Limit Catch Ice Fishing

[Naz]

Scott, great catch! You're right on in your assessment that the fish are almost everywhere — shallow, deep and everywhere in between. Also right on in getting away from the crowds. I watch them on the camera and sometimes they go flying away when a truck is rumbling by. We've done well in 20-30 fow from Little Sturgeon Bay to Sugar Creek, but I know guys doing well in very shallow water farther south and farther east, and some doing well in 40+ feet while concentrating on perch. We've done well on size 2 Swedish Pimples, jigging Raps, 1/16-ounce Flash spoons, plain hooks and "crappie jigs" all tipped with minnow pieces and/or waxies. You're right on the concentration part ... I've been outfished often by guys who are really into it while I'm carrying on a conversation or looking around at a guy chasing a tip-up, etc. Perch should get good later in the month for sure. And, I'm looking forward to the colder weather later in the week. It's getting sloppy out there but once it hardens again should be pretty nice. Stay safe and let me know if you want to get out for a perch story later on.

[Naz]

Just wanted to post a "thank you!" to Scott for a donated spring walleye or brown trout trip to the Strawberry Creek salmon facility benefit March 21 at the Ladder House in Sturgeon Bay, 1-4 p.m. The public is welcome. No fee to come check out the raffles, silent auction, PowerPoint show and more, including smoked fish, cheese and crackers and a fully-staffed upstairs bar for a soda, juice, beer or mixer. Anyone who wants more info can call me at (920) 883-9792 or retired DNR fisheries supervisor Mike Toneys at (920) 743-9711. We have fishing and hunting trips, gear, Door County lodging stays, fish and wildlife art and more to raffle/auction off. Bring some $ and meet guides, other anglers and past and present DNR fisheries staff in a relaxed setting.

And, an update on fishing: the whitefish are still coming strong, mainly 20-30 feet of water but some guys fishing 'em shallower or deeper. Small baits tipped with minnow pieces or waxies and fished on or near bottom. You miss a lot and lose a lot, but if you hang in there, can get a lot, too. We haven't been getting many perch, but some friends in 40-60 feet are occasionally doing OK. They should be moving in to stage for spawning pretty soon, I would think (probably about the time the perch season closes in less than two weeks!). We've been doing better without the camera lately, but boy, it sure is fun to watch 'em on camera, too.

The ice is still plenty thick and lots of snow on top. A couple warmer days would help get rid of the snow and a return to cold this weekend means we'll still be fishing a long time yet. We've been driving out a half-mile to a mile or more at most spots with trucks, but as usual, you better know the area and proceed with caution this late in the season. Stay safe and have fun!