Fishing & Hunting

**It is FREE FISHING weekend here in Wisconsin, so residents and non-residents can fish the 17th and 18th, without a license! There is also a great family tournament happening in St. Germain on the 17th. Go to the Facebook page for Battle on St Germain Lakes for all the information.

We’re into mid-January now, and experiencing a typical winter is nice! Recent snow and cold have generally improved ice thickness across the Eagle River and Vilas County area, but travel and conditions remain somewhat variable and occasionally tricky. Snow has helped pack down slush in some spots, and where there has been either foot or machine traffic getting around isn’t too difficult. Other areas are still soft and uneven, so patience and caution are important.

Current ice reports around the area are showing generally solid ice with consistent 12-14” thickness on most lakes, though lighter areas still exist — which means always spud as you go in any unfamiliar areas, especially when you’re near pressure cracks, shoreline heaves, currents or drains. Many lakes have that “layer cake” of ice, snow, and slush that can make travel difficult, and some marked lake trails are still limited or not yet fully flagged. Foot travel is still the safest way to get around for most anglers right now, and if you do take machines, go slow and stick to beaten paths.

Walleye action has continued to be one of the highlights this last week. Anglers are finding consistent flags along weed edges and transition breaks in the 10-14’ range, with medium shiners or sucker minnows on tip-ups producing most of the results. Whether one or the other works seems to depend on the day and the location, so taking a little of both won’t hurt. Jigging with rattle spoons continues to draw fish in, and some of the best action is happening during low-light periods at dusk, with decent action still coming after dark.

Northern pike fishing is still good as well, with fish relating to remaining green weed patches and edges. Tip-ups baited with larger shiners or suckers continue to generate solid flags in the 10’ depth range. They’ll spread out more as the weeds lie down, but for now those weeds are still productive.

Panfish are providing reliable action for anglers who put in the time. Perch are being caught in deeper water, often in the 15-20’ range on flats, with a mix of modest and respectable fish showing up through the ice. Bluegills are generally holding shallower near cabbage and weed edges — often less than 10’ — and are responding well to small jigs tipped with wax worms or spikes. Crappies are showing up a bit more, especially in afternoon and early evening hours. If they’re not in the weeds look in the deep holes. Small minnows or waxies are working with minnows on a tip-down starting to be the best ticket.

Looking ahead to the next week or so, it seems like more cold is coming. Breezy conditions and low clouds with some snow on and off will be part of the mix, and while that doesn’t change the bite much, it does make travel and comfort more of a consideration while you’re out there. We’re looking at classic mid-winter variables as of this writing— solid ice in most places, unpredictable in some others. Keep your eyes and ears open out there, and you’re in for some great times on the ice.

When you’re not out catching fish, take some time to catch some of the beauty out in the woods right now. Whether you’re on snowmobile trail, or in the woods on skis or snowshoes – it’s really beautiful out there.

Good luck and good fishin’!