Old man winter is slowly losing his grip on the Northwoods. Snow is melting quite often, even if it is below freezing the power of the sun takes it's toll on the blacktop daily.

The crappie bite is getting stronger. Reports of big crappies are coming in Guides Choice regularly. The are deep in most cases, 20 to 30 feet. However Thunder Lake that is very shallow has some crappies biting. Long Lake, and Big lakes on the Three Lakes Chain are putting out crappies in 25 feet. They are being caught with small teardrops and crappie minnow. Chartruese green has been very productive. Lost Lake in St. Germain is also active with a crappie bite. South Twin has a pretty nice perch bite going on also, with Rice Bay on Lac Vieux Desert giving up bluegills and perch with an occasional crappie bite happening. The bluegills are eating small purist ice jigs and ratsos tipped with spikes or waxies.

Soon the water will start running in the holes and the panfish bite will take off. The townships are already talking about putting the load limits on next week.

We are just 7 weeks away from Opening Day, I can't wait to get in the boat again.

Stay tuned for more reports as things start to happen on the "Fishing Front" here in Eagle River.


Ranger Rick