Muskie Success
By George Kurek Guide and Mepps/Mister Twister Field Staff Member

As a full time musky guide in northern Wisconsin, I am asked time and again, "What are the best style and size lures to use in early spring, summer and fall?" Since patterns change from early spring to late fall, I am very versatile in the size of lures that I use. Water temperature is a key factor in locating and targeting trophy musky.

Musky season opens in northern Wisconsin in the early spring. At this time, muskies are very lethargic as their metabolic rate is still slow due to cool water temperatures. Their feeding windows are small and they are less likely to hit big baits. During this period, when the water temperatures are in the high 50s to low 60s, small in-line spinners such as the WeedMaster or a #5 Aglia are dynamite. A slow presentation will be the key to enticing muskies to strike.

As the season progresses into early summer and the water temperatures climb into the 68-degree range, which is peak for the musky's metabolism, larger baits will take precedence. This is when I use a "run and gun" method utilizing a search lure such as a Giant Killer or Musky Killer. I try to cover as much water as possible until I locate a trophy musky.

As the days of summer approach and the water temperatures soar into the mid 70s and low 80s, musky habits will begin to change.

Muskies will move into the deep water haunts and penetrate prime structure at key times. Musky activity will generally occur during low light periods. During the mid-summer peak, pre-dawn fishing and night bite will begin to dominate. Top water baits are one of the most productive and exciting techniques to use during this time period. The Mister Twister Super Top Prop has proven to be highly effective in provoking strikes from nocturnal muskies. The Super Top Prop presents a large target and creates an irresistible popping sound wave for the muskies to zero in on.

As fall approaches and water temperatures start to decline into the low 60-degree range, presentations must change accordingly. Generally when water temperatures drop into this range, the annual fall turnover begins. Working a Giant Killer Tandem over thick green weeds can prove to be rewarding.

As Arctic cold snaps pass through and water temperatures drop more drastically, muskies will begin to move out into deeper water. This is when I use a combination of vertical jigging, with a Mepps Syclops #3 spoon, in conjunction with trailing live suckers. Vertical jigging with the Syclops spoons will produce action, along with decoying muskies to the live suckers.

Hopefully, this has helped answer that often asked question about when to increase size of lure in relationship to water temperature, depth, location and metabolic rate of the king of the freshwater domain. Next time you go out hunting muskies, make sure you have the correct size Mepps Musky and Giant Killer spinners to match the mood and feeding zones of Mr. Musky.

Editor's Note: Here's valuable information from a long-time professional guide on using Mepps spinners to unlock the lure size/water temperature equation. The author, George Kurek, is a full time professional guide and Mepps/Mr. Twister field staff member in the Woodruff/Minocqua, Wisconsin area. If you would like to book a trip with George, call 715/356-4920.