The colder weather of the past week has put ice cover on most northern lakes, but ice thickness was only in the 1- to 3-inch range. This is not considered safe for ice travel as there are still many areas that may have much thinner ice, such as inlet, outlet and mid-lake areas. However, there have been a few early ice anglers creeping out onto shallow bay areas, but success has been generally slow with no reports yet of any catches being made.The recent heavy snows may cause some slush to form, which will further weaken this thin, early ice.
Lake Michigan fisheries team reportSheboygan County In Sheboygan shore anglers have been catching a few rainbows and browns on both spawn and crankbaits in the marina. In the Sheboygan River anglers have been catching browns and a few steelhead up to the Kohler dam. Most fish have been taken on flies and spawn.
Ozaukee County - Shore anglers in Port Washington have been catching a few browns and rainbows near the power plant and in the north slip. Both skein and spawn sacs produced fish
Milwaukee County - In Milwaukee boaters have been catching decent numbers of browns in and around the harbor. Shore anglers have been catching a few browns on spawn behind the Summerfest grounds and in the Menomonee River at the MMSD offices. Some browns and steelhead have been caught in the Milwaukee River in Kletzsch Park, with small flies and spawn both producing.
Racine County - Shore anglers fishing in the Racine harbor have been catching a few browns. Crankbaits and spawn have produced the most fish. On the Root River, water levels are good, and all areas of the river have been holding good numbers of browns and steelhead. Small egg imitation flies have taken the most fish, but wooley buggers and egg sucking leeches have produced as well. Spawn drifted through deeper pools has also taken a fair number of fish.
Kenosha County - In Kenosha a few browns have been active in the Small Boat Harbor. Both small white tube jigs and spawn have been productive.
Minocqua area fishing reportThe wind laid down Saturday night long enough for the lakes to start skimming over. Ice built rapidly through Tuesday morning (as of this report). area anglers just started fishing Allequash, Carrol, the Rainbow Flowage and a few of the bays of the larger lakes. If predicted snow stays light, dropping temps (high of 5* on Thursday) should give plenty of opportunity to early ice anglers willing to walk. Be cautious though, carry safety spikes and rope. Test ice repeatedly on unused lakes. Ice thickness ranging from 1-3" as of today.
Kurt Justice
Kurt's Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.comFishing The Zone For Rainbow Trout Milwaukeehttp://wisconsinoutdoor.com/smf/index.php?topic=3108.0information compiled from the WDNR Outdoor report and private sources
