1-6-14 Minocqua Fishing Report
As can be imagined, not much for fishing participation this past week with either high winds through Saturday or brutal cold temps (down to -31 degrees including 2 days of school closings) through Tuesday. A few people did get out and actually caught fish, but, if you didn’t have a permanent shanty with a good heater, you stayed home.
Perch: Fair-Good. The few anglers who had perch dialed in reported good catches using Flasch Champ, Kastmaster and Lindy Frostee spoons tipped with wiggler or red spikes. Depths of 22-30’ on Flowages, 10-12’ using Rosie Reds.
Bluegills: Fair-Good. Surprising considering the conditions. Nice gills of 7 ½-81/2” in 10-12’ on #10 rockers tipped with waxies. Most fish presently holding close to bottom.
Crappies: Fair. A few mixed in with bluegill catches over the weekend. Too cold for tip-downs. Most on jigs and waxies. A few on slip-bobbers inside a heated shanty using minnows.
Walleyes: Poor-Fair. Not many risking staying out after dark in this cold – one angler did ice a 29 ½” Sunday night, unfortunately couldn’t release due to eyes and fins freezing so quickly – something to think about when tip-up fishing in extreme cold.
Pike: Poor. Too cold to keep tip-ups out for long.
Largemouth Bass: Poor. No reports.
As cold as it has been, there is relief in sight. Weekend temps should top out above freezing, this will make fishing far more comfortable. Fish should be ready to feed after warm up.
Most lakes reporting 15-17”+ of ice. A few such as Fence and Trout only 11-13”. Travel is very good. Some slush on east sides of lakes (where wind blown snow has insulated moisture) and sure to be some in spots still, yet overall paths and tracks have firmed up nicely.
Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop