By George Langley
NORTHERN WISCONSIN – It’s been a rocky road, but we’re getting to much better ice conditions. We didn’t get all the snow we were hoping for, and recent temps have been perfect for building ice. We are still only seeing ATVs and snowmobiles out on area lakes, but it won’t be long before we see UTVs and other vehicles out on some lakes as well.
Trails for snowmobiling aren’t yet open, which is a huge bummer. Trails for skiing are open and groomed flat, with tracks only set in places where we got more snow. We are not yet renting skis, as we are still seeing places where the ground is showing through. Once we see that groomers have been able to set tracks throughout the area, rentals will begin. As for snowshoeing, we’d suggest just a plain old walk in the woods. There’s no need for snowshoes yet.
Walleye fishing has been good to great. Low light conditions are key to these fish, so early mornings and late evenings are best. Use shiners or sucker minnows with tip-ups. Flashy tackle like Jiggin’ Raps are working well. Some really big fish have been caught in the last week! We really have to commend those anglers who take pictures of them and then return those huge fish. The next generation of anglers appreciate it!
Northern fishing has been fantastic. Larger shiners under tip-ups have been the best. Set those in the deeper weeds for great action. We are still seeing fish being caught all day long on many lakes, which makes for a fun day — northern in the afternoon, walleye in the morning and evening.
Panfish action has been good to great also. Bluegills are often in the weeds at around 10 feet of water and are still hitting well on spikes or waxies. We’re hearing of larger ‘gills in much deeper water over mud flats or in wood, too. As for perch, look for them to be in the weeds, but a bit shallower than bluegills. Crappies are being located in deeper water now, suspended about 5 feet off the bottom. Smaller minnows or rosie reds work best for them.
While it doesn’t look like we’ll get it this week, let’s all collectively wish for a good, old-fashioned snowstorm. In the meantime, get out there and enjoy these improving ice conditions and some great fishing.
Good luck and good fishin’!