Monday Information Update

Happy Holidays,

Here's your monday report.

The cold weather this weekend kept alot of people home, but those that ventured out met with some great success. Ice reports are coming in. Most protected areas and shallow bays are showing between 8-12inches. Deep water appears to be solidifying, but I'd still exercise some caution over water over 20 feet deep.

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Pike continue to bite aggressively on most of our area lakes. Larger shiners on a spinner leader with a red treble hook has been incredibly effective. Most fish are being caught in water less than 12 feet deep. Suspending your bait just above the bottom or the structure seems to be really bringing the fish. Okauchee, Golden, Nagawicka, Moose, Fowler, Lower Genessee and Kessus have all been active.


Crappie are really starting to bite. Flats adjacent to the current areas have been the most active, but the fish are starting to turn on on most lakes. Okauchee has been giving up some quality keepers, but, Lac Labelle, Lake Five and the Nehbamin lakes have also been productive. Small minnows suspended on set poles or jigging with a larger jig with waxies or mousies has been the hot bite.


Bluegills continue to bite. Ratfinkees, teardrop or spider jigs tipped with waxies or spikes seems to be the best bite. Okauchee, Silver, Kessus, Middle and Upper Genessee, Lower and Upper Phantom and the Madison Chain have all been giving up keepers.


Walleye reports remain fairly sctattered, but we did get some reports of walleyes from Beaver Dam, Fox, Lac Labelle, Pine and North Lake. It appears that most walleyes being caught right now are being taken by anglers targeting pike with shiner baited tip ups. Given the temperatures and snow last week, I don't think many anglers were on the water after dark, and thus walleye reports were limited. If you really want to hunt for walleyes I recommend heading up to Asylum Bay on Winnebago or down to the Vinne Ha Ha area of Lake Koshkonong. Both areas are big water and have constantly changing ice conditions which require you to be extra aware, but lots of reports of walleye being caught are rolling into the shop and onto my cell phone over the last week.


Stay safe, good luck and happy holidays!
CT


PS. Up to date information is always available at the shop. Call. or better yet, stop in and say hi!