Fishing Reports

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."

Explosive northern action, early bass spawn, crappies and bluegills heading towards their spawning areas, and post spawn walleyes scattered, 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:

Low water flow and warm temperatures have walleyes scattered on the local waters of the Central Wisconsin area.

Walleye anglers in the Central Wisconsin area are finding tough conditions for targeting this year's spring fish. With the low water and warm temperatures, the walleye spawn is over in the area, and the post spawn walleyes are scattered over large areas, instead of being concentrated on traditional post spawn locations. A variety of methods are being used to target these fish. The most practical and consistent has been long line trolling crankbaits in 4 to 8 feet of water. Lures like Rapalas, Thundersticks, and Bomber Long A's have been producing the best.

We're seeing an early bass spawn in the warming Central Wisconsin area, and the smallmouth bass are moving up into their traditional early season locations. Shallow rocks and timber associated with any current will hold fish now, and for the next two to three weeks. Jig and minnow combinations or small crankbaits will attract all kinds of attention from these aggressive bronzebacks.

Crappies and bluegills in the Central Wisconsin area have been moving about and are headed towards their traditional spawning locations. Look for them to be hanging out in 3 to 5 feet of water, associated with weeds and or wood. Run slip bobbers with small minnows, or a piece of crawler, and you'll catch these feisty panfish all day long.

The northerns in the Central Wisconsin area are putting on a real strong bite in the shallows. These fresh water alligators are raising havoc with hair-pin spinners in white or chatreuse, and small spoons like John Silver Minnows or Daredevils in red and white or blue and silver. Toss these lures in and around shallow weeds in 1 to 3 feet of water, and get ready for some explosive action.

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