Fishing Reports

Open water anglers having good luck with walleyes, as wild turkey hunters start pre-season scouting, all going on in and amidst the lakes and the Wisconsin River of Wisconsin's Marathon and Lincoln Counties (near Mosinee and Wausau). Remember: The walleye and northern seasons REMAIN OPEN on many of the waters in Central Wisconsin.

Ice fishing season at an end, as anglers now concentrating on open water fishing and

Follow up:

the upcoming wild turkey season in the Central Wisconsin area.

Anglers in the Central Wisconsin area are having good early season open water success working the deeper pools of the Wisconsin River and its impoundments. As most know the walleye season remains open on many of the waters in the Central Wisconsin area and its backwaters, while most other bodies of water in Wisconsin are closed for the season. To target the walleyes during the day, anglers should try working 1/8 ounce and 1ž4 ounce jigs tipped with minnows, slowly on the bottom in these deeper pools. While targeting the deeper pools, you may get some very nice action from crappies that are holding in the are, along with an occasional sturgeon. You can keep the crappies, but the sturgeon must be immediately released.

Some of the more knowledgeable anglers in the Central Wisconsin area are targeting the walleyes at night by running crankbaits along shallow rocky shorelines. These anglers are also picking up a few nice walleyes as they move up to feed under the cover of darkness. Don't be surprised if you pick up a nice northern, smallie or musky (musky must be immediately released) while fishing in this manner, as these fish are all present in the same general areas at this time of year.

While the 2010 wild turkey season in the Central Wisconsin area is still a few weeks away, savvy hunters know that now is the time to start doing some pre-season scouting. Birds will be grouped up and strutting in and around any remaining crops left over from last year. Along with that, look for turkeys to be keyed in on fresh emerging grasses, or newly plowed fields, where they can get quick access to food sources.


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