Joel DeBoer
12-04-2008, 09:50 PM
The hard-water fishing season is here and off to a terrific start on the lakes and rivers of the greater Wausau area. Crappies have been active with good numbers of average to above-average sized fish available. “Hole-hopping” in depths of 8’-15’ of water has been productive as schools of fish move from one area to the next. Ice jigs tipped with waxies have been best with top producing colors varying as the light conditions change. Once an active school of fish is located, dead-sticking a crappie minnow below a slip bobber in the immediate vicinity is producing additional action.
Anglers looking to experience excellent tip-up action for both northern pike and walleyes would be wise to venture forth on area water as well. Both species have been aggressive during the early ice bite and readily consuming sucker minnows and golden shiners suspended below tip-ups on red Mustad treble hooks. The bite of late has been shallow for the most part as northern pike are being caught during the day from weed edges and stumpy flats during the day; during the low-light periods, these same areas are producing good catches of walleyes, including many fish in the “slot” (20”-28”) and ample “eaters” too. The best edges and flats have been located in close proximity to main river channels or main lake basins.
Anglers looking for an overlooked but productive tactic for scoring on both northern pike and walleyes should also consider jigging, even in the shallow water. Jigging baits and jigging spoons in perch, orange, gold, and firetiger patterns are all accounting for fish; whichever lure you choose, be sure to tip it with a minnow head. Not only does this add a little extra silhouette, but the scent and taste often triggers reluctant fish into biting.
While ice in many of the backwaters and bays is a solid 5”-7”, caution is a must when venturing out over areas where current is present as ice thickness can vary significantly.
Tight lines,
Anglers looking to experience excellent tip-up action for both northern pike and walleyes would be wise to venture forth on area water as well. Both species have been aggressive during the early ice bite and readily consuming sucker minnows and golden shiners suspended below tip-ups on red Mustad treble hooks. The bite of late has been shallow for the most part as northern pike are being caught during the day from weed edges and stumpy flats during the day; during the low-light periods, these same areas are producing good catches of walleyes, including many fish in the “slot” (20”-28”) and ample “eaters” too. The best edges and flats have been located in close proximity to main river channels or main lake basins.
Anglers looking for an overlooked but productive tactic for scoring on both northern pike and walleyes should also consider jigging, even in the shallow water. Jigging baits and jigging spoons in perch, orange, gold, and firetiger patterns are all accounting for fish; whichever lure you choose, be sure to tip it with a minnow head. Not only does this add a little extra silhouette, but the scent and taste often triggers reluctant fish into biting.
While ice in many of the backwaters and bays is a solid 5”-7”, caution is a must when venturing out over areas where current is present as ice thickness can vary significantly.
Tight lines,