Fishing report February 2nd, 2022

Most anglers report fair to good success for most species, with timing bite windows important. Ice thickness is 10-15 inches on most lakes. Most anglers are using ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles, with some driving out vehicles. IF you do, use extreme caution: a few have gone through this winter.

Walleye:
Walleye action is a bit slow. On the deep, clear lakes, target breaklines and structure in 20-35 feet. On shallow lakes with dark water, fish near weeds and wood in 8-10 feet. Move until you find the fish. Top baits include walleye suckers and shiner under tip-ups and dead sticks, and Jigging Raps and spoons on jigging rods.

Northern Pike:
Northern pike fishing is good to very good around green weeds, weed edges, and baitfish and panfish concentrations out to 20 feet. Large northern suckers and shiners on tip-ups work well, but do not overlook big dead baits.

Crappie:
Crappie action is good when you can locate and stay on the fish. Look for them stacked and suspending anywhere in the water column of deep basins. Crappie minnows, waxies, spikes, and plastics on jigs will work, but Jigging Raps, Rippin’ Raps, and spoons can pull the large fish from schools.

Bluegill:
Bluegill fishing is good, with fish on green weeds, weed edges, and cribs. Be mobile to stay on active fish and hit the bite windows for best success. Use waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs, teardrops, and plain hooks.