Central Wisconsin Outdoor Report
With the 2018 gun and muzzleloader deer season winding down we are left with the remaining archery season that will take us into the New Year. Ice fishing is off and running and the fish are biting very well.
Hunters taking to the woods for the remaining archery season should plan of hunting primarily afternoons. I would also suggest hunting near available food sources. At this time of the year don’t plan on seeing deer until right before dark as they will typically move in to feed under the protective cover of nighttime. With having made it through the 9 day gun deer season and the following Muzzleloader season the deer are spooky and wary and for the most part are only moving during low light periods or after dark.
Ice fishing has been very good for walleyes, pike, and panfish, and anglers are taking advantage of good ice with little snow cover. The action has been very consistent with most anglers targeting panfish. Bluegills and crappies are the most sought after fish through the ice and with consistent action most people can see why. Tiny ice jigs tipped with a wax worm or a few spikes is generally all you need to tackle these feisty panfish, but some anglers will use plastics.
The walleyes and pike are a different quarry and need a little more when it comes to gear. Most anglers run tip-ups baited up with large golden shiners or medium sucker minnows in the 4 to 6 inch range. The tip-ups are set at various depths with the bait suspended about 1 to 3 feet off the bottom. Most anglers target points, contour breaks, or weed edges when targeting pike and walleyes, but don’t rule out fishing large flats or mid-lake humps, as these will hold fish too.
Have a great week,
Phil Schweik
Hooksetters Guide Service
Web; www.hooksetters.biz
Phone: 715-581-2620