SPECIAL EDITOR'S NOTE: Don't forget that
unlike most all other areas of
Wisconsin, the walleye and northern season on many of the
waters in the
Central Wisconsin area DO NOT CLOSE. You don't have to just
settle for
panfish! Check ahead to make sure the water you want to
fish is indeed one
of those that remain "open."
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(Head): Ice and open water anglers both, are having success
with walleyes,
northerns, and panfish - - all going on in and amidst the
lakes and the
Wisconsin River of Wisconsin's Marathon and Lincoln Counties
(near Mosinee
and Wausau).
(Lead): Open water fishing has started in Central Wisconsin,
while ice
anglers are still enjoying late season success, as well.
If you go out on
the ice, please use a local guide. Warmer temps and rain
are eroding the
ice. Things are opening up - - and while there may still
be SOME at least
marginally safe areas on which to ice fish, it's essential
that only those
who know the area intimately head out. That means using
an area guide. Be
safe - -not sorry!
Open water anglers are getting out below the many dams
in the Central
Wisconsin area, and some downriver areas have opened up
enough to allow
accessibility for fishing.
Walleyes are the main target for open water anglers in
the Central Wisconsin
area. The walleyes are holding in the deeper pools in
12 to 16 feet of
water - -up to 24 feet deep in some areas. Some anglers
are also picking up
some nice northerns, and a few sturgeon are hitting, and
if caught
IMMEDIATELY released. Jigs tipped with minnows are the
best way to target
these fish right now.
Ice fishing in the Central Wisconsin area still has maybe
a little time left
(remember the admonition about caution and using a local
guide!), and ice
anglers can cash in on some opportunities for the last
of the season
crappies, bluegills and perch. Look for these panfish
to be holding in
shallow water, associated with weeds. Try 3 to 5 feet
of water, and keep
your presentation right at, or above the weed line. Tip
downs with small
minnows or teardrop jigs tipped with waxies will catch
fish all day.
Ice anglers in the Central Wisconsin area are also getting
walleye and
northern action by working back water areas of the Wisconsin
River. Try
running tip ups in 2 to 5 feet of water, baited with shiner
minnows or small
sucker minnows, set about a foot off the bottom.
Turkey season is right around the corner in the Central
Wisconsin area, and
this is a good time to start looking for flocks of turkey
in the fields.
Find them now so when the season arrives the looking part
is done, and then
all you have to do is the hunting part
