Fishing Reports

Walleye, northerns and panfish hitting, in and amidst the lakes and the Wisconsin River of Wisconsin's Marathon and Lincoln Counties (near Mosinee and Wausau).

Ice conditions starting to deteriorate in Central Wisconsin. Use extreme caution!

Anglers in the Central Wisconsin area should start using extreme caution when heading out on the ice. Ice fishing in the Central Wisconsin area is mainly done on the backwaters of the Wisconsin River, and its impoundments. With the faint "scent of spring" starting to just come around the corner, the current is flowing more swiftly and the ice is thinning in many areas.

Follow up:

It is going to gradually become and more unsafe for travel. Only knowledgeable, experienced anglers should venture out. Best suggestion is to hire a local guide who knows where to go in safety and provide top fishing action, as well.

Walleye and northern anglers in the Central Wisconsin area, have been seeing most of their action from very shallow areas in 1 to 3 feet of water. Shiner minnows or medium suckers suspended on tip ups will catch northerns all day long, and walleyes in the same locations during low lights periods and after dark.

Panfish in the Central Wisconsin area are feeding on a regular basis in and around weed beds and stump fields. Stay close to structure and you will catch fish. Small jigs in white or yellow tipped with waxies or spikes have been working the best, and bringing in good numbers of crappies and bluegills, with some perch, here-and-there.

The harvest notice for the upcoming black bear season in the Central Wisconsin area has been sent out to successful applicants and now is the time to start acquiring permission to bear hunt on private property. If you wait too long, the property that you intend to hunt may have already been given to someone else. It is also time to start studying your maps and looking at surrounding areas you intend to hunt, so as acquaint you with the topography and "feel" of the land. This will ensure you of proper stand placement, easier baiting, and when you get your bear, easier tracking and retrieval.


(This report based on interview with licensed guide and trapper Phil Schweik of Hooksetters Fishing & Hunting Guide Service, Mosinee. Wisconsin)