Minocqua Area Fishing Report - 12/5/23

Off to a great early ice fishing season in the Lakeland area. Ice on smaller lakes and bays have reports of 4-6” of ice. Light snow, but not enough to hinder ice production when overnights got down into the low teens over the weekend. Anglers getting after it and reporting great success as the early ice has been a relief following a poor gun deer season.

Walleye: Excellent – Walleyes very active. This is a great time to hone your jigging skills as Walleyes reportedly chasing raps and spoons 4-6’ off the bottom, at times 3-4 fish at a time. Most of this action occurring 1 ½ hours pre-dawn as well as the hour either side of dusk in 5-8’ of water. Tip-ups of course scoring using suckers and shiners. But for some “reel” fun, try some jigging for these early ice season Walleye.

Northern Pike: Excellent – Also very active! Most anglers finding success with large, lively bait on tip-ups and Jaw Jackers! That same 5-8’ depths with good weed cover. Don’t be shy to hang ‘em high! Big Pike reported with a 38 ½” St. Germain fish tops, but an equally impressive 37” caught by 10 yr old local legend Elija also iced. Not many do it, but also a great time to jig big pimples or large jigging raps for the Pike. Great fun on a rod and reel.

Crappies: Good – Where and when you can find. Most reports from anglers working shallow green weeds in 6-10’. One report from anglers tip-down fishing in 25’ not able to keep up with 3 lines. Finesse not as important with early ice and good oxygen levels. Minnows or spoons tipped with waxies best.

Bluegills: Good – Most reports are of #’s, but feeling is as anglers get out on the less pressured waters we will hear more on size. The new Clam Tikka Flash has been a surprise hit on these aggressive Gills and Crappies in the smallest size. Otherwise, grubs, spikes and the old reliable teardrop is hard to beat early like this.

Not much for a Perch or Bass report, some being caught.

With such great action, don’t throw caution to the wind. Spud your way across new ice, carry safety spikes, rope and wear floatation jackets or carry a floating cushion. We do have a 24-30 hour or so stretch of above freezing temps (32-45 degrees) before things cool off by Saturday (12/9). Shouldn’t be enough to hurt, just enough to take snow cover off and require cleats to get around.

Upcoming Tournaments

Jan 6th – 73rd Annual Rib Lake Area Ice Fishing Contest – Rib Lake

Jan 6th – 16th Annual NCO Club & AMVETS Post 724 Ice Fishing Tournament – Lake Nokomis