Well a lot of things have changed in the past week. Ice conditions have upgraded and travel on area lakes has improved drastically. Most lakes have anywhere from 14 to 18 inches of ice with little snow cover which makes for very good travel conditions.
 

We have had consistent action on both walleyes and pike with some good numbers but even more impressive is the size. We caught several really nice walleyes this past week and a few pike that were pushing that 40 inch mark. Most of these fish have come on tip-ups baited up with large golden shiners set at various depths along break lines or set on secluded humps or fingers.
 

If you are a pan fisherman the action continues to be very good for all species. Crappies are leading the pack with bluegills and perch a close runner up. The bite has been just outstanding for crappies as we are catching limits of nice fish in the 10 to 12 inch range with a few slabs pushing the 15 inch mark. Bluegills have been plentiful with some big bruisers up to and over 10 inches. For you perch enthusiasts the action has been good all season long with numbers of fish in the 8 to 10 inch range very common.
 

Most of our pan fishing has been done with the use of electronics and by drilling and moving until we find a school. But we have had a few days when we found that by just setting up and waiting for the school to move through has been the best method for success. Normally the run and gun method produces the best catches for us but his year we are finding that being stationary has been equally as productive when fishing particular lakes.
 

If you want to give ice fishing a try and don’t have the equipment or you are not sure where to start just give us a call. We have experienced guides and all the equipment needed for a day on the ice.
 

Have a great week,
 

Phil Schweik
Hooksetters Guide Service
Phone: 715-693-5843