Holy smokes was it ever a great week to be out on the ice. The flags were flying and the fish were going crazy. We had one of the best weeks I can possibly remember.
 
The northern pike bite was just crazy this past week, with not only numbers but some big fish too. Most of the action came on tip-ups baited up with large golden shiners. The tip-ups were set along sand flats in 4 to 8 feet of water adjacent to deep water, and the bait was suspended about 18 inches off the bottom. At times the bite was so fast and furious that we had multiple tip-ups going at once.
 

The panfish bite has been unbelievable and it looks like it is only going to get better. Perch, crappies, and bluegills have all been on a feeding frenzy, and the next two weeks are going to be on fire. This past week alone was no exception with fish literally throwing themselves at any presentation we offered. Small to medium tungsten jigs tipped with spikes or waxies was producing well for the bluegills and smaller fish, but believe it or not we did even better on plastics. The larger crappies and perch seemed to like the larger presentation of the plastics and we even bumped it up to running small spoons like the buckshot spoons by Northland Tackle. The spoons when worked very aggressively really seemed to bring in the larger fish, and when they hit you knew it. It wasn’t just a little tap-tap-tap either, it was a good solid strike, and it was FISH ON!!!
 
If you really want to get into some great ice fishing the next two weeks will be the best two weeks of the season. Get out and enjoy what Wisconsin has to offer!
 
Have a great week,
 
Phil Schweik
Licensed Wisconsin Hunting and Fishing Guide
Hooksetters Guide Service
Phone: 715-693-5843