Photo Gallery
The Early Bird Gets the Worm: A 40-Inch Musky
At sunrise on October 22, 2026, Jason landed a 40-inch musky on a live sucker and Smitty Baits quick-strike rig on a small lake just outside Minocqua, Wisconsin. Water temperature: about 55°F.
“The early bird gets the worm.” That saying rang true on October 22, 2026, when I caught this 40-inch musky just as the sun was coming up.
We motored over to a well-known musky spot on a small lake just outside Minocqua, Wisconsin. With water temperatures hovering around 55°F, I dropped a live sucker down on a Smitty Baits quick-strike rig. Within ten minutes, the sucker got eaten, and we put this 40-inch musky in the net. What a way to start the morning!
LOCAL GUIDE NOTES
Planning a day on the Northwoods water
Every trip is shaped around the season, the fish we’re after, and the people in the boat. Heindls Fishtails Guide Service works the waters around Minocqua, Rhinelander, St. Germain, Eagle River, and the surrounding Northwoods—whether you’re chasing a first fish with the family, dialing in a summer walleye bite, or settling into a warm day on the ice.
Have a question about timing, licenses, gear, weather, or what to bring? Reach out before your trip. A quick conversation helps us set up the right plan and gives everyone a better day on the water.
TROPHY ROOM
More Wisconsin client catches
The Early Bird Gets the Worm: A 40-Inch Musky
At sunrise on October 22, 2026, Jason landed a 40-inch musky on a live sucker and Smitty Baits quick-strike rig on a small lake just outside Minocqua, Wisconsin. Water temperature: about 55°F.
An Absolute Tank of a Sunfish
Puck caught the sunfish of a lifetime on October 13. Switching to slip bobbers and live bait turned a tough bite into a day of truly giant bluegill.
Alec’s Big Fall Pike on Lake Minocqua
Alec landed a big northern pike on a Mepps #5 on October 3, powering it out of the weeds on Lake Minocqua with a St. Croix rod and 20-pound FINS Braid.
THE CATCH LOG
Recent trips and moments from the water.
Photo Gallery
The Early Bird Gets the Worm: A 40-Inch Musky
At sunrise on October 22, 2026, Jason landed a 40-inch musky on a live sucker and Smitty Baits quick-strike rig on a small lake just outside Minocqua, Wisconsin. Water temperature: about 55°F.
Photo Gallery
An Absolute Tank of a Sunfish
Puck caught the sunfish of a lifetime on October 13. Switching to slip bobbers and live bait turned a tough bite into a day of truly giant bluegill.
Latest from the water.
Fresh footage, caught and shared from the Northwoods.
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