Fishing Report

Good evening from the Quiet Lakes, the snow is coming down pretty heavily as I write this and we probably have close to 3″ on the ground already. This coming week looks to bring more very cold temperatures which we also saw last week. All of the recreational trails for snowmobiling, skiing, and biking should be in great shape after tonight’s snowfall. Fishing has been okay although not many anglers were out in these subzero temps this past week. Ice thickness varies but I have heard anywhere from 23-30″ on the lakes in the area.

Walleye–The walleye bite has been decent with most reports I am hearing have fish showing up around dusk and very short bite windows. Fish are set up on edges anywhere from 12-20 FOW. Tip-ups rigged with suckers or shiners are still the most consistent options for icing fish.

Northern pike–PIke have slowed down a bit, but anglers should focus on shallow weeds or set up tip-ups higher in the water column as they are feeding on released panfish from anglers above. They are also set up on weed edges both shallow and deep. Tip-ups rigged with both shiners and suckers will work just fine.

Crappie/Perch–Anglers have reported these panfish in deep water basins. Look for fish in 15-30 FOW depending on the lake. Spoons or jigs tipped with crappie minnows seem to be what is working right now.

Bluegill–Bluegill have been sprinkled with other panfish relating to shallow water. This isn’t common on every lake but certain lakes do have more of a shallow weed bite year round. Look for gills in and around weeds anywhere from 6-15 FOW. Small jigs and waxies or plastics are the best choice for baits right now.

Have a great weekend and we will talk soon.

Greg

Good morning from the Quiet Lakes, we got a few inches of snow last night and it continues to come down.  This snow combined with the snow we got during the middle of the week should lay down a decent base for snowmobiling and skiing.  Still have plenty of safe ice, and that should continue as this week looks to bring some overnight lows down to -17 Tuesday night.  We have highs in the teens all week with another chance of snow Friday night into Saturday morning.  Fishing has been okay, I am hearing from some anglers we are getting into the winter doldrums.  

Walleye–The walleye bite has slowed down a bit, however anglers should still find ‘eyes along break lines to deep water basins.  Fish may be negative or neutral so deadsticks and tip-ups will still be great options.  Targeting fish during specific times (moon phases, dusk, daylight, etc.) will help catch more fish.  Jigging presentations may bring fish in, but have a dead stick close by if fish are finicky.

Pike–Pike action has been slow also, and mostly have come on tip-ups.  Look for pike in shallower weedy bays or big weed beds in shallow ish water.  

Crappie/Bluegill/Perch–I have not heard much on a panfish bite, except for the fact that the Chippewa Flowage has been the hot bite for crappie this winter so far.  Most panfish should be schooling up out in the basins of lakes right now.  Look for fish anywhere from 15-25 FOW depending on the lake.  Small jigs or spoons tipped with waxies or minnows are the go to baits to use.

That is all I have for this week’s report.  I know its not much but its been pretty slow from everything I am hearing.  Have a great weekend and we will talk soon.

Greg