Fishing Reports

SPECIAL EDITOR'S NOTE: 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! Check ahead to make sure the water you want to fish is indeed one of those that remain "open."

Ice and open water anglers both, are having success with walleyes, northerns, and panfish -- all going on in and amidst the lakes and the Wisconsin River of Wisconsin's Marathon and Lincoln Counties (near Mosinee and Wausau).

Open water fishing has started in Central Wisconsin, while ice anglers are still enjoying late season success, as well.

Follow up:

If you go out on the ice, please use a local guide. Warmer temps and rain are eroding the ice. Things are opening up - - and while there may still be SOME at least marginally safe areas on which to ice fish, it's essential that only those who know the area intimately head out. That means using an area guide. Be safe -- not sorry!

Open water anglers are getting out below the many dams in the Central Wisconsin area, and some downriver areas have opened up enough to allow accessibility for fishing.

Walleyes are the main target for open water anglers in the Central Wisconsin area. The walleyes are holding in the deeper pools in 12 to 16 feet of water - -up to 24 feet deep in some areas. Some anglers are also picking up some nice northerns, and a few sturgeon are hitting, and if caught IMMEDIATELY released. Jigs tipped with minnows are the best way to target these fish right now.

Ice fishing in the Central Wisconsin area still has maybe a little time left (remember the admonition about caution and using a local guide!), and ice anglers can cash in on some opportunities for the last of the season crappies, bluegills and perch. Look for these panfish to be holding in shallow water, associated with weeds. Try 3 to 5 feet of water, and keep your presentation right at, or above the weed line. Tip downs with small minnows or teardrop jigs tipped with waxies will catch fish all day.

Ice anglers in the Central Wisconsin area are also getting walleye and northern action by working back water areas of the Wisconsin River. Try running tip ups in 2 to 5 feet of water, baited with shiner minnows or small sucker minnows, set about a foot off the bottom.

Turkey season is right around the corner in the Central Wisconsin area, and this is a good time to start looking for flocks of turkey in the fields. Find them now so when the season arrives the looking part is done, and then all you have to do is the hunting part!

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