September 18, 2026: Let's Talk Topwaters

In this week's report, Steve provides an update of local conditions, then suggests anglers consider using livebait He then outlines the best way to rig and use livebait including step-by-step instruction for the hookset process. Finally, he reports on musky-related activities going on in coming weeks.

This week, Steve reports on local fishing conditions and lures that have been producing for his boat, then discusses topwater types and colors, as well as the tackle you need to fish them most effectively. Finally, he gives a rundown of area musky tournaments in the next few weeks.

Muskies were biting over the Labor Day weekend and after, and Steve first reports on lake conditions and the action. He also offers his opinions on whether boat traffic affects musky action. Finally, he previews a bunch of northwoods musky tournaments in the coming weeks.

This week's segment begins with a live report interviewing Gunnar Johnson, who caught his first musky while fishing with Steve. The musky was caught by following the pre-turnover pattern, one that Steve tries to capitalize on every season. He then goes in depth explaining where, when and how to catch muskies with this pattern.

The National Championship Musky Open was held in Eagle River with more than 1,100 anglers participating, and Steve reports on the muskies boated and the patterns that caught them.

In this week's report, Steve details what he calls the best musky action of the season, and how and why he changed up his lure to catch the best fish of the week. He also outlines conditions ahead of the National Championship Musky Open in Eagle River, the biggest musky tournament in the world.

In this week's report, Steve discusses changes in Wisconsin's musky stocking plans for the current year and urges you to help the future by fishing the National Championship Musky Open.

Rain and cooler days have brought water temps to a more comfortable range for northwoods muskies. Steve reveals where the muskies are currently holding and goes in depth to explain the patterns that have produced up to five muskies a day for he and his guests this week. He wraps up the report with the details of upcoming northwoods musky events.

In this week's report Steve discusses what's going on in northern Wisconsin, and adds detailed discussion of his recent trip to Lake of the Woods.

The extreme water temps of the past few weeks are easing, and in this week's Northwoods Musky Report Steve discusses ways to catch muskies as conditions improve. Also, Steve outlines patterns that typically work in Canada at this time and begins previewing the National Championship Musky Open.