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Steve Heiting's Northwoods Musky Report

Steve Heiting's Northwoods Musky Report

By Steve Heiting

Fishing Hall of Famer Steve Heiting provides weekly discussions of musky patterns, fishing tips and reports, and upcoming musky fishing events in Wisconsin's northwoods region.
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September 28, 2023: Pick Your Favorite Bait, Cover Water & Find A Musky

Steve Heiting's Northwoods Musky ReportOct 02, 2023

00:00
03:27
September 28, 2023: Pick Your Favorite Bait, Cover Water & Find A Musky

September 28, 2023: Pick Your Favorite Bait, Cover Water & Find A Musky

In his final Northwoods Musky Report for the year, Steve discusses that catching a musky right now involves simply choosing a favorite bait and covering water. Muskies are still shallow as water temps have stagnated, and it's really too early to use quick-set-rigged suckers until things cool down.

Oct 02, 202303:27
September 21, 2023: Last Cast Muskies & "Artificial Sunset"

September 21, 2023: Last Cast Muskies & "Artificial Sunset"

In this week's episode, Steve describes a good week of musky fishing that featured a big fish on the last cast of the evening. He also explains what he calls "artificial sunset" and how using it resulted in another beautiful musky.

Sep 25, 202303:36
September 13, 2023: How 'Lake Hopping' Can Help You Succeed

September 13, 2023: How 'Lake Hopping' Can Help You Succeed

It's the start of fall, and as our northwoods lakes change with the season the practice of "lake hopping" becomes more important. In this week's Northwoods Musky Report, Steve reveals what's working for pre-turnover muskies right now and then explains how lake hopping can save your day if action is slow once you get on the water.

Sep 18, 202304:01
September 6, 2023: Big Muskies Prowl During The August Full Moon

September 6, 2023: Big Muskies Prowl During The August Full Moon

The weather was warm for the Labor Day weekend, but the full moon had muskies biting. Steve reports the muskies are in shallow water for the pre-turnover period, and reveals the bucktail and topwater nuances that made a difference.

Sep 11, 202302:51
August 30, 2023: Pre-Turnover Action And What It Means For You

August 30, 2023: Pre-Turnover Action And What It Means For You

After all of the successful anglers in the National Championship Musky Open caught their fish from shallow weeds, Steve uses this week's episode of his Northwoods Musky Report to explain how you can target it, too.

Sep 04, 202304:11
August 23, 2023: Tournament Winners Target Shallow Muskies

August 23, 2023: Tournament Winners Target Shallow Muskies

In this week's Northwoods Musky Report, Steve discusses the results of the National Championship Musky Open and how almost all of the successful anglers found their fish in shallow weeds.

Aug 28, 202303:36
August 16, 2023: Preview Of The National Championship

August 16, 2023: Preview Of The National Championship

In this week's Northwoods Musky Report, Steve discusses fishing action and lists the lures that have produced best for him this year. But first, he previews the National Championship Musky Open, the largest musky tournament anywhere and the major fundraiser for Wisconsin's fishery.

Aug 21, 202303:38
August 9, 2023: Musky Bite Stays Good; And Jerkbait Tuning Tips

August 9, 2023: Musky Bite Stays Good; And Jerkbait Tuning Tips

One week into August and the musky "bite" in Wisconsin's northwoods remains very good, including the open water window Steve predicted last week. And, in response to a listener's question, Steve explains how he tunes jerkbaits that don't run quite "right."

Aug 14, 202304:12
August 2, 2023: Early August Muskies & O.G. Baits

August 2, 2023: Early August Muskies & O.G. Baits

In this week's episode, Steve discusses the current musky bite (hint: it's good) and explains why using O.G. baits can be very productive (and yes, he looked it up).

Aug 07, 202303:12
July 26, 2023: Report From Canada; And How Fishing Elsewhere Can Make You Better

July 26, 2023: Report From Canada; And How Fishing Elsewhere Can Make You Better

Steve reports from Sandy's Blackhawk Island Camp on Lake of the Woods at the conclusion of the University of Esox Canada Musky Adventure. He then explains how fishing elsewhere can make you a better angler when you return to Wisconsin.

Jul 31, 202303:22
July 19, 2023: Wilderness Lakes Are Key When The Northwoods Region Gets Busy

July 19, 2023: Wilderness Lakes Are Key When The Northwoods Region Gets Busy

When northwoods musky waters get busy with fishing and boating traffic, Steve turns to wilderness lakes and streams. In this week's report, he explains what he looks for in such waters.

Jul 24, 202303:20
July 12, 2023: Unravel The Secrets Of Larger Musky Waters

July 12, 2023: Unravel The Secrets Of Larger Musky Waters

Steve begins his weekly report discussing the good fishing action of early July, and then explains how he systematically breaks down larger musky waters when trying to learn their secrets.

Jul 17, 202304:06
July 5, 2023: How To Quickly Learn An Unfamiliar Lake's Secrets

July 5, 2023: How To Quickly Learn An Unfamiliar Lake's Secrets

One of the ways to cope with fishing and boating pressure around a holiday weekend is to seek out less popular waters, and this week Steve describes a technique that will reveal most of a "new" lake's secrets in a short period of time.
Jul 10, 202303:41
June 28, 2023: Great Minnowbait Technique Produces An Angler's First Musky

June 28, 2023: Great Minnowbait Technique Produces An Angler's First Musky

Steve begins with a live report following the capture of an angler's first musky, which was caught on a minnowbait. He then explains how you can really make this lure type dance.

Jul 03, 202303:57
June 21, 2023: A Giant Tiger Musky Emphasizes The Importance Of Catch & Release

June 21, 2023: A Giant Tiger Musky Emphasizes The Importance Of Catch & Release

Steve begins this week's report with a live recording following the capture of the biggest tiger musky ever in his boat, and then reveals the fish's history. He then explains the tools everyone should have in their boat to successfully release muskies, and discusses current conditions.

Jun 26, 202304:05
June 14, 2023: Big Muskies Bite During Northwoods Cool Down

June 14, 2023: Big Muskies Bite During Northwoods Cool Down

Steve starts this week's episode with a live, on-the-water report following the capture of a big northwoods musky. Then, he discusses what happened at the University of Esox Musky School as well as the patterns he experienced during the week.

Jun 19, 202304:06
June 7, 2023: Predicting Feeding Windows And Steve's Top Lure So Far

June 7, 2023: Predicting Feeding Windows And Steve's Top Lure So Far

In this week's episode, Steve discusses short feeding windows seen so far in 2023, and how to predict them. He also discusses his top lure for the year so far, as well as current conditions.

Jun 12, 202303:44
May 31, 2023: Report From Wisconsin's Northwoods Musky Opener

May 31, 2023: Report From Wisconsin's Northwoods Musky Opener

Steve discusses season-opening musky action and patterns from the beautiful Memorial Day weekend.

Jun 05, 202303:09
May 24, 2023: Live Report From A Four-Musky Day; And Steve Reveals His Northwoods Opener Plans

May 24, 2023: Live Report From A Four-Musky Day; And Steve Reveals His Northwoods Opener Plans

Twins Joel and Jake Weeks joined Steve and produced a four-musky day while fishing in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and Steve offers a live, on-the-water report. Then, Steve discusses his plans for Wisconsin's northwoods musky opener.

May 29, 202306:07
May 17, 2023: Current Fishing Conditions, And My Top Five Early Season Lure Choices For Muskies

May 17, 2023: Current Fishing Conditions, And My Top Five Early Season Lure Choices For Muskies

Walleyes and crappies are biting, but Steve has muskies on the brain. In this week's report, he reveals his top five lures for catching early season muskies, and explains why they are his favorites.

May 22, 202303:51
May 10, 2023: Opening Weekend Report & Early Season Musky Patterns

May 10, 2023: Opening Weekend Report & Early Season Musky Patterns

This week, Steve reports on what may have been the best fishing opener he's ever enjoyed. He then discusses early season patterns to prepare you for when the northwoods musky season opens May 27th.

May 15, 202303:50
May 3, 2023: Fishing opener outlook and a great musky fishing tip

May 3, 2023: Fishing opener outlook and a great musky fishing tip

Steve goes on a hunt for open water in anticipation of northern Wisconsin's fishing opener. Since musky season in the north doesn't open until May 27, Steve then discusses a great tip to get more action from your early season musky baits.

May 08, 202303:44
September 29, 2022: A Tale Of Two Big Muskies, And Turnover Confusion

September 29, 2022: A Tale Of Two Big Muskies, And Turnover Confusion

In his final Northwoods Musky Report for the year, Steve reports on the catching of two big muskies, including one which could be the largest in his boat for the season. He also explains turnover, a factor which confuses many anglers.

Oct 03, 202204:02
September 22, 2022: Live Report From A Three-Musky, Pre-Turnover Day

September 22, 2022: Live Report From A Three-Musky, Pre-Turnover Day

Steve reports live from the water following a three-musky day that was a perfect example of what pre-turnover pattern fishing is all about. 

Sep 26, 202204:11
September 15, 2022: Rooting Muskies Out Of The Weeds With Minnowbaits

September 15, 2022: Rooting Muskies Out Of The Weeds With Minnowbaits

A minnowbait is one of the most effective lures for weed-tight muskies. Steve explains how he flutters and steers his minnowbaits through thick weeds — a technique which can yield some of the most savage strikes of the season.

Sep 19, 202204:02
September 8, 2022: Early Fall Bucktail Advice, And A Big Musky

September 8, 2022: Early Fall Bucktail Advice, And A Big Musky

Fall is coming, yet current conditions haven't changed much. With bucktails currently being highly effective, Steve provides advice for their use, and explains how he triggered a big fish that required a figure-8 effort that went beyond anything he's ever done.

Sep 12, 202204:26
September 1, 2022: Base Your Fall Musky Game Plan On Water Temperature

September 1, 2022: Base Your Fall Musky Game Plan On Water Temperature

It's September, and fall musky fishing is fast approaching. In this episode, Steve explains how to base your presentation and locational approach according to water temperature.

Sep 05, 202204:06
August 25, 2022: Musky Action Report From 1,200 Anglers

August 25, 2022: Musky Action Report From 1,200 Anglers

In this week's Northwoods Musky Report, Steve interviews the boat winner from the National Championship Musky Open, and then reveals what was caught as well as the best pattern found by the nearly 1,200 anglers who fished the event.

Aug 29, 202204:01
August 18, 2022: It's The Week Of The National Championship

August 18, 2022: It's The Week Of The National Championship

Steve predicts a good musky bite as he previews the National Championship Musky Open, and provides an update on the conditions you can expect to see in northern Wisconsin.

Aug 22, 202203:32
August 11, 2022: Time To Target Weeds, And A Report From Canada

August 11, 2022: Time To Target Weeds, And A Report From Canada

Steve suggests targeting muskies in the weeds now in the northwoods, and offers tips from his recent successful trip to Canadian waters. Finally, it's time to sign up for the National Championship Musky Open, and Steve explains why you need to support the state's Musky Clubs Alliance.
Aug 15, 202203:57
August 4, 2022: Three Common Yet Easily Correctable Mistakes Made By Musky Anglers

August 4, 2022: Three Common Yet Easily Correctable Mistakes Made By Musky Anglers

Based on 30-plus years of teaching musky fishing schools, Steve discusses three common-yet-correctable mistakes he sees many anglers make. 

Aug 08, 202203:49
July 28, 2022: Success In Post-Frontal Conditions

July 28, 2022: Success In Post-Frontal Conditions

Steve starts with a live report after two muskies were caught, and then explains the tactics that worked in the cold front conditions faced that day.

Aug 01, 202203:28
July 21, 2022: Handling Midsummer Muskies; And Why Crankbaits Have Been Effective

July 21, 2022: Handling Midsummer Muskies; And Why Crankbaits Have Been Effective

Water temperatures are creeping up, and Steve begins by reminding anglers to minimize musky stress to ensure their release. Then he discusses why crankbaits have been so effective this season, and how he fishes them.

Jul 25, 202203:56
July 14, 2022: Big Musky Caught During A Short Feeding Window

July 14, 2022: Big Musky Caught During A Short Feeding Window

The largest musky to date for the season hits the net in Steve's boat, and he describes the clues he saw as the feeding window developed. Current conditions are also discussed.

Jul 18, 202203:45
July 7, 2022: Pep Talk For Turning Your Musky Season Around

July 7, 2022: Pep Talk For Turning Your Musky Season Around

Fast-moving weather systems, lots of wind, and cool nights have resulted in a frustrating musky bite for many anglers fishing the northwoods. In this week's episode, Steve provides tips to turn your season around.

Jul 11, 202203:12
June 30, 2022: Musky Bite Becomes More Consistent

June 30, 2022: Musky Bite Becomes More Consistent

The northwoods musky "bite" is becoming more consistent in time for the July 4 holiday. Mid-lake humps and breaklines are producing the most consistent action.

Jul 04, 202203:04
June 23, 2022: Big Muskies On The Prowl

June 23, 2022: Big Muskies On The Prowl

The largest musky for the year so far in Steve's boat, the largest hooked so far, and the largest seen from his boat have all occurred in the past few days. Steve reports on what's providing the big fish action. 

Jun 27, 202203:12
June 16, 2022: Watch For Short Feeding Windows

June 16, 2022: Watch For Short Feeding Windows

Cold nights are producing short feeding windows. Steve Heiting begins with a live report, and then returns to the studio to discuss what to watch for to catch muskies when those windows occur.

Jun 20, 202203:30
June 9, 2022: Summer Musky Patterns Begin

June 9, 2022: Summer Musky Patterns Begin

Weather and water are warming up, and summer musky patterns are getting underway — including the topwater bite!

Jun 13, 202202:24
June 2, 2022: Heavy Musky Action On The 2022 Opener

June 2, 2022: Heavy Musky Action On The 2022 Opener

Steve discusses a soggy Northwoods musky opener in a live report, and then explains the patterns that were most productive during the first few days of the musky season.

Jun 06, 202204:17
May 26, 2022: Steve's Game Plan For Opening Day

May 26, 2022: Steve's Game Plan For Opening Day

Wisconsin's northern zone musky season opens Saturday, May 28, and Steve discusses current conditions and reveals his musky game plan for the weekend.

May 30, 202203:27
May 19, 2022: Steve Previews The Northwoods Musky Opener

May 19, 2022: Steve Previews The Northwoods Musky Opener

The northwoods musky season is looming and Steve previews the May 28th opener. He also reports  the results of the Indiana Muskie Classic.

May 23, 202203:33
May 12, 2022: Traveling To Fish Muskies Can Make You A Better Angler

May 12, 2022: Traveling To Fish Muskies Can Make You A Better Angler

You can't beat a fishing trip to the northwoods, but when musky season is still closed you can travel to fish in southern locales. In this week's episode, Steve discusses his upcoming trip to Indiana and how learning tactics that were refined elsewhere can make you a better angler back home.

May 16, 202203:11
May 5, 2022: Fishing Opener Tips & A Great Early Season Musky Pattern

May 5, 2022: Fishing Opener Tips & A Great Early Season Musky Pattern

In his first segment for 2022, Steve discusses the upcoming fishing opener and how it relates to the recent vote to change the northern zone musky opening date, gives a lake ice status update, explains how you can catch spawning walleyes (many musky anglers will be fishing for them this week), provides the details of a great early season musky pattern, and announces his new YouTube channel as well as his plan for recording some radio reports on the water.

May 09, 202204:46
September 30, 2021: Livebait Takes Center Stage; What I Learned This Season

September 30, 2021: Livebait Takes Center Stage; What I Learned This Season

In his final report of the 2021 season, Steve explains current fishing patterns, reports on the Wounded Warriors event in Eagle River, provides tournament results, and discusses what he learned during the 2021 season. 

Oct 04, 202104:01
September 23, 2021: Action Update, And Good Luck To The Veterans Fishing In Eagle River

September 23, 2021: Action Update, And Good Luck To The Veterans Fishing In Eagle River

In this week's episode, Steve reports on recent action and big fish, and discusses the Wounded Warriors In Action Muskie Chal-Lunge in Eagle River.

Sep 27, 202102:53
September 16, 2021: Everything In The Tackle Box, And Livebait

September 16, 2021: Everything In The Tackle Box, And Livebait

As water temperatures cool, everything in your tackle box will work. When the water temp hits 60, it's time to add livebait to your presentation, and Steve discusses the important use of quick-strike rigs.

Sep 20, 202103:03
September 9, 2021: Muskies Are Biting In The Shallows

September 9, 2021: Muskies Are Biting In The Shallows

Steve discusses hot lures and locations for mid-September, and reports on his Canadian fishing trip of the week before.

Sep 13, 202102:47
September 2, 2021: Filming A TV Fishing Show In Northern Wisconsin

September 2, 2021: Filming A TV Fishing Show In Northern Wisconsin

Steve reveals what it's like behind the scenes filming an episode of The Musky Hunter TV show in northern Wisconsin with host Jim Saric.

Sep 06, 202103:59
August 26, 2021: Latest Musky Info From Over A Thousand Anglers

August 26, 2021: Latest Musky Info From Over A Thousand Anglers

Steve reports the patterns that produced the 102 muskies for the 1,279 anglers who fished the National Championship Musky Open in Eagle River.

Aug 30, 202103:18