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Wisconsin Fishing / Minocqua area fishing report 4/29/24

« Last post by mudbrook on Today at 04:37:59 PM »

Minocqua Area Fishing Report - 4/29/24

On the cusp of the 2024 opener! First opener in three seasons we haven’t been concerned with ice out. For the most part Walleye spawning is done. Water temps are averaging 43-46 degrees. Cool nights (in the 30’s) has kept the warmer days from heating up too quickly. We have received some rain, not as much as we need but enough to bring lake and Flowage levels up.

Walleye anglers for the opener should for the most part be targeting post spawn Walleyes. This is a time where your temperature gauge on your electronics becomes very important. Differences in 1-2 degrees surface temp, from one side of a lake to another, can make all the difference in fish activity. Wind will push the warmest water (at the surface) across lakes lowering the temperature or the lee side while raising the temperature on the windward side and having a distinct effect on fish activity at this time of year.

Look for any newly emerging green weeds in 2-8’ of water. This is where insects and minnows will be that draws these hungry post spawn Walleyes in to feed. A light weight 1/32-1/16 oz jig tipped with a lively fathead minnow, dace, chub or even leech as the water warms into the low 50’s will work great. Slip-bobbers rig with the same live baits as well as shallow running stick baits in the 3-4” length such as floating Rapalas, Storm Jr Thundersticks and Smithwick Rattlin Rouges are also a great choice. Just Work these shallow running baits just over the new weed tops.

Northern Pike should also be actively feeding as it’s also the post spawn period for them. The earlier mentioned stick baits as well as 3-4” swimbaits or a good ol’ jig and chub on a wire leader is always a good choice.

Yellow Perch will also be post spawn. Typically, the larger Perch will be scattered throughout green weeds. They really love dragonfly larvae, but will eat minnows, leeches and crawlers just as well.

Crappies have mostly been holding out in 6-8’ of water unless warm sunny days pull them into the 1-2’ shallows. Tiny tubes, hair jigs or small minnows have been working best. Any wood in the water will help collect some heat and draw them in a little better.

Bluegills have been seen sunning themselves on warm days in the shallows.

Largemouth Bass are working dark mud bottomed areas for the most part, though I did get a report of big LMB holding up on shallow rocks, fish to 20”, where water was warmer.

Smallmouth Bass anglers finding Smallies on rock/gravel breaks using Ned rigs and hair jigs.

Overall, water temp will be key. Forecast for rain/clouds should extend the bite on opening day. Warmer weather on Sunday should bode well for all species as waters start to warm up again.

Walleye Fishing on the Minocqua Chain

As of Friday, April 26th, the Lac Du Flambeau band of Chippewa’s exercised their right to spear the Lake Tomahawk/Minocqua Chain.

So all hook and line anglers understand, there is a process to go through for the DNR to be able to open the catch and keep season for non-tribal harvest. The chain WILL NOT BE OPEN at the start of Walleye opener May 4th.

The DNR is working on getting a special meeting with the Natural Resource Board (NRB) to work out details to open the season. Once this meeting is scheduled, make sure to have your comments heard as to what you’d like to see done (i.e. open season, remain catch & release etc)

Please respect the rules and refrain from keeping Walleyes from the chain until the season opens!

https://www.kurtsislandsports.com/

Wisconsin Fishing / Minocqua area fishing report

« Last post by mudbrook on Today at 04:24:37 PM »

Minocqua Area Fishing Report

We’re back…

Per usual, April showed us what April can be. Cold and wind this past week disrupted the nice warm up that seemed to be occurring. With limited options to the fishing here in the Northwoods (panfish and catch & release Bass) what was a slowly improving bite came to a crashing halt.

No worries, not a lot of anglers take advantage of the super early open water opportunities for panfish at times like these. But it can be productive under the right conditions.

On warming day, with air temps in the 50’s and 60’s, Crappies and Gills will congregate in the shallows to warm themselves and feed on invertebrates (Perch have or will be spawning further out away from these areas). These Gills and Crappies are not spawning, as some think, just collecting heat to help with the development of their eggs. These fish can be in as little as one foot of water and very spooky. Stay as far back as a long cast will allow to offer up waxies, leaf worms, small minnows or tiny tube jigs. Heavy, weighted floats, such as Rocket Bobbers, will help with these casts.

Forecast of highs in the 50’s, maybe low 60’s with bright sun will be best.

We are extending our line sale through April 28th, so take advantage and get freshly spooled.

As a reminder, the Lake Tomahawk/Lake Minocqua Chain will NOT be open to hook and line angling for Walleye at the time of the opener. In fact, if the LDF tribe does not spear Walleyes (they have not as of this writing) then the chain will remain closed until the 2025 opener.

As Walleyes For Tomorrow has asked in the past, please refrain from targeting Walleyes on the chain as we continue to work to rehabilitate the population.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sports Shop
https://www.kurtsislandsports.com

Wisconsin Fishing / Adrenaline Sweepstakes is here

« Last post by mudbrook on March 19, 2024, 12:14:51 PM »

Striker
·
Attention open water anglers!

?
The #AdrenalineSweepstakes is here, and we are giving TWO lucky anglers the ultimate open water fishing prize package valued at $700!
Enter to win at the link below and come back daily for additional entries. Last day to enter is March 29th at 12:00pm CST.

https://strikerbrands.com/pages/adrenaline-sweepstakes-2024

Our two winners will be announced on March 29th. Good luck!

This promotion is in now way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with meta.

Ice Fishing Tournaments / Upcoming Ice Fishing Events 2/13/24

« Last post by mudbrook on February 13, 2024, 01:17:55 PM »

Upcoming Ice Fishing Events 2/13/24

Feb 17th – Lake Tomahawk Family Fisheree – Lake Tomahawk

Feb 24th – 3rd Annual Newbold Fire Dept Ice Fishing Tournament – Muskellunge Lake

Feb 24th – Winter free fishing contest – Any Lake – Sponsored by County Line Station

Feb 24th – Kids Ice Fishing Day – Lake Minocqua – Sponsored by Northwoods Chapter of Muskies, Inc

Mar 2nd – KISS Annual High School Ice Fishing Tournament – Lake Minocqua
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Wisconsin Fishing / Angies Fishing Adventures

« Last post by mudbrook on August 14, 2023, 12:11:12 PM »

Angies Fishing Adventures

I knew going into Wednesday it was going to be a great day, my phone was dead and the last time that happened I had a memorable day hunting so I just had this feeling ??

How could it not be a great day with the theme - Redneck margaritas: Work shirts, cutoff flannels, stuffed talking parrots, also who could forget the gummy worms and not 1 but 2 bananas on the boat

? Sounds amazing right! It was for us, we had a blast!

After the tournament being cancelled the 2 prior years due to weather conditions, we finally got to hit the water for some great fishing and that we did! I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to represent https://www.facebook.com/WiWomenFish along with 30+ other club members at the 2023 Powder Puff Derby, it was amazing and we had a blast, of course!!!

The first thing we did was ask if Sam was competitive, when he said yes we knew he would take care of us and would be a great captain from Dumper Dan Sportfishing Charters. Thanks “Wags” for a great morning!

I learned A TON, we caught some amazing fish and can honestly say I understand why fishing in the Great Lakes can be so addicting. It takes a lot of time and dedication to become successful, hats off to all those captains out there!

Our team “The Dirty Oars” placed 1st for the super derby prize. (total boat weight) while my fellow WWF club members also finished in the top 5 for their total boat weight (also from Dan’s), 4 members that also placed with their individual fish caught and some great costumes were displayed for the contest.
Captain Barb Carey and Rikki Nicole thank you for your drive, support and passion for fishing. It makes women like me (small town northern WI gal) in WWF get out of our comfort zone and try different types of fishing.

Striker https://www.facebook.com/strikerbrands

Casting Queens Empire https://www.facebook.com/groups/662706317876645/

Angie https://www.facebook.com/angier1331

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Reports and News / Free Fun Weekend June 3-4

« Last post by mudbrook on June 02, 2023, 03:58:42 PM »

Free Fun Weekend June 3-4

a young boy running across a bridge
State park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are waived for all visitors June 3-4, 2023. / Photo Credit: Travel Wisconsin

Find your adventure this weekend during the 11th annual Free Fun Weekend, June 3-4. State park admission fees, fishing licenses and trail passes are waived for all Wisconsin residents and non-residents.

With 50 state parks, 15 state forests, 44 state trails, 84,000 miles of rivers and streams and roughly 15,000 lakes, the DNR invites Wisconsinites to discover a new favorite park, trail, forest or recreation area or to try a new activity during Free Fun Weekend. This is the perfect time to get outdoors and find your adventure in Wisconsin.

Find a full list of Wisconsin state properties, activities and maps by visiting the DNR’s website. Reserve a shelter or campsite through the DNR’s online booking system. Before heading to a state park, trail or waterbody near you, here are some helpful things to know:

STATE PARKS

Vehicle admission stickers will not be required.
All state parks and trails will be open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m.
Programs and events are posted online on the DNR’s website.
TRAILS

All linear/rail trails will be open to the public, including ATV trails and horseback riding trails.
ATVs, UTVs and OHMs are exempt from registration requirements. Resident and non-resident all-terrain vehicle operators do not need a trail pass to ride state ATV trails.
FISHING

Residents and non-residents will not be required to have a fishing license or trout/salmon stamps.
All 2023-2024 fishing regulations apply, including bag and length limits.
This is the perfect time of year for small and largemouth bass, panfish and northern pike to be active.
New to fishing? Check out free clinics hosted at state properties.
Locate launches and shore fishing access points near you.
BOAT LAUNCHES

All DNR boat launches are open.
Boats must be registered, which can be done either online or via mail.
Minimize the spread of aquatic invasive species by removing plants and animals from boats before and after launching, draining all water from compartments, and never move live fish from any waterbody.
SAFETY

Always wear a life jacket when fishing from a boat, kayak, canoe or paddleboard.
Use boat lights after sunset.
Never consume alcohol or drugs before or during an ATV/UTV ride or while operating a boat.
Wear a helmet and protective clothing such as eye protection, gloves, long pants, and a long-sleeved shirt while riding an ATV/UTV.
All children under the age of 18 must have a minimum Department of Transportation standard motorcycle or ATV helmet - bicycle helmets are not legal.
Keep your speed in mind as weather and terrain conditions vary or change.
Grab your family and friends and head outdoors for Free Fun Weekend! Take the trail less traveled and head to some lesser-known “hidden gem” state properties. Make sure to tag your Free Fun Weekend photos with #OutWiGo.

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Reports and News / Help Protect Turtles During Wild Turtle Week

« Last post by mudbrook on May 22, 2023, 01:15:23 PM »

Help Protect Turtles During Wild Turtle Week

Build A Nest Cage, Report Road Crossings And Keep Wild Turtles Wild

A close-up shot of an ornate box turtle making its way across the ground.
Ornate box turtles are often found in the pet trade, however, they are endangered in Wisconsin and are illegal to take from the wild and own as pets. / Photo Credit: Wisconsin DNR

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) encourages Wisconsin citizens to give turtle mothers and the next generation of turtles a helping hand during Wild Turtle Week, May 23-27, and throughout nesting season.

This time of year, turtles begin to emerge from rivers, lakes and wetlands to lay eggs. Wisconsin’s 11 turtle species lay eggs in nests from late May through June in sunny areas and well-draining uplands. This annual nesting migration often puts turtles on roadways and in residential areas. Many females are run over by vehicles during this period, a leading cause of turtle decline in Wisconsin.

Turtle nests are also exposed to high levels of predation as populations of nest-raiding animals such as raccoons, skunks and coyotes grow to historical numbers. The current demand for pet turtles is also a significant issue, leading to the illegal removal of our native, North American turtles from our wild places.

“The nesting season is a tough time for wild female turtles. Many are removed from populations through road mortality, while others are collected, often illegally, for the global pet, food, and medicine industry,” said Andrew Badje, DNR Conservation Biologist. “Protecting female turtles and their nests in the wild and learning how pet turtle demand influences an unsustainable illegal turtle trade are great ways to conserve turtles in Wisconsin and the world.”

Additionally, some Wisconsin turtles must reach old ages and participate in many nesting seasons to reproduce successfully. Blanding’s turtles and wood turtles cannot reproduce until they’re 12 to 20 years old, while others, like ornate box turtles, lay only a few eggs a year. Therefore, removing even one female turtle per year can quickly lead to population declines or the elimination of local populations.

The DNR encourages those interested in helping turtles to consider following these protective actions from now until the end of summer:

Protect turtle eggs in yards and other private property by building and securing a nest cage over any documented nests. Follow these instructions and watch a step-by-step video to build a nest cage that keeps predators away from the nest and allows hatchlings to exit on their own.
Drive with caution on roads that are near wetlands, lakes and rivers. Slow down and be alert.
Report turtle observations, road crossings and nest sites using the Turtle Reporting Form for the DNR’s Wisconsin Turtle Conservation Program. DNR conservation biologists use these reports to manage and conserve turtles.
Report suspicious or illegal activity associated with turtles to DNR’s Violation Hotline by calling or texting 1-800-847-9367.
Help protect Wisconsin’s native turtles by keeping wild turtles in the wild and not releasing pet turtles into the wild.
Turtles don’t make great pets. For those desiring to own one, #BuyInformed, and take steps to lessen the impact on the illegal turtle trade.
Learn additional ways to help protect Wisconsin’s turtles and spread the word about Wild Turtle Week.
To learn more about turtles in Wisconsin and submit turtle reports, visit the DNR’s online Turtle Conservation Program form.

https://wiatri.net/inventory/witurtles/

Great Lakes Fishing / DNR Seeking Public Input On Great Lakes Beach Listings

« Last post by mudbrook on May 22, 2023, 01:11:26 PM »

DNR Seeking Public Input On Great Lakes
Beach Listings

A crowd of people enjoy a sunny summer day at the beach of Kohler Andrea State Park.
Generations of Wisconsinites have grown up enjoying Great Lakes beaches and rely on our lakes for safe, clean water. / Photo Credit: Bob Fritsch

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is asking the public to help update Wisconsin's beach list to keep people safe on Great Lakes beaches this summer.

Each year, the DNR's beach program reaches out to the public, local beach managers and public health departments along Wisconsin's Great Lakes coasts to determine what changes are needed to the Wisconsin beach list and program information.

A beach is defined as any place where the public has recreational access to the water, regardless of whether the location is used for swimming. Boat launches, some natural areas and private beaches available to the public are included.

“Public comments ensure the Wisconsin beach list reflects locally-used names and the status of beaches and boat launches due to changing natural conditions and public access,” said Diane Packett, DNR Beach Program Manager. “We’d like people to let us know if any beaches are missing or not properly identified on the list and if there are some boat launches that are no longer active and should be taken off.”

This year’s proposed list includes a change to Herbster Beach in Bayfield County to create two separate beaches.

Public comments and local knowledge of Wisconsin's Lake Michigan and Lake Superior shorelines provide the best information about our 57 miles of coastal beaches.

The federal Beaches Environmental Assessment and Coastal Health (BEACH) Act is an amendment to the Clean Water Act which requires all coastal states – including Great Lakes states – to develop programs for effective water quality monitoring and public notification at coastal recreational beaches. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) provides grants to participating states to develop and implement a statewide beach program. To maintain Wisconsin’s eligibility for funding under the BEACH Act, state programs must provide an opportunity for public comment when changes to the list or monitoring program occur.

All Wisconsin beaches along the Lake Michigan and Lake Superior shorelines are identified and prioritized for water quality monitoring with these funds.

This federal funding allows communities with Great Lakes beaches to monitor for elevated levels of Escherichia coli (commonly referred to as E. coli), a bacterium that can cause illness if ingested. These bacteria are relatively easy to test for compared to other pathogens, so they serve as a helpful indicator of the possible presence of other health risks in the water, such as fecal matter, viruses and other bacteria or pollutants.

“This monitoring data helps local health officials determine when to close a beach due to unsafe conditions and to notify the public so that beach visitors can make informed choices about swimming at the beach,” said Packett.

The DNR continues to improve and upgrade the beach health database and website features and welcomes feedback throughout the year. Questions or comments can be directed to DNRBeachHealth@wisconsin.gov or DNR Beach Program Manager Diane Packett at 608-640-7511.

The proposed additions and changes to the beach list for 2023 are available online on the DNR’s website. Please email public comments on the beach listings to DNRBeachHealth@wisconsin.gov by Dec. 31, 2023.

https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Beaches/BeachList.html

Musky Fishing / Northern Musky Season Begins May 27

« Last post by mudbrook on May 22, 2023, 01:03:36 PM »

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers the 2023 northern zone muskellunge (musky) season begins May 27, 2023 and runs through Dec. 31.

During the open season, anglers can catch musky on open waters within the northern muskellunge management zone. All regulations and license requirements apply.

“The warmer weather means more fishing opportunities for anglers to catch our state fish in the northern zone,” said Justine Hasz, DNR Director of the Bureau of Fisheries Management.

Anglers can expect fish in most waters to be done spawning and ready to bite. Muskies will likely be active in shallow vegetated bays, channels and on points just adjacent to shallow bays. Small bucktails, jerk baits, plastics and topwater can be effective fish catchers.

Proclaimed the official state fish in 1955, the muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) is one of Wisconsin's most unique trophies.

More musky world records have been landed in Wisconsin than anywhere else. The current state and world record is a tremendous 69-pound, 11-ounce musky taken from the Chippewa Flowage.

Purchase your fishing license online through the GoWild system or from a license vendor. Make sure to check the 2023-2024 Hook and Line Fishing Regulations for daily bag and size limits and special county regulations.

The DNR reminds anglers to have the proper release tools on hand (large landing net, long nose pliers, hook cutter and gloves) and to properly release the fish they catch. Find tips for releasing muskies responsibly on the DNR webpage.

Learn more about trophy muskellunge waters and the elusive fish by visiting the DNR's musky webpage.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/musky

Wisconsin DNR Outdoor Reports and News / DNR Seeking Public Comment

« Last post by mudbrook on May 22, 2023, 01:00:04 PM »

DNR Seeking Public Comment For Environmental Review Of The Village Of Randolph
Safe Drinking Water Loan Program Project

MADISON, Wis. – The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced the Village of Randolph is an applicant for funding through the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) to improve its public drinking water system. The project includes reconstruction associated with watermain, sanitary sewer and stormwater improvement along portions of Center Street, Church Street, 1st Street, Sunny Side Place and Grove Street.

Activities related to this project are minor actions under Chapter NR 150, Wis. Admin. Code, for which no environmental analysis is required; however, following the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program federal requirement 40 C.F.R. §35.3580, an environmental review must be conducted before funding this project.

The Safe Drinking Water Loan Program has determined that the project will not result in significant adverse environmental effects, and no further environmental review or analysis is needed before proceeding with funding the project.

The public is encouraged to submit comments regarding this decision and the potential environmental impacts of this project. Submit comments by June 5, 2023 to:

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
C/O Kevin Olson, Community Financial Assistance, CF/2
101 S Webster St.
P.O. Box 7921
Madison, WI 53707
Kevin.Olson@wisconsin.gov or 608-234-2238

Based on the comments received, the Safe Drinking Water Loan Program may prepare an environmental analysis before proceeding with the funding process. The analysis would summarize the DNR’s consideration of the project's impacts and reasonable alternatives.