The following article appeared in the August 2008 issue of Wisconsin SPORTSMAM.

RIVER MUSKIES
CAST A CRANKBAIT TO THESE OVERLOOKED MUSKIES AND YOU MAY HAVE THE WHOLE RIVER TO YOURSELF! by GREG KEEFER

Muskie hunters are literally missing the boat when they overlook the Badger State's excellent river fishing. When you switch to moving water, the rules change a bit.

Widely differing habitats make river fishing for big muskies a challenge on the good days, but when conditions are less than favorable, it can be downright tough bit.

Is it worth it? You bet it is

Here's a look at some waters most muskie hunters are missing.

WISCONSIN RIVER
Guide Ken Wallock points to the 53-inch trophy caught on the Stevens Point Flowage and Ron Kutella's 47-inch, 23-pound world fly tackle record as proof of the Wisconsin River's muskie-producing potential.

"The Wisconsin River system is one of the top muskie fisheries in the state," he said. "Recently, a number of muskies in the 50-inch class and topping 40 pounds have been documented from the Wisconsin."

In mid-to late September, muskies start fattening up for the winter. Wallock uses Suicks in bright colors, walleye and sucker-colored Bulldawgs and large bucktails with a single 6/0 hook to take advantage of the feeding binge.

River islands that provide shallow feeding shelves, downstream and upstream island points, shoreline wood and the edges of deeper breaks are all top spots to toss a bait. Muskies will retreat into the backwaters when the water is high.

Fisheries biologist Tom Meronek gives the fishery between Merrill and Pentenwell high marks. River muskies are responding well to regulations designed to promote trophy-class fishing. From the Castle Rock Flowage to Dubay Dam, the minimum length is 45 inches.From Lake Dubay to Lake Wausau, the minimum is 34 inches and above Wausau Dam to Merrill, a 40-inch minimum is enforced.

Wallock and his fellow Prime Water Anglers Club members have improved launch and shoreline facilities in Stevens Point at Highway 10 West, Bukolt Park and the Franklin Street landings and the Biron Flowage. Anglers may also launch on Lake Dubay, but watch out for stumps.

For more information, contact the DNR at (715) 359-7582 or (715) 623-4190 or Kenny Wallock's Professional Guiding at (715) 321-0038 or www.kennywallocksguiding.com.