June Update & Fishing Report
Summer is officially underway here in Land O’ Lakes, and we are excited to welcome new faces while also seeing many familiar ones returning to Bent’s Camp!
The long-awaited season of warm days and cool lakes has arrived. With 88% of our cabins already booked and reservations continuing to come in, our cabin cleaning crew has been hard at work preparing for another busy summer. This marks the second full season of our newest lodging option, Campfire Corner Coach, located off Helen Creek Road near Vair House and Caboose. Congratulations to those who secured a June stay!
Fishing Report
After speaking to Musky Mike from Michael Katsis Guide Service, a local guide, he had a lot to say about the current bites:
“The weather has definitely thrown anglers a curveball this week. After a stretch of summer-like temperatures, cooler conditions have settled back into the Northwoods and water temperatures across the Cisco Chain have slipped into the mid-to-upper 60s. As a result, many fish have pulled away from the shallow patterns that were producing just a week ago. 
The good news? Fish are still biting. The key has simply been slowing down and adjusting to the changing conditions. The mayfly hatch has caused fish to move deeper into mud bottomed areas.
Bluegills remain one of the most reliable options for anglers looking to put fish in the boat. Spawning activity continues in sheltered bays and backwater areas, while other schools are holding just outside spawning zones in slightly deeper water. Live bait under a float has been tough to beat, although anglers casting small jigs and flies are also finding success.
Crappies and perch have become a little less predictable following the temperature drop. Weed edges, submerged timber, and deeper pockets of healthy vegetation are holding fish, but expect to do some searching before you find active schools.
Bass anglers continue to see decent action despite the cooler weather. Largemouth remain associated with shallow cover, docks, and spawning areas, where finesse presentations are producing most consistently. Smallmouth have shifted toward gravel shorelines and deeper weed edges, favoring slower presentations and crawfish-style baits.
While topwater opportunities haven’t disappeared entirely, they’ve taken a backseat to soft plastics over the past several days.
Reminder: Smallmouth bass remain catch-and-release only through June 20. 
Walleye fishing has been the biggest adjustment for many anglers this week. The shallow evening bite that was producing nicely during the recent warm spell has slowed considerably.
The most consistent reports are coming from anglers fishing offshore structure with leeches or working crawlers around rock and timber in the 14-18 foot range. If we see a few warmer afternoons, expect fish to slide shallower again during low-light periods.
Predator anglers are still finding action, although both pike and muskies have shown signs of slowing down with the weather change.
Pike continue to respond to live bait presentations and slower-moving artificial baits. Muskies remain surprisingly shallow for mid-June, with smaller bucktails, twitch baits, and jerkbaits accounting for most of the recent action. Fast moving baits and topwater have also been producing. Numbers have been respectable, although truly big fish reports have been limited.
With warmer weather forecasted later in the month, fishing patterns should begin stabilizing once again. Until then, patience and slower presentations will be the name of the game across the Cisco Chain.
And with Father’s Day weekend here, there’s no better excuse to spend a few hours on the water with the person who probably got you hooked on fishing in the first place. Whether you’re chasing walleyes, bluegills, or muskies, the memories tend to outlast the fish stories.
Good luck, stay safe, and stop by Bent’s Camp for the latest local reports, bait, tackle, and lake conditions before you head out.” Check out Michael Katsis Guide Service to book a guided trip on the Cisco Chain or any Vilas County lake.
We want to see your fishing pictures! Send photos to vacation@bents-camp.com to be featured on our blog and social media pages.
What’s Next at Bent’s
At the lodge, we’ve officially released our summer drink menu, featuring seasonal favorites and refreshing new options perfect for enjoying after a day on the water, including 32 oz Carbliss chain cruiser buckets to take with you on the boat. Upcoming events we have in the near future include our Fourth of July festivities and live music every Thursday-Sunday! Also, remember to get your tickets for Our Northwoodstock Music Festival July 24th-25th. Ticket sales are well outpacing previous years and we expect both days to sell out around July 4, so get your tickets while you can! Visit northwoodstockmusicfest.com for more information.
As always, see you at the lake!