Minocqua Area Fishing Report

With two of the past five nights reaching lows below zero and very little time with temps above freezing, areas of safe ice are increasing rapidly.

Some bays, those protected by the west winds of mid-week, are seeing ice thickness of 5+” already! Caution is still advisable as larger bodies of water have only just skimmed over entirely or are still showing some open spots.

There have been good reports of Walleye action on tip-ups where anglers can get on ice. Smaller Perch have been abundant in the same shallows (5-9’) with a few better Perch taking baits meant for Walleyes.

Crappie anglers finding some very good action and size (11-13”+). Slabs cruising the bays in 5-8’. Small minnows and horizontal jigs tipped with Waxies producing.

With little snow in woods, access to some hard to reach lakes good for anglers willing to walk a ways. Forecast of highs not till weekend to break above freezing bodes well for getting some good solid ice set up.

Be sure during this early ice, to carry safety picks and rope. Take someone along and test all ice with a chisel before walking on…then continue to check as you go!

As landings icing up, focus is on gun deer and ice fishing, few anglers venturing out for final weeks of Musky season.