Minocqua Area Fishing Report - 3/4/25

As the gamefish season has come to a close (3/2) it’s nice to see the panfish action ramping up!  That is giving us ice enthusiasts plenty of reasons to hit the ice and enjoy some more of our favorite sport.  As a note, the final gamefish weekend was a good one with lots of reports of Walleye and Pike catches.  Some years it’s ended with a fizzle, this year a bang.  Pike to 37” and Walleye to 28” reported with plenty of numbers, a shortage of big bait (our fault) the only downside.

Bluegill:  Very Good – Very nice catches of nice sized Gills (many 8-8 ½” with some up to 9 ¾” reported).  Early to mid-morning best for size, but nice fish caught throughout the day.  Wax worms, Butter worms and plastics on 3 mm tungsten jigs in 7-10’ cabbage. 

Crappie:  Very Good – Lots of 10-12” fish caught and bagged this past weekend with reports (and pics) of slabs to 15”.  Still a basin bite for the most part on Rattlin Kastmasters, Tikka Flash and Jointed Pinheads tipped with spikes or waxies.  Tip-downs doing well baited with rosies or Crappie minnows.  Of note, the draw down on the Willow Flowage has made some areas hazardous, use caution.  Reports of slower fishing Fri and Sat may be more reason to stay off.

Yellow Perch:  Good – Mud flats in that 14-22’ range using #2 Pimples or #25 Halis to deliver wigglers or red spikes.  Tip-downs with small minnows also working.  Use medium fatheads or large rosies to try and discourage smaller fish.

Other than earlier concern mentioned regarding the Willow, the Hwy J access on the Rainbow is not safe.  Lakes on the other hand are in great shape following last weeks warm spell.  Ice thickness from 17-30” reported.  Snow on Wed (3/5) could be a mess to move around on depending on how much we get.  Temps overnights in teens with highs in low 30’s following should amount to continued safe ice for at least a couple of weeks.

Shout out to all the high school teams that participated in the KISS Tournament this past Saturday.  Your catches made me envious!  Thank you Winneconne, Milton, Wauzaukee, Northland Pines, Rhinelander, Chequamegon and Rosholt, the students and coaches for participating!  Great job!

Stop by the shop for lots of end of season discounts, while supplies last

Rods, tackle, augers, shacks, clothing…

All boots are 25% off with the exception of LaCrosse (Ice Kings, Cold Snaps and Hunt Pac only – 50% off)