Fishing Report

The weekend was very productive with lots of large pike caught. Two fish over 39 inches were brought in from Okauchee alone.

Keep fishing the edges of deeper water near bays and current areas for pike. Bigger bait is now the ticket as we approach the pike spawn. Big fish will be staging and smaller fish will move towards shallow weedy and marshy areas. Kessus, Okauchee, Fowler, Golden and Moose are all hot right now.

Walleye fishing has been good, Lac Labelle, Pine and Fox have been producing fish, especially at night. Look for them as shallow as 8 and and as deep as 30 feet. Spread your gear across multiple depths until you find fish. If you're catching all small eyes, move out deeper.

Panfishing has been slow but steady, and the most consistent action has been from crappie fisherman at night. Crappie tend to suspend just below the ice, so if you're seeing marks on your flashers high in the water column, you might be over a school of them. A live minnow, tailed hooked on a small red hook or a teardrop with spikes or waxies should do the trick. Bobber discipline is mandatory. The Genessee lakes, Okauchee, Golden, Nagawicka and Forest have all been productive. The Madison chain is giving up some decent bags, but pressure has been heavy.

As for conditions, the warmer weather has thinned the ice, but most reports have it solid on the local lakes. As always, caution is never a bad thing. If you're heading to Koshkonong or Winnebago, double check with the locals on the conditions.

Good Luck,
CT

PS As of this posting there is open water at the dells. Stay tuned