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Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

by Haataja on 09/17/2008

Bob with his first king of
the day
The same deal guys. Lots of kings snapping now near shore, you don't even need a boat to catch these fish as they are stagged and ready to finish with a final bang!


Another nice king bob caught
Cranks, jerk baits, rattle traps or just about any of your bass tackle and techniques work great. Be prepared to hook into some of these fish and have them go airborn just like smallies, with a lot longer of a battle!


This King was airborn 6
times
The time of day has not really mattered I know guys are getting them at night but I'm mainly just fishing for them during the day and we are getting about 15-25 fish hooked up a day. Bring plenty of extra hooks and split rings as they will test your tackle quickly!


A big male king
Eating quality is about 50 percent, some fish are still fine and the meat is great looking, while other fish would only be good for the smoker. These fish do not natrually reproduce and they are all stocked.



Location : Wisconsin
Water Body : Milwaukee Harbor
Species : salmon
Technique : fly fishing


--------------------
Captain Eric Haataja - Big Fish Guide Service
www.wibigfish.com
Phone: (414) 546-4627



Kooty

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708236 - 09/17/08 10:41 AM

Man, that looks like a ton of fun!!!

--------------------
I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.

John


Chris Tuckner

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708238 - 09/17/08 10:43 AM

Kooty...I can see a trip out there next year for a long weekend, huh?

I'll drive!


Chris Tuckner

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708239 - 09/17/08 10:46 AM

What are you using for line? Are these fish line shy at all? Fireline vs. Mono? Any preferences?

I have an 11 foot St. Croix Wild River that I use in Alaska for 10-15 pound silvers...I would love to tag some Kings with that set-up!

I have some customers out that way...I PROMISE I will be out to see you next Fall! God willing!


Kooty

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708240 - 09/17/08 10:46 AM

Uh, heck ya!! What is it, 5 hours to Milwaukee??

--------------------
I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.

John


Chris Tuckner

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708248 - 09/17/08 11:01 AM

Bout that.

We can even stop on the way home and fish some of those huge crappies Boog keeps posting!


fish any time

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708250 - 09/17/08 11:04 AM

Yep, about 5 to 5.5 hours to Milwaukee.

Let me know if you'd like to make a group trip, Tuck. I'd even be willing to let Kooty into my boat.


Chris Tuckner

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708252 - 09/17/08 11:09 AM

Schedule-wise September is a perfect month for me! I wish I would have known about this bite earlier! I would have made time for it.

As far as a group trip...I am in for sure! Anytime you hear Holst squeal like a Sally about a fish spooling him...I want a part of that!

I have had a lot of fun in Alaska over the years. But this trip seems like it would be a lot more reasonable! Man, take a Friday and Monday off? SWEET!!!


Kooty

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708253 - 09/17/08 11:10 AM

Wow, it's been a while since I've been "allowed" in a boat. I'll feel just like at home.

I think after catching a 20lb king on a 7' spinning rod the crappies wouldn't draw my attention too much.

--------------------
I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.

John


fish any time

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708256 - 09/17/08 11:19 AM

Quote:

Wow, it's been a while since I've been "allowed" in a boat. I'll feel just like at home.





My ONLY reservation I have is your coyote ugly impression on the gunwale of my boat. Just messing with you, you're welcome anytime. Shoot me a PM if you'd like to do some trolling this Saturday night.


mendotaeye

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708263 - 09/17/08 11:34 AM

Quote:

Kooty...I can see a trip out there next year for a long weekend, huh?

I'll drive!




Maybe you should organize an IDO outing for next year. It is only a little over an hour drive for me. Much closer than all those northern Minnesota ones I can't get to. It is pretty entertaining getting into those on spinning tackle.


Chris Tuckner

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708270 - 09/17/08 11:59 AM

If someone else wants to plan it...fine. Not me.

If it was to be IDO sanctioned, a request needs to be sent to the Steering Committee.


Joel Ballweg

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708284 - 09/17/08 12:31 PM

Quote:

Bout that.

We can even stop on the way home and fish some of those huge crappies Boog keeps posting!




Pick me up on the way to Milwaukee! Or, a couple guys could always jump in my boat.

If Tuck or anyone else wants to stop by Lake Wisconsin on the way home for some crappie fishing, I'm more than willing to lead you all right to some of my favorite spots.

--------------------
JOEL BALLWEG - IDO FIELD STAFF
SAUK-PRAIRIE LIVE BAIT & TACKLE
www.lakewisconsinfishing.com




Edited by Joel Ballweg (09/17/08 12:34 PM)


Joel Ballweg

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708286 - 09/17/08 12:42 PM

Quote:

If someone else wants to plan it...fine. Not me.

If it was to be IDO sanctioned, a request needs to be sent to the Steering Committee.




As long as I know well in advance that we really can make this happen, I'm sure I could do the majority of the leg work on this.

I'm totally with mendotaeye on this one. The Mil-lacs get together ends up being almost like a drive to Canada for those of us who live in the southern half of Wisconsin. Not that I'm against it but it just ends up being a shade to far for a weekend trip.
It might also be just the type of thing that could spur a bit more interest for IDO in this area.

Tuck - how soon do we need to put that request in?

--------------------
JOEL BALLWEG - IDO FIELD STAFF
SAUK-PRAIRIE LIVE BAIT & TACKLE
www.lakewisconsinfishing.com




mendotaeye

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708296 - 09/17/08 01:46 PM

And, if we had a few guys down here willing to provide the boats, it would make the trip easier for guys from further away. No need to haul a boat down. My boat would be there for sure!

Kooty

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708297 - 09/17/08 01:50 PM

Worst case, we do a non-sanctioned event. Then we won't have to worry about BK tagging along.

--------------------
I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.

John


mendotaeye

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708298 - 09/17/08 01:59 PM

So, what's the difference between a sanctioned event and a non-sanctioned event? Is there no championship belt in the non-sanctioned event

Kooty

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708300 - 09/17/08 02:01 PM

I don't know, all the events that I've been to, that started on IDA are a blast. Usually the door prizes are better at the sanctioned events though.

--------------------
I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.

John


Haataja

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708301 - 09/17/08 02:03 PM

This bite for kings is going on now just about every where from Racine- Kenosha to Sturgeon Bay, The River bite has also just started and the big browns will follow in late ocotober all the way through Spring. The fish can be a little line shy, I use 14 lb Stren Braid with and use a 4 foot 10-12 lb floro leader.

I'm also very fortunate to have the Worlds best brown trout fishery in my back yard so I'll give you a heads up way in advance! Ice fishing for browns and steelhead here is a blast! Also I fish for the browns open water all year with my airboat or regular boat depending on the amount of ice and cold temps. These fish fight hard and in late fall winter 20-60 browns with some steelies mixed in is average. All these fish are caught jigging or casting gulp or using spawn with light tackle.

So just giving you a heads up on the next bite coming up. here.

Here's a few pics as well

1221676658_aaaaaal66.jpg1221676671_aaaaagiant.JPG1221676685_aaaathisweektrout3.jpg1221677961_airboat4.jpg
1221677997_brrr3.jpg1221678049_frabill.jpg1221678082_today7.jpg1221678099_webpic10.jpg
1221678105_website13.jpg1221678248_webpic10.jpg1221678271_fallbrowns061.jpg1221678284_gam8.jpg
1221676658_aaaaaal66.jpg


Edited by Haataja (09/17/08 02:34 PM)


fish any time

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708305 - 09/17/08 02:13 PM



I think I can speak for most of us by saying; You're killing us.

Those are some absolute tanks!!!


mendotaeye

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708307 - 09/17/08 02:17 PM

Quote:



I think I can speak for most of us by saying; You're killing us.

Those are some absolute tanks!!!




Yeah, I'll second that.


Whiskerkev

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708308 - 09/17/08 02:20 PM

I would likely attend such an event. I fished the big lake for the first time last summer and really would like to hook up on lighter tackle.

Chris Tuckner

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708310 - 09/17/08 02:23 PM

I will make the request.
Yes...sanctioned events usually entail door prizes, etc.


Joel Ballweg

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708322 - 09/17/08 02:50 PM

Awesome fish Eric! I've seen many of those pictures before and still enjoy them as much this time as I did the first time.

Tuck, I'll do what ever needs to be done on this end. I may need a little direction from time to time, but I won't be short on effort!

--------------------
JOEL BALLWEG - IDO FIELD STAFF
SAUK-PRAIRIE LIVE BAIT & TACKLE
www.lakewisconsinfishing.com




Everts Resort

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708323 - 09/17/08 02:51 PM

This bite is everything and more Eric is reporting ! It has been years since I have done it,but was a regular for many years before the Resort business altered my schedule a bit. Most of my fishing was done with a fly rod in the river which was a hoot.The Browns are in-describable untill you experience it first hand.You guys better start your weight lifting!!!!!!

BTW Eric, what rods & actions are you using ?

--------------------
Dean Marshall - Everts Fishing Resort
Located Below Lock & Dam #3 near Red Wing, MN!



Click on the Everts Resort banner above to visit our website!


Haataja

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708349 - 09/17/08 04:28 PM

Rods for the kings or for browns? For the browns it depends...If we float fish the river it's 10'6" to 13 foot drift rods along with 9 foot spinner or crank rods for casting, this is all done wading. If we fish the harbor and cast for them it's medium action bait casters or spinning rods, if it's really cold I go with 6 foot glass rods if possible with mono (No strecth or braid collects ice when really cold) but typically the colder it gets here mid winter the better our brown trout and steelhead fishing is.

Pics from last past seasons ice fishing etc.. just sharing a few more pics.

1221686788_brown.JPG1221686813_brown1.JPG1221686821_brown2.JPG1221686828_brown4.JPG
1221686849_brown5.JPG1221686859_brown7.JPG1221686866_brown8.JPG
1221686788_brown.JPG


--------------------
Captain Eric Haataja - Big Fish Guide Service
www.wibigfish.com
Phone: (414) 546-4627



Kooty

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708366 - 09/17/08 05:40 PM

Please stop. I'm already very jealous!! Keep the awesome pics coming.

--------------------
I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.

John


Chris Tuckner

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708406 - 09/17/08 08:38 PM

Those browns are unreal!!!

Are the rainbows Loopers like here on Superior?


Haataja

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708448 - 09/17/08 10:31 PM

The rainbows are a mix of Arlee's, Skamainia's, Ganaraska's and Chambers creek. Here's a few from this year. It's cool how some are chromers while others are all colored up. Best bite for the steelies is typically November- Mid December Open water that is....

That's where this all started for me 17 years ago cutting my teeth on the rivers guiding, but I've grown to love all those other fish!

Take care time to hit the rack!

1221708163_aaaaal55.jpg1221708249_aweek4.jpg1221708288_banner3.jpg1221708379_bigsteelie.jpg
1221708416_airboat2.jpg1221708461_webpic2.jpg1221708476_steel9.jpg1221708499_steel10.jpg
1221708163_aaaaal55.jpg


--------------------
Captain Eric Haataja - Big Fish Guide Service
www.wibigfish.com
Phone: (414) 546-4627



Chris Tuckner

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708450 - 09/17/08 10:37 PM

Those Skemanias fight to the death!!!! We had caught a few when the stocked them before the Loopers up here...we had fish that fought so hard that they were DOA when we finally got them in!
We will be looking into a guide trip with you this Winter!


Haataja

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708769 - 09/18/08 11:25 PM

Did well today on cranks and jerk baits, rouges and shad raps were best. Skein bite is also starting I tried a few different cures today and the only thing that got touched was the new stuff I tried called fire cureworks great and I just ordered another 12 pack of it. Good stuff!

I also talked to my buddy who was fishing from shore in Racine and he caught 12 fish and missed about 8 other fish fishing there today on skein and on cranks, so the bite is going good now all over. He said there was only one other guy fishing there this evening, and lots of fish boiling and he missed a lot of fish on the float rods. Good bite happening all over in just about every port. Back at it again tomorrow AM early!

Good Night!

1221798284_kingsaa1.jpg1221798292_Kingsaa.jpg
1221798284_kingsaa1.jpg


--------------------
Captain Eric Haataja - Big Fish Guide Service
www.wibigfish.com
Phone: (414) 546-4627



Kooty

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708860 - 09/19/08 09:37 AM

Eric, Do smoke many of these fish as I'm sure the meat is getting questionable this time of year??

--------------------
I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.

John


Z-man

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708862 - 09/19/08 09:39 AM

If you fellas decide to make the trek here, would be pleased to help coordinate and show you around the lake, and even make room for one or two in my boat. Been trying to get BK here for some of that fall/winter brown action, but he keeps telling me he's too busy chasing those cats.... . I have to confess that at one point we talked about a trip-swap, but then I learned that the only thing he knows about eyes, is how to rig them up for catfish bait when nobody's looking, so those discussions fell apart. As for the 5 hour drive, not bad for a great fishing experience. I make the reverse trip to hit Pool 4 twice a year, spring and fall, and well worth it.

Kooty

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708873 - 09/19/08 10:07 AM

5 hours is nothing. I can't wait to come out there next fall. I'm trying to figure out how to make a winter brown trip yet this winter....

--------------------
I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.

John


Chris Tuckner

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708897 - 09/19/08 11:31 AM

I can tell ya how...We fill up the Navigator and head east.

Kooty

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708904 - 09/19/08 12:40 PM

How cool would a replica of a 20lb brown be on the wall. Then add a 20lb king next fall!!! I'm a little giddy just thinking about those fish.

--------------------
I was born in the 70's, grew up in 80's, made my mistakes in 90's now I'm just trying to make up for lost time.

John


Haataja

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708976 - 09/19/08 08:35 PM

Myself personally I do not smoke them in the fall unless the meat looks really good, however i've been told they're still fine by many anglers. So it's personal preference. The browns arte horrible to eat in my opinion but a blast to catch. I"m pretty spoiled getting all the salmon I want in mid summer so I save a bunch and smoke those.

Out again today for 2 trips and the bite was very good again, however it's transition time so tactics are starting to change and the float bite with egss is starting to take over. Left my camera at home....

Good night folks!

--------------------
Captain Eric Haataja - Big Fish Guide Service
www.wibigfish.com
Phone: (414) 546-4627



Mike Finke

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#708993 - 09/19/08 09:37 PM

Count me in guys! Time to load the crew cab and head east.

--------------------
Mike Finke Outdoors.com/ 612-210-5937
Pure Fishing Ambassador
Otter Outdoors Pro Staff / OutKast Tackle Pro Staff Director
MnWalleye@aol.com


Diesel

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#709087 - 09/20/08 07:54 PM

Glad to see you guys may be getting something going in our neck of the woods. If it happens, count me in. Been fishing the big lake since a kid (from shore) in Indiana and the stories abound. What a great resource to have nearby. I am also willing to help do what I can as well.

And Eric is right. The stream fishing is a blast for browns and the steelies. Was doing the spinning and spawn thing for most of my life. Switched to fly rods last year.

Can't wait for this gathering happen. It will be a blast.

D

--------------------
"The degree of one's emotions varies inversely with one's knowledge of the facts: the less you know the hotter you get." - Bertrand Russell


Haataja

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#709458 - 09/22/08 07:27 PM

Did another trip today. Clients hooked 20 fish in 5 hours of fishing today unfortanetly we only landed 9 fish. Many of the fish just kept screaming line and snapped us off. All with stand up spinning tackle. Lots of fun on the stand up tackle! Casting cranks and fishing eggs.

Capt Eric Haataja

1222129569_aaadean.jpg1222129574_aaadean1.jpg1222129603_aaadean2.jpg1222129610_aaadean3.jpg
1222129569_aaadean.jpg


--------------------
Captain Eric Haataja - Big Fish Guide Service
www.wibigfish.com
Phone: (414) 546-4627



Haataja

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#709881 - 09/24/08 01:34 PM

Still banging the kings on cranks and spinning tackle with floats now. Also starting to get some bonus steelies and browns now as well!

1222281118_steve.jpg1222281127_steve1.jpg1222281135_steve2.jpg1222281144_steve3.jpg
1222281118_steve.jpg


--------------------
Captain Eric Haataja - Big Fish Guide Service
www.wibigfish.com
Phone: (414) 546-4627



Chris Tuckner

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#709884 - 09/24/08 01:44 PM

Man! You are livin' the Dream Eric!

fishfinderff

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#710748 - 09/28/08 02:48 PM

thank's for tip

Mike W

Re: Milwaukee Harbor Kings--Big battle

#809529 - 08/09/09 11:11 AM

Thought I would bring this report from last year back up to the top. These are some fantastic looking fish. Its getting to be that time of year again. When do they start biting in the harbor again?

--------------------
Mike Westman - www.HomeTownplumbing.net
Your twin cities plumbing experts!



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