It has been another fantastic week for ice fishing here in Central Wisconsin. With the warm temperatures this past week the ice conditions have started to diminish but we still have good safe ice on a lot of area lakes. Ice thicknesses range from 13 to 18 inches on most area lakes, but the river systems are opening up and bodies of water that are associated with the river and/or current have substantially less ice if any in some areas.
 
The panfish action has been outstanding with limit catches of slab crappies and big bull bluegills not to mention jumbo perch. Most of the action has been out over deep flats in 16 to 20 feet of water. The crappies have been suspending high up in the water column and the perch and gills are holding tight to the bottom. Having good electronics is a must if you are targeting the crappies and they can be very beneficial when searching and fishing for the perch and gills. Most of the panfish are coming on small northland spoons tipped with spikes but in some cases no added bait is necessary.
 
The gamefish season for the most part has come to a close on a lot of the lakes in Wisconsin, but the Wisconsin River system still has some fishable water that is still open to gamefish year round. With that said the northern pike and walleye bite has been phenomenal this past week with not only numbers but some really big fish too. A lot of the big fish are coming on tip-ups baited up with large golden shiners set about 18 inches off the bottom in 4 to 8 feet of water. We are targeting shoreline areas with projecting sand flats that are adjacent to deep water.
 
Open water season is right around the corner and a few brave guys have already ventured out. With open water on the river system a few hearty anglers have started targeting walleyes below the various dams here in central Wisconsin. Small males and a few females are making up the majority of their catch but every once in a while you will pick up a good eater. Jig and minnow combinations are working well but if you want the larger fish go with plastics. Speaking of open water fishing, if you are looking at getting a new rod or are in the market for a really good fishing pole, check out Elk River Rods for the very best rods on the market. I have been using them for years and they have flawlessly landed thousands of fish for me!
 
Have a great week,
 
Phil Schweik
Licensed Wisconsin Hunting and Fishing Guide
Hooksetters Guide Service
Phone: 715-693-5843