Our last report of the year.
Conditions haven't changed much despite the up and down temperatures. Ice is solid in the shallow areas and bays, with between 8-15 inches being reported. Several reports put ice over deeper water as questionable, and if you are heading out to main-lake areas, use caution over deep water.
Panfish, both crappies and bluegills continue to bite on most area lakes. Bluegills are being caught on waxies, spikes and mousies on either a teardrop or ratfinkee jig. Red, orange and chartruese have been the hot colors. The bite is starting to pick up, and plastics are starting to catch fish.
Crappies are suspended over mid-depth water, but they are biting aggressively during a couple of time periods each day. If you find fish, but they seem a little passive, stay with it, they'll turn on eventually. Match your presentation to the activity level you find. If the fish are biting, jig for them, if the bite is slower, use set poles. Tail hooked minnows, spikes and waxies are catching the most fish right now.
Pike continue an aggressive bite, with shiners being the best bait option. A few anglers are reporting fish over 35 inches, but most fish are between 20-30 inches. Using a spinner on your leader seems to be the key for the bigger fish, as does a red treble hook. Most fish are being caught with the minnow/rig a foot or two of the bottom in weedy or marshy bays.
Walleye are starting to appear more frequently. Lac Labelle and Lake Koshkonong have both been productive. Be aware of the changing ice conditions on both of these bodies of water before you head out, current and springs can do a number on ice, and both lakes have these in abundance. Shiners and small suckers on a tip up can't be beat, but here's the tip of the week. Even if the crowd is catching fish, you'll have more success by moving away from the trucks, augers, drinking and sleds. If you can, try to figure out what type of structure and depth the crowd appears to be fishing, and find another spot like it with less, or even better, no anglers nearby. Setup there and you're likely to meet with some success.
Good Luck and Happy New Year!
CT
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Open: Christmas Eve
We'll be open on Christmas eve for bait or your last minute gift needs. We will be closed on Christmas Day, and re-opening on Friday Morning.
Happy Holidays,
CT
Happy Holidays,
CT
Monday, December 22, 2008
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!
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.
-------
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!
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Weekend Outlook
Well, I hope you survived our snowstorm. It was a doozy. Reports have some more on the way over the next week.
Fishing has been good when people have been out. The weekday fisherman have been fewer in number this season, but by accounts they appear to be doing very well.
Panfish continue to bite in significant numbers, but you will have to sort through them to get keepers. For Bluegills: a teardrop or ratfinkee tipped with waxies, garlic waxies, spikes or mousies. Crappies: The same rig, but also try a crappie minnow tail hooked. Either way suspend your bait just above or right at the depth you see the fish on your camera or electronics. Golden, Okauchee, Fowler, Nagawicka, Forest as well as upper Nashotah and upper and middle Geneesse have been better than average.
Pike have been on fire since early ice. A spinner-treble leader baited with a shiner has been the best overall option. Lots of shorties are reported, but some quality sized (30+ inchers) are still being caught on many lakes. Any of the lakes or river backwaters with marshy areas should have solid pike action. But consider trying the Bay Five, Icehouse Bay or Crane's nest areas on Okauchee. Golden and Moose are usually pretty good this time of year as well.
We've had limited reports of walleye being caught, but Lac Labelle is starting to see some fisherman out on the ice. There's some nice weeds and a pretty good drop off just off the public launch/beach area if you want to give it a go. Pine, Nagawicka, North and Golden also have walleyes and can be productive if you find the fish. The best reports we have right now are from Beaver Dam and Fox Lake.
Good Luck and stay safe
CT
Fishing has been good when people have been out. The weekday fisherman have been fewer in number this season, but by accounts they appear to be doing very well.
Panfish continue to bite in significant numbers, but you will have to sort through them to get keepers. For Bluegills: a teardrop or ratfinkee tipped with waxies, garlic waxies, spikes or mousies. Crappies: The same rig, but also try a crappie minnow tail hooked. Either way suspend your bait just above or right at the depth you see the fish on your camera or electronics. Golden, Okauchee, Fowler, Nagawicka, Forest as well as upper Nashotah and upper and middle Geneesse have been better than average.
Pike have been on fire since early ice. A spinner-treble leader baited with a shiner has been the best overall option. Lots of shorties are reported, but some quality sized (30+ inchers) are still being caught on many lakes. Any of the lakes or river backwaters with marshy areas should have solid pike action. But consider trying the Bay Five, Icehouse Bay or Crane's nest areas on Okauchee. Golden and Moose are usually pretty good this time of year as well.
We've had limited reports of walleye being caught, but Lac Labelle is starting to see some fisherman out on the ice. There's some nice weeds and a pretty good drop off just off the public launch/beach area if you want to give it a go. Pine, Nagawicka, North and Golden also have walleyes and can be productive if you find the fish. The best reports we have right now are from Beaver Dam and Fox Lake.
Good Luck and stay safe
CT
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Condolences
All of us at Musky Mikes want to send our condolences to Dennis Radloff and his entire family for the recent loss of his son in an automobile accident.
Dennis has been an "on the water" friend to me for some time, and he's been a friend of the shop for much longer than that.
CT
Dennis has been an "on the water" friend to me for some time, and he's been a friend of the shop for much longer than that.
CT
Monday, December 15, 2008
Monday Information Update
Hey gang,
We are selling shiners and they are catching pike. That would be my response if someone asked me how things were going.
The ice is getting solid in the protected areas and shallow bays. Anglers were reporting between 6-9 inches in most of the early ice areas. We don't have any good reports on the ice over the deeper water, but we have heard that some areas are better than others. If you head out deep, be sure to be aware of the possibility that the ice conditions may vary from lake to lake.
But I would point out that no-one needs to head out deep to catch fish right now. Quality pike are being caught in the protected bays. Shiners on a tip up are producing, with lots of 30+ inch fish being reported. Okauchee, Golden and the shallow areas of Fowler and Moose have all been producing some quality fish.
The wind has kept a few panfish anglers off the ice the last week, but the fish continue to bite. Bluegills can be caught jigging on a teardop or ratfinkee tipped with live bait, while crappies are being reported caught on small minnows hooked in the tail and left on still poles. Watch for them on your electronics just past half way down and keep the minnows just above them.
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Need a last minute Christmas gift/ Stop by the shop for some great ideas. Rattletraps and floating rapalas are great stocking stuffers for fisherman of all ages and abilities, and if you're looking for a larger gift, consider having our staff build your loved one a new rod and reel combo. Nothing makes a fisherman's winter go faster than imagining making a cast with their new pole.
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I haven't talked about it for awhile, but we still have some slots available for our fly-in fishing trip to Canada next August. If you are interested in going on a week long adventure in the bush of Northwest Ontario, contact me via email.
If you want to see what the action is like up there, consider watching Babe Winkleman's show the week of January 17th on either Versus or Fox Sports Net. Babe took his family up to one of the lakes run by the same outfitter we are using for the trip. I haven't seen the footage, but it sounds like they caught some fish while they were there.
I'll try to capture the video and post it here for you after the show runs.
-----
Good luck out there, and stay safe!
CT
We are selling shiners and they are catching pike. That would be my response if someone asked me how things were going.
The ice is getting solid in the protected areas and shallow bays. Anglers were reporting between 6-9 inches in most of the early ice areas. We don't have any good reports on the ice over the deeper water, but we have heard that some areas are better than others. If you head out deep, be sure to be aware of the possibility that the ice conditions may vary from lake to lake.
But I would point out that no-one needs to head out deep to catch fish right now. Quality pike are being caught in the protected bays. Shiners on a tip up are producing, with lots of 30+ inch fish being reported. Okauchee, Golden and the shallow areas of Fowler and Moose have all been producing some quality fish.
The wind has kept a few panfish anglers off the ice the last week, but the fish continue to bite. Bluegills can be caught jigging on a teardop or ratfinkee tipped with live bait, while crappies are being reported caught on small minnows hooked in the tail and left on still poles. Watch for them on your electronics just past half way down and keep the minnows just above them.
-----
Need a last minute Christmas gift/ Stop by the shop for some great ideas. Rattletraps and floating rapalas are great stocking stuffers for fisherman of all ages and abilities, and if you're looking for a larger gift, consider having our staff build your loved one a new rod and reel combo. Nothing makes a fisherman's winter go faster than imagining making a cast with their new pole.
-----
I haven't talked about it for awhile, but we still have some slots available for our fly-in fishing trip to Canada next August. If you are interested in going on a week long adventure in the bush of Northwest Ontario, contact me via email.
If you want to see what the action is like up there, consider watching Babe Winkleman's show the week of January 17th on either Versus or Fox Sports Net. Babe took his family up to one of the lakes run by the same outfitter we are using for the trip. I haven't seen the footage, but it sounds like they caught some fish while they were there.
I'll try to capture the video and post it here for you after the show runs.
-----
Good luck out there, and stay safe!
CT
Friday, December 12, 2008
Fishing Report 12-12-08
Fishing has been steady the past week to 10 days. Anglers have been reporting action from both panfish and pike, with some quality pike being caught. The shallow bays and protected areas are reporting between 3-8" of ice on most lakes.
Panfish are relating to green weeds in 4-10 feet of water. With the heavy snow, not many anglers have ventured out over deeper water, but those working the shallow protected bays are catching a mix of crappies, bluegills and perch.
Waxies, garlic waxies, mousies and spikes on a teardrop or spider jig has been the best combo, but a few anglers reported catching some nice crappies on set poles with a tail hooked minnow on a small red hook.
Anglers on Bay Five and Icehouse Bays on Okauchee, Forest Lake, Upper and Middle Genessee and Golden Lake all have reported excellent panfish action.
Steady Pike action has been reported from Okauchee, Nagawicka, Golden lakes. Although accurate reports from other areas have been harder to come by this season than usual, many anglers are venturing out to area lakes in search of pike. We know they are biting by the size of the fish that are being reported. Multiple 30+ inch fish were caught since our last report.
Tip-ups with a mono or Gillman brand leader baited with medium or large shiners have been the most consistent producers this season. A few anglers have reported success with small suckers as well. Most anglers are concentrating their efforts near the anglers targeting panfish.
We don't have any solid reports of walleye action yet, but as anglers start to venture out to deeper water, we expect them to start rolling in. If you want to target walleyes through the ice, Fox Lake in Dodge County, Pine or Lac Labelle are your best local options. If you can access Oconomowoc Lake, you'll probably have some success there too.
Keep safety in mind if you do head out to deeper water or anytime you are ice fishing. The ice wasn't fully formed on many lakes before the snowfall, and there may be places where its not solid. Spud your way out, and consider a PFD.
Good luck, and be safe!
CT
PS: Now's a great time for Christmas Shopping, forget the socks and consider a gift certificate from the store or a guide trip for your loved one this year.
Panfish are relating to green weeds in 4-10 feet of water. With the heavy snow, not many anglers have ventured out over deeper water, but those working the shallow protected bays are catching a mix of crappies, bluegills and perch.
Waxies, garlic waxies, mousies and spikes on a teardrop or spider jig has been the best combo, but a few anglers reported catching some nice crappies on set poles with a tail hooked minnow on a small red hook.
Anglers on Bay Five and Icehouse Bays on Okauchee, Forest Lake, Upper and Middle Genessee and Golden Lake all have reported excellent panfish action.
Steady Pike action has been reported from Okauchee, Nagawicka, Golden lakes. Although accurate reports from other areas have been harder to come by this season than usual, many anglers are venturing out to area lakes in search of pike. We know they are biting by the size of the fish that are being reported. Multiple 30+ inch fish were caught since our last report.
Tip-ups with a mono or Gillman brand leader baited with medium or large shiners have been the most consistent producers this season. A few anglers have reported success with small suckers as well. Most anglers are concentrating their efforts near the anglers targeting panfish.
We don't have any solid reports of walleye action yet, but as anglers start to venture out to deeper water, we expect them to start rolling in. If you want to target walleyes through the ice, Fox Lake in Dodge County, Pine or Lac Labelle are your best local options. If you can access Oconomowoc Lake, you'll probably have some success there too.
Keep safety in mind if you do head out to deeper water or anytime you are ice fishing. The ice wasn't fully formed on many lakes before the snowfall, and there may be places where its not solid. Spud your way out, and consider a PFD.
Good luck, and be safe!
CT
PS: Now's a great time for Christmas Shopping, forget the socks and consider a gift certificate from the store or a guide trip for your loved one this year.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The ice is still thin, but the fish are biting
The ice is still a bit on the thin side, with most frozen areas reporting 2-5" of ice. I'd stick to the shallow bays for a few more days.
Fish are biting though, multiple pike over 30 inches have been caught since our last report, including a 32" on Bay Five. Shiners on one of the Gillman leaders seem to be producing the best.
Panfish reports are sketchy, but the information we are getting from anglers indicates that if you put in the work, you can get a nice bag of keepers. Waxies and garlic waxies or mousies have been the best for gills.
Stay Safe,
CT
Fish are biting though, multiple pike over 30 inches have been caught since our last report, including a 32" on Bay Five. Shiners on one of the Gillman leaders seem to be producing the best.
Panfish reports are sketchy, but the information we are getting from anglers indicates that if you put in the work, you can get a nice bag of keepers. Waxies and garlic waxies or mousies have been the best for gills.
Stay Safe,
CT
Friday, December 5, 2008
Ice
Reports are starting to filter in on our area lakes. It appears that the ice in the shallow, protected bays is starting to firm up, although ice over deeper water is still thin at best. Reports have most of the early freezing areas with between 3-5 inches of ice. Watch out for deep water spots, and areas where there is current. Stick to the shallow protected areas for now.
Bay Five and Tierney have both seen people out this week, as have Fox Lake and Forest Lake. Gills are being caught in Madison, and there's some significant activity occurring in the Oshkosh Skipper Buds area as well.
Be careful if you are heading out. Be sure to spud your way out, and consider wearing a PFD. Take it from me, going through is no picnic. Not only does it ruin your day, it has the potential to ruin a whole lot more.
During this early ice period, its not a bad strategy to stick to these areas anyway. Shallow bays can be quite productive. Gills, crappie and pike will all relate to any weeds or shallow cover they can find. A good way to cover water is to put out a couple tipups and jig for panfish with a third pole.
Waxies, mousies, and wigglers are good live bait options for gills. Crappie minnows or plastics can also be productive for panfish and perch. If going for pike or gamefish, shiners or small suckers are the traditional options. Cut bait can also work and is a good way to make use of some of the smaller gills you'll probably catch.
We're setup for your ice fishing needs, and the guys in the shop we'll have up to date information.
Good Luck and Be Safe,
CT
Bay Five and Tierney have both seen people out this week, as have Fox Lake and Forest Lake. Gills are being caught in Madison, and there's some significant activity occurring in the Oshkosh Skipper Buds area as well.
Be careful if you are heading out. Be sure to spud your way out, and consider wearing a PFD. Take it from me, going through is no picnic. Not only does it ruin your day, it has the potential to ruin a whole lot more.
During this early ice period, its not a bad strategy to stick to these areas anyway. Shallow bays can be quite productive. Gills, crappie and pike will all relate to any weeds or shallow cover they can find. A good way to cover water is to put out a couple tipups and jig for panfish with a third pole.
Waxies, mousies, and wigglers are good live bait options for gills. Crappie minnows or plastics can also be productive for panfish and perch. If going for pike or gamefish, shiners or small suckers are the traditional options. Cut bait can also work and is a good way to make use of some of the smaller gills you'll probably catch.
We're setup for your ice fishing needs, and the guys in the shop we'll have up to date information.
Good Luck and Be Safe,
CT
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Update: 12-3-08
Well gang, there's not much to report just yet.
Ice has formed on the traditional early spots, but reports on how thick it actually is have been pretty few and far between.
There's Ice on Bay Five and Tierney Bay. Forest Lake off Highway C is also covered. Some reports have the ice as thick as 3", but those have not been verified. If you are heading out, spud your way and wear a PFD. We need a solid cold snap for ice production.
I'd expect people to start heading out this weekend, but we need some cold before I'll be out there. If you just have to get out, the gills are biting by Skipper Buds in Oshkosh, although ice reports there have been sketchy.
We'll stay up to date as information is available, but your best bet is always to stop in and check out the latest conditions in the shop. Besides, we're having a 15% of sale right now. A great time to stock up on your ice fishing gear and re-stock anything you used up during open water.
Stay Tuned,
CT
Ice has formed on the traditional early spots, but reports on how thick it actually is have been pretty few and far between.
There's Ice on Bay Five and Tierney Bay. Forest Lake off Highway C is also covered. Some reports have the ice as thick as 3", but those have not been verified. If you are heading out, spud your way and wear a PFD. We need a solid cold snap for ice production.
I'd expect people to start heading out this weekend, but we need some cold before I'll be out there. If you just have to get out, the gills are biting by Skipper Buds in Oshkosh, although ice reports there have been sketchy.
We'll stay up to date as information is available, but your best bet is always to stop in and check out the latest conditions in the shop. Besides, we're having a 15% of sale right now. A great time to stock up on your ice fishing gear and re-stock anything you used up during open water.
Stay Tuned,
CT
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