If last weekend’s Annual Henderson Harbor Smallmouth Bass & Walleye Derby was any indication, we’re in for one heck of a bass fishing season for 2009.  All top place finshers brought in high four- and five-pounders, with the first place fish being 5 lbs. 13 oz. brought in by Jamie Monica of Redwood.  Even in the youth division, first place finisher Brandon Brancroft of Watertown snagged a 4 lb. 12 oz. beauty.  We’re told that the best fishing for smallies right now is in the Cut, using Big O’s in whites.

 

In the walleye division, Glen Peschler of Pulaski took first place with his 11 lb. 12 oz. fish.  All five places in that division were filled with impressive catches as well.  Use Thundersticks, Smithwicks, Bombers and Michigan Stinger spoons in blues, black-silver, Tiger Eye and gold.  Your best best for walleye fishing around here are Chaumont, Black River Bay and Henderson Harbor.

 

Northern pike fishing continues to be outstanding, with many 8-14 pounders being caught.  Add Guffin Bay and Three Mile Bay to the areas mentioned above for walleye to fish for northerns, and your best lures are much the same as what you would use for walleye.

 

Brown trout fishing slowed for a time, but excellent catches are still being made in such areas as Montario Point, north and south Sandy Creek, Sawyer’s Bay, Ray’s Bay, Drowned Island and Stony Point.  Try Jr. Thundersticks, Yo-Zuris and Northern Kings if you’re looking to catch browns.

 

And what can we say about the perch fishing in Henderson Harbor?  It continues to be nothing short of phenomenal, both in terms of numbers and sizes of fish caught.  You can go anywhere in Henderson Bay for perch pretty much, from right out in front of Henchen Marina to Association Island in 15-40 feet of water.  Use perch minnows or night crawlers.

This report is  in conjunction with information supplied by Bob Dick of Moby Dick Charters, http://mobydickcharters.com .

The perch fishing continues to be nothing short of phenomenal, with some catches of 50-90 fish at a time being brought into the marina. Many are pretty nice size, too.  Best bets are in Henderson Bay either in front of Henchen Marina or the Gill House, or over by the High Rocks. 

Still seeing a fairly steady flow of northerns as well. Recommend Chaumont Bay in about 20 feet of water.  Perch-colored Ronowskys, Smithwicks in blue/black or orange-bottom, and Reef Runners (think Grey Ghost) are preferred lures. You may also be able to catch some walleye using the same lures; Pont Penisula is your best bet now for walleye fishing.

Brown trout started strong this season, but seem to have shut off over the past two weeks, with only an occaional one being brought in.  We'll let you know if and when that changes.

Gearing up for the opening of bass season this coming weekend, with our 33rd Annual Henderson Harbor Smallmouth Bass & Walleye Derby.  We have tickets here at Henchen's, or you can also get them at Gander Mountain in Watertown or B&J Bait in Dexter. Give us a call if you have any questions about the derby, or better yet, stop in.

Just a quick update to how the fishing has been so far this season--will have more information for you next week.

Fishing for northerns and browns has been particularly consistent this year, and they're coming in at nice weights. Purple seems to be the hot color recently, primarily Thundersticks and Reef Runners. We're also seeing some nice walleyes are well, and we hear a lot of stories about the size of the smallmouths anglers are seeing, which bodes well for the upcoming season opening. Perch fishing has been and continues to be excellent.

Thw 2009 Henderson Harbor's Spring Classic Derby was a success, with more than 200 contestants fishing for cash prizes up to five places in four different categories. Here are the first place results results:

- First place northern pike, Tim Meador, 15' 6 oz., 39 3/4"
- First place walleye, Gene Button, 11' 8 oz., 32 1/2"
- First place brown trout, Don Jerry, 10' 14 oz., 25"
- First place lake trout, Gary Stasonis , 8' 14 oz., 28 3/4"

Keep an eye out here for information regarding the HH Bass Derby  6/20 & 6/21.