Fishing Report -- posted on Friday, February 5 2010

Longer days and a higher sun are starting to give some hope that winter is winding down. All that is a sign of a move, very early at this date, toward late season ice angling. There is cold weather ahead, but ever so gradually we will see days stretch out a bit longer and the probability of long cold spells decrease. By the end of the month we should be full into late season fishing, which can be very good.

For now we are seeing a steady bite among some of the key species, nothing spectacular, but pretty good all things considered. Crappies remain deep for now, but they have been active. Anglers are finding them in 12 to 20 feet of water and suspended at about 8 to 10 feet below the ice. Fishing for them will improve with each passing week. We are a ways off from their move toward the shallows, but if you miss a week you may find that the crappies have moved toward shallower waters.

Bluegills have continued to be so-so. A small jig on real light line is the best setup for February. Perch have been hitting well on some lakes. Fish for them off the soft bottom area as they are rooting for food. Serious perch anglers are biding their time for that key period that falls either late winter or early spring.

Walleyes have continued to be a pleasant surprise after a pretty weak early season. We keep on getting reports of walleye catches, but the sizes continue to run on the smaller side. There is nothing unusual about the tackle used for walleye, a tip-ups and minnow. Larger minnows seem to be producing more fish. Best thing to do is rig up with some larger minnows and give it a try. The bite is best in late afternoon to dark.

Northern pike are usually early season targets of fishermen and often ignored as the season progresses. Those anglers that still target pike have been putting fish on the ice. Large minnows over submerged weed beds seems the best tactic.

We are a long way from late season angling, but there are signs of changes is the season. February is a transition month and by month’s end we will be poised for the last rush. For now it is mid-season tactics and hopefully, some decent fishing.