Fishing report 1-18-23

Ice conditions are extremely variable--anywhere from 2-10 inches. Heavy vehicles are not recommended, and anyone taking an ATV or UTV out should use caution. A thick blanket of snow and slush has slowed ice formation.

Walleye:

Walleye fishing is fair to good, with best action in early morning and sunset into dark. During the day, focus on deep weeds, humps, and points. In the evening, fish move in to feed on shallow flats. Top baits include sucker minnows, fatheads, and shiners on tip-ups, dead-sticks, jigs, jigging spoons, and assorted jigging baits.

Northern Pike:

Northern pike fishing is very good, with anglers catching good number of fish in most locations. Look for pike near shallow weeds, rocks, humps, points, and other structure, as well as some fish on deep ledges. Large sucker minnows and shiners on tip-ups and quick-strike rigs are pulling in fish.

Crappie:

Crappie fishing is good to very good. Depending on the lake, fish can be on shallow weeds, wood, and brush, or schooling in deep holes and basins and/or suspending over in/over more than 30 feet. Look for fish near bottom, but check the entire water column. Crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs and spoons work well.

Bluegill and Perch:

Bluegill and perch fishing is good to very good close to shallow weeds, wood, cribs, basins, and brush. Waxies, spikes, and plastics on small jigs and teardrops work well, especially if you can match the jigs to the current food sources. Electronics, including locators and cameras, help you get on the fish. Perch are holding on shallow weed edges leading to basins, and small jigging spoons with minnow heads or bodies work well. Keep moving with them!