12-17-13 Rice Lake Fishing Report
Small villages are starting to form on the local lakes. Last year Long Lake (typically last to freeze) froze over around December 11th, and at that time this year there was 9-11" of ice depending on where you were.
Good fishing is being found around the area right now. Colder than normal temps are pushing people into ice houses but this is allowing people to stay warm, and stay on the fish. Walleyes are being found on the edges or even right in the weed beds. Going as shallow as 6-7 feet, buried right in the vegetation is producing fish. Weeds seem to be the key factor right now as the walleyes are pushing the bait around, and the bait fish are using the vegetation as cover from predators. Using tip ups with a minnow are great in these circumstances, just make sure to set the flag right away to avoid the fish getting line wrapped in the weed bed and feeling the line tension. You can also drop into deeper water (12-18 feet) with jigging spoons tipped with a minnow. Walleyes are very aggressive right now and jigging is a great tactic to catch numbers of fish. Remember it's important to release those bigger fish to help reproduction for the future.
Crappies and bluegills are being found on the bottom In a variety of depths. Tip a small panfish jig with a wax worm and hop hole to hole to find fish. When you do, stay put as you should be able to catch several fish from the same hole. Find the correct color and you should have a great day pulling in fish.
Good luck fishing and remember, introduce someone new into the outdoors. They will appreciate it for a lifetime.
Jordan Marsh
Marsh Outdoors
For information on lodging, dining, entertainment and more outdoors in the Rice Lake area connect with….
Nicky Repka
Visitor Coordinator / Marketing
Rice Lake Tourism
Rice Lake Tourism
715.234.8888
800.523.6318
Fax- 715.434.8888
www.ricelaketourism.com