Fishing report December 31 2021

FISHING REPORT by Steve Suman

A foot of fresh snow could make lake travel challenging and the forecast says more snow will fall this week. According to most reports, ice conditions range up to about 8-inches, but that is not across the board. It is still early in the season, so (as always) use caution when traveling on the lakes. Snowmobile trail crews are currently in the process of staking lake trails. Considerably colder temperatures this week will improve conditions, but most likely gradually due to the increasing snow cover.

Walleye:
Walleye action is good on weedlines in 6-18 feet and on deep structure. Walleye suckers and shiners under tip-ups set over those areas are producing some nice fish, and anglers working Jigging Raps and jigging spoons report success, too. The best bite window remains late afternoon into after dark.

Northern Pike:
Northern pike fishing is good to very good, with the fish distributed in many areas. Small pike are around weeds and weedlines holding panfish and baitfish. Target trophy pike with large baits on mid-depth flats and in somewhat deeper water. Northern suckers, walleye suckers, and shiners on tip-ups set on weeds and weedlines, as well as jigging baits, are icing some fish. Clipping the tail of the minnow will provide a “less active” offering.

Crappie:
Crappie fishing is good in deep lake basins and on mid-depth flats for fish suspending or feeding on the mud bottoms, so make sure to check the entire water column! Best bait offerings include crappie minnows, waxies, plastics, imitation bloodworms and insects, Gulp! baits, and small jigging spoons. Fish keep moving and you will need to do so, too.

Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is good to very good around weeds, weedlines, flats, and basins in depths to 22 feet. Look for fish in weed pockets and on underwater points. As with crappie fishing, make sure to check the entire water column. Waxies and spikes on small jigs and teardrops, and small jigging spoons work well. Try small minnows for those bigger bluegills.