FISHING REPORTS
from some of the BEST PLACES TO FISH !
Solid ice conditions for the most part in
Marathon County have led to ample opportunities for anglers looking to sample
the fine local ice-fishing. While anglers have been able to drive four-wheelers
safely onto the ice in some areas, ice-fishermen should continue to pay heed as
current and springs can still lead to unsafe ice.
Panfish activity has been good as of late, with numbers of bluegill, crappie,
and yellow perch being accounted for. Depths of water from 3’-8’ are holding the
most fish, especially when structure such as wood or weeds is present. Drilling
a number of holes in a likely area before beginning fishing is a good strategy
that will allow you to move with the fish, and hopefully avoid wasting time
drilling additional holes or spooking fish when the bite slows down. Small jigs
tipped with waxies or panfish-sized Berkley Powerbait offerings have been
consistent fish catchers, with colors such as gold, orange, and chartreuse being
productive of late.
Northern pike activity has been very good, and some nice specimens have already
been caught and released in our area this month. The increased traffic and
ever-thickening ice has slowed the ultra-shallow bite some, so begin in depths
ranging from 4’-10’ as they have held the best action and largest fish as of
late. Structure is again the key to consistency, with weed lines or sharp break
lines good places to begin. Frabill Bigfoot Tip-ups baited with large golden
shiners are an excellent presentation at this point in the season.
Anglers looking to score on walleye action will need to fish during the low
light periods of morning and evening. Frabill Pro Thermal tip-ups rigged with
small Mustad treble hooks and suckers or golden shiners are working well. Set up
along the mouths of bays and flats or along points, especially those adjacent to
deeper water. Areas containing bottom irregularities and sharp breaks have
generally been more productive. It helps to have tip-ups set in a range of water
depths as the fish will move as the light levels change. Make note of productive
holes, as an area may remain good for several days in a row, and lend to
identifying other areas holding fish at present.
Whether in pursuit of panfish, walleye, or northern pike, there are a few rules
that should always follow an angler out on the ice: 1. Be smart – live to fish
another day. 2. Be courteous – enjoy the outdoors and allow others to enjoy it
too. 3. Be unselfish – keep only what you’re going to eat and let the big ones
go!
Happy holidays from our whole family at Wisconsin Angling Adventures! I’ll see
you on the water…
For more information
Contact:
Joel DeBoer
Wisconsin Angling Adventures
www.wisconsinanglingadventures.com
Tel: +1 715-297-7573
joelthemuskyman@charter.net
"Fishing's our business... and business is good!"
