In the last 11 years that I have been guiding in Wisconsin, never do I remember being on the ice before our firearms deer season. Needless to say, our recent deep freeze has made some great ice for the Northern half of Wisconsin. While most areas have had 4 to 8 inches, keep in mind that it is not safe everywhere. Anglers still need to use caution at this time of year. As of now, stay off of large deep bodies of water and areas that have current, as these areas will need some more time to lock up tight.
As each day passes, we have been making ice, allowing us to access our night time Walleye bite. One of the best times to target Walleye’s this time of year is after the sun sets, as they move up onto shallow flats to feed. Target areas with 5 feet of water or less with wood or weeds present. Due to the shallow water we are fishing at this time, tip-up fishing is the most effective way to target these fish. The more the merrier, as fishing with a group of buddies allows you to cover more area and in turn bring more fish atop the frozen surface.
Fishing Reservoirs in the Northern part of the state has produced some outstanding Crappie fishing over the past week. By employing an aggressive approach for these slabs, 50-100 fish days have not been uncommon for clients. Most of the Crappies have been relating to channel edges in 10-15 feet of water. Fishing key spots on these edges will have a constant movement of fish beneath you. This has allowed us to fish in the warmth of a heated Otter ice shelter on the cold January like days. Using an aggressive technique for these fish will allow you to fish faster and produce more bites each day. The new Ultra-Light Rippin’ Rap, and VMC Tingler spoons in 1/16 oz, have been working the best.
Bluegills have been touch and go in the Central portion of the state. For whatever reason they have been on the move quite a bit, which is unusual for this time of year. Dedication and drilling a lot of holes in search of them on weed flats and stump fields have produced some nice ones. With everyday being a little different as far as location, the technique has stayed the same. Smaller jigs tipped with a variety of plastics have been the best. The new VMC Tubby Jig, tipped with a Trigger X Spike Worm or Mustache Worm would be a great choice.
Many of us were finishing up a successful ice fishing season just over six months ago and we are already off to a great start for another one! Tight lines and be safe!
-Adam Rasmussen
www.rasmussenoutdoors.com
Great Job Adam on the early ice bite !!!
It’s always nice to be on the ice early but before Thanksgiving is a special treat !!
I can’t wait to get out !!
Are you on the river yet? or just back bays tried dubay but was a little iffy unless over by tiki bar
Tedd, as of now you still want to use caution around any channels. There has still been a fair amount of current the past few days.