By George Langley
NORTHERN WISCONSIN – All we can say is, “Wow, what a game fishing season we had this year!”
We barely squeaked through to the end with safe ice, and the fishing was pretty fantastic right through to the end.
While there is still some safe ice out there for panfish (as of this writing on Sunday, March 3), with the rain and warm temperatures predicted, it may not last long. We began to hear reports about people and shacks going through the ice on area lakes over the weekend, and shoreline access is becoming an issue in some areas.
We’ve heard a ton of negativity over the last three months regarding our lack of snow, with some saying there was no reason to come here. We beg to differ.
While we sorely missed the snow this winter and recognize the negative economic impact, including our own, our experience has been that ice fishing saved the day. Many who were used to snowmobiling and skiing found a whole new reason to love the Northwoods.
Our visitors have been loyal to this area, even without the snow. When Pond Hockey was canceled, many of those teams and families came up anyway and enjoyed spending time in town and at our local restaurants.
At Eagle Sports, we saw many large groups of people that have never been to our area who came specifically for ice fishing.
Bluegills have been pretty active in the middle of the day. They are hitting well on waxies in the remaining standing cabbage weeds on many lakes.
Perch action has been decent. Anglers are catching them on waxies in the shallow weed beds, and if not there, they’re being found in the deepest, biggest holes on the lake you’re fishing. Crappie fishing has also been good. These fish can be found in schools in deep water. Sometimes they are right on the bottom, other times they are suspended just about anywhere in the water column.
All in all, it’s been a great game fishing season, and now the countdown to the spring opener can officially begin. It’s the perfect time to begin prepping your equipment.
Good luck and good fishin’!