Don't forget to renew your fishing license...don't give up a state record like the guy in Arkansas.
Read his story here.
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Dick Smith's Panfish Grub
I've gotten a few emails about my spring rig for fishing Okauchee. I had thought the Dick Smith's panfish grub was well known, at least locally. It gives a different profile than the minimite or a small twister tail, and is similar in shape and design to the old classic beatle spin grub.
Here' a pick that I had Becky Smith send over:
I've always had solid luck with the white with either a chartreuse or pink head, but I've used just about every color at one point or another. The benefit to the grub is in the vertical fall, it can trigger some larger panfish. You can certainly catch fish on the grub just by itself, but if the bite is tough, I'll tip the grub with a live waxie or spike. This can really make a difference in tough conditions.
Last tip, remember: The biggest bluegills are always at the bottom of the school. You want the bait to fall to them.
Here' a pick that I had Becky Smith send over:
I've always had solid luck with the white with either a chartreuse or pink head, but I've used just about every color at one point or another. The benefit to the grub is in the vertical fall, it can trigger some larger panfish. You can certainly catch fish on the grub just by itself, but if the bite is tough, I'll tip the grub with a live waxie or spike. This can really make a difference in tough conditions.
Last tip, remember: The biggest bluegills are always at the bottom of the school. You want the bait to fall to them.
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Lunker's Unlimited Garage Sale-Hartland
Stop by and support a great group. Lunker's Unlimited website is here.
Tuesday, March 20, 2012
Fishing Tip: Local Panfish
Heard some grumbling at the shop this morning about how everyone is seeing panfish but not catching them, so after a so-so trip to the Rock River earlier today I hit Okauchee for a bit this afternoon/evening.
Caught about 50 good sized gills and a handful of crappie, all of which are still swimming. The trick was that the fish would not move more than about a foot to bite. True for both crappies and gills. Alot of the people I saw were blind casting with bobbers, rather than trying to get the bait right in front of the fish.
Crappies feed up. You need to have your bait above them. Today, that meant right above them. Bluegills like to grab as bait falls vertically.
Downsizing worked for me. Ditched the minnows and went with Plastics-Dick Smith's Panfish grub(white) tipped with a gulp waxie (pink) was my best presentation for catching fish. But if I didn't hit the patch of weeds or wood with my cast, I wouldn't get bit.
Saw crappies in the Crane's Nest, Stumpy and Garvin. Tight, and I mean tight to cover.
For those curious about water temps: Mainlake areas: 51-54, Early warming spots (Upper Oconomowoc, Tierney and Whitakers-63-68 (Bass on beds in Tierney) Garvin: 56 North end, 52 South Flat. Didn't head into Icehouse other than to go to Tierney, and the Channel was 54-58.
Slow down, be precise and downsize. The fish are as confused about the weather as we are.
Caught about 50 good sized gills and a handful of crappie, all of which are still swimming. The trick was that the fish would not move more than about a foot to bite. True for both crappies and gills. Alot of the people I saw were blind casting with bobbers, rather than trying to get the bait right in front of the fish.
Crappies feed up. You need to have your bait above them. Today, that meant right above them. Bluegills like to grab as bait falls vertically.
Downsizing worked for me. Ditched the minnows and went with Plastics-Dick Smith's Panfish grub(white) tipped with a gulp waxie (pink) was my best presentation for catching fish. But if I didn't hit the patch of weeds or wood with my cast, I wouldn't get bit.
Saw crappies in the Crane's Nest, Stumpy and Garvin. Tight, and I mean tight to cover.
For those curious about water temps: Mainlake areas: 51-54, Early warming spots (Upper Oconomowoc, Tierney and Whitakers-63-68 (Bass on beds in Tierney) Garvin: 56 North end, 52 South Flat. Didn't head into Icehouse other than to go to Tierney, and the Channel was 54-58.
Slow down, be precise and downsize. The fish are as confused about the weather as we are.
Saturday, March 17, 2012
Conditions for fishing! Fishing Report 3-17-12
Happy St Patrick's Day.
Runs continuing on the rivers. Walleyes and whitebass have moved into the rivers in force. The Rock River, the Fox River, Wisconsin River and the Wolf River are all in the midst of the spring runs.
On the Rock River, fishing has been good from the Jefferson Dam all the way to Blackhawk. Anglers are starting to pick up a few fish at the mouth of the Bark River. The "Starpole" hole has been producing some smaller fish, as well as the S turn. The water is below average levels for this time of year, but flows are steady. Watch your prop if moving through the Jefferson Rapids, or below the dam. I recommend anchoring with three way rigs, especially in areas with slack water adjacent to the holes.
Looking for a trophy? Larger walleyes are starting to appear at Depere. It is still early by most reports, so there's more fish rather than the big fish that will move in, but none the less, anglers are starting to report consistent success. Jerkbaits, jig and minnow, and lindy rigs are all producing.
Closer to home, the ice is gone and the panfish are biting. Focus your attention on the smaller lakes, or dark bottom bays/northern shore lines. Fish will be migrating into shallow bays, boat channels, and marshy areas with dark or sandy bottoms. Sunny afternoons with a south or southwest wind will provide the best action until main lake areas catch up. Remember: North facing areas will be warmer, and fish tend to congregate in these areas early on. Current, in the form of a creek channel, or river area will help as well.
For now, focus on the green weeds in shallow protected bays with a northern bank. Concentrate your efforts on the patches of weeds, using live bait suspended under a bobber. Keep your bait just above the weeds, and any visible fish that you see. I like to use waxworms or spikes on a small red hook, or small/crappie sized fatheads-hooked in the tail, underneath a pencil bobber with just a split shot or two to keep the bait down. Be ready to start using plastics, especially for active fish, but for now, I'd start with the live bait and move to plastics later in the day.
Good Luck!
Runs continuing on the rivers. Walleyes and whitebass have moved into the rivers in force. The Rock River, the Fox River, Wisconsin River and the Wolf River are all in the midst of the spring runs.
On the Rock River, fishing has been good from the Jefferson Dam all the way to Blackhawk. Anglers are starting to pick up a few fish at the mouth of the Bark River. The "Starpole" hole has been producing some smaller fish, as well as the S turn. The water is below average levels for this time of year, but flows are steady. Watch your prop if moving through the Jefferson Rapids, or below the dam. I recommend anchoring with three way rigs, especially in areas with slack water adjacent to the holes.
Looking for a trophy? Larger walleyes are starting to appear at Depere. It is still early by most reports, so there's more fish rather than the big fish that will move in, but none the less, anglers are starting to report consistent success. Jerkbaits, jig and minnow, and lindy rigs are all producing.
Closer to home, the ice is gone and the panfish are biting. Focus your attention on the smaller lakes, or dark bottom bays/northern shore lines. Fish will be migrating into shallow bays, boat channels, and marshy areas with dark or sandy bottoms. Sunny afternoons with a south or southwest wind will provide the best action until main lake areas catch up. Remember: North facing areas will be warmer, and fish tend to congregate in these areas early on. Current, in the form of a creek channel, or river area will help as well.
For now, focus on the green weeds in shallow protected bays with a northern bank. Concentrate your efforts on the patches of weeds, using live bait suspended under a bobber. Keep your bait just above the weeds, and any visible fish that you see. I like to use waxworms or spikes on a small red hook, or small/crappie sized fatheads-hooked in the tail, underneath a pencil bobber with just a split shot or two to keep the bait down. Be ready to start using plastics, especially for active fish, but for now, I'd start with the live bait and move to plastics later in the day.
Good Luck!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Rock River: Now is the time
With the water level coming up, and the water temp rising quickly. Now is the time to hit the river.
White bass are starting to move in, which traditionally means the walleye will be spawning this week.
Get in the boat and get down there.
Cheers,
CT
White bass are starting to move in, which traditionally means the walleye will be spawning this week.
Get in the boat and get down there.
Cheers,
CT
Saturday, March 10, 2012
Fishing Report 3-10-12
Well, spring has sprung for now, and there's quite a bit going on.
The big news of course is the spring runs on the rivers. The Wisconsin River in the Dells has been active for a couple of weeks, and the fishing is steady there. Walleyes are biting in the deeper holes, and in current breaks.
The Rock River between Jefferson and the lake has been active. Water levels and current flow are lower than the last couple of years, but the water temperature went up very quickly this week, and with the full moon phase, the action got going quick. Most of the fish are being caught from Ft Atkinson to the mouth, but shorefisherman at the dam are already reporting catching keeper walleyes. Streamer flies on three way rigs are always a classic presentation for shore fisherman along the Rock River, but vertical jigging seems to be the ticket for boaters. Keepers are ranging up to 22inches right now, with the usual assortment of short fish. No word on whitebass yet, but a solid rain will bring them in for sure.
Pinks, oranges and purples are solid spring colors for walleyes, as are greens and chartrueses.
My one stop post for all things Rock River fishing includes links to the relevant Lake-Link.com threads, USGS information on current and water temperature and information on the boat launches. You can check it out by clicking here.
Closer to home, the local lakes are starting to open up. The smaller lakes should be open and fishable sometime this week. If the weather stays stable, and it gets as warm as predicted, panfish will begin to move into early spring spots very quickly. Crappie and bluegill fishing is fantastic in the early season, and a great way to tide yourself over until the gamefish opener in early May.
Should be a great week to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Feel free to shoot me an email if you're heading out and need some information.
Cheers,
CT
The big news of course is the spring runs on the rivers. The Wisconsin River in the Dells has been active for a couple of weeks, and the fishing is steady there. Walleyes are biting in the deeper holes, and in current breaks.
The Rock River between Jefferson and the lake has been active. Water levels and current flow are lower than the last couple of years, but the water temperature went up very quickly this week, and with the full moon phase, the action got going quick. Most of the fish are being caught from Ft Atkinson to the mouth, but shorefisherman at the dam are already reporting catching keeper walleyes. Streamer flies on three way rigs are always a classic presentation for shore fisherman along the Rock River, but vertical jigging seems to be the ticket for boaters. Keepers are ranging up to 22inches right now, with the usual assortment of short fish. No word on whitebass yet, but a solid rain will bring them in for sure.
Pinks, oranges and purples are solid spring colors for walleyes, as are greens and chartrueses.
My one stop post for all things Rock River fishing includes links to the relevant Lake-Link.com threads, USGS information on current and water temperature and information on the boat launches. You can check it out by clicking here.
Closer to home, the local lakes are starting to open up. The smaller lakes should be open and fishable sometime this week. If the weather stays stable, and it gets as warm as predicted, panfish will begin to move into early spring spots very quickly. Crappie and bluegill fishing is fantastic in the early season, and a great way to tide yourself over until the gamefish opener in early May.
Should be a great week to get out and enjoy the fresh air. Feel free to shoot me an email if you're heading out and need some information.
Cheers,
CT
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Local Musky Tournament Events in 2012
World Muskie Tournament Series (WMT)
Muskie Country Tournament Circuit
Lake Monona- May 12
Lake Waubesa-May 13
Pewaukee Lake May 19
Okauchee Lake May 20
Statewide Schedule is here.
Ironman Musky Tournament Trail
Lake Waubesa June 9
Pewaukee Lake October 13
Lake Waubesa October 27
Lake Monona October 28
Pewaukee November 10
Full Schedule:here. First Tournament is April 21 on the Fox Chain
Muskie Country Tournament Circuit
Lake Monona- May 12
Lake Waubesa-May 13
Pewaukee Lake May 19
Okauchee Lake May 20
Statewide Schedule is here.
Ironman Musky Tournament Trail
Lake Waubesa June 9
Pewaukee Lake October 13
Lake Waubesa October 27
Lake Monona October 28
Pewaukee November 10
Full Schedule:here. First Tournament is April 21 on the Fox Chain
Friday, March 2, 2012
Upcoming dates, fishing report 3-2-12
First...a reminder that gamefish season closes on Sunday, and here's what the DNR had to say yesterday:
Waukesha County - Recent warm temperatures are causing unsafe ice conditions on many local lakes. Shoreline ice on local lakes has deteriorated considerably in the past week and access is becoming limited. Anglers are reminded to always check current ice conditions before attempting access. Anglers are also reminded that permanent ice shanties must be removed by Sunday March 4, but are strongly encouraged to remove them earlier due to deteriorating ice conditions. The southern game fish season also closes on Sunday March 4.
In terms of fishing: The Milwaukee Harbor has been providing consistent action. The Wisconsin River in the Dells has been very productive some days, less so on other days, but the walleyes are biting in the deep holes.
Closer to home: The Rock River in Jefferson-Ft Atkinson is open. The water is very low, so watch your lower units. People are reporting lots of rough fish, but the walleyes haven't moved in. I expect that to change when the weather warms up after this snowfall.
Cheers,
CT
Waukesha County - Recent warm temperatures are causing unsafe ice conditions on many local lakes. Shoreline ice on local lakes has deteriorated considerably in the past week and access is becoming limited. Anglers are reminded to always check current ice conditions before attempting access. Anglers are also reminded that permanent ice shanties must be removed by Sunday March 4, but are strongly encouraged to remove them earlier due to deteriorating ice conditions. The southern game fish season also closes on Sunday March 4.
In terms of fishing: The Milwaukee Harbor has been providing consistent action. The Wisconsin River in the Dells has been very productive some days, less so on other days, but the walleyes are biting in the deep holes.
Closer to home: The Rock River in Jefferson-Ft Atkinson is open. The water is very low, so watch your lower units. People are reporting lots of rough fish, but the walleyes haven't moved in. I expect that to change when the weather warms up after this snowfall.
Cheers,
CT
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Flows and Temperatures are increasing:
Rock River fishing is set to get started:
Just need the weather to stabilize a bit. Stay Tuned.
Just need the weather to stabilize a bit. Stay Tuned.
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Monday, February 20, 2012
Fishing Report 2-20-12
Ice fishing continues in our area, but be careful, more people went through on Beaver Dam this weekend. I imagine ice conditions to be getting worse each day, especially with daytime temps into the mid-to-high 40s.
Fortunately, open water fishing is starting. The Wisconsin River in the Dells is giving up keeper walleyes already. John Gillespie's TV show was there this weekend, and anglers are heading out. The water is still very cold, and still fishing with live bait appears to be the best way to catch fish.
Closer to home, reports on Lake-Link are indicating sections of the Rock River are opening up. Unless winter decides to drop back in for a visit, the river should be open for fishing soon. Obviously it is very early, but that's no reason not to check out my post on Rock River Information Resources. If the weather holds, I hope to be out next week for an initial scouting. The graphs show low water, light flows and very cold temperatures. A good solid rain will get the Rock pumping, and the fish will start biting shortly thereafter.
If you're heading out on the ice, its time to start moving toward marshy areas in search of monster pike. It is still a bit early, but with ice conditions what they are, your opportunities will be limited this season. Big Bait in shallow marshy areas is a winning combo for big pre-spawn pike. Golden Lake, The Crane's Nest, Whitigers Bay or Tierney on Okauchee, all of School Section, the western flat of Lower Genessee, outside of the channels on Nag and the northwest corner of Lower Nehmabin are tradtionally the best spots to ice a trophy.
Good Luck,
CT
Fortunately, open water fishing is starting. The Wisconsin River in the Dells is giving up keeper walleyes already. John Gillespie's TV show was there this weekend, and anglers are heading out. The water is still very cold, and still fishing with live bait appears to be the best way to catch fish.
Closer to home, reports on Lake-Link are indicating sections of the Rock River are opening up. Unless winter decides to drop back in for a visit, the river should be open for fishing soon. Obviously it is very early, but that's no reason not to check out my post on Rock River Information Resources. If the weather holds, I hope to be out next week for an initial scouting. The graphs show low water, light flows and very cold temperatures. A good solid rain will get the Rock pumping, and the fish will start biting shortly thereafter.
If you're heading out on the ice, its time to start moving toward marshy areas in search of monster pike. It is still a bit early, but with ice conditions what they are, your opportunities will be limited this season. Big Bait in shallow marshy areas is a winning combo for big pre-spawn pike. Golden Lake, The Crane's Nest, Whitigers Bay or Tierney on Okauchee, all of School Section, the western flat of Lower Genessee, outside of the channels on Nag and the northwest corner of Lower Nehmabin are tradtionally the best spots to ice a trophy.
Good Luck,
CT
Rock River Resources: Spring 2012
Each spring, I make a post that sums up your Rock-River resources.
Fishing Report Links:
Links to JSOnline Articles about Fishing the Rock River in Springtime:
Fishing Report Links:
Water Resources Links:
Public Boat Launches:
Water Street
There's also a new boat launch by the dam in Jefferson:
There's also a new boat launch by the dam in Jefferson:
 |
| (Thanks to Lake-Link's Backwoods43 for the map image) |
Links to JSOnline Articles about Fishing the Rock River in Springtime:
Link to the fish passage camera:
Friday, February 10, 2012
What's happening....
My son Shannon had a half day of school today, so we did what a father and son should do on a snowy day, we went to State Fair Park to the 20th Annual Milwaukee Muskie Expo.
Met and talked with lots of people. Saw a really innovative piece of boat hardware in the MACCCCS Inc Net Holder. It's not available yet, but the display and demo were impressive.
Lots of interesting tackle. Rollie and Hellen's have a huge booth again this year. Also got a chance to chat with Beaver from Jerry's Sport Service about a new boat. I'm considering upgrading to a Lund Impact, to expand my guiding options.
One of my favorite musky lure outfits, Thuja Lures wasn't at the show, but Charlie did send over some a picture of his new topwaters today. He's been working closely with the folks over at Smokey's to refine his process and colors. Check these out.....
I've had good success with Thuja topwaters on our local lakes, especially on Okauchee, Garvin and Oconomowoc Lakes. They are handcrafted wood designs, so they have some mass, but I like the size profile and the action on the ones I have, especially my Bog-Hog globe.
Stay warm and safe....open water is just around the corner.
Cheers,
CT
Met and talked with lots of people. Saw a really innovative piece of boat hardware in the MACCCCS Inc Net Holder. It's not available yet, but the display and demo were impressive.
Lots of interesting tackle. Rollie and Hellen's have a huge booth again this year. Also got a chance to chat with Beaver from Jerry's Sport Service about a new boat. I'm considering upgrading to a Lund Impact, to expand my guiding options.
One of my favorite musky lure outfits, Thuja Lures wasn't at the show, but Charlie did send over some a picture of his new topwaters today. He's been working closely with the folks over at Smokey's to refine his process and colors. Check these out.....
I've had good success with Thuja topwaters on our local lakes, especially on Okauchee, Garvin and Oconomowoc Lakes. They are handcrafted wood designs, so they have some mass, but I like the size profile and the action on the ones I have, especially my Bog-Hog globe.
Stay warm and safe....open water is just around the corner.
Cheers,
CT
Friday, February 3, 2012
Ice Fishing this weekend (Fishing Report 2-3-12)
Everyone,
Lots of jamborees this weekend, and ice conditions are getting pretty sketchy. Just be careful if you're heading out.
Panfish are biting a couple times a day in green weeds in 4-8 feet of water. Smaller seems to be the operative word for presentations this season.
Pike are still biting aggresively, especially the smaller fish. This is classic pre-spawn behavior. Look for them on the edges of weeds or adjacent to drop offs. Medium shiners or suckers will do the job for the aggressive fish, but dead bait is catching the larger fish. I recommend a 2-1 Livebait-deadbait spread on your tip ups.
I have heard the best reports from people on Okauchee, Moose (be super careful), Golden, Silver, Pretty and Forest. Nag has also been pretty active, as have the Nashotah and Genessee Lakes.
Open water fishing continues to be hot in the Milwaukee Harbor. Browns and Lakers are being caught by boat and shore anglers.
The Rock River is still iced in, but if you want to give the Wisconsin River a try, people heading out below the dam have been catching some quality fish. Last reports indicated the river was open from the dam to the cables, and that some nice pre-spawn fish were being caught out of slack water.
If you're heading out this weekend, feel free to call or email me for up to date info.
Good Luck. Be Safe and Cheers.
CT
Lots of jamborees this weekend, and ice conditions are getting pretty sketchy. Just be careful if you're heading out.
Panfish are biting a couple times a day in green weeds in 4-8 feet of water. Smaller seems to be the operative word for presentations this season.
Pike are still biting aggresively, especially the smaller fish. This is classic pre-spawn behavior. Look for them on the edges of weeds or adjacent to drop offs. Medium shiners or suckers will do the job for the aggressive fish, but dead bait is catching the larger fish. I recommend a 2-1 Livebait-deadbait spread on your tip ups.
I have heard the best reports from people on Okauchee, Moose (be super careful), Golden, Silver, Pretty and Forest. Nag has also been pretty active, as have the Nashotah and Genessee Lakes.
Open water fishing continues to be hot in the Milwaukee Harbor. Browns and Lakers are being caught by boat and shore anglers.
The Rock River is still iced in, but if you want to give the Wisconsin River a try, people heading out below the dam have been catching some quality fish. Last reports indicated the river was open from the dam to the cables, and that some nice pre-spawn fish were being caught out of slack water.
If you're heading out this weekend, feel free to call or email me for up to date info.
Good Luck. Be Safe and Cheers.
CT
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
Public Service Message---The Update
Update (2-1-12): The folks at Lake-Link.Com are now rethinking the event on Delevan a bit.
New Details are available here.
I'd be real careful if heading out to any of the Jamborees scheduled for this weekend.
New Details are available here.
I'd be real careful if heading out to any of the Jamborees scheduled for this weekend.
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Public Service Message
Lake Link.com's Jamboree is this weekend. With the weather being as unseasonal as it has been, lots of anglers are asking about ice conditions on Delevan.
Here's a post they put up this morning.
Cheers,
CT
PS. Dave Duwe knows his stuff, but after a couple of days in the 50 degree range, there's no way I'd be heading out there. Be safe.
Here's a post they put up this morning.
Cheers,
CT
PS. Dave Duwe knows his stuff, but after a couple of days in the 50 degree range, there's no way I'd be heading out there. Be safe.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Shaky Ice Conditions
It's always better to be safe than sorry, especially when ice fishing. Lots of people are pressing their luck right now and men and gear are going through.
Madison area lakes are being declared unsafe by the DNR, and UW-Madison has warned students about fishing in the area in front of the student union.
Closer to home, atv riders went through on Okauchee last night. Temperatures this week are projected to be in the mid 40's at times, so there's going to be movement in the ice that's there.
Stay safe if you're heading out.
Cheers,
CT
Madison area lakes are being declared unsafe by the DNR, and UW-Madison has warned students about fishing in the area in front of the student union.
Closer to home, atv riders went through on Okauchee last night. Temperatures this week are projected to be in the mid 40's at times, so there's going to be movement in the ice that's there.
Stay safe if you're heading out.
Cheers,
CT
Friday, January 20, 2012
Fishing Report 1-20-12
Here's some info from Greg at Musky Mikes. Looks like most people are hitting the smaller lakes. Becky Smith's report at her shop's page from earlier this week (dated 1-18-12) says pretty much the same thing.
My info isn't much different. Because of ice conditions before the freeze this week, most people have been out in the protected areas/shallow bays/small lakes. Now that we've had a solid deep freeze, expect to see some movement to bigger water.
Stay safe. The snow is covering up some sketchy ice. Standard rules apply: PFD, Buddy System and spud bar use.
Here's what I got in over the last two-three days. Getting a little more specific info this week.
Okauchee: Icehouse has between 3-8 inches. Pike have been very good along the south shore cut, just past the drop off. A few larger pike have come off the deeper water around the sandbar-roadbed area at the mouth. A few crappies are in the deeper hole just inside the bay. Bluegill action has been spotty.
Okauchee: Bay Five Ice goes from solid to sketchy, especially in areas where the current is directly flowing in and off of the main channel. Pike have been very active, but smaller. Bluegills are biting a couple times a day, and stacked up over the larger brushpiles/wood laydowns. No word on crappies.
Golden: Pike are active on the south end. Ice on North end was shifting some, and a little thin in spots. Panfish would bit if you could find them, but the larger schools of keepers are suspending off the deep weed edge areas in 15 FOW.
Silver: Lots of people have been out, but reports have been a little thin in terms of action. Smaller gills and a few undersize pike. One guy I talked with, who is a pretty reliable source said he couldn't keep the bass off his tip-up minnows the other day, but he never caught one over 12 inches.
Kessus: Other than reports of a monster pike (it gets a little bigger each time I hear a different person talk about it now-it went from a 36" to a 41" in a matter of minutes) that have been making the rounds, bluegills seem to be the hot action on Kessus. Shallow ends of the bays and the marshy area have been productive.
Nagawicka: Kettle...I know its been busy, but none of the people I have talked with have been out there. Becky's people at Dick Smiths or Greg at Musky Mikes will have better information.
Ashippun: Always a winter sleeper, Ashippun has been providing some decent action for pike. Ice reports are that it goes from solid to thin in a matter of feet, so be careful, but look for pike in the reedy area near the launch. Gills and crappies have been out deep and on the bottom.
Good Luck...and be safe...
CT
PS...scroll down for a special offer for this year's open water season.
My info isn't much different. Because of ice conditions before the freeze this week, most people have been out in the protected areas/shallow bays/small lakes. Now that we've had a solid deep freeze, expect to see some movement to bigger water.
Stay safe. The snow is covering up some sketchy ice. Standard rules apply: PFD, Buddy System and spud bar use.
Here's what I got in over the last two-three days. Getting a little more specific info this week.
Okauchee: Icehouse has between 3-8 inches. Pike have been very good along the south shore cut, just past the drop off. A few larger pike have come off the deeper water around the sandbar-roadbed area at the mouth. A few crappies are in the deeper hole just inside the bay. Bluegill action has been spotty.
Okauchee: Bay Five Ice goes from solid to sketchy, especially in areas where the current is directly flowing in and off of the main channel. Pike have been very active, but smaller. Bluegills are biting a couple times a day, and stacked up over the larger brushpiles/wood laydowns. No word on crappies.
Golden: Pike are active on the south end. Ice on North end was shifting some, and a little thin in spots. Panfish would bit if you could find them, but the larger schools of keepers are suspending off the deep weed edge areas in 15 FOW.
Silver: Lots of people have been out, but reports have been a little thin in terms of action. Smaller gills and a few undersize pike. One guy I talked with, who is a pretty reliable source said he couldn't keep the bass off his tip-up minnows the other day, but he never caught one over 12 inches.
Kessus: Other than reports of a monster pike (it gets a little bigger each time I hear a different person talk about it now-it went from a 36" to a 41" in a matter of minutes) that have been making the rounds, bluegills seem to be the hot action on Kessus. Shallow ends of the bays and the marshy area have been productive.
Nagawicka: Kettle...I know its been busy, but none of the people I have talked with have been out there. Becky's people at Dick Smiths or Greg at Musky Mikes will have better information.
Ashippun: Always a winter sleeper, Ashippun has been providing some decent action for pike. Ice reports are that it goes from solid to thin in a matter of feet, so be careful, but look for pike in the reedy area near the launch. Gills and crappies have been out deep and on the bottom.
Good Luck...and be safe...
CT
PS...scroll down for a special offer for this year's open water season.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
Posts
