Minoqua Area Fishing Report
Severe cold kept all but the hardiest (most foolish?) of anglers off the ice this past week. Nighttime lows in the minus teens to twenties hurt participation for now. Building ice though will help anglers from here on out.
Along with the cold, high pressure hung over the area, compounding what was already tough fishing conditions.
Yellow Perch: Fair – Those that braved the cold found small windows of action. Best came early mornings and late afternoons. Banging heavy spoons (Kastmasters & Halis) in gold or glow colors to attract attention, then relying on smaller, more subtle tungsten jigs tipped with wigglers or red spikes
Crappies: Fair-Poor – Best of reports came from Flowages where small rosie reds did best over channels of 14-20’.
Northern Pike: Fair-Poor – Holes froze up fast on tip-ups unless anglers covered holes to keep open. Few pike, standard tip-up fare – medium to large shiners.
Walleyes: Poor – Best just after dark. Smaller walleye suckers, large fatheads on tip-ups with negative bite.
Bluegills: Poor – Few anglers pursuing gills due to cold.
Weather is starting to break as of late Sunday night. Clouds, snow and a rise in temperatures should bring about some better bites for the coming week.
Ice thickness reports coming in have most lakes at 12-15” +. Car and truck access improving which will open up more areas for anglers. While Flowages have the most ice in many places, due to currents, they can also have the least. Use caution on any Flowages you travel.
Kurt Justice
Kurt's Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com