Minocqua Area Fishing Report 1-22-13
By Professional Guide Kurt Justice
Brrrrrrr…. High of 10 below today, real winter!
The clipper that moved in late Saturday afternoon shut the playgrounds off for a while. Wind chills in the -30/40 degree range make being outdoors somewhat dangerous right now – though some anglers have gone out.
Crappies: Good-Fair. See above. Deep water fish less affected than shallow water weed fish. Plastics, (Northland bloodworms, scud bugs, Little Atom) Chena and spikes finessed in weeds (8-12’) tip downs and rosies along transition zones in 18-25’.
Pike: Good-Fair. Very similar to the walleye activity. Peaked mid-week then slowed by Sunday. Fewer big pike over weekend though one mid-week party had 6 fish of 30-36” on big slab shiners.
Walleye: Good-Fair. Action picked up then slowed as the week progressed. A few surprising reports from anglers finding eyes in 6-8’ weeds. Deeper water (15-25’ humps of gravel or sandgrass) proved more consistent. Suckers over shiners overall except the shallow water bites.
Perch: Fair: Some decent reports starting to come in from the deep as perch are being found rooting in the mud for mayfly larvae and bloodworms. Pimples, Halis and Flickers tipped with wigglers or red spikes best. Search flats of 14-18’.
Bluegill: Fair-Poor: Cold slowed bite and those willing to move about searching for fish. Tiny jigs (#14) on 1-2# test and single spike to lure reluctant fish.
Largemouth Bass: Poor. This species doesn’t like to bite with temps this cold. Lots seen on cameras-no biters.
Early to mid-week looks tough, cold should start to break by week’s end and temps in the 20’s return by Sunday.
High winds brought in by clipper blew most of the snow off the lakes. Combined with sub-zero temps, ice production should be very good. Make sure to get cleats out, with no/little snow, things are very slippery.
Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sports
715-356-4797