Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report 3-28-13
Open water anglers starting to wet their lines but ice fishing still going strong.
With open water below many are dams anglers are starting to get out and wet their lines. A few nice walleyes have fallen to jigs in 1/8th and 1/4 ounce this past week and the bite will continue to get better as we move into the spring spawn. Right now for consistent action target the deeper pools on the river system throughout the daytime hours, but during low light periods don't be afraid to move up shallow and target fish that will be in less than 3 feet of water.
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Hooksetters Guide Phil Schweik with a good spring open water walleye. | Randy Derbick with a nice walleye. |
Ice fishing remains very good for panfish on area lakes. Both bluegills and crappies have been consistently taking our presentations as have a few nice perch. Most of the fish we are getting are in 5 to 10 feet of water associated with muck and wood. Look for areas that may be close to traditional spring spawning locations as the fish will be headed in that direction as the weather warms.
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Jason Schulta, Randy Derbick and Dave Blohm with some nice crappies. | Jason Schulta with a nice days catch. |
Most anglers have put their tip-ups away but their is still plenty of ice on the backwater areas off the main river system to target walleyes and pike. With that said right now is the best time to tangle with the trophy of a life-time. As spring nears both walleyes and pike seek out shallow backwater areas off the river in search of prey and the savvy angler can cash in on these predators by simply running their tip-ups in less than 3 feet of water. Bait the tip-ups with golden shiners or suckers and get ready. The largest pike and walleyes of the year are now in the area!
Turkey hunters should now start doing some pre-season scouting for the upcoming season. With all the snow on the ground the birds are going to be herded up in tight locations that have ample food. Find their feeding grounds and you will get your bird!
Good luck and have a great week,
Phil Schweik
Licensed Wisconsin Hunting & Fishing Guide
Hooksetters Guide Service www.hooksetters.biz
Ruttnut Guide Service www.ruttnut.com
Reed & Hoppe Wildlife Food Plots www.foodplotting.com