2-11-14 Minocqua Area Fishing Report
With most mornings starting off in the double digit/below zero mark (17-23 below the last four mornings) participation in the ice is down quite a lot.
Fishing was understandably slow due to cold and high pressure system hanging over our area. Lack of wind made things bearable during the day as temps warmed up to 7-14 degrees above by mid afternoons.
Pike: Fair. Mostly smaller fish and fewer of them. Typical tip-up shiner layout in weeds of 5-12’.
Walleye: Fair. A few reports of the odd catch at mid-day, but best very early before 8 am or after dark. Best over sandgrass in 18-24’. Due to high pressure, walleyes have been negative, best action walleye suckers, wild shiners on tip-ups. They don’t seem to be aggressive enough to hit jigging raps/spoons. If barometer falls, jigging should pick up.
Perch: Fair. Best over mud of 18-28’. Dark, heavy jigs tipped with wigglers best. Some anglers using medium fatheads to try and ward off smaller fish.
Crappies: Fair. Best in deep water of 18-28’. Small windows of action at dusk.
Bluegills: Poor-Fair. Cold continues to limit participation. Finesse is needed with 1-2# test and tiny dark #14 jigs to coax bites.
As bleak as this fishing report is, things are looking up as weekend temps should hit the 20’s and rumors or 30’s and 40’s for next week are being dangled by weather reporters. With a drop in the barometer, look for action and travel to improve.
Snow is very light. While tough to pack down a trail, it is easy to shovel and access is improving. Ice thickness is averaging 28-30”.
Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop