Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report 4-12-2013
With winter still hanging on and ice in a few locations we have been able to not only get out on the ice but are still catching a few fish. The open water bite is picking up and walleyes are on the menu. Turkey season is under way but with a quiet bang.
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| Nick Laska with a very nice walleye | Chris Blank with a nice walleye |
Ice fishing conditions in some areas are still ok and the guys that are getting out are still popping a few nice crappies and gills. Most of the action is coming from area lakes and backwater areas off the river in shallow water 4 to 8 feet deep. We are running tiny jigs tipped with waxies or spikes as well as setting tip downs baited up with small crappies sized minnows.
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| Hooksetters Guide Phil Schweik with a nice walleye | Hooksetters Guide Phil Schweik with a couple of slab crappies |
We have been out a few times on the open water and the bite has been sporadic. With water temps still in the low 30's and heavy current flows the walleyes just seem to be very lethargic. The bite has been slow but we are seeing a few nice sized fish. Most of the action is still in the deeper pools. We are running jigs tipped with minnows in 12 to 16 feet of water. As the weather warms though look for these fish to move up out of the deeper water and onto the shallow rocks and gravel bars near these areas to spawn.
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| Hooksetters Guide Adam Rasmussen with a couple of slab crappies | Our group outing from Monday with the boys from southern California on ice |
The 2013 Spring turkey season is under way and although there is still a lot of snow on the ground a few nice birds have been taken. Most of the birds were are seeing are concentrated near food sources and have been roosting in the general proximity, not wanting to travel too far. The key to tagging out this year is to be mobile and to keep searching until you find your birds. One other thought is to buy some late season tags and wait for the snow to disappear. Right now we still have time to ice fish!
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| Chris Blank with a nice walleye. | Hooksetters Guide John Sparbel with a nice walleye. |
One other thing to think about is getting your boat ready for spring fishing. If you haven't already done that the guys down at Amherst Marine are the best in the area. Give Jerry a call (715) 824-5635 and set up an appointment to have your boat and motor gone over before you head out this season. You don't want to be one of those guys at the landing where your motor doesn't start!
Have a great week,
Phil