Central WI Fishing Report

The window of warm weather prior to the most recent visit from old man winter has thankfully hastened the arrival of the open water season, and with it a variety of excellent local angling opportunities. Walleye fishing has garnished most of the attention of late, and for good reason – it has overall been steady action. The Wisconsin River and its flowages in the greater Wausau area are home to a large and healthy population of walleyes, some of which fall into the classification of a true trophy.

With the return of water and current levels to more normal levels, numbers of walleyes are being found stacked up adjacent to areas where current is funneled. Mister Twister multi-colored jigheads in lime/chartreuse and orange/chartreuse tipped with a 3” Exude Curly Tail Grub (yellow, chartreuse, or white) and fathead minnow have been a sure fire method for producing numbers of marble eyes already this spring. Vertical jigging deeper pools and eddies has been best during the daytime; make sure to use just enough weight to keep your presentation vertical.

Casting shallower rocky areas has been productive during the low-light periods of early morning and evening, as well as after dark. Keep in mind, when working shallow spots, a lighter jig is in order. Try fan casting these areas using the current to help manipulate your presentation and cover water. A retrieve that allows the jig to occasionally just tick bottom has preferred and will consistently keep your lure in the strike zone.

Jigs are not the only presentation to keep in mind right now as crank baits are also producing fish, and will really become “hot” as the water warms. Anglers looking to score using this technique will need to have an array of sizes and models available to match water conditions and the mood of the fish. Rapala and Storm minnow-style crank baits such as Thundersticks, Shad Raps, and Countdowns are all taking fish right now. While casting in shallower rocky areas both during the day and night time will produce fish, do not overlook trolling as an option for producing both numbers and big walleyes during the spawn and post spawn time frame.

Another predator that is making for some fine rod bending action at present is the northern pike. This is as good as any time of year to catch pike, especially big pike, up shallow. Anglers who cashed in on late ice pike action should begin their search in many of the same areas, only now on the open water. Dark-bottomed bays, coves, and backwaters are areas currently holding decent numbers of pike. Live bait presentations have been tough to beat, with large golden shiners and sucker minnows seemingly the top choices of local pike right now. Suspend your offering beneath a slip bobber, taking care to keep bait lively as well as covering water to find which areas are holding the most fish.

The turkeys are gobbling, and the fish are biting – thank goodness it’s spring! I’ll see you on the water…

Tight lines,
Joel