Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report
Finally… a cool-down and we are making some safe ice. Lakes in the central Wisconsin area are finally starting to get a few inches of ice and anglers are starting to get out. We are seeing anywhere from 2 to 4 inches of ice on most bodies of water with the exception of the river system, which for the most part remains open all year round. Be especially careful on flowages, impoundments, and back-water areas of the Wisconsin River, as there is still some current where the channel flows through, and these areas should always be accessed with extreme caution.
Guys that are getting out are catching a variety of nice fish with bluegills and crappies topping the hit list. We are also seeing a few nice walleyes and some decent pike as we start to set tip-ups in likely looking locations. The bluegills and crappies have been associated with one of two locations. We are finding them in shallow weeds and out over deep flats in 12 to 18 feet of water. Most of the bluegills are holding tight to the bottom where the crappie’s are suspended off the bottom and can be as high as right up under the ice. Don’t be afraid to try different depths and by all means use your electronics.
Walleyes have been primarily shallow and low light feeders with the majority of our fish coming from less than 6 feet of water and well after dark. We are running tip-ups baited up with golden shiners or medium suckers in the 4 to 5 inch range and suspending them about a foot off the bottom. For the pike we are basically fishing the same locations but during the daytime hours. We are running our baits a little higher in the water column and if the area determines sometimes our bait is set right under the ice. For the pike we are running slightly larger bait by going with larger golden shiners and northern pike sized suckers in the 5 to 6 inch range or larger if we can find them.
With Christmas right around the corner be sure to check out the great deals going on right now at some of our favorite area manufacturers and suppliers like, Elk River Rods, Flambeau Outdoors, Amherst marine, Musky Innovations, Suick Lures, Wisconsin Product Development, the Conger Collection and of course, Hooksetters Guide Service.
Have a great week,
Phil Schweik
Hooksetters Guide Service
Web: www.hooksetters.biz
Phone: 715-693-5843