Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report 1-23-13
Lots of cold weather has slowed down the number of people fishing but the action is still HOT.
Good walleye bite during low light periods and after dark. If you can handle the cold weather try running Frabill Thermal tip ups baited up with golden shiners or sucker minnows in shallow water from 4 to 8 feet deep. The tip-ups cover the entire hole and keep them from freezing up.
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Jon Radtke with a nice crappie | Jean Radtke with a nice crappie |
Crappies have been going strong with good catches from suspended fish in 12 to 16 feet of water. We have been having our best luck by running small tungsten jigs like the Northland Mooska and the Gill Getter when tipped with an IPULSE mayfly or tape worm.
Bluegills have been quite active especially if you can find good weeds or underwater structure like a brush pile of downed tree. The gills are holding tight to this type of structure and once you find them they will readily bite on almost any presentation right now. We have been having our best luck in 6 to 10 feet of water and by using the Northland Gill Getters in firetiger and orange tiger.
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Jordan Ziemanski with a couple of nice crappies | A nice bucket full of crappies and bluegills | Jordan Ziemanski with a nice bluegill |
Anglers looking for some hard fighting fish through the ice will be pleasantly surprised that the northern pike are still going strong. Most of our action is coming on tip-ups baited with large golden shiners or good sized sucker minnows. Target depths of 3 to 8 feet for the most consistent action and keep your baits at least 18 to 24 inches off the bottom and in some of the shallower water don't be afraid to run your baits right under the ice.
Jeff Wieloch with a 2 person limit of crappies.
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