Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report 12-21-12
Heavy snow is good for late season archery hunters but it may hamper ice fishing.
The recent snow to hit Central Wisconsin is a bonus for late season archery hunters as it will force deer to tighter areas and make them easier to target around food sources. Find any remaining crop fields or food plots as well as new cut timber and set up a stand (keeping the wind in mind) in close proximity to the area. Look for funnel or neck down areas that lead to the food source or heavily used deer trails and set up within 100 yards of the food source. You may even want to set up right on the food source as the deer may be bedded very close to their feeding grounds now that we have snow.
 |
 |
| Jared Leudtke with a nice bluegill | Don Pankratz with a 14 inch crappie |
Ice fishermen will have to use extreme caution when heading out onto area waters for a while. With only a couple of inches of ice in most places and in some places no ice at all the recent snow is going to make for dangerous conditions. Remember to carry ice picks and a life vest if travelling out to new areas and make sure that you don't head out alone. With that said the fishing has been very good for all species of panfish with good catches of crappies, bluegills and some nice perch coming from backwater areas off the Wisconsin River system. Most of the fish that we are catching are in 10 to 12 feet of water associated with wood. We are catching our fish on tiny ice jigs tipped with spikes or waxies. I have been using some of the new Northland IMPULSE plastics and having great results especially on larger panfish. On one recent outing we had 3 guys that limited out with the largest bluegill being 11 inches long. Now that's a bull....
The walleye bite has been good especially during the low light periods and after dark. Most of our fish are coning on tip-ups baited with either golden shiners or medium walleye suckers. They are then set about 8 inches to 1 foot off the bottom in 3 to 5 feet of water. Look for areas with little or no current (backwater areas off the river) associated with some downed timber.
 |
 |
| Duane with a nice night bite walleye | Duane with an iced largemouth bass |
Big pike have also been on the menu and we have been having good luck catching some nice size fish. We are running large golden shiners on tip-ups in 4 to 8 feet of water. We are also having some luck jigging medium sized Buckshot Rattle spoons for the pike as well. We are tipping the spoons with a minnow head on the treble hook and working it very aggressively 1 to 3 feet off the bottom.
Have a great week and Merry Christmas to everyone. Have a safe and happy New Year.
Phil Schweik
Licensed Wisconsin Hunting & Fishing Guide
Hooksetters Guide Service www.hooksetters.biz
Ruttnut Guide Service www.ruttnut.com
Reed & Hoppe Wildlife Food Plots www.foodplotting.com