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