3-25-14 Minocqua Fishing Report
With dawn temps running 6 to 10 degrees below 0 and nothing above freezing for a few days here in late March, doesn't look good for ice out by the may opener at this rate. Ice thickness averages 32 to 36"+ that's a lot of ice to lose in 30 some days. We should have a nice long, late ice panfish season though!
Yellow Perch: Good- The most action being found in 18-35' of water. The deepest water holding suspended fish working 10-15' off the bottom, hitting bright colored spoons (Pimples, Vinglas & Kens hooks)as they drop. Tip with wigglers or waxies. Those in 18-26' mud working tight to bottom taking Hali jigs tipped with a single red spike or wiggler. Perch relating to weeds taking minnows in 8-12'. Try medium fatheads or large rosies on tip-downs for the largest perch in either scenario.
Crappie: Fair-Good- Action improving as we get farther away from the full moon... warmer afternoons = improved action as well. Some deep, big slabs over 18-24' transition areas on tip-downs w/ rosies. Bays with standing weeds holding lots of crappies (per camera sightings) yet bite windows small on Cecil jigs tipped with waxies or minnow head.
Bluegills: Fair- Mostly smaller fish reported, though a few 9"ers by anglers working for crappies in bays. Most gills caught tighter to bottom using small dark tungsten jigs tipped with a single spike.
Once ice does melt don't be surprised to get reports of winter kills. All that ice and snow on shallow lakes is taking its toll. Reports of bad smells coming from small lakes and even bays of larger lakes are coming in. We won’t know for sure till ice out, but we will keep giving updates once confirmed.
Kurt,
Kurt's Island Sportshop
Minocqua, Wi.