Minocqua area fishing report Area fishing hasn't quite caught up to the weather. Conditions were good this week and expectations high, unfortunately the bite wasn't so good. Some reports were positive, but very sporadic. Rare southeast wind Saturday probably didn't help-usually doesn't.
Northern Pike: Poor to fair. Some traditionally good action pike lakes such as Carrol, Little St. Germain, and Lost Lake were very slow. A few reports from the larger lakes - Lake Tomahawk, Big St. Germain, Minocqua, had anglers catching some nice pike in the low 30" range. All reports on tip-ups with large shiners or large suckers.
Yellow Perch: Fair to good. The shallow bite seems to be slowing down, while the deeper mud bite is picking up. Wigglers by far the best bait with red spikes getting a few fish. Work 18-23' mud flats. Try a large loud spoon - bang it off the bottom, stirring up the mud, then replace with a #2 Swedish Pimple or #25 Hali tipped with a wiggler. Minocqua, Kawaguesaga, Big Arbor Vitae best reports. Wigglers very important if you can get them!
Crappies: Fair. Despite overcast, falling barometer, early (sunrise) and late (sunset) best action. Short 45-75 minute windows. Exception is on the Willow Flowage where bite has been sporadic but good throughout the day. Some tip-down action with small minnows but most fish coming on plastics or waxies on slow drop.
Bluegill: Fair, a few scattered good reports. Fish outside weed edges of 10-12'. Perch anglers locating gills out from traditional spots. Moussees, waxies preferred. Some nicer fish (9"+) taking wigglers, small minnows meant for Perch. Minocqua, Kawaguesaga, Big Arb (mostly pumpkinseeds), Pickerel.
Walleye: Poor to fair. Like pike, some traditionally excellent producers very slow (Big Muskellunge, Katherine) while a few reports of fish between 4:30 pm and 6 pm on Minocqua, Kawaguesaga, Squirrel - then another bite very late (1-2am) for the few willing to stay out that late. Some dawn action on Squirrel, Kawaguesaga, Little Arb. Smaller minnows working better - wild shiners, small shiners, large fatheads. Not a lot of jigging action - should pick up by mid February.
Forecast for snow about every other day this week - if not heavy should be good conditions for fishing. Access still excellent. Ice averages 16-19".
Kurt Justice
Kurt's Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com
