Fishing Report November 28, 2022

Ice-up is starting and some lakes have up to four inches. Most fish species are shallow where ice is “thicker,” but that does not mean it is safe test the ice every step. As is always the case, your favorite bait shop folks can provide the most current updates on ice conditions and fishing specifics.
Do not go alone OR tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Wear a PFD and take ice picks, a spud bar, and a cell phone in a waterproof case or container.
Some musky anglers continue to pursue fish on the big lakes that still have open water. Regulation changes from April 2020 changed the closing date for open water musky season to December 31. Open water is considered conditions that do NOT allow using ice as a fishing platform.

Walleye:
Walleye fishing is good, with best action in early morning and from early evening into after dark. Set up on weed edges, shallow or deep, and do so quietly, keeping noise to an absolute minimum. Walleye suckers and shiners on jigs and under tip-ups are the “baits du jour.”

Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is good to very good around shallow weeds, weed edges, and panfish and baitfish concentrations. Panfish anglers will catch pike by fortune or fate, depending on angler perspective. Walleye suckers, shiners, and even crappie minnows work well, whether fished on jigs or under tip-ups.

Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good on shallow weeds, weedlines/edges, points, and transitions. Crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! bait on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks, and small jigging spoons, can all be effective.

Bluegill and Perch:
Bluegill and perch fishing is fair to good. Fish are primarily on weeds, weed edges, weedlines, points, and transitions. Waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks are working well.