Safe Ice...... Finally!!!!

With the last couple of below 0 zero nights the ice is pushing 5 to 8 inches in most places. The walleye bite has been good in the early morning and then again after dark. Shallow flats close to wood or weeds has been the favorite areas for fishermen to target them. Golden Shiners or Suckers on a number #8 treble or my favorite a #1 octopus hook work great. Bluegill action has been hot and heavy, the only thing holding people back from fishing for them was thin ice. Now that the ice is safe for foot travel and for ATV's on some lakes more people will be able to get to the cribs and other areas that hold the gills and crappie. Crappie action had been fair to good. The fishermen that are doing the best are jigging plastics like Ratso or using small spoons like the Little Cecil. They are also using tip downs and dead sticks in the areas where they are jigging.

John, is the chain in phillips safe for ATV travel in your opinion or are there some areas to watch out for?

Duroy and Wilson should be ok..... There was a Jeep on Duroy on Monday but that is just insane. Long has some pretty sketchy spots on it yet.

Thanks, i am on long lake so will probably wait til the barrels are out there before using the ATV.