Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report
Windy weather and almost steady rain has kept us from fishing and hunting as much as we would have liked to this past week, but we did manage to get out and enjoy some time both in the woods and on the water. Water temperatures are in the low 40’s but with the forecasted weekend temperatures dipping down into the low teens, don’t be surprised if some of the local lakes start forming ice. With that said the weekend temperatures are just what the doctor ordered as far as getting the deer moving. This past week’s unseasonably warm temperatures have kept the deer movement and rut to a minimum but all that is going to change starting this weekend.
Most of our fishing has been concentrated around walleyes and muskies this past week. We found the walleyes in 6 to 12 feet of water holding in areas that we normally catch them once the lakes have frozen over. These are typical wintering areas associated with deeper water retreats and an ample supply of forage fish for food.
The muskies have been holding in non-current areas off the river system and in the backwater areas as well as a number of fish holding on main lake points and wind-blown shorelines. Our best success has come from dragging suckers very slowly (0.2 to 0.4 mph) behind the boat. On most days we are using Quick Set Rigs under a slip bobber and setting live suckers down 4 to 8 feet. We are also running a couple of lines out with the suckers on quick set rigs with no bobber at all so the sucker can swim freely just like it normally would.
Hunters entering the woods this weekend for the 2015 gun deer season opener will be greeting with near normal temperatures and from the looks of it that always anticipated 4 letter word… Snow and I hope we get it. The snow not only helps with tracking but increases your visibility in the woods making the deer easier to spot and pick up on. Along with the snow and frostier weather coming up and if you are susceptible to cold temperatures, stop by your local sporting goods store and pick up a heated vest. These are great and they will eliminate the cold with heater coils that work down your back and chest area to keep you toasty warm. I have one from Flambeau Outdoors www.flambeauoutdoors.comand I just love it.
Don’t forget you can now register your deer on-line at the DNR website. Just go to: https://app.wi.gov/gamereg/wildlife/harvest if you have any more questions please visit the DNR website and go to the following page: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/ereg.html Thank you.
Good luck to all the hunters heading out this weekend have a fun and safe hunt.
Phil Schweik
Wisconsin Licensed Hunting and Fishing Guide
Hooksetters Guide Service www.hooksetters.biz