ONALASKA, Wis. – Temperatures have eased up slightly, but the wind has picked up significantly for the second half of opening-round action at the EverStart Series Northern Division event on the Mississippi River.
Anglers saw some ominous-looking clouds on the horizon as they took off at sunrise Thursday morning, but they’re moving through the region quickly. Any inclement weather should burn off as the day wears on.
The wind might make the run a little more strenuous for the anglers traveling a long ways, but it really shouldn’t hurt the fishing too much. The leading competitors seem to be keying on baitfish patterns, with some good-sized smallmouths coming out of deeper current.
Clayton Reitz leads the pros with 16 pounds even. Most projections have today’s cut weight settling in around 26 pounds.
Richard Conrad has the co-angler lead with 12 pounds, 3 ounces. Look for their cut weight to hover around 19 or 20 pounds.
Both divisions will be cut to the top 10 anglers apiece following Thursday’s fishing. Day-two weigh-in festivities begin at 2:30 p.m. Central time at Clinton Street Landing in La Crosse, Wis.
Thursday’s conditions:
Sunrise: 5:57 a.m.
Temperature at takeoff: 71 degrees
Expected high temperature: 84 degrees
Water temperature: 77-83 degrees
Wind: NNW at 18 mph
Maximum humidity: 58 percent
Day’s outlook: partly cloudy