Rice lake Fishing Report 1-02-13
By Jordan Marsh
Ice fishing season is in full swing now as we are making ice every day and night with the cold temperatures and lack of snow on top of the ice. With forecasted highs not to get above freezing for the next week, we will see more and more ice shacks starting to fill the lakes in the local area.
Ice depth levels are fluctuating on lake to lake right now, but it still needs to be stressed to take all precautions and safety while going out on the ice. I would not recommend to anyone to take vehicles on the lake. Foot travel is best, and on some lakes snowmobiles or 4 wheelers would be fine. We had a good freeze of early solid ice, but rain hitting the ice after that always presents a soft layer of ice.
Fishing has been consistent around the area with people doing well on all species. The walleyes have been putting on their early winter feed bag and several good sized fish are being caught. Best areas to target walleye right now are on drop-offs around shoreline structure in 6-14 feet of water. Best method is deploying tip ups in varied depths with a small sucker, or shiner minnow depending on food source in the lake. Find key areas such as the edge of weeds, or the sharpest break on the given shoreline you are fishing. The fish will feed in waves in low light conditions, be patient. This is a great time to catch a giant fish.
The panfish have been biting very well. Crappies are being caught in the early mornings as well as firing up about a half hour before sunset and into the darkness. Concentrating on deeper areas of the lake, find a subtle depth change that could be anywhere from 1-5 feet deeper water than in the main basin, and the crappies will be ready to eat your minnow offering.
Bluegills can be found in shallower water and still lurking around some weed growth. Don't be afraid to drill several holes in different areas to find the size structure of fish you are looking for.
Good luck fishing and remember, introduce someone new to the outdoors. They will appreciate it for a lifetime.
Jordan Marsh
Marsh Outdoors
Rice Lake Tourism
715.234.8888
800.523.6318
Fax - 715.434.8888