Minocqua Area Fishing Report

Fishing in the Lakeland area got a little tougher after a week of snow and cold. Snow could have been worse, luckily it was light enough to blow off the lakes to some extent. The frozen crust from the earlier ice storm did protect some, but overall on the lakes it’s not bad.

The cold (29 below 2/9) kept more anglers off the ice than the snow did.

Largemouth Bass: Good-Very Good – Huh? I’m constantly reporting how largemouth never seem to get active during the ice season till temps get above 20 degrees. A group of high school students this weekend proved me wrong, as Largemouth were by far the most consistent fish caught during a recent ice tourney. Medium shiners on tip-ups did the trick, though some jigging did produce. Bass to 20” over the weekend

Northern Pike: Fair - Good – Big shiners along 10-14’ weeks. Nice Pike including a fat 34” C&R during tourney.

Bluegill: Fair – Cold and snow slowed anglers pursuing Gills, but some decent reports, from those willing to stick it out, using waxies on teardrops jigs in 8-10’ weeds.

Perch: Fair – Anglers picking up some shallow weed fish in 8-12’ using small minnows or pimples loaded with waxies.

Walleye: Fair – Best towards dusk on suckers on tip-ups.

Crappies: Fair – After a hot bite last weekend during warm period, things have slowed. Anglers seeing Crappies, just tough to get to bite. Best downsizing with small plastics.

Better temps, but chance for more snow could make travel tougher by truck. Snowmobiles and quads with tracks may be a requirement by next weekend. Will try to add update by mid-week.

Derbys

Feb 16th – 3rd Annual Rob Lemmer Memorial Ice Fishing Tournament – Lake Katherine in Hazelhurst

Feb 23rd – 6th Annual Carrol Lake Ice Fishing Tournament – Carrol Lake in Woodruff

Feb 23rd – 13th Annual Lake Tomahawk Family Fun Fisheree – Lake Tomahawk

Feb 23rd – Annual Claus Kraetke Memorial Ice Fishing Jamboree – Donners Bay Resort – Turtle Flambeau Flowage