
I can’t believe I’m saying this in mid February, but we are back to recommended FOOT TRAVEL ONLY here in northern Wisconsin and even at that, use extreme caution this weekend. I was on several lakes with no more than 5” of ice three days ago and that was BEFORE the 1/2” of rain and 2 more days of pushing 50 degree temps. I know for a fact there are some lakes that are not safe, even for walking. Lots of accesses are very bad too. Expect any landings with current or springs nearby to be completely open. Now, that doesn’t mean there aren’t places you can get out that still have 8” of ice or so, but use extreme caution because the ice is very uneven this year and it’s one of the strangest ice seasons we have ever seen. Luckily we have weather cold enough to firm things back up coming up this week.
As far as the fishing, that too has been all over the place! We are still finding fish in early ice locations, some have moved into late ice locations…and pretty much everything in between! Be willing to be flexible and move around a LOT to find fish. Most of the best panfish action has been shallow to mid-depth and despite the locations they are in, these fish have been finicky. Live bait on a small tungsten is definitely going to get you the most action. Use stealth because these fish are still spooky given the thin ice and no snow. Walleyes are mainly being caught after dark or right at prime time on set lines with larger minnows. They have been on shallow weeds more than usual for this time of year. Bass and pike can be found anywhere there are schools of panfish and this has been one of the best ice seasons I have ever seen for big largemouth. The warm temps have really had them feeding. Glide baits and rattle baits have been hot as well as BIG minnows on set lines. Good luck and stay safe guys!
Caleb Wistad – Hookedupwi
calebwistad@gmail.com
715-338-0545
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