Super cold temperatures have plagued us as we start out the New Year but despite the cold temperatures the fishing has been red hot. We have been having great catches of walleyes, pike and panfish all week long. Staying warm has been the hardest part about fishing this past week but with the help of our Flambeau heated vests and Striker-Ice gear we were able to withstand the brutal temperatures, stay warm, and catch plenty of fish.
 

The most targeted species this past week has been panfish, and we have been catching good numbers of both crappie’s and bluegills, along with some nice perch. The best action we have seen has been from targeting 8 to 10 foot mud flats with submerged wood. The key to success here is to drill a lot of holes in an area and then check each hole for structure. If you find structure you will find fish. But, just because you don’t see structure when you first check a particular hole, don’t immediately rule it out and move on. Give that hole a few minutes and see if you get any action. Sometimes the structure may be just out of sight or you may pick up a cruising fish that is moving from one piece of structure to another.
 

For walleyes and pike we have been setting tip-ups baited up with medium shiners or medium sucker minnows. Most of the time we are targeting low light periods early and late in the day and water depths of 3 to 8 feet of water. During the mid-day hours we are working 18 to 23 feet of water along the main river channel in the flowages. We are running a combination of tip-ups and we are also jigging. Again it is important to use your electronics to find structure along the edges of the channel, if you find the structure you will find the fish.
 

Have a great week,
 

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