Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report
First report of the new year… Happy New Year everyone!!!!
Finally we are starting to see some safe ice in the central Wisconsin area.
Lakes in central Wisconsin are averaging 3 to 6 inches of ice depending on their size. The larger flowages are still unpredictable and have just started to freeze up. I wouldn’t suggest heading out on these larger bodies of water until we see some substantial colder weather. The smaller lakes and some backwater areas have some decent ice and guys are getting out on foot and a few locations light ATV travel.
I strongly suggest that you use caution anytime you head out. We recently spent the better part of the day helping a guy pull a snowmobile out of the lake. He dropped the sled in 10 feet of water while travelling to a popular fishing hotspot. Most of the lake had 4 to 6 inches of ice but one small area near a weed bed only had 1 to 2 inches of ice and that is where he put his machine through. There were other machines on the ice but one small mistake cost this guy his sled and some equipment.
Fishing has been very good this past week. We have been getting out on some smaller lakes and targeting weed beds for panfish and pike during the daylight hours and walleyes after dark. The bite has been pretty consistent with the best action during the early morning hours and then again shortly before dark. The night bite has been pretty good for walleyes from right before dark until dark and then a good bite for about an hour. After that first hour the walleyes slow down and then kick in again around 7:00 and go until about 9:00. From there on out it has been sporadic but consistent enough to keep you interested.
Good luck, and be safe on the ice.
Phil Schweik
Licensed Wisconsin Hunting and Fishing Guide
Hooksetters Guide Service www.hooksetters.biz
Phone – 715-693-5843