Fishing report Feb 25, 2022

Heavy snow and strong winds falling the early part of this week could make lake access and travel difficult for some time.
Anglers should note removal deadlines for permanent ice shanties are as follows: WI-MN boundary waters: March 1; Inland waters south of Hwy 64: the first Sunday following March 1; Inland waters north of Hwy 64 (including) Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, and Green Bay): the first Sunday following March 12; WI-MI boundary waters: by March 15.

Walleye:
Walleye action is slow, with evening into dark best. Look for fish in 8-35 feet in deep basins, and on steep breaks, shallow humps, and structure. They could begin moving toward pre-stage spawning areas. Walleye suckers and shiners on tip-ups, dead-sticking fatheads and crappie minnows on jigs, and minnow heads on jigging spoons are all catching fish.

Northern Pike:
Northern pike action is mostly steady, though inconsistent at times. Look for pike in 5-15 feet, around and on the edges of shallow weeds, over weed beds, on deep humps, and near panfish schools. They could begin to move to pre-spawn, pre-staging staging areas. Northern suckers and large shiners on tip-ups are the preferred offerings.

Crappie:
Crappie action is good in 10-30 feet in deep basins, on steep drop-offs, humps, and any structure, as well as suspending over deep water. In the evening, work shallow weedlines. Use your locator to check the entire water column. Baits of choice include crappie minnows, fatheads, waxies, spikes, and plastics on jigs and spoons.

Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is consistent, with best success on sunny afternoons. Look for fish in 6-23 feet in shallow bays, on deep humps, and over weed beds, and even with crappies suspending in deep water. Make sure to check the entire water column! Best baits include jigs and spoons tipped with waxies, spikes, and plastics.

Perch:
Perch fishing is improving, with best action on soft bottom flats and humps in 8-20 feet, with some fish deep, especially when the sun is high. Tip small spoons and jigs with crappie minnows, fatheads, rosy reds, waxies, spikes, and micro plastics.