The first of March is here and it is “In like a lion” with snow and wind, and blustery conditions. But hopefully that means out like a lamb, as the saying goes. Ice conditions are deteriorating quickly across the state with a lot of open water in areas especially the flowages and river systems. A few guys are trying their luck below the dames on the Wisconsin River and a few remain loyal to getting out for that last ice bite.
 

Guys are targeting walleyes below the dam’s right now on the Wisconsin River system and they are having good luck catching some really nice fish. Most of the action is by guys bouncing jig and minnow combinations off the bottom in 12 to 16 feet of water but a few guys are using Lindy rigs and Wolf River Rigs and just letting them sit in the current.
 

Ice fishing is quickly coming to a close and so is the game fish season for pike, walleyes and bass on inland waters. The season on these fish will be closing this weekend only leaving panfish open to ice anglers. But for guys who want to try their luck at getting some decent panfish now is the time to do it.
 

Late ice is probably one of the best times of the year to catch some of the best panfish of the season. Perch, crappie’s and bluegills all seem to move shallow in preparation of spawning and can be easily targeted in shallow weeds or on shallow mud flats. By simply finding safe ice and getting out to areas that are holding these spawning fish an angler can have some of the best action of the season.
 

If you are not going to be out ice fishing this weekend come on down to the Patriot Center in The Cedar Creek mall for the Wisconsin Musky Expo – Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. March 3rd, 4th, and 5th. This is a great show with a lot of great things to do and see. I will personally be in the Elk River Rods Booth on Sunday March 5th talking fishing and answering questions.
 

Have a great week,
 

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