Minocqua area fishing report 12.13.11 Strange early ice! While many anglers venturing out are finding 4-7" of ice on many lakes, bays and flowages - there are several lakes still with open water: Fence, Flambeau, Tomahawk, Trout. Caution is advised EVERYWHERE!
Walleye: Good. Full moon and high pressure put the best bite after dusk. Reports of a 45 minute to 1 hour window from 5pm to 6pm are common. Walleyes shallow, 4-5' hitting jigging raps (#7's). Drill and set up an hour or more prior to dark to let things settle before the walleyes move in. Try to be quiet over such thin ice and shallow water.
Northern Pike: Good. Early morning, dusk and even a little after dark. Shiners, suckers on tip-ups. Even some nice 30+" pike on chubby darters. Fish 4-7'.
Bluegills: Good. Shallow for the most part in 3-5'. One angler found big gills in 24' while perch searching. Thinner ice (4-7") and shallow water require care as to not spook fish. Single spike on Marmooskas hot.
Perch: Fair. Few reports though some anglers finding nicer eaters (8-9") in shallow water aggressively hitting #2 Jigging Rapalas. One report of angler with 15 perch 10-11" in 4-6' on LDF Chain.
Crappies/Bass: No reports.
With 4 day "warm" spell (34-38 degrees), snow melting down. With colder temps returning, should firm things and start building ice again. Highs for weekend in 20's. Get your creepers out as lakes will be slick with no snow. Use caution. Foot traffic best. Have heard of some ATV travel (not advised), but no trucks yet!
Kurt Justice
Kurt's Island Sport Shop
www.kurtsislandsports.com
