Ice Report

[Mat Hegy]

The last snow has really increased the slush on area lakes. Many lakes have 6-10 inches of slush under a good layer of snow. Fishing has slowed a bit, but Northerns and Panfish have been the most active. Northerns have been good during the day in 12 feet of water or less around weed edges and weed clumps. Use medium shiners under a tip up set fairly high in the water column, generally just above the weeds. Panfish have been located in the same areas as the Northerns and also out over the mud flats in 15-30 feet of water. Out in deeper water Panfish have been suspending in the water column. In shallow water they are commonly holding tighter to bottom. Walleye have been much slower and holding very tight to bottom. Use small shiners or suckers under a tip up near sunset for best results. Set baits within 6 inches of bottom due to the walleye have been very reluctant to come up for a bait. Keeping mobile is tough right now but it is the key to catching fish.
Good luck to all.