Fishing report 2-2-23

The current stretch of very cold temperatures might take some time to affect the inconsistent ice depths, as there is considerable insulating cover. Foot travel remains the best mode, though many anglers are taking snowmobiles. Even at this point in the season, it is wise to check as you go.

Walleye:

Walleye action is fair to good, with best success in early morning and evening into after dark when fish are in shallow to feed. Walleye suckers and medium shiners on tip-ups, fatheads on dead-sticks, jigging and flutter spoons, blade baits, and small finesse baits can all be very effective at certain times. Angles just have to figure out those times!

Northern Pike:

Northern pike fishing is good to very good, with fish spread from shallow weeds, weed edges, flats, and bays, to deeper drop-offs, shelves, and points, and wherever you find panfish and baitfish concentrations. Northern suckers and large shiners on tip-ups set up over these areas are generating some very good action.

Crappie:

Crappie anglers are doing well once they locate the suspending schools of fish in deep lake basins. Plan to drill many holes and move with the schools for best success. Crappie minnows, waxies, and plastics on tungsten jigs, small Jigging Raps, Tikka Minos, jigging spoons, and rattle baits are all producing fish.

Bluegill and Perch:

Bluegill fishing is good to very good. Find fish around shallow to mid-depth weeds, brush, cribs, and other structure. Waxies, spikes, plastics, and Gulp! baits on small jigs and teardrops are all effective. Perch are near the bottom in lake basins, hitting small spoons tipped with minnow heads.