Fishing Reports

Report on Central Wisconsin Lakes and the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin's Marathon and Lincoln Counties near Mosinee and Wausau as of April 8, 2010

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".

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."

Walleye hitting strong, with northerns, smallies and panfish showing up, and turkey hunters getting ready for the season; 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.

Follow up:

Early spring fishing going very well in the Central Wisconsin area.

Walleyes are putting on a strong bite in the Central Wisconsin area, with jigs tipped with minnows and crankbaits in firetiger patterns providing excellent action. Look for walleyes to be holding in 12 to 14 feet of water throughout the daylight hours, and as evening approaches they will start moving up to 1 to 4 feet of water. To take advantage of the feeding frenzy that can take place before and after dark, work jigs in the deeper water throughout the day, and toss crankbaits up shallow early and late in the day.

Anglers are beginning to get some solid and increasing hits from northerns and smallies in the Central Wisconsin area. They are very aggressive and will take crankbaits and plastics in shallow water during the day.

Panfish in the Central Wisconsin area are showing up in their pre-spawn staging areas and can be taken with minnows or crawlers suspended below slip bobbers in 8 to 12 feet of water.

Turkey hunters are preparing for their upcoming season in the Central Wisconsin area –and the outlook is very good. Lots of birds are showing up as hunters scout around newly plowed field, and some of last year's remaining crop remnants. It should be a very good season for turkey hunters in Central Wisconsin.

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