Rice Lake Fishing Report 12-10-12
Well, some of the small lakes and some bays have safe ice. Be sure to keep checking the thickness as you go out to your favorite spot. A good solid 4 inches will support one man and 6-8” will support a man and an ATV. Remember to bring a rope—you could save a friend. Be sure to go with a buddy and bring a cell phone if something goes wrong. Travel light if you intend to hole-hop.
Bluegills will be biting and will usually take a jig tipped with a wax worm. Try to match your jigging technique to what the fish want. Watch your electronics. If a fish comes to look and then swims off you’re probably jigging too fast. Work your way around the weed edges. Usually the first fish caught in an area will be the largest. If they are small, move on.
I have to admit I catch more crappies on jigs tipped with plastic than anything else. I fish a green glow-jig with a soft plastic tail. Sometimes the tail glows too. Usually the fish are 12-18 inches off the bottom. If you start at 24 inches watch your electronics and interested fish will come up to your level. Just a twitch or two will cause the plastic to move. Hopefully this will seal the deal and you will have the making of a fish fry. Good luck and be safe.
Nicky Repka
Visitor Coordinator
Rice Lake Tourism
715.234.8888
800.523.6318
Fax- 715.434.8888
www.ricelaketourism.com