Fishing Reports

Editor's note: The daily bag limit for walleyes on many lakes and the Wisconsin River in Central Wisconsin (always check the regulations on the particular water, first) is five (5) fish per day throughout the year while the daily bag limit for walleye in many areas north of Mosinee and Wausau may only be two to three fish because of Native American spearing initiatives and the resulting DNR "quota limits".

And don't forget that unlike most all other areas of Wisconsin, the walleye and northern season on many of the waters in the Central Wisconsin area DO NOT CLOSE. You don't have to just settle for panfish!

Ice Anglers are having a field day, as crappies, bluegills and perch hit hard, with walleye and northern doing "OK" in backwater areas;

Follow up:

AND there is already some open water fishing below some of the area dams, as anglers are doing well jigging for walleye. In addition, savvy hunters are entering the woods in search of shed antlers -- all going on in and amidst the lakes and the Wisconsin River of Wisconsin's Marathon and Lincoln Counties (near Mosinee and Wausau).

Be very cautious on the ice in the Central Wisconsin area, as the near-spring warm up is just starting, resulting in thinning ice, and strong water currents.

Panfish have been the main ice fishing target in the Central Wisconsin area, with crappies and bluegills taking center stage. Perch are also showing up in good numbers. Look for shallow weeds in 3 to 5 feet of water and set up in the open pockets of the weed beds. Stay close to the bottom for the perch and gills, and run your baits right up under the ice for the crappies. Light line rigged with small tear drop jigs in purple or black have been the ticket for gills and perch, and for the crappies tip downs set with small minnows will catch fish all day.

Walleye and northern ice anglers in Central Wisconsin have been doing "OK" in the backwater areas, in water from 2 to 5 feet deep. Sucker minnows and/or shiners set on tip ups and run a foot or so off the bottom will take northern all day and walleyes at night.

Open water is right around the corner in the Central Wisconsin area, and a few anglers are already getting out below some of the area dams. Walleyes are the main target, and with warmer weather, open water anglers using jigs are catching their share of walleyes. Look for the walleyes to be hanging out in 12 to 16 feet of water and to catch them, work 1/8 to 1/4 ounce jigs very slowly across the bottom, and tip them with fathead minnows.

This is also a very good time for area hunters in Central Wisconsin to enter the woods in search of shed antlers. The snow is starting to diminish, and antlers from last year can be found with a little searching and hard work. Well worth it!

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