Finally… a cool-down and we are making some safe ice. Lakes in the central Wisconsin area are finally
starting to get a few inches of ice and anglers are starting to get out. We are seeing anywhere from 2 to
4 inches of ice on most bodies of water with the exception of the river system, which for the most part
remains open all year round. Be especially careful on flowages, impoundments, and back-water areas of
the Wisconsin River, as there is still some current where the channel flows through, and these areas
should always be accessed with extreme caution.
Guys that are getting out are catching a variety of nice fish with bluegills and crappies topping the hit
list. We are also seeing a few nice walleyes and some decent pike as we start to set tip-ups in likely
looking locations. The bluegills and crappies have been associated with one of two locations. We are
finding them in shallow weeds and out over deep flats in 12 to 18 feet of water. Most of the bluegills
are holding tight to the bottom where the crappie’s are suspended off the bottom and can be as high as
right up under the ice. Don’t be afraid to try different depths and by all means use your electronics.
Walleyes have been primarily shallow and low light feeders with the majority of our fish coming from
less than 6 feet of water and well after dark. We are running tip-ups baited up with golden shiners or
medium suckers in the 4 to 5 inch range and suspending them about a foot off the bottom. For the pike
we are basically fishing the same locations but during the daytime hours. We are running our baits a
little higher in the water column and if the area determines sometimes our bait is set right under the ice.
For the pike we are running slightly larger bait by going with larger golden shiners and northern pike
sized suckers in the 5 to 6 inch range or larger if we can find them.
Have a great week,
Phil Schweik
Hooksetters Guide Service
Phone: 715-693-5843
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