Minocqua Area Fishing Report 1/20/15
Despite nice comfortable weather for anglers, fishing didn't match up well with the conditions. Mild temps in the upper 20's to low 30's.... the first in over 2 weeks, plus a free fishing weekend brought out lots of anglers to the ice. Changing fronts and wind directions seemed to turn on (at times) but mostly turn off the fishing for the weekend.
Bluegills: Fair-Good. By moving out a little further into 10-12' weeds anglers using small tungsten jigs tipped with single spikes or plastic (red, maroon, purple, black) were able to pick up nice gills of 8"+ working tight to the bottom. In shallower water(6-8') more numbers of gills, but fewer keepers.
Yellow Perch: Fair-Good. Anglers working deep mud flats finding some good action using Hali jigs, #2 pimples, #5 tungsten Fiskas tipped with wigglers or red spikes finding decent catches by pounding mud to stir up action. Getting around has not been the easiest on these flats, since few have packed down roads and slush has been a problem away from the crowds.
Walleyes: Fair. A few bright spots mid-late afternoons as changing winds and barometer movement opened windows of action for some anglers. Most action up along weed breaks of 8-12' on tip-ups rigged with shiners. Fish seemed a bit negative to chase for the jig angler this weekend. Pick up and drops on tip-ups should be addressed with smaller minnows (lake shiners, large fatheads).
Northern Pike: Fair. Oddly quiet for such a warm weekend. A few days some very nice fish being iced (over 30"ers), but other days few flags. Big suckers and shiners preferred.
Largemouth Bass: Fair. Another fish we typically see more action from on weekends such as the last. A few on tip-ups w/medium shiners. A few on jig/waxies meant for bluegills.
Crappies: Poor-Fair. A few windows of opportunity on tip-downs baited with rosie reds, once that bite died, finesse dropping #10 rockers tipped with white or silver plastics did the trick.
Considering the new moon period its been disappointing that fishing hasn't been better. More mild weather this week means the conditions should be great for staying outside. Won't be building anymore ice under these conditions and slush and snow has limited ATV users to areas with well packed down paths. Ice aug about 14-17" overall, some areas more, not a lot as we move into late January.
Kurt
Island Sportshop
Minocqua, Wi