Minocqua Area Fishing Report

Despite warm temps and some southwest wind, fishing cooled off this past weekend. Temps in the mid 40’s on Jan 26th pushed snow down so travel, even by ATV, was good, though some areas reporting slush.

Bluegill: Fair – Small windows of good bites occurring with anglers dipping tungsten jig tipped with J&S plastics in 7-10’ cabbage. The Gills being caught on Minocqua Lake for example have been running larger than average (7 ½-8 ½”+) with photos of 10+” Gills coming from outlying lakes.

Crappie: Fair – Action spotty with best bites on tip-downs baited with small rosie reds. Depths of 18-30’ producing best. Jigs with glow such as VMC Chandeliers or larger 5mm tungsten tipped with waxies also working. In water of 12’ and less, EuroTackle Z-vibes catching some large, aggressive slabs at times.

Northern Pike: Fair – Flags not flying here either. A few big Pike, one 37”er reported, but not a lot of action. 6-10’ weeds using large shiners best.

Yellow Perch: Fair – Small windows of opportunity for bites. Deep mud flats holding perch. At times, unresponsive. Fast dropping spoons such as Flash Champs, Kastmasters, Halis, Pimples, Clam Flutter spoons. Wigglers, red spikes or small minnows on tip-downs.

Walleye: Fair-Poor – With the exception of where you can’t keep them (Minocqua Chain, very good), Walleye reports not good. When bites slow, switch to smaller suckers, shiners or large fatheads. #5 jigging raps. Couple good reports on the new Flash Bangs by night anglers.

Largemouth Bass: Poor

Travel improved as snow condensed. Most ice reports 17-20”+.

Tournaments

2/3 Ice Derby on Stacks Bay

2/17 Lake Katherine

High School State Championship

2/24 Carroll Lake