There has only been some skim ice forming on small ponds and edges of shallow bays, and even this has disappeared with the warm temperatures on milder days. At this point, there are no lakes with complete ice cover and full ice-up still seems to be a week or more likely two weeks away.
With the close of musky season in the Northern Zone on Nov. 30, there has been very little fishing pressure on northern lakes, with only a few reports of walleye anglers still trying their luck, but success has been very low. Most northern anglers are waiting for solid ice cover to get back into fishing mode. However, musky anglers in southern Wisconsin may find a trophy fish in their stockings this holiday season. The southern zone musky season has been extended and is open through Dec. 31 on inland Wisconsin waters south of Highway 10. The longer season for the southern zone waters was approved by anglers during the 2008 spring rule hearings.
Walleye and sauger fishing has still been good on the Mississippi River. Anglers are also continuing to fish Lake Michigan harbors, with fair to moderate success for brown trout and steelhead in Sheboygan, Port Washington, Milwaukee and Racine. Brown trout were also being caught in the Sheboygan and Root rivers.
Upper Chippewa Basin fisheries report (Price, Rusk, Sawyer Taylor and inland Ashland and Iron counties) -
With the close of musky season in the Northern Zone on Nov. 30, there has been virtually no fishing pressure on area waters and for all intents and purposes, the open-water fishing season has basically ended. There have been a few reports of walleye anglers still trying their luck, but success has been very low. Most anglers are waiting for solid ice cover to get back into fishing mode. At this point, there are NO lakes with complete ice cover and full ice-up still seems to be a week or more away on most lakes. There has only been some skim ice on many of the small ponds and edges of shallow bays, and even this has disappeared with the warm temperatures on the milder days. Several nights of calm weather with cold temperatures in the low teens or single digits are needed for the larger lakes to see any significant ice formation.
Upper Wisconsin Basin fisheries report (Oneida, Vilas, Lincoln, Langlade, Forest and Florence counties) -
With the close of musky fishing season just a few days ago, most fishing in the area has ceased as anglers await ice. Normally some early ice fishing can be had just after deer season, but it will be at least another week to two weeks before shallow bays and small lakes freeze. By the weekend of Dec. 12, there may be some opportunities but more likely the weekend of the Dec. 19.
Lake Michigan fisheries team report
Sheboygan County -
In Sheboygan shore anglers have been catching rainbows and browns on both spawn and crank baits in the marina. In the Sheboygan River anglers have been catching brown trout 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 brown and rainbow trout 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 brown trout in and around the harbor. Shore anglers have been catching a few browns on spawn near the Summerfest grounds and in the Menomonee River at the MMSD offices. Some browns and steelhead have been caught in the Milwaukee River downstream of Estabrook Park, with small flies and spawn both producing.
Racine County -
Shore anglers fishing in the Racine harbor have been catching a few brown trout. Crank baits and spawn have produced the most fish. On the Root River, water levels were high after rain this past weekend, but levels have started to drop back down. All areas of the river have been holding browns and a few steelhead. Flies such as wooley buggers and egg sucking leeches have produced in fast moving water, and spawn drifted through deeper pools has also worked well.
Willow River State Park -
With the warm November, there is no measurable ice forming on the lake yet. It won't be long until some of the best fishing for panfish, which generally follows freeze up. Deer hunting continues with an archery season north of the Willow River and on some land out to the east.
