Minocqua Area Fishing Report
The game fish season ended on Sunday, March 1st. For what it's worth it actually ended very well compared to past years when the season closed with hardly a whisper. But now that its over.....who cares?! Panfish is where its at now! While reports have not been great yet, A look at the forecast should put us right in line for some hot panfish action in the weeks to come.
Bluegills: Fair-Good. Most of the best action and better sized fish have been coming from 12-16' of water. Tungsten Jigs in #3 & #4 sizes tipped with moussees, waxies or spikes have been pulling in the #'s though sorting has been necessary. Plastics in red, maroon, purple, black and natural (brown) have given the edge to experienced anglers to taking larger gills (8"+).
Yellow Perch: Fair-Good. Numbers in the shallow weeds on Lindy Slick jigs and VMC minnow jigs tipped with waxies- lots of smaller fish, few larger ones. With access improving on lakes, anglers moving out on mud flats to find perch using Pimples, Vinglas and Hali jigs tipped with wigglers or red spikes. Size average is better (8-10"). Tip-downs with rosies also producing.
Crappies: Fair-Good. This species will dominate anglers attention in weeks to come, but as yet action is still spotty. Best out away from weedy bays- over mud in 14-24' (some places deeper), Tip downs with rosies or regular crappie minnows. Wigglers also work out over mud. Jig fishermen over deep mud using #5 Tungsten, #2 jigging raps dressed with waxies.
With little new snow, travel is improving everyday. Forecast for temps in the 30's this weekend should make for prime tip-down conditions.
Kurt
Island Sportshop
Minocqua, WI 54548