Minocqua Area fishing Reports

[mudbrook]

Minocqua Area Fishing Reports

[mudbrook]

Minocqua Area Fishing Report   3/17/25

The big question has been…is there safe ice?  Seems reasonable to ask after we saw temps hit 60 degrees last Friday (3/14).  That, and the rain Fri night/Saturday (3/15) did make the top layer rather punky (porous).  Some landings got mushy (if snow from previous week piled there).

While some anglers continue to press their luck by driving trucks, that’s one method we can no longer recommend here.  Measurements of 16-28” seem fine, however, the top layer of ice has been compromised due to rain and warmth.  Walking (bring creepers) and ATV travel still good.  With forecast for next two weeks showing highs of 34-44 degrees yet lows of 14-23 degrees, our fishable ice should last through this week and the next!  And that’s good because…

Yellow Perch:  Excellent – Limits of Perch in the 9-11” range with some pushing 13” over the past weekend.  Mud flats of 14-24’ using Halis, Flash Champs, Bull spoons & Pinheads tipped with spikes or wigglers.  Tip-downs with medium fatheads or large rosies working great for larger Perch.

Crappie:  Excellent – Still great action on basin fish of 18’, to as deep as 30’.  Most fish found 4-8’ off bottom.  Tikka Flash, Jointed Pinheads and Rattlin Kastmasters tipped with waxies or tip-downs using Crappie minnows or small rosies.  Weed bite in 8-12’ standing narrow leaf cabbage using small #3 tungsten jigs or #8 rockers to deliver plastics (white, pink, silver).  On shallower lakes, Crappies and Gills found taking plastics just at ice bottom levels.

Bluegill:  Very Good to Excellent – Gills taking waxies and butterworms with gusto in 4-8’.  Sometimes just under the ice!  Small plastics with red, brown being tops, but purple, black and well, very little else not being rejected.

During early ice, 3” of new “black” ice is safe to walk.  This time of year, the top layer of “white” ice (porous, crumbly) gives way to “green” ice.  This ice can be 10-12” thick, but does not support the weight new black ice does.  Be cautious!  Carry rope, floatation devices (cushion, vest), ice picks and creepers just to be safe!
 
Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sports Shop
https://www.kurtsislandsports.com/http://