allows you to cover a lot of water and present your bait at a variety of depths. When trolling for muskies, it’s important to use longer leaders. I prefer using fluorocarbon leaders for the added shock strength. They have some stretch, reducing pulling out the hooks. Think of it as a bungee cord effect.
You’ll also want to use large, flashy baits that mimic the size and movement of a musky’s natural prey. Large jakes, believers, and other similar lures are typical trolling lures. Bucktails are suitable for trolling also.
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Tactic 2: Cast Topwater Baits in Low-Light Conditions
As we mentioned earlier, muskies tend to be more active in low-light conditions. This makes topwater baits an excellent choice for summer musky fishing. When casting topwater baits, it’s important to make long, accurate casts and work the bait properly. Many anglers prefer to use a “walk the dog” technique, which involves twitching the bait back and forth on the surface to create movement. Heddon Spooks are an example of walk-the-dog lures.
The simpler topwater includes Whopper Ploppers, Creepers (Crazy Crawlers), and Jitterbugs. These are the popular names for the lures. There are many variations and makers of these types of lures. You can cast and do a straight retrieve at various speeds.
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Tactic 3: Drift or Anchor Near Deep Weed Beds
In the summer, muskies often seek out deep weed beds for cover and cooler water temperatures. This makes them an excellent target for anglers who are willing to drift or anchor near these areas. If weed beds are not present, look for drop-offs near points or rocky shorelines. The fish relate to the deeper structure during warm or hot weather. They may move into shallower water in the early morning, late evening, and night. Yet, once the sun is up they do move out toward the deeper structure.
Drift the area a few times then move on and come back later. Muskies will shut down if you pressure an area excessively. This includes if you get follows. Allow some time for the fish. If they do not hit after a few follows, they are not ready. Come back in a few hours or during the major or minor. This is an effective tactic.
Tactic 4: Fish the Night Bite
As we mentioned earlier, muskies tend to be more active in low-light conditions, and this includes the nighttime hours. Many experienced musky anglers swear by the “night bite,” which involves fishing for muskies after dark. When fishing at night, you will need good lighting. It is difficult removing hooks during daylight at times. At night you need good light to see to unhook and release a musky.
Tactic 5: Experiment with Different Lure Colors and Patterns
Finally, it’s important to experiment with different lure colors and patterns to find what works best for the muskies in your area. Muskies can be notoriously picky, and what works one day may not work the next. By experimenting with different colors and patterns, you can increase your chances of finding the right combination to trigger a strike.
Colors are often waterway specific. This is often due to the water conditions of clarity and staining. These elements change throughout the year on many waterways. An example, algae blooms, and rains add suspended particles in the summer season. The weather may have daily changes to water conditions. The wind stirs up small particles and makes waves. Both affect light penetration that influences lure color choices. In general, 2-3 colors are usually adequate for a waterway.
Conclusion to Summer Musky Fishing Tactics
Summer musky fishing can be a challenging and rewarding pursuit for anglers of all skill levels. By understanding musky behavior in the summer and employing a variety of tactics, you can increase your chances of catching the elusive freshwater game fish.