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Wisconsin => Ice Fishing Wisconsin => Topic started by: matt12 on Jan 14, 2017, 11:21 PM

Title: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Jan 14, 2017, 11:21 PM
i know not many people are active in this section but i would like to keep people a little informed on whats going in our neck of the woods.


temps have been up and way down. which makes fishing difficult at times.

ice i would say is about 13'. about 9" is solid great ice.

i hear of swamps being open yet, and springs are still flowing, no ice is safe!

but many trucks on the ice today. including my 3\4 ton!

its been cold so i can confidently say its solid. im surprised at how much ice did not form. 20-f (that's a whole other debate!)

going to get pretty warm, going to hunt down some fat crappies. was in walleye mode but nice weather just forces you to jig slabs.\


tight lines!

Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 16, 2017, 10:17 PM
Hows the slush, we're heading back up to Land O Lakes next thurs.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Jan 18, 2017, 08:20 AM
1/17/17

weather was amazing. 40s, sunny, and little wind.

crappies were a tough bite at first, but then moved to find a more aggressive school.

this lake had about 14" of ice. not alot of snow. the wheeler got around just fine.  very limited slush pockets. mainly only where many holes were drilled.

had 2 bonus walleyes on the jig rods, 22"+

hole hopped between maybe 12 holes using only waxies. dead sticked a minnow which also helped fill the bucket.

going to be pretty warm this week, might create some extra slush in spots not packed down. dont get weather like this in january very often!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 18, 2017, 06:56 PM
Heading out Saturday, last Sunday we had 16" of ice here I also drove out my f150 I imagine it is a little slushy now after these warm days knocking the snow down on the ice.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: CharlieBrn on Jan 18, 2017, 10:19 PM
Best of luck to you guys.  After leaving Wisconsin 4 years ago now, seems the ice conditions and weather certainly make for an up and down season.  Action was fair up here in Alaska up to a week ago.  Winter finally arrived with 2 feet of snow with -30's right behind it.  2 solid feet of ice now but getting out to the lakes with the recent snow fall will be a chore.  Most lakes up here are seldom touched by hardwater anglers and you don't see small ice shack towns establish grounds like we do back home.  Having said that, it is something special to be the only one on an entire lake and the most of scene on the ice other than myself maybe another 2 or 3 anglers. Not that Alaskans don't ice fish, it's just not the winter pass time as it is in Wisconsin.  Tight lines everyone, be safe and looking forward to see pics of your days on the ice. 
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Jan 19, 2017, 10:07 AM
Best of luck to you guys.  After leaving Wisconsin 4 years ago now, seems the ice conditions and weather certainly make for an up and down season.  Action was fair up here in Alaska up to a week ago.  Winter finally arrived with 2 feet of snow with -30's right behind it.  2 solid feet of ice now but getting out to the lakes with the recent snow fall will be a chore.  Most lakes up here are seldom touched by hardwater anglers and you don't see small ice shack towns establish grounds like we do back home.  Having said that, it is something special to be the only one on an entire lake and the most of scene on the ice other than myself maybe another 2 or 3 anglers. Not that Alaskans don't ice fish, it's just not the winter pass time as it is in Wisconsin.  Tight lines everyone, be safe and looking forward to see pics of your days on the ice.


definitely jealous! would love to fish up there for a few days. mountains surrounding the lakes. must be very peaceful compared to the sh.t show around here sometimes lol

good luck to you as well sir.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: crayphish on Jan 20, 2017, 07:40 AM
thanks for the reports, always good to read updates from guys out on the ice. will be up near lac du flambeau next weekend, will be traveling on foot so i'm hoping for the snow to get knocked down and then the slush frozen before then. neither lake is huge so i think we'll be OK if we take our time.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 20, 2017, 01:01 PM
It is 37° and pretty good steady rain most of the day so far today. The snow should definitely be knocked down quite a bit. The snowmobilers are not happy.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: crayphish on Jan 20, 2017, 06:16 PM
wow. working on my smitty sled none the less.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 23, 2017, 08:12 AM
I was out Saturday the snow was gone off the ice and water running down the holes like flushing a toilet. We still had 16" of ice but it looks to be getting soft. We drove our trucks out but I am starting to get nervous about driving out anymore until we get some cold weather. We sure don't need any snow right now we need cold.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: crayphish on Jan 23, 2017, 09:26 AM
thanks again, looks like the cold will come around wednesday. we'll be up and fishing by friday midday.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Jan 23, 2017, 11:51 AM
Thanks for the update Eric, hopefully ill try hitting the ice again this week.

waiting to get my truck lights fixed  :-\   


some cold weather would be great before this snow they talk about...
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 23, 2017, 03:32 PM
It is 37° and pretty good steady rain most of the day so far today. The snow should definitely be knocked down quite a bit. The snowmobilers are not happy.

I have friends who own a resort and a restaurant in Land O Lakes and they're wondering how much money they're going to lose this year.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: dbuchmann on Jan 23, 2017, 07:07 PM
Pulled my permanent shack off the ice tonight just because of the crappy weather.  Top two inches of ice was honeycombed and still lots of water on the ice. We need a good freeze again. The only good thing about this weather is it is easier to heat the house.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 25, 2017, 08:06 AM
And now for some good news. It is not supposed to get above 30° in the next 10 days lows in the teens, with some lows 10°. Winter is back!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 25, 2017, 09:41 AM
Love to see temps in the low 30's and upper 20's for highs. Heading up tonight to fish until monday.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: husb0023 on Jan 26, 2017, 10:54 AM
I'm still walking out on the ice up here but found 18" of ice during the last cold spell in the Iron River area.  I'm more worried about getting my truck stuck on the glare ice with a 1/2" of water on top.  That is never fun.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 26, 2017, 01:07 PM
The problem we are seeing is the ice heaved up at the boat landings, not so bad getting on the lake downhill but getting back off the ice going uphill on glare ice.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Jan 27, 2017, 06:49 AM
12th annual Justin Donner Fisheree this weekend on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. Some really great prizes. Make sure to buy some tickets and come check out the fun! All for a very great cause!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 30, 2017, 02:16 PM
Got back from a long weekend in Land O Lakes. Temps cooled dramatically and that allowed much of the standing water to freeze before any snow covered the lakes up by us. Any slush we ran into was gone by friday. Getting out was easy, ice depths were about 13-14". Took us a couple of days, but walleyes were hugging tight to bottom in 20 fow. We could not get a fish to come into flags after dark in anything less than 18-19ft and bait had to be on bottom.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: crayphish on Jan 30, 2017, 05:50 PM
Feel better that I didn't get any eyes either. Fished Big Crooked and Littl Sugarbush Friday through yesterday. Was a little slushy friday in some spots but by very firm by Saturday. Saw no less than 13" of ice. Ice starting groaning yesterday, and we experienced a pretty good ice quake at dusk last night. Ended up with a dink perch and a chunky 12" largemouth. Never saw another soul. Tight lines brothers and sisters!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 31, 2017, 10:44 AM
Feel better that I didn't get any eyes either. Fished Big Crooked and Littl Sugarbush Friday through yesterday. Was a little slushy friday in some spots but by very firm by Saturday. Saw no less than 13" of ice. Ice starting groaning yesterday, and we experienced a pretty good ice quake at dusk last night. Ended up with a dink perch and a chunky 12" largemouth. Never saw another soul. Tight lines brothers and sisters!

I didn't say we didn't catch any, it took us a bit, but we caught on and got a few.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Bucktail30 on Feb 01, 2017, 10:49 AM
We were up in Vilas County last weekend.  Caught a couple really nice walleyes but it was definitely a slow, long weekend.  We got on some perch and crappies luckily to not come home empty handed.  Ice was very navigable compared to years past.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 01, 2017, 10:54 AM
We were up in Vilas County last weekend.  Caught a couple really nice walleyes but it was definitely a slow, long weekend.  We got on some perch and crappies luckily to not come home empty handed.  Ice was very navigable compared to years past.

Where'd you fish? One thing I noticed last weekend was how the weather was a roller coaster. Thursday was nicest day, friday was clear, but heavy wind, Saturday was snow and wind, sunday the same.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Feb 02, 2017, 08:27 AM
went out to Iron co. last weekend. 

very windy, but temps around 20f. barometer was slightly on the rise.

good bite from 7am to 10am. slowed down till about noon, then was fairly quite.

most crappies were around 12-13''. walleyes were small to say the least lol. few decent perch.

all and all a good day, besides the wind...

had about 12'' of solid ice with about 6-8 white frozen snow on top. lake was rough with frozen ruts from sleds,trucks, and wheelers.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Turk on Feb 10, 2017, 09:51 AM
How's the snow and slush situation on the lakes?  Heading up mid next week and seen that the Northwoods had been getting some snow.

Thanks

Turk
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Bucktail30 on Feb 13, 2017, 01:17 PM
Where'd you fish? One thing I noticed last weekend was how the weather was a roller coaster. Thursday was nicest day, friday was clear, but heavy wind, Saturday was snow and wind, sunday the same.
Boulder Junction area.  We had the most action jigging on Thursday, crappie/perch/bluegill.  Nothing on tip ups Thursday.  Friday one flag, 25 inch walleye, Saturday one flag, 24+ inch walleye.  Both right at 5:30.  Friday and Saturday were definitely windy and the panfish bite turned off, other than shiner sized perch.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 13, 2017, 01:43 PM
Boulder Junction area.  We had the most action jigging on Thursday, crappie/perch/bluegill.  Nothing on tip ups Thursday.  Friday one flag, 25 inch walleye, Saturday one flag, 24+ inch walleye.  Both right at 5:30.  Friday and Saturday were definitely windy and the panfish bite turned off, other than shiner sized perch.

I'm heading back up to Land O Lakes next wed night for a long weekend. Haven't been hearing a lot of reports lately. Seems slow. I'm on Palmer and have seen 1 guy out there so far this winter. Spent 10 days up over christmas and 2 other long weekends in January.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Bucktail30 on Feb 13, 2017, 01:53 PM
Good luck.  Maybe the warm weather will get them going. 
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 26, 2017, 09:41 AM
Plenty of good ice up there, problem is that Mi/wi boundry waters closes march 1. Which to me is dumb. Wi closes the 1st sunday in march and Mi closes the 15th. So, my season ended Thursday night. Fishing was good up there wed and thurs, but heavy rains that turned into 5" of snow put a damper on that. The calm before the storm on Thursday was perfect.

(http://i.imgur.com/od4mKUk.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/YSYU1vC.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/izf5uqp.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/88NSssq.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/FNeVPSp.jpg?1)

(http://i.imgur.com/L2GEeUu.jpg?1)



Big fish was about 25, she swam away, semi-happy
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Bucktail30 on Mar 06, 2017, 10:27 AM
Nice work!  Did you catch the crayfish too?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Mar 06, 2017, 10:45 AM
Sure did, he refused to let go of the shiner.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on May 24, 2017, 09:36 AM
No ice but still wearing striker ice bibs and jacket. I heard it might warm up in June.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on May 24, 2017, 09:59 AM
I tied up an old 16 ft Lund out on our pier before I left Land O Lakes on the 8th of May. I got a text from my neighbor saying it was damn near under water. We've had 7" of rain up there since the opener.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Oct 09, 2017, 08:59 AM
Frost/freeze warnings tonight from Eau Claire on north. Ice is coming!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: BH2 on Oct 13, 2017, 08:15 AM
I had frost on my windshield  on Monday morning!! ;D ;D
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Oct 16, 2017, 06:58 PM
We have had quite a few frosts here. It was 29* this morning again on my way to work.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Oct 30, 2017, 12:10 PM
low lying areas were starting to firm up, Lakes were at 38ish to 43. If the trend keeps up, ice by Turkey day is a real possibility. Took my pier out yesterday morning and air temps were in the mid-20's.

(https://i.imgur.com/rmDjjEI.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: IFF on Oct 30, 2017, 12:20 PM
Oh sure 52, rub it in
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Nov 06, 2017, 02:04 PM
Got a text from a buddy that some of the smaller lakes are locking up. Being optimistic here but with a week of temps in the teens to low 30s, fishing next weekend might be a reality! Hoping someone on here from the Hayward area posts a report so I don't have to drive two hours this weekend to check it out myself  ;) ;) ;)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 08, 2017, 09:12 PM
Im in Hayward area ponds are froze over, some small bays but at this time only skim ice. Going down to 7* tomorrow night. Still hoping for enough ice to walk on by Thanksgiving at this rate should be a reality.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: TheCrappieFisherman on Nov 08, 2017, 10:37 PM
Im in Hayward area ponds are froze over, some small bays but at this time only skim ice. Going down to 7* tomorrow night. Still hoping for enough ice to walk on by Thanksgiving at this rate should be a reality.

Thanks for the update, that would be sweet! I'll be just north of Rice Lake for Thanksgiving. Might have to pack a little extra gear  :woot:
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 10, 2017, 07:50 AM
Don't know how true this is, but saw reports this am that dudes were out on shallow lake bays up in Vilas. 3" already. I'd definitely be taking a spud.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Nov 10, 2017, 08:07 AM
Guys on the ice in Spooner area. Might check it out this weekend, not sure how much they were on but it was before the arctic freeze last night so it should be pretty solid today.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: sckoolman on Nov 10, 2017, 09:45 AM
Was -2° F in the Hayward area this morning.  1000 acre lake about 1/3 iced over after no ice yesterday evening.  It’s coming!
(https://s1.postimg.cc/4xwpybseff/4791_B64_C-59_AF-4_A7_B-_BAB0-790_CBD918_B17.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/4xwpybseff/)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: dbuchmann on Nov 10, 2017, 02:25 PM
I'm checking some small lakes tonight after work with my spud. They were on the Yellow River Flowage in Spooner yesterday and again today. 
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Old Goat on Nov 10, 2017, 07:11 PM
hope it stays cold here too
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Depthfinder on Nov 11, 2017, 08:06 AM
Small shallow lakes on MI/WI border have 2 1/2" to 3" ice.  Be very careful & spud often.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 11, 2017, 10:49 AM
I saw a few 30 to 50 acre lakes iced completely over yesterday around Hayward area. I wouldn’t doubt if someone was out someplace today around here. I will wait for 3”. Maybe by next weekend. I had minus -3* at my house yesterday morning.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 13, 2017, 03:50 PM
On my way to work this morning I saw a 950 acre lake I drive by it looked totally frozen over. One more good cold blast near zero should ice over all the lakes up here I bet. The water temps are right.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 15, 2017, 01:19 PM
On my way to work this morning I saw a 950 acre lake I drive by it looked totally frozen over. One more good cold blast near zero should ice over all the lakes up here I bet. The water temps are right.

Are you guys getting rain up there?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 15, 2017, 02:12 PM
Yea a little but with the slightly warmer weather the last few day the bigger lakes opened up again. And right now I would be afraid to walk on any ice period. Cool down starting again this Friday night for about a week. Deer season anyway so no big deal.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 15, 2017, 03:04 PM
x2 on eriks report from near Eagle River. I was as far north as Plum and it's really no better there. Just been too warm and wet to do anything more than wear down what was started. I'll be hunting offshore from Bayfield for the next several days so all I'll be doing is driving by. Until after Thanksgiving.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Depthfinder on Nov 18, 2017, 08:27 AM
Too much rain on the WI/MI border last night.  We did ice fish last Saturday with 3" along the shoreline of a 90 acre lake.  We need a cold spell.  With shorter days and temps in the teens, we should get more ice in the near future.  I wouldn't go out at all now!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Nov 21, 2017, 08:50 AM
got out last night in Ashland Co. had a pretty solid 3.5''

fishing was very slow, but just real nice to just get out and drill some holes.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Nov 21, 2017, 08:54 AM
Heading up to the Hayward area tomorrow morning from Eau Claire. Got a couple lakes I'm hoping have enough safe ice. 2 hour drive up there for me so I'm gonna search till I find something!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Nov 23, 2017, 07:08 AM
Heading up to the Hayward area tomorrow morning from Eau Claire. Got a couple lakes I'm hoping have enough safe ice. 2 hour drive up there for me so I'm gonna search till I find something!


was fishing there yesterday. had 3.5-4.5'' of ice. fishing was on fire. best day ive had in a long time. Bigger lakes are not as far along yet but most bays should be locked up tight.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: wideerlaker on Nov 24, 2017, 01:52 PM
Was out on the ice fishing yesterday (Thanksgiving (23rd)) and ice was anywhere from 3-5 inches thick.  I was going to head back out today but seeing how much ice has melted with the sun and heat today, I don't feel comfortable.  I will be waiting until another cold snap comes. This was central Price County.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Depthfinder on Nov 24, 2017, 10:29 PM
We fished on Thanksgiving morning.  4" or more of ice everywhere on a 90 acre lake.  Many flags, best fishing we have had in years.  Went back out today and water was running in the holes.  Soft top layer.  We are not going back until that top layer gets solid.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 27, 2017, 09:49 AM
Yea it's definitely on! Was out around Hayward area on 4-1/2 inches and yes fishing was on fire. Yesterday 3 of us caught 6 walleye.
P.S. Fishing back bays, main lakes still open water on the big lakes. But there are plenty of bays and smaller lakes that have been iced over for going on 2 weeks or better.


(https://s7.postimg.cc/ls9co27dz/1126160107.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/ls9co27dz/)



(https://s7.postimg.cc/o4cr7mznr/IMG_4082.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/o4cr7mznr/)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 27, 2017, 09:55 AM
Sounds like good ice is making! Congrats guys.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Depthfinder on Dec 04, 2017, 06:07 PM
Nice pack of 'eyes.  It looks like cleats are the rule in your area too!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 05, 2017, 09:43 AM
Depthfinder, you fish Gogebic at all?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 05, 2017, 06:28 PM
Gonna be walkable most places by Saturday. The ice @ Three Lakes didn't come off with the heat wave.

@ 52 - you hit Gogebic? Had a friend long ago that went up there and did great on 'gills. The Three Lakes HQ ain't that far out.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 06, 2017, 10:44 AM
Gonna be walkable most places by Saturday. The ice @ Three Lakes didn't come off with the heat wave.

@ 52 - you hit Gogebic? Had a friend long ago that went up there and did great on 'gills. The Three Lakes HQ ain't that far out.

I'm going to try to get up this weekend, but work may get in the way. I've snowmobiled on Lake Gogebic, but never fished it. A resort owner up, there used to be a customer of mine at Gander, recommended a guide for Gogebic, so a buddy of mine and I are heading out for the first time on the 29th.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: FilletShow on Dec 06, 2017, 05:41 PM
52, will be interested in how you do up there.  Been on my bucket list for years for the perch.  I want to see pics.  Those perch are amazing!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 07, 2017, 10:53 AM
52, will be interested in how you do up there.  Been on my bucket list for years for the perch.  I want to see pics.  Those perch are amazing!

Will do, we decided on a guide to eliminate the learning curve somewhat. From what I hear, the bite can be fairly tough.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Depthfinder on Dec 08, 2017, 06:54 AM
We haven't been up to Gogebic for many years.  Last year we heard several reports of many walleyes being caught through December.  Common to limit out but they are not big.  Lots of flags makes it fun.  That area gets more snow so expect slush mid winter.  We are planning a trip in December.  I hope you do well.  We fish manly around Watersmeet/Iron River area.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Dec 08, 2017, 01:42 PM
Anyone know what the ice situation is in the Bruce area? Amacoy, fireside, island, etc... I'm hoping to fish this area tomorrow rather than driving up to Sawyer county. Two weeks ago it wasn't fishable but I'm thinking it might be after this week.
This snow tonight makes me a little nervous on a new lake for the first time this year. Two weeks ago when I was out the ice went from 3" to 1/2" over a couple feet but I was ready for it since the ice changed colors and textures. Won't be able to rely on that tomorrow.
I'll be checking several lakes either way, will post an update after the weekend.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Ranger619 on Dec 08, 2017, 02:14 PM
Will do, we decided on a guide to eliminate the learning curve somewhat. From what I hear, the bite can be fairly tough.

Good decision we went up last winter caught 2 perch in 3 days but 2 of the days were absolutely miserable wind. Had to tie the shack to the Suzuki so it wouldn’t blow across the lake. Weird thing was there wasn’t a bit of snow on the lake anywhere except for patches of left over drifts. Good Luck hope you get some !!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 10, 2017, 11:41 AM
Just got back from St. Germain area. Checked some lakes Thursday afternoon and most had open to crappy shoreline from the warm spell but some were using ladders or planks to get out to fish what they called 4" of good ice. By Friday afternoon the shorelines had firmed up enough to get on without help. And this morning (Sunday) we took the sleds out instead of walking.

We found 6 - 7" of great ice on the Rainbow and caught three limits of nice eater walleyes from 6 - 8 FOW. As long as we don't get any heavy snow for a bit it should be a great ice season!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 11, 2017, 11:01 AM
Just got back from St. Germain area. Checked some lakes Thursday afternoon and most had open to crappy shoreline from the warm spell but some were using ladders or planks to get out to fish what they called 4" of good ice. By Friday afternoon the shorelines had firmed up enough to get on without help. And this morning (Sunday) we took the sleds out instead of walking.

We found 6 - 7" of great ice on the Rainbow and caught three limits of nice eater walleyes from 6 - 8 FOW. As long as we don't get any heavy snow for a bit it should be a great ice season!

A half a foot on the flowage is a really good sign for the rest of us. Congrats
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Troutbum12 on Dec 11, 2017, 11:37 AM
Anyone have a report from the Hayward area? Im bummed because my preferred lake sounds like it has measureable snow on it today.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 11, 2017, 06:07 PM
A half a foot on the flowage is a really good sign for the rest of us. Congrats

Yep. An what snow they have is the light fluffy stuff with no heavy wet in sight. If they can hold the cold ice maker till Christmas we should be GTG.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 12, 2017, 12:04 PM
Yep. An what snow they have is the light fluffy stuff with no heavy wet in sight. If they can hold the cold ice maker till Christmas we should be GTG.

My hope is 6" by Christmas for me on Palmer and the Cisco Chain.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Depthfinder on Dec 12, 2017, 09:27 PM
That should be a reasonable request for Cisco chain.  It might get below zero tonight as we are now hovering around 1 above.  Is Palmer plowed in the winter?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Depthfinder on Dec 12, 2017, 09:33 PM
Haha I was thinking of Pomeroy Lake in Gogebic County just across the border.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 13, 2017, 08:19 AM
Hell, the roads aren't even plowed up there, much less a lake.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Dec 13, 2017, 08:35 AM
Ice Report from last weekend: Had 5-6" on smaller lakes in Sawyer County, bigger lakes still weren't completely iced over but saw people fishing the bays.
Checked a couple lakes in Rusk County (Bruce area) and was surprised to only find ~1-2" along the shorelines with the snow having pushed the ice down to the point that water was coming up along the shores. Heard they were fishing the bays in the island chain but Island was still open in the middle.
My boss said they were out on Eau Claire lake and there was no open water. Halfmoon had 2-3" with several guys out. Miller Dam had 3", sketchy though.

Didn't make it up in the Chetek area, anyone have a report? Hoping to get up there this weekend. Cold week this week should lock everything up tight. I'll still have a spud bar with me for another week though.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Dec 13, 2017, 07:43 PM
I haven’t been out in about a week around Hayward area. The big lakes finally froze over but now we have been getting dumped on with snow. I bet we have a good 8 inches on the ground after today. Not good.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Dec 14, 2017, 02:26 PM
It seems it has been snowing now for about 3 or 4 days, a dusting, a dusting, a dusting. I bet we have 12" snow now on top of thin ice. The only hope now is for the weight of the snow to push water up on the ice and freeze a nice slush layer. I have seen it happen fast before if water pushes up it will freeze 5" of snowy slush in a hurry. I'm hoping because it is going to be a pita walking out now. Snowmobile time.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: hillmann on Dec 14, 2017, 08:54 PM

Didn't make it up in the Chetek area, anyone have a report? Hoping to get up there this weekend. Cold week this week should lock everything up tight. I'll still have a spud bar with me for another week though.

As of yesterday the ice was only about 2 inches thick.  People are fishing it but can't/wont go out more than about 30 feet from shore.  Some of the more protected bays may be thicker.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Michaelo on Dec 15, 2017, 07:27 AM
Ice Report from last weekend: Had 5-6" on smaller lakes in Sawyer County, bigger lakes still weren't completely iced over but saw people fishing the bays.
Checked a couple lakes in Rusk County (Bruce area) and was surprised to only find ~1-2" along the shorelines with the snow having pushed the ice down to the point that water was coming up along the shores. Heard they were fishing the bays in the island chain but Island was still open in the middle.
My boss said they were out on Eau Claire lake and there was no open water. Halfmoon had 2-3" with several guys out. Miller Dam had 3", sketchy though.

Didn't make it up in the Chetek area, anyone have a report? Hoping to get up there this weekend. Cold week this week should lock everything up tight. I'll still have a spud bar with me for another week though.

We fished the north end of prairie last Saturday and had 4-6 inches but the ice had heaved in a spot from the island going south and no one dare to cross it. I'm guessing by now it's firmed up with the cold temps we've had since then.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Dec 18, 2017, 09:42 AM
Had 8" up near spooner this weekend. ATVs and snowmobiles all over the place with permanent shanties out. 3" of slush on top with a layer of snow after that. Suspended fish were aggressive, took some finesse for the fish on the bottom.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 18, 2017, 01:30 PM
Anybody see the plunge in temps coming for Christmas week? Wow. Single digits to below zero. I'm hoping for a slush freeze before that get's out of hand.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 18, 2017, 06:24 PM
Anybody see the plunge in temps coming for Christmas week? Wow. Single digits to below zero. I'm hoping for a slush freeze before that get's out of hand.

We need that in the North. Got 6 - 8" in the St. Germain/Three Lakes area and it was pretty wet. Some subzero temps would be just the ticket right now. It would also be  a plus for the sled season. C'mon winter!

Gotta have it down here too. Ice is barely fit to walk on and only in some places. By New Year should be GTG.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Depthfinder on Dec 18, 2017, 10:13 PM
Its nice to see that we are not supposed to get the 14" of snow earlier predicted.  Our lakes need a break from snow and let the ice thicken up.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: North on Dec 19, 2017, 01:44 PM
Ice thickness is really lake specific right now in Rice Lake area.  I've seen 6-7 on some of the smaller lakes and as little as 2-3 on bigger lakes like Bear...  we were fishing a little 75 acre lake yesterday and there was 6-7" of good ice...  went to move tip-ups and found a spot with less than 2".  The pucker factor went through the roof!  Moral of the story is, don't take anyone's word or it on the interweb.  Verify for yourself and be careful!  Hopefully this snow holds off and the deep freeze coming next week puts down some ice.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: pot-belly-perch on Dec 21, 2017, 09:58 PM
A Few A T Vs    went in by me  a few days ago channel 12 news    reported   and The Reclaimers were verey busy   this last WEEKEND  so be very carefull where you go  I also asked  the  local bait shop if he had spikes in he said hes not getting any
 AKA  PBP  Out
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 02, 2018, 09:41 AM
Spent Christmas eve until NYs day up in Vilas. Absolutely the most brutal weather I've seen over the holiday week since I've been up there. Christmas day saw -15 with 30-40mph winds. I stayed in and got my gear gathered up. Tuesday I sat in my car and watched flags. Wed a buddy came up and we dragged a small Otter shack out to watch flags. Ice depth was 5-6". Struck out both those days and we said the hell with it and dragged my Voyager out to deeper water (19ft) and came up with two keepers. Fished Gogebic Friday, got my two personal best Perch out there with Jon Sibley, Fish with Guy Guide Service. The bite was odd. You jig until fish come off the bottom, then stop dead. The Perch will hit your jig or a dead stick you have above your jig. You need the most sensitive spring bobber imaginable to see them bite. Wigglers are all they fish with. Pretty cool, but not for everybody. Fished Saturday and got 2 more keeper eyes. Sunday I worked on the honey do list. Overall, a ton of fun, but the temps were downright nasty. Thank God for good boots and Striker suit. Ice by me was 5-6 on Monday-Tues, by Saturday night, 12-13. Slush wasn't bad, but it varied across the Cisco Chain.

(https://i.imgur.com/vITC7YZ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/i2E3fCL.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lZXTsc7.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/P14GRhN.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/HTomXyL.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Jan 02, 2018, 06:41 PM
Thanks for the report 52! Geez, -17, I thought Al Gore invented global warming. Where the heck is that! Glad there's not a lot of slush (me hate  :%$#!:). Nice "stripers", Gogebic rules!

Oh yeah, love the Kryptec BDs!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: FilletShow on Jan 02, 2018, 09:02 PM
Thanks for the report 52.  Did you only get the 3 on Gogebic?  Would love the personal best, but to suffer through the cold and hire a guide for 3, might have me second guess that one on my bucket list.  Glad you got up there and braved the cold.  Ice thickness increase is amazing...especially with snow cover.  Good to hear.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 02, 2018, 09:17 PM
I caught 8 total. Tossed back 5, kept my two biggest and the third you guys see sacrificed himself. One of our guides only got two, another client got 5 over 12 in the first 30 minutes we were out.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: FilletShow on Jan 03, 2018, 06:43 AM
Cool.  Thanks again for the report.  It would be awesome to see one of those in person.

Fs
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 03, 2018, 07:17 AM
I honestly thought I caught a nice walleye when I got the first one. You don't catch many, but the chance to catch 13-14-15" fish is worth the low numbers. I'm far from a Perch jerker, I just want big ones for a mount.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 24, 2018, 02:32 PM
Heading back up next tuesday for a really long weekend. How are you guys doing up there?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Jan 24, 2018, 08:41 PM
I was @ 3 Lakes last w/e. 14" of ice and no slush. Nice fishing. That said lots of water came up thru the holes I drilled and after this past snowfall I expect that will change.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 25, 2018, 07:45 AM
I was @ 3 Lakes last w/e. 14" of ice and no slush. Nice fishing. That said lots of water came up thru the holes I drilled and after this past snowfall I expect that will change.

I don't think we got the snow we could have up in Land O, but I'm sure there's gonna be a bit of slush. I'm seeing another temp drop, which sucks.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: jrodm13 on Jan 25, 2018, 08:26 AM
I don't think we got the snow we could have up in Land O, but I'm sure there's gonna be a bit of slush. I'm seeing another temp drop, which sucks.

Heading up to the area tonight.  I'll see if I can get on here and post some conditions while i'm up there, otherwise it may have to wait until Sunday/Monday.  Sounded as though they got 10" of snow in the last storm that went through.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 29, 2018, 07:44 AM
JR....any ice report?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Jan 29, 2018, 10:20 AM
Washburn and rusk county lakes had about 6-8" inches of slow with another 3" of slush before hitting the good ice. Lake traffic wasn't bad with 4wd.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: jrodm13 on Jan 30, 2018, 10:44 AM
JR....any ice report?

We were fishing up around the Phelps area... Plenty of ice for truck traffic.  Definitely running into pockets of slush, not too much for the truck, but it was a real pain to try walking through and hole hop.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 30, 2018, 09:46 PM
I was out around Hayward yesterday drove out on a good 15” found no slush what so ever. I think all the snow missed us. Maybe 3” - 4” of hard crusty snow. Fished about 4 hours caught 11 keeper crappie a nice meal.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Jeffro on Feb 01, 2018, 10:14 PM
OK 52..... I don’t live up that way where we keep ice/snow that long and I gotta say, that quad with the tracks is nothing short or AWESOME!!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 05, 2018, 01:41 PM
Well, I'm back from a week up in Land O Lakes. I gotta be honest and say I did not catch one walleye. I fished 4 days/evenings out of the 5 I was up and simply put...it was the worst fishing I've ever seen. I went to all my normal spots and a couple of new ones. Jigged up a few nice perch, but that wasn't what I was after. I thought the weather was odd over Christmas, but this was even worse. Started out at 20 on Tuesday with 20-30 mph winds and snow (1-2), Wed was 32 and 20mph winds and snow (1-3), Thursday, -3 with 30-40mph gusts, friday was 5 with a steady 10, Saturday was a snow storm with light winds (5-6) and temps about 12.

Slush conditions were iffy to start, but once we had a couple of nights of -12 and some more snow, I didn't see any slush after Wed. Ice was a good 15" with about 3-4" on top that was the frozen slush.

Played with the Helix a bunch, drilled a ton of holes with the KDrill and did some jigging with a new stick from Marc at Elk River Custom Rods....oh, and I drank a bunch of Dragon's Milk and Rocky's Revenge.

I guess that's fishing and thankfully not at work.

(https://i.imgur.com/RxP9to6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/HphWifP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/jhOTCAj.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/bCgbrBi.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/nr0vTJ1.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Feb 06, 2018, 07:46 AM
I was out yesterday on a 900 acre lake near Hayward had 22” of ice from the bottom of ice to the water line. No slush maybe 5” of snow on top. I think the winds have blown most of the snow off. Fishing was very slow, 2 of us caught 2 crappie 10”, and 13” we only fished about 3 hours in the afternoon. The cold is still here had to fish inside a popup, highs in the single digits, lows below zero. In fact I had  minus -20* this morning. We are nearing the mid winter period, tough slow fishing, fish moving to deep water. The smaller shallow lakes are about done do to low oxygen, unless there is some type of current from creek inlet and outlet.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 06, 2018, 08:02 AM
Game fish ends on March 4th, we have less than a month for inland lakes. Even this some of this extreme cold up north, the season is passing by pretty quickly.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Feb 06, 2018, 07:46 PM
I get a couple/three days on Plum Lake this weekend. Back to regroup then we've got a sleeper on LBDN last weekend of the month. Probably find some tippy action for pike in a slough somewhere or tipdowns for crappies in March.

By the second week in April I'll be in the boat lookin for walleyes on the Wolf. First Saturday in May it's game on for everything if you know where to go...

Still, it does go fast.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 06, 2018, 10:48 PM
Im heading back up in two weeks for a long weekend, one day we're going back to Gogebic, then hopefully back up again March 13 through the 15th to close Michigans game fish on the Cisco Chain.

Depending on the ice, Im considering a panfish trip on Palmer early April as well. Then, it'll be the opener. I used to do a lot of DePere and the Wolf river fishing, but got soured on the crowds.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Feb 07, 2018, 08:58 AM
Unless we get a real big warm up looks like we will be ice fishing here well into April. We already have surpassed the ice thickness of last winter and it is only beginning of February. I better start looking for my auger extension. Minus -13* again this morning.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: SpartySturg on Feb 18, 2018, 10:37 PM
Big warm up is on the way, at least for West Michigan's lower peninsula
I will be up in northern Wisconsin weekend of March 10th
Hopefully ice will hold out.
Till then - Cheers
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 19, 2018, 10:55 AM
Heading back up on Thurs am. Looks like good weather...upper 20's, low 30's, light winds and not much in the way of snow. But that could all change by tomorrow am
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 26, 2018, 07:30 AM
So much for Weather.com. Got up to Land O Lakes on thursday morning. Temps were cool, but it was sunny and made it to about 30. Had no issues with slush, fishing was slow, but we did get a few nice Perch on tip-ups and jigging. Ice was about 24", KDrills had no issues. Thursday night we picked up a pizza at Bent's Camp, by the time we got it home about 9:00, it was starting to snow. Got up at 5:30 to head up to Gogebic and it was a blizzard. Ended up with about 8", Bergland MI got about 12". Perch were slow up there with each of the 4 guys in my party only coming up with a 13" as the largest. Temps up there made it into the low 30's on friday. Nobody is driving out on Gogebic and ATVs without tracks are having a hard time. plenty of slush and heaves, be careful out there.

Went back to the Cisco Chain on Saturday, warm temps, about 36, but got very windy. We got to Perch over 12" on flags, 4 eyes all over 16 and a total of about 16 flags. As the winds picked up we checked the forecast.....WINTER WEATHER WARNING FOR VILAS. Great, more snow. Woke up Sunday to come home and found another 6" with gusts up to 40. Slush became a bit of a problem after getting that 6-8 on friday morning.

Went home via Madison and hit the fishing show. Overall, not great, but not bad. Driving out of Vilas/Oneida Cos two hours takes you totally out of winter. Plenty of ice up there to keep guys fishing till at least the end of March. Planning a panfish trip now the first week in April for pre-spawn Perch I think.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Feb 26, 2018, 11:19 AM
We got back to back snow storms here and now a auger extension is just about mandatory unless you want to shovel out each spot you want to drill. Truck and atv’s are going to have a major problem trying to get out unless someone plows a ice road. Now calling for some mid day temps near 40* things are going to really get sloppy, and a royal pain in the ass trying to walk in it. Thank god I have a snowmobile with a good tow behind sled. Even with the snowmobile I think I am still going to have to blast a trail out first before hauling all the stuff out. The only good thing is it will keep a lot of people off the ice, should have most lakes to myself. I just pray the slush doesn’t get to bad.
6 more days of walleye season left ends March 4th. Then looking forward to a nice long late ice panfish season.
Btw my friend from Chicago said the same thing, it is like a different world up here he said they are in full spring mode and we are still in mid winters grip.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Feb 26, 2018, 08:00 PM
Not WI but spent the w/e near Escanaba MI. 24" ice with truck travel all over LBDN. Got the big blow Sat pm with ice and 7 - 8" snow. Got off the lake OK but dicey in spots with the fresh drifts of wet/heavy. Get around Green Bay and for sure by Oshkosh it's like spring. Still plenty of winter North.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 27, 2018, 07:19 AM
I went to the fishing show in Madison on Sunday and the Boulder Junction Tourism people were really pushing ice fishing/snowmobiling hard in their booth. At 43°, not many folks were listening.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Feb 27, 2018, 08:30 AM
I understand the anticipation of warm weather and open water, but this coming late ice panfish season is hard to beat for fish size and numbers. Really my favorite time ice fishing besides first ice walleye. Travel on the ice can be difficult and sloppy but the warmer temps, and longer days are really nice. The sun was still up yesterday at 5:00pm I can go ice fishing now right after work and still get in 2 good hours.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 28, 2018, 08:56 AM
After having a sorta successful Perch season, I'm stoked for late season, pre-spawn, Perch.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Mar 03, 2018, 08:41 AM
I was out yesterday had 25” top 4” was white ice bottom 21” still good hard ice. Had a little trouble driving out f150 got stuck twice in deep snow drift had to shovel out. 2 of us caught 20 nice crappie in about 2-1/2 hours.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Mar 05, 2018, 08:26 AM
Just when the snow has gone down enough to drive out on the lakes again we are expecting 5” - 8” of snow late this afternoon. If we do get that much it is really going to be a mess trying to get back out on the lakes. The slush in spots was already bad. I didn’t need them yet but I brought  2 big wooden pallets in the back of my truck to stand on if the slush water was bad. That deep of snow with slush underneath is hard even with a snowmobile. The only salvation is that it is going to get cold again for 3 or 4 days after the snow, Tuesday night back down near zero here. If I beat down some trails with the snowmobile they should freeze up good. I hope.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Mar 11, 2018, 03:52 PM
I was out 2 days ago Friday the slush wasn’t bad but I don’t think a truck would make it yet. The snowmobile had no problem. Ice is still as thick as ever, a auger extension is mandatory.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Mar 21, 2018, 07:56 AM
I was hesitant, but checked the 10 day weather outlook for Land O Lakes. There's only 3 days where it'll make mid 40's and not one overnight above freezing. Lows are 10's to 20's. Looking really good for my last weekend on the ice April 6th. I'd like to see a little bit of rain to clean that snow off the ice.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Mar 27, 2018, 12:01 PM
Didn't think I'd be saying this, but looking again at the 10 day, the forecast is colder then when I looked last week. Might not have any issues with the ATV going out.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Mar 27, 2018, 07:54 PM
I will probably still be driving my truck out for 2 more weeks. Saturday night calling for low of 3* I had 26” of ice Sunday bottom 21” was clear hard ice. More snow coming Friday. The sun has not yet touched the ice. I’m going up to chequomegon bay Lake Superior Saturday with a guy who lives up there, he said still 30” of ice where he is fishing in 60 feet of water.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Mar 27, 2018, 09:27 PM
Be careful up on the Bay Erik. I bought an ice suit from Jim Hudson in the fall of 2007. He grew up on the Bay, fished for a living and came to a tragic end there in 2013. I think about that every time I suit up.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Mar 28, 2018, 06:35 AM
I remember that he was out on early first ice.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Mar 28, 2018, 11:05 AM
He went though in late January, if memory serves, he left his flotation suit at home. I was fishing up in Land O that weekend and word spread really quickly. He was a pretty respected ice guy.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Mar 28, 2018, 07:17 PM
I have striker ice hardwater jacket and bibs. This time of year it is not falling through the ice you have to worry about up there, it is the ice cracks separating and leaving you adrift. Happens almost every year.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Mar 28, 2018, 07:20 PM
Yep. Flotation notwithstanding, Jim was in the water at least 30 minutes (45 by some accounts). Just sayin' don't take anything for granted.

Like the Old Man told me when I bought a Harley (way back in '75): The day you think you know everything there is to know about that bike you sell it. I didn't wait till then but I get the drift.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Mar 29, 2018, 09:24 AM
I'm considering buying a Nebulus for my ATV. They're expensive, but Mrs 52 gave me the nod for it. When we went out with Sibley on Gogebic, he had one that was accidentally deployed by his nephew, cost 200-300 to re-pack.

(https://i.imgur.com/ku0viOG.png)



Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Trout Slayer on Mar 29, 2018, 03:34 PM
You'll be fine, just stay away from the South Channel off Long Island. That's the area that got Jim on Jan 26th. Got two others that same year as well.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Mar 29, 2018, 08:01 PM
Saturday is a ? Mark now for us. Calling for 6” to 9” of snow Friday night Saturday morning. Still going to try if possible. Towing a snowmobile trailer through deep snow and slippery roads is a pain in the ass.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Apr 02, 2018, 08:31 AM
Another pounding coming tonight for NE WI. 6-11", then cold. My high on Friday is looking like 21 with 15-20mph winds.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Apr 02, 2018, 08:35 PM
My ice-capades are finished. Planning walleyes on the Wolf in two weeks. After that the general opener isn't far off.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Apr 03, 2018, 10:46 AM
We ended up getting 9-1/2" of more snow and still snowing a little bit today. Just when it was getting easy to get back out on the ice, this pain in the @ss snow again.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Trout Slayer on Apr 03, 2018, 04:27 PM
Fishing has been good on the Bay, not too many people have been out the last couple weeks. Coho are around also which is a bonus!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Apr 04, 2018, 12:21 PM
Heading up to the bay Saturday. It is still as cold as January here.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Apr 04, 2018, 02:16 PM
Lol......I'm actually thinking I'll be wearing my Hardwater bibs and Climate parka this weekend. I'm fishing Sunday and Monday before heading to St Germain for the spring meetings. I'll maybe see 33-35 by then.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Apr 05, 2018, 09:21 AM
We have to be still making ice here, it barely reaches 32° during a few hours in the afternoon and dam near goes down to zero at night, and still at least a good 10" of snow on the ground. I had +2° on my way to work this morning.
It is almost time to start getting the tip-up's ready again for the opener May 5th. I am almost positive the lakes are still going to be frozen over enough to ice fish the opener.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Apr 08, 2018, 09:09 AM
I was on chequmegon bay Lake Superior yesterday off Washburn still a solid 24” of ice up there, saw a pickup truck out there, not much snow it mostly blew off, and zero slush. Was a bit windy though.oh yea fishing yesterday sucked.
Going locally today to try and ice some crappies.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Troutbum12 on Apr 09, 2018, 08:55 AM
Another foot of snow forecasted next weekend
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Trout Slayer on Apr 09, 2018, 03:13 PM
Was out on the Bay yesterday and did real well. 3 nice Browns over 20", 2 Coho and 12 Whitefish. Bite turned on after 11 am after being dead all morning. Kastmasters worked best for me. Lots of hard water fishing yet this year!!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Apr 10, 2018, 09:00 AM
Awesome weekend of fishing up in Vilas. Spent my time on the Cisco Chain for Perch. Bunch of fish with 8 being beer bottlers. Went through 6 dozen Wigglers and 4 dozen fat heads. Jigging and Tip Ups. Most of the big girls were on the fat heads on flags. 17-26 fow. Kurt's Island in Minocqua is the only place I could get fatheads and Wigglers.

24 solid inches of ice, with 5" of hard pack and snow cover....the easiest getting around has been the entire season. Winter does not want to let go up there, I have over 2' of snow in my yard. I used my K Drill with a new extension, no problems at all, drilled like a champ.

(https://i.imgur.com/oGW5vV8.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/8anj0rr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/n0bvUGW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sTSnqj0.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/isBQViW.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/F4PLXCr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/mlYaXhb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/tvVsspf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/kHXVLt8.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/T4nf23X.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Apr 10, 2018, 08:29 PM
I’m going to try and get out after work tomorrow. It is supposed to be one of our warmest days so far this month, 47* and no wind. Perfect for hole hopping in shorts and a tee shirt, lol. I better get out now before the big snow storm coming this weekend. We could end up with well over a foot of snow here starting Friday.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Jeffro on Apr 13, 2018, 08:18 AM
LOVE the deer at the gas station pic..... classic!

I'll be up in Vilas in 2 months..... planning on bringing the boat and not the sled! Fingers crossed, lol
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Depthfinder on Apr 15, 2018, 02:21 PM
52...Where do you access Cisco Chain at?  I noticed some open water.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Apr 16, 2018, 09:11 AM
52...Where do you access Cisco Chain at?  I noticed some open water.

I go off Big Lake landing, the landing in the picture is Palmer's. There's a very active spring there.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Apr 16, 2018, 07:21 PM
We ended up only getting about 12” here. Green Bay got pounded 22”
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Apr 17, 2018, 09:51 AM
Long range forecast is that we won't see 60's until late late this month...hopefully that's enough to melt off this round of snow so we can travel around on the ice for the opener.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Apr 17, 2018, 08:21 PM
That oughta throw a wrench in the spearing activities...  ;)2 So what's happened to global warming?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Apr 18, 2018, 08:35 AM
I've heard, but never seen, that tribes will use chain saws to cut holes in shorelines of knowing spawning grounds. I know they've done it on Trout Lake and "harvested" a bunch of Musky along with Walleye in the early 2000's.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: RapShack on Apr 18, 2018, 03:25 PM
Anyone know if there's good ice on the Holcombe backwaters, I'm thinking Cranberry or the west side off Pine Point away from the channel?  If not how far north does one have to drive from La Crosse to get to something workable?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Apr 21, 2018, 11:22 PM

I was ice fishing today, 24” of ice, bottom 12” was hard clear ice. And this particular lake has a history of not making a lot of ice. I did catch a limit of nice crappie, it was a beautiful afternoon on the ice, near 60* no wind. I was the only person on the lake. I think everyone else has thrown in the towel. Hayward area lake plenty of ice fishing yet.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on May 01, 2018, 09:37 AM
How are those Hayward area/Sawyer county lakes holding up this week? I was on the dairyland flowage this past Saturday, still 24" of ice there. Planning on heading up to Namakagan for opener Saturday, hopefully ice fishing. Anyone else trying to get on the ice for opener??
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on May 02, 2018, 11:40 AM
There is still ice but very dark and spooky looking. It could be 20" of floating slush with this 70° days lately. In my opinion ice fishing is over, time to get the boat ready. I think the ice will be all gone in less than a week now. Here is a live webcam from lake Namakagon, and one from cheif lake on the chippewa flowage.
http://www.lakewoodsresort.com/lodging/webcam/  (scroll down for webcam)

https://www.patslandingresort.com/web-cam/   (scroll down for webcam)

Here is a couple more.
https://www.minocqua.org/about-the-area/web-cams/

http://greatnorthernmercer.com/web-cams/
















Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on May 04, 2018, 01:24 PM
I posted these pictures on the general board also. I took these pictures a few minutes ago Friday May 4th 12:15 pm. Tomorrow morning is the opener.
Lac Courte Orielles and Grindstone DNR boat landings near Hayward.

(https://s9.postimg.cc/5k7jvhcaz/IMG_0714.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/5k7jvhcaz/)

(https://s9.postimg.cc/fu9yupf17/IMG_0713.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/image/fu9yupf17/)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on May 10, 2018, 11:01 AM
We went from this......

(https://i.imgur.com/95ZJeW9.jpg)

to this in about a day....

(https://i.imgur.com/ZmqX1u3.jpg)

Launched my boat on Sunday and water temps were already in the 50's.

(https://i.imgur.com/JT5ll8Z.jpg)

Walleyes were spawning and the Perch were on the edge of spawning.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 3300 on May 11, 2018, 09:33 AM
that dock didn't skip a beat.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jun 08, 2018, 07:58 AM
Approximately 6 months until first ice. Water temp here is now up to about 64° We still had ice on the big lakes for the opener May 5th.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Jun 08, 2018, 08:13 PM
Thanks for the update Erik. Now I'm retired I'll be all over that...  :thumbsup: :bow: :thumbsup:
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jun 12, 2018, 11:01 AM
Hope the summer is going well for everybody, if the cool temps of this summer remain, we could be on the ice by September!

180ish days to go.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jul 10, 2018, 01:32 PM
Just got back from my place and a trip up to Bayfield to see the Apostle Islands. Water temps are about 80 by me. The only thing ice related I did was wash my atv.

(https://i.imgur.com/e99ehYc.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/hnDZIwn.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/LL0OJ4q.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/dIMuLfU.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/aHiucxp.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KAbV9x0.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Jul 10, 2018, 05:40 PM
Hah! I deer hunt on Madeline. Have for decades... When I left last November just before Thanksgiving I was waiting for the ferry and snapped this:

(https://s19.postimg.cc/iit978e6b/La_Pointe_Dock_11-22-17.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Pretty stiff wind...  :o And cold too.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jul 12, 2018, 07:52 AM
I am leaving for my annual musky fishing trip to Canada in 9 days. My highlight of summer.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Jul 12, 2018, 10:26 PM
I am leaving for my annual musky fishing trip to Canada in 9 days. My highlight of summer.

Good fortune erik! Smoke a 50"! What's your destination? LOTW?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jul 19, 2018, 03:11 PM
LOTW N.W. Angle
Last year I caught 5, 46" biggest, we landed 13 muskys in my boat between 3 of us. We usually see some 50"s but they are smart fish. About 6 or 7 years ago we boated a 51-1/2"
It is still a lot of fun catching 40" - 45" fish.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Aug 01, 2018, 02:36 PM
Hah! I deer hunt on Madeline. Have for decades... When I left last November just before Thanksgiving I was waiting for the ferry and snapped this:

(https://s19.postimg.cc/iit978e6b/La_Pointe_Dock_11-22-17.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Pretty stiff wind...  :o And cold too.

My best friend and his dad do as well. Ever hear the story about a home owner having his house and the truck who towed it sink through an ice road?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Aug 15, 2018, 02:58 PM
I NEED ICE!!!
It has been so fricking hot and humid this past week or so it is killing me.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Aug 15, 2018, 06:12 PM
My best friend and his dad do as well. Ever hear the story about a home owner having his house and the truck who towed it sink through an ice road?

Now that's interesting... I'd like to meet your friend and his dad. I'll catch the bar tab. Can you set a meeting? I'd be indebted...  ;D

Yes, almost everything heavyweight get transported during the winter because it's cheaper than paying the ferry freight. And yes, some of those deliveries find the bottom, some 200+ FOW between Bayfield and the Island. Not an inexpensive recovery. And we all know how the WIDNR views stuff at the bottom of any lake.

Seriously 52, I'd love to meet these guys. Either here or, better yet, up on the Island in November. If you can set this up, ahhhhh, don't know how far I'd go but I WOULD be (deeply) indebted. PM me to fine tune. Thanks 52!

/m
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Aug 20, 2018, 09:14 AM
I'll find out where they stay up there and let you know.  There's only what, 2-3 restaurants on the Island, so odds are you guys have crossed paths already.

Side note, was up in Vilas last weekend, I ran into the Eagle River Musky Open. Jesus H, I went to launch my boat on Sat morning, there were 25 rigs in the lot on Palmer. I'm like, **censored**??"...then it hit me. No musky for my, just fished pannies.

We got a ways to go before ice, but there's a chill in the air come nightfall.

(https://i.imgur.com/IWXcd9B.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Sep 13, 2018, 08:34 AM
Took a day trip Monday/Tues up north to drop off a garden tractor at the house. Musky fished for 4 hours Tuesday. Water temps are slowly falling....66°. Leaves are just starting to turn. Sugar Maples are starting to turn red.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Sep 13, 2018, 09:20 AM
Took a day trip Monday/Tues up north to drop off a garden tractor at the house. Musky fished for 4 hours Tuesday. Water temps are slowly falling....66°. Leaves are just starting to turn. Sugar Maples are starting to turn red.

I was wondering if you were the same guy on LL or not, that answers that lol  ;)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Sep 19, 2018, 11:16 AM
I was out Sunday 9/16 water temps were still in the low 70's we actually went swimming it was so fricking hot out. About 2 more months and small ponds should be freezing.
52 that is a nice Helix 7, I just bought a Helix 10 this summer and love it. I wonder how the mega side imaging would work under the ice? You could mount it on some type of stick and turn it, it would be like a Panoptix?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Sep 19, 2018, 01:39 PM
Erik, I don't have SI on mine. Its just GPS and Sonar.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Sep 19, 2018, 01:40 PM
I was wondering if you were the same guy on LL or not, that answers that lol  ;)

I think I'm the only one who posts about Land O Lakes. LOL
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Sep 19, 2018, 06:15 PM
@erik: Yep on the SI on ice. A simple stick on the transducer lets you spin it 'round to see out as far as you've got it set for. I got the last gen 899 CI SI combo dirt cheap with exactly that thought. It will do double duty as a bow mount on the boat, especially valuable when working open water muskies.

@ 52: Land'O... That's why I asked about my buddy that goes up frequently  ;D. Not much traffic up that direction. Soon I'll be within easy striking distance. Ever do Harris Lake in that neighborhood?

Last weekend @ Eagle River I had water temps from a low of 69 warming back to 71/71 depending on where on the chain you were.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Sep 21, 2018, 09:03 AM
Going down in the 30's tonight. I actually built a fire last night in my wood stove. It's coming.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Sep 21, 2018, 10:32 AM
"Ever do Harris Lake in that neighborhood?"

I barely leave Palmer/Tenderfoot during open water. During ice, I just ride my atv over to the Cisco Chain. I've never fished Harris.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Oct 08, 2018, 08:41 AM
Went fishing yesterday water surface temp was 54°.
Not getting out of the 40's all week and down to 26° Thursday night.
The water is cooling off quickly.
39° is the magic number! That is only 15 more degree's.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Oct 11, 2018, 08:05 AM
We were up with my daughter and 2 of the grand kids. Weather was lousy, but looks to be getting worse. Water temps were low to mid 50's.  My wife woke up saturday morning and found 26 turkeys in the backyard.

(https://i.imgur.com/lLmklz6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/41nF7w6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Jl4Vvo3.jpg)

And Everett learned that just as in real life, women can ruin everything.......

(https://i.imgur.com/Jopjhzv.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/sTacgmt.jpg)

But....when life hands you sour grapes, there's always Toilet Candy to make things sweet again....

(https://i.imgur.com/F2LSLpO.jpg)

Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: dbuchmann on Oct 23, 2018, 12:54 PM
Was out on Shell Lake last night and water was down to 46 degrees. Should drop more with the predicted forecast.  Hopefully in a month I'll be on hard water.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Oct 24, 2018, 08:40 AM
I had 20° this morning at my house, and steam was rising off the lake I drive by like crazy this morning. I think we should have early ice this year.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Oct 24, 2018, 03:56 PM
It's gotta last 2 weeks. I have to get my pier out!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Oct 26, 2018, 03:06 PM
Unless you are on a really small lake or back bay you have until Thanksgiving.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Oct 26, 2018, 03:08 PM
Unless you are on a really small lake or back bay you have until Thanksgiving.

I'm on a 650 acre. I got a report this afternoon that water temps were about 47-48.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: bigstorm on Nov 01, 2018, 12:11 PM
The WI River system from Petenwell thru Castle Rock and into Lake Wisconsin is 44F to 46F for the most part
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 05, 2018, 08:45 AM
With this cold snap coming this weekend, I gotta get my pier out. 25-28 for highs, we're going to be on safe ice by gun/deer for sure. Not sure if I'll be able to launch my boat for Musky on Friday, but I sure as hell am going to try.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 05, 2018, 08:52 AM
Good luck 52! Stay safe out there. It's always a little creepy when the water gets "syrupy" this time of year. Wouldn't last long if you went in.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 05, 2018, 09:41 AM
Just saw the forecast, lows possibly in the single digits this Friday night. I saw some really small ponds iced over already in the early morning.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 05, 2018, 10:06 AM
Might have to dust off a couple tippys for gun season  ;D Been a while since I even thought about that.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 05, 2018, 02:30 PM
Yes this weekend could very well lock up some small bays. Looks like it might not get above 30° for 7 straight day with lows in the teens.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: JaminWI on Nov 05, 2018, 03:15 PM
eriksat1- I see you're NW Wisconsin, but just exactly how far north? If the weather forecast comes through, I may have a get my gear out and get ready to drive north soon. Just curious how far north? Rice...Hayward...Ashla nd...? 
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Nov 06, 2018, 06:26 AM
I'll bet the bays of the chetek and island chain will both have fishable ice (2-3") by gun opener at this rate. If the temps hold true to highs in the low to mid 30s and consistent low 20s at night, a lot of the small lakes north of 64 should be good to go by 2nd weekend of gun hunting. Much of Sawyer county will probably be fishable as well besides the big bodies of water. That's my optimistic outlook lol. One decent snowfall after this stretch of cold could change that pretty quickly though.

Only downfall of NW WI is 90% of the lakes are deep, spring fed lakes or large flowages. Maybe I'm wrong, but I feel like the more north central you head the more shallow bodies of water you find that tend to lock up early. I wish Vilas county wasn't such a hike for me.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 06, 2018, 06:38 AM
7 Day forecast for Three Lakes/Eagle River area:

(https://i.postimg.cc/MGX6s3S3/3-Lakes-7-Day-Forecast-110918.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)


Yes!  :clap: :icefish:
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: BH2 on Nov 06, 2018, 06:41 AM
OOOOOHHH that looks nice!!! ;D ;D
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Iceshanty on Nov 06, 2018, 07:02 AM
That's ice making weather there guys! WOOT  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 06, 2018, 08:49 AM
Good luck 52! Stay safe out there. It's always a little creepy when the water gets "syrupy" this time of year. Wouldn't last long if you went in.

If I'm alone, I trail a rope behind the boat. We're fishing 3 guys out of my rig, just going to troll suckers. I love this time of year, windows are shorter, but man the fishing can be good.

(https://i.imgur.com/TWcHvyV.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 06, 2018, 11:14 AM
Hey! Them's my sucker rigs... Big Thill floats and rubbercores.  :thumbsup: Sometimes I run a pilot float with the big one. All on (now) vintage St. Croix S-glass rods.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 06, 2018, 11:42 AM
I don't run big big suckers, so the Thill's work great.

I run 2 8' Premiers, a glass Fig Rig from when they sponsored the IMTT and a couple of Elk River sticks.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 06, 2018, 12:30 PM
eriksat1- I see you're NW Wisconsin, but just exactly how far north? If the weather forecast comes through, I may have a get my gear out and get ready to drive north soon. Just curious how far north? Rice...Hayward...Ashla nd...?

I'm between Hayward and Spooner. There are plenty of small lakes up here not just the big lakes.

(https://i.postimg.cc/4HZKm7rP/Cold3.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4HZKm7rP)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: JaminWI on Nov 07, 2018, 09:40 PM
I figured you had to be.  ;D

Hoping to find a couple back to back days I can get away after TG and get up there...pending weather pans out.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 08, 2018, 09:30 AM
Looking good still. Forecast is nothing above 30° until Saturday 11-17, and some lows around 10°
I will be deer hunting until after Thanksgivings so when I put the rifle away should be time to grab the auger.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Nov 09, 2018, 07:21 AM
Oh yeah! Bring on that cold weather.

I know last year I was fishing the Chip. Flowage before thanksgiving ( 15th if I can recall 4'')

We are getting some snow now and I really hope the lakes stay open for another 2 days. Ground is starting to freeze and once that happens the lakes are right behind it. 2-6'' expected till the end of the weekend. Heavier amounts in the snow belt.

And 52, I'm glad I dont have you on my dock removal list lol. I like to be done by nov 1st. That water is just too cold to be playing around in when its below freezing  ;D I give ya props for being such a die hard musky guy this time a year. I can ice fish in -20 but have such a hard time sitting in the boat when its 20 above in early/mid november .
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 09, 2018, 04:08 PM
Just drove past a 33 acre small lake that I would say was about 80% iced over. It has been snowing lightly for almost 24 hrs now and the snow is making the lake freeze. Forecast says low tonight 10° with almost no wind, it usually gets even colder by me than what the forecast is. That should do it.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 09, 2018, 05:54 PM
Snow's gotta stop or things get boogered up.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 12, 2018, 07:53 AM
Got back last night from Land O Lakes and Palmer (650 acre) will probably be ready to fish by this weekend. Started out on Friday with a frozen shoreline and a soup mix about 100 ft out to frozen solid and 90% of the lake frozen by Sunday. We had plans to launch the boat on Big Lake of the Cisco Chain, it was frozen solid by saturday morning, so we drove over to Park Falls for the Ice thing (it was tiny and sorta sucked), drove back to Boulder to AuquaLand and drank. Fun weekend, but no fishing. Unless they get really warm weather, the season is done on smaller to medium lakes. Trout and Black Oak were open, looks like you could launch on Trout with no problems. We got a total of about 7" of snow up there in the 3 days up, thing is, we also had 40mph winds friday afternoon.

Friday AM.

(https://i.imgur.com/w2JMl9F.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/RPT9dUS.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/w0Z0d5e.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/uAnFsAO.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/OHTqnuS.jpg)

Saturday
(https://i.imgur.com/LtOrR5f.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/tsVDmFd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Q0G8dfK.jpg)

Sunday
(https://i.imgur.com/H0lfZ6Z.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/uxrhUul.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/g9hyMWy.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Iceshanty on Nov 12, 2018, 08:11 AM
Looking good 52! Thanks for the pics  :tipup:
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 12, 2018, 08:18 AM
Chilly work gettin' that pier out I'll bet. Brrrrrrr!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 12, 2018, 08:23 AM
Chilly work gettin' that pier out I'll bet. Brrrrrrr!

Wasn't bad, I was padded head to toe. Took about an hr, two good friends helped with the dry work.  We should have fished friday, but would have never suspected the landings to freeze so solid over night, especially since there was heavy winds. Probably for the best though.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: ChadLeton on Nov 12, 2018, 09:40 AM
Always appreciate the updates! Thank you!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 14, 2018, 11:30 AM
Took this picture yesterday. I heard this morning people were out on the ice fishing today. Low temp almost hit zero Monday night. A few nights now in single digits.
(https://i.postimg.cc/XGsD4Brr/1113181238-Burst01.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/XGsD4Brr)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Sandcountrylivin on Nov 16, 2018, 06:34 AM
This might be a shot in the dark but is anybody familiar with the prentice/Phillips area? I am headed up for the 9 day Gun hunt and already have a freezer full of veni. I have all my ice gear packed and was hoping to chase some pike or walleyes on tip ups or jig up some pannies. If anyone had any tips for that particular area I would be happy to trade any info I get on the winnebago chain or any way I can pay it forward. Good luck in the woods and on the ice fellas!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Nov 16, 2018, 08:07 AM
This might be a shot in the dark but is anybody familiar with the prentice/Phillips area? I am headed up for the 9 day Gun hunt and already have a freezer full of veni. I have all my ice gear packed and was hoping to chase some pike or walleyes on tip ups or jig up some pannies. If anyone had any tips for that particular area I would be happy to trade any info I get on the winnebago chain or any way I can pay it forward. Good luck in the woods and on the ice fellas!

well, luckily for you the phillips chain likes to freeze up quick. But all my walleye spots there are close to culerts and moving water. might be a bit early for that. But im sure you will see the crappie army from hwy 13 downtown. hell, they probably already have ice shacks out there
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Sandcountrylivin on Nov 16, 2018, 08:28 AM
Thanks Matt! I have seen a couple guys Years past in the middle of town in Phillips. Just never had the stones to walk that far out on unfamiliar water. I stopped at the custom rod and bait shop but it didn't seem like those guys wanted the liability of giving me early ice spots that might be sketchy. I have tip up fished I can't remember the road but it is a right hand turn after you have gone through Phillips coming from prentice. There are some pull off gravel areas and steep banks down to the lake duroy? maybe? Anyway do you know of any spots or this an ok spot to soak some baits for pike early?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 16, 2018, 09:26 AM
Thanks Matt! I have seen a couple guys Years past in the middle of town in Phillips. Just never had the stones to walk that far out on unfamiliar water. I stopped at the custom rod and bait shop but it didn't seem like those guys wanted the liability of giving me early ice spots that might be sketchy. I have tip up fished I can't remember the road but it is a right hand turn after you have gone through Phillips coming from prentice. There are some pull off gravel areas and steep banks down to the lake duroy? maybe? Anyway do you know of any spots or this an ok spot to soak some baits for pike early?

You can't really blame Marc at Elk River for not wanting to send folks out on thin ice.  He's a good guy and would give you the info if he had it.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 18, 2018, 06:51 PM
Drove through Phillips today. Everything was froze over but leaking pretty good (as in very wet) at the cracks. That's just an observation from the highway, didn't walk on. Lots of moving water locked up too. Wisconsin and Flambeau were open in the middle but plenty of ice on the edges. Everything smaller was 100% ice covered.

I plan to be in the Eagle River St. Germain area right after Thanksgiving and will have a more comprehensive report then.

Be safe all!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Nov 19, 2018, 07:48 AM
If you go to phillips, look for cranberry lake. some of the local may hate me for suggesting that but its loaded with pike. some nice eyes and plenty of little panfish as well. can walk off the small boat landing.

Its a smaller lake so should of been locked up sooner than most.


btw was on Butternut lake (  north end ) yesterday, had a real solid 4'' of clear ice. Probably the best first ice ive ever seen. Fishing sucked but was nice to get out. Might run over to the chippewa flowage today to try and find some safe ice to toss some tip ups in.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 19, 2018, 08:44 AM
If you go to phillips, look for cranberry lake. some of the local may hate me for suggesting that but its loaded with pike. some nice eyes and plenty of little panfish as well. can walk off the small boat landing.

Its a smaller lake so should of been locked up sooner than most.


btw was on Butternut lake (  north end ) yesterday, had a real solid 4'' of clear ice. Probably the best first ice ive ever seen. Fishing sucked but was nice to get out. Might run over to the chippewa flowage today to try and find some safe ice to toss some tip ups in.

Thanks for the tip Matt! I like pike to eat. 24 - 30" is just right. Toss in a 40 to C&R now and again and that could be heaven.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 19, 2018, 10:33 AM
Thanks for the tip Matt! I like pike to eat. 24 - 30" is just right. Toss in a 40 now and again and that could be heaven.

I say the same thing about Musky. Mmmmmmmm, those Musky nuggets are amazing!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 19, 2018, 11:18 AM
I say the same thing about Musky. Mmmmmmmm, those Musky nuggets are amazing!

I ate a few back in the day. Some folks go crazy if you tell 'em that today. Hmmmm, you're quite the little potstirrer 52  >:D :roflmao: I'm making a note of that  :o

I did actually threaten my mom that if she killed anymore I was taking away the baby Jackpot. She took a half dozen or so 40"+  right off their dock.

But yes, tasty  ;)2
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 19, 2018, 02:38 PM
I ate a few back in the day. Some folks go crazy if you tell 'em that today. Hmmmm, you're quite the little potstirrer 52  >:D :roflmao: I'm making a note of that  :o

I did actually threaten my mom that if she killed anymore I was taking away the baby Jackpot. She took a half dozen or so 40"+  right off their dock.

But yes, tasty  ;)2

I don't know if you've ever been to Musky Day in Boulder Junction, but they used to have Musky nuggets. Tasted like absolute poo.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 19, 2018, 02:47 PM
Never been to Boulder for that. Someone must not be doing something right.

Cut 'em into small lobster sized chunks, a quick poach in seafood boil and finish with a brush of butter and a sprinkle of paprika (to complete the lobster illusion) under the broiler. Best poorman's lobster you'll ever eat. Deep fried in my "special" fish dust is runner up. I haven't done either one with musky in decades.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 20, 2018, 09:05 AM
I saw a 1,000 acre lake all frozen up this morning. I wouldn't walk on it yet, but a very good sign. I bet some small bays around here have 5" by now. I heard on the radio yesterday a station out of MN said this November could go down as the coldest November on record.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: sckoolman on Nov 20, 2018, 10:25 AM
If it’s the 1000 acre lake I think it is, Nov. 19 is the second earliest ice up date recorded (Nov. 15, 1995 was the earliest).  Now if we can just keep the snow away for a couple weeks!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Sandcountrylivin on Nov 20, 2018, 10:39 AM
Thanks Matt for the tip. I have had no luck up here with the deer. My dad saw the first deer(a doe) at dark yesterday evening. That's three guys, six hunts to see one deer!

I will be fishing either cranberry lake for pike and gills  or duroy for crappie this afternoon. I will report back next time I have reception. Tight lines fellas.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 20, 2018, 12:13 PM
If it’s the 1000 acre lake I think it is, Nov. 19 is the second earliest ice up date recorded (Nov. 15, 1995 was the earliest).  Now if we can just keep the snow away for a couple weeks!

It is the earliest I can remember in a long long time, yes it is Sand lake I drive past it every morning.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: bigstorm on Nov 20, 2018, 01:02 PM
I got on some ice last weekend in Central WI around Necedah, had about 3in of good clear ice where I was (only 4ft of water where I was too). Fishing was very slow but still good to be on ice
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Old Goat on Nov 20, 2018, 06:15 PM
Cherokee is fishable in madison
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: smokey1508 on Nov 24, 2018, 10:49 AM
my many travels i have seen ppl out on upper turtle lake and another spot in barron didnt have time to stop and check thickness but they were out
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Nov 24, 2018, 11:53 AM
been in the 40s for a day and a half up here. Raining today, then mixing/turning to snow. Most of the snow has melted from the yard. lakes might turn sh*tty for a day or 2 until we get a few single digit temps to really lock things up again. still should have a good 2-4'' in most bays/basins.


ugh so close to 500 posts...   
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: deerlaker on Nov 25, 2018, 07:08 PM
Was able to get out this afternoon in the price & oneida county area. The rains the past day or two have hardened up. As long as there was solid ice before the rain, they should be solid now. As always, use caution and your gut instincts. As for fishing, went to a reliable numbers spot for a confidence boost and testing new equipment to start the hardwater season. Caught quite a bit of pan fish. Few nice ones, but all of them went back down the hole. Great to be back out there!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 26, 2018, 02:42 PM
I'm on Rangeline @ Three Lakes today. Got 5" of solid ice shore to shore. Not big or really deep (125A/28') but the corner where the cranberry marshes drain in are solid too. That is generally last to freeze.
(https://i.postimg.cc/8fWTd8QF/20181126-142217.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/8fWTd8QF)

First flag, drive-by... Maybe she'll come back for a bite  ;D
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 92jag on Nov 29, 2018, 11:16 AM
Any suggestions for pan fish/northern lakes in the Lincoln and oneida county area.
I usually fish  the wisconsin near council grounds. Not enough ice there yet.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Sandcountrylivin on Nov 29, 2018, 11:24 AM
Fished duroy lake/price county during gun deer and managed my 10 crappie limit. Had 3.5"

Fished cranberry lake/ price county during gun deer. Managed a hill and a perch. Put the perch on a board and had a flag. Ran and dropped. Didn't feel safe enough to venture beyond the bay the launch is on.

Fished lake Alice/Lincoln county yesterday. Close to 5" of ice. Buddy iced an 18" walleye and I had a short at first light. 3 guys managed 35 or so crappie and gills.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 29, 2018, 11:37 AM
I fished the Chippewa flowage on Thanksgiving day had 4" solid ice.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 29, 2018, 02:36 PM
I drove past 2 of our big lakes today at lunch time a 3,000 and 5,000 acre lakes both frozen over as far as the eye could see. These lakes sometimes don't freeze over until almost Christmas. For November this is great!!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 29, 2018, 04:11 PM
Fished another small lake yesterday, 7.5" shore to shore. Got me a coupla gills and a pike on a tipup. Had another snot rocket slide in and inhale my tungsten jig. No, 2# test does not hold up to sharp teeth for barely a millisecond. Cost me the jig but the bend in the rod was something to see. Never had a chance.

Checked out some of the bigger water and they're still a little wet at the cracks but pretty much iced over (Catfish, Eagle and Yellow Birch @ Eagle river). Narrow stretches with current are still open but, really, it's early. The forecast bodes well for lotsa ice and minimal slush!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: WalleyeBird on Dec 02, 2018, 07:32 AM
Fished Big Eau Pleine/marathon yesterday for the first time. Was on 6” of good ice. People taking wheelers out already. Managed a limit including a 19. Should’ve come earlier so I had time to fish crappie.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: beast on Dec 02, 2018, 08:49 AM
I drove past 2 of our big lakes today at lunch time a 3,000 and 5,000 acre lakes both frozen over as far as the eye could see. These lakes sometimes don't freeze over until almost Christmas. For November this is great!!
same around here, but 2 of the lakes reopened  but since refroze, we got about 5" in the sheltered bays, but the rest of the lake is very sketchy.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: WalleyeBird on Dec 02, 2018, 10:32 PM
Went back to the same spot tonight. Fishing much slower but still managed 2 keepers and a 21” slot fish!

(https://i.postimg.cc/PNggTvS0/855452-D1-EC46-4038-881-F-30058-E2-F11-EA.png) (https://postimg.cc/PNggTvS0)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Dec 10, 2018, 09:56 AM
A lot of ATVs out and even saw some small vehicles out in NW WI this weekend (Barron and Washburn counties). Had a solid ~8" of ice everywhere I checked. Guess I missed "early ice" this year!

Did an overnight trip in my hub shack. Night bite was poor after 930, only caught a bullhead overnight. Had a good morning and evening though, enjoyed a catch and cook on the ice and caught multiple 12"+ crappies. Solid first outing of the year.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Old Goat on Dec 13, 2018, 07:31 AM
a overnighter nice I did one one year in a 24 in. wide flipover it was fun although did have to get out and stretch a lot
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 18, 2018, 06:49 AM
Just got back from the St. Germain area. Spent all our time on the Rainbow. Mostly 8 but up to to 12 inches in places of great hard ice. Saw some bozo drive a 4 door F150 on... not this cat. Forecast bodes well for even more ice and if we get enough before a heavy/wet snow slush will be a non-factor.

Sunrise (ish):

(https://i.postimg.cc/SNDyXL3N/15449990125521.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/CznyX8wW)

Sunset:
(https://i.postimg.cc/y6h6KCTR/15449994817991.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xqCVG7hj)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Iceshanty on Dec 18, 2018, 06:51 AM
Sweet pics Esox_xtm!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 18, 2018, 09:04 AM
We're not looking at a lot of snow in the next 10 days either. By the time I get there next tuesday, we're probably looking at a good 10-12" up in Land O Lakes. I also heard of guys driving out already.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 18, 2018, 09:08 AM
Yep, the sledheads are whining and the dependent business are going to hurt this year unless there's a big January.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 18, 2018, 09:18 AM
Yep, the sledheads are whining and the dependent business are going to hurt this year unless there's a big January.

Craig at Bent's isn't happy I guess. Us ice guys don't bring the $ in like the sledders do.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Dec 18, 2018, 12:21 PM
I saw a truck out on the lake Sunday, said there was 12" They are staking some of the lakes snowmobile trails already. I haven't even pulled my snowmobile out of the garage yet, but I need to, the ice is plenty thick enough now for a snowmobile and I hate walking out.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Dec 24, 2018, 10:07 AM
yeah I been seeing about an average of about 8" of ice right now on most lakes.  good base before we get this nasty post xmas snow storm for the bubble heads.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Dec 24, 2018, 11:42 AM
A huge snowstorm would be ideal right now. There's enough ice that it could handle it but not enough for people to drive on yet. The shorter the season for driving on vehicles the better for the fisheries and the less people I have to deal with, it's a win-win IMO  ;D. The only downfall is a shorter late-ice season...

I have seen some small vehicles on quite a few lakes about 45-60 minutes north of the Eau Claire area over the past week. There can't be more than 10, maybe 12" on those lakes but they have been pretty small vehicles.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 24, 2018, 11:45 AM
Callin' for 5 - 8" Thursday into Friday Eagle River area... Should be a foot of great ice by then.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Dec 26, 2018, 02:38 PM
If there is 12" of good ice I have never had a problem driving my f150 out. But I check ice thickness myself, never take someones word for it.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Dec 27, 2018, 02:30 PM
So far here around Hayward we dodged the bullet. We got maybe 2" of snow last night and so far all day today it has only rained and knocked most of the snow down to almost nothing. The lakes are almost knocked down to bare ice. They say tonight we could get 3" then the big cool down zero temps. Friday night, and minus -15°f by Tuesday night. I am sure glad we didn't get 12" of wet heavy snow like they are places in MN. Our ice was only about 10" and imo not yet safe to drive a truck out on. After this cool down it should be good to go.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 02, 2019, 07:46 AM
Got back last night from Land O Lakes. Fished 5-6 days, one of those up on Gogebic. We started out on the 26th and fished over 18 fow, 6-8" of ice. Headed up o Gogebic on the 27th and found the same up there. By the time I fished for the last time on NYE, we had 10-12 in the same spot as the 26th. So we're making ice up there.

We had snow on the 27th, but that quickly turned to a rain/sleet mix. Total we got maybe 3-4" of snow, which is what I had in my yard when we got up there, so no much in the way of progress for the sled trails, which didn't open until Sat the 29th. Weather was typical Land O Lakes, front after front, but again, not much snow, which made travel not too bad.

Overall the fishing was fantastic. Caught well over 30 walleyes and kept maybe 5-6". Gogebic started slow, but in the afternoon, warmed up and I ended up with 8 perch, 2 being 13" and my personal best Crappie at right around 16" weighing in about 2.4lbs.

(https://i.imgur.com/BdEeQMp.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/aNuWs8n.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/38P3QA8.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/wZN2ely.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/aymFrC2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/UPgzOef.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/93YyZPP.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/QQYn1B2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/CeXCUvB.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 02, 2019, 08:45 AM
We drove our trucks out yesterday on a solid 13" of ice. Hammered a good bunch of nice crappie. There was almost no snow on top of the ice it must have all been blown off the lake by wind. Made ice last night, it got down to minus -15° at my house.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 02, 2019, 10:02 AM
We drove our trucks out yesterday on a solid 13" of ice. Hammered a good bunch of nice crappie. There was almost no snow on top of the ice it must have all been blown off the lake by wind. Made ice last night, it got down to minus -15° at my house.

Same here, very little snow cover on the lakes, but wind swept areas/bays did have slush building up. I saw trucks out on Dubay yesterday on the way home.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Sandcountrylivin on Jan 02, 2019, 06:50 PM
Nice. I'm headed to a little lake east of Wausau called pike lake. Hopefully I will be able to pull the truck out.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Jan 03, 2019, 07:59 AM
Good luck on Pike - some nice panfish in there if you can find them and not a bad "pike" lake either. If I remember right, there's a big boulder out in the middle that we would fish off of. It's been 2 or 3 years since I've been there.

Booked a trip to the Big Chip January 25th-27th with the wife. Never fished it before, just hoping to get the wife on some fish to keep her interested, and make it a tradition maybe.   :)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: ChadLeton on Jan 06, 2019, 02:00 PM
Took a young client that I've fished with since he was 12 years old up to the Northwoods. Personally I haven't been up since 2010 (Far too long!)

We were up the 2nd-5th in the Hazelhurst/St. Germain area. 1st day was a welcome cold one (as SE WI weather and ice conditions are far from favorable for January). Subsequent days were down right balmy! LOL

We concentrated on lakes that were 400 acre or less with good stocking info for and the 3 walleye w/ 1 over 14" regulation.
Set up every afternoon by 1:30pm in high percentage areas and between 3:30-6pm we go what we were hoping for.

Most of our fish came on tip ups although in the stained lakes. Fish on darker bodies of water came in 8-9' of water.
Clear lakes we found them jigging in 19-22'. Regardless of water clarity, rock or gravel transitions to muck/weeds was the ticket.

Certainly some spot-on-the-spot activity on all our trips as jigging action would come from 2 holes out of our grids. The same held true for flags as one would consistently pop more than others. Points and inside turn structure with the above-mentioned cover worked very well.

8-10" of ice on all the lakes we targeted. Just enough snow cover. Last day had to apply the sunscreen so we wouldn't get burnt faced because it was so nice out!

Was interesting to talk to some of the DNR officers as they were conducting creel surveys on 2 of the lakes we decided to fish (what are the odds!). They had some good info on the specific lakes to share and drove out before their shifts ended to see how we had made out.

Always sad to leave, but will hope to be up in February again especially if our bigger lakes in SE WI aren't fishable this season.

A few photos I was able to take when my phone was in working order :)

(https://i.postimg.cc/9RQmN2rF/IMG-5640.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/9RQmN2rF)

(https://i.postimg.cc/34fKsqvj/IMG-5645.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/34fKsqvj)

(https://i.postimg.cc/kDDMQ70T/IMG-5651.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kDDMQ70T)

(https://i.postimg.cc/xNk0nPvw/IMG-5653.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/xNk0nPvw)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Jan 07, 2019, 08:40 AM
Took a young client that I've fished with since he was 12 years old up to the Northwoods. Personally I haven't been up since 2010 (Far too long!)

We were up the 2nd-5th in the Hazelhurst/St. Germain area. 1st day was a welcome cold one (as SE WI weather and ice conditions are far from favorable for January). Subsequent days were down right balmy! LOL

We concentrated on lakes that were 400 acre or less with good stocking info for and the 3 walleye w/ 1 over 14" regulation.
Set up every afternoon by 1:30pm in high percentage areas and between 3:30-6pm we go what we were hoping for.

Most of our fish came on tip ups although in the stained lakes. Fish on darker bodies of water came in 8-9' of water.
Clear lakes we found them jigging in 19-22'. Regardless of water clarity, rock or gravel transitions to muck/weeds was the ticket.

Certainly some spot-on-the-spot activity on all our trips as jigging action would come from 2 holes out of our grids. The same held true for flags as one would consistently pop more than others. Points and inside turn structure with the above-mentioned cover worked very well.

8-10" of ice on all the lakes we targeted. Just enough snow cover. Last day had to apply the sunscreen so we wouldn't get burnt faced because it was so nice out!

Was interesting to talk to some of the DNR officers as they were conducting creel surveys on 2 of the lakes we decided to fish (what are the odds!). They had some good info on the specific lakes to share and drove out before their shifts ended to see how we had made out.

Always sad to leave, but will hope to be up in February again especially if our bigger lakes in SE WI aren't fishable this season.

A few photos I was able to take when my phone was in working order :)




Awesome report Chad! Sounds like you guys did your research and it paid off. Thats a nice area to fish with lots of lakes to choose from.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Jan 08, 2019, 12:11 PM
Does anyone have any experience fishing the night bite for eyes or crappie in the Hayward area? Specifically looking at Nelson, Round, Spider and Grindstone I'm thinking, but open to anywhere. I know they are good fishing lakes in general and have done well on the ones I have fished, but I got another weekend to spend a night on the ice in my hub and catching some fish overnight this time would be nice lol.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Jan 14, 2019, 12:59 PM
Finally found a night bite for crappie this weekend. Didn't get up to the Hayward area as I couldn't find any insider info and didn't want to go in blind so I fished a lake I've been on before. First time I've been able to wake up at any point in the night and catch fish. Nothing huge but pretty consistent action. Made for a fun trip.

Ice is still in that 10-14" range depending on the lake. Guys driving full size trucks out but still being cautious and hugging the shorelines when possible. Finally a cold snap here should give us the extra push we need.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 16, 2019, 09:42 AM
Fished tip ups for walleye last night 4:00pm - 7:00pm  we caught four 15" to 19" fishing 15' to 28' fow sand grass on the bottom. The lake had very little snow cover you almost had to wear cleats to keep from slipping on the bare ice. We drove our full size trucks out on 16" of ice. Now comes more cold could get down to minus -10° by Saturday night. With no snow we might be pushing 20" of ice soon. The snowmobilers are not happy not much for snow here and not expecting anytime soon. Everything is going to the south of us as far as snow.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 16, 2019, 01:01 PM
I'm heading up tonight. Sounds like thurs and friday are our best bet, saturday looks to be pretty cold, but not all that windy.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Jan 16, 2019, 01:06 PM
I'm heading up tonight. Sounds like thurs and friday are our best bet, saturday looks to be pretty cold, but not all that windy.

I'm also headed back up tomorrow for Sausage Making Part Deux. And some fishing. We won't hit the ice till Saturday and Sunday (brrrrr!) with highs in the single digits. I'm hoping Big St. if good for truck traffic, that'll help. If not, we'll find a place.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 16, 2019, 01:59 PM
Tomorrow high 21 last chance for me to fish tip ups for a while, my cut off for tip up fishing is about +10° my hands can't take it anymore. I will be jigging for crappie inside my FF 949i  popup this weekend. It is not so bad once you can drive out to your spot in a heated truck set the pop up quick and get the buddy heater cranking.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Depthfinder on Jan 17, 2019, 06:29 AM
Some of the best fishing we had was during sustained cold period.  Its not bad as long as the wind is 5 mph or less.  Tip up fishing can be frustrating unless you have the hot boxes.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 17, 2019, 08:13 AM
What cold period? We haven't really had one yet, I think maybe minus -10 is about the coldest we have had so far. I'm still waiting for the minus -20 to  minus -30 stuff. My problem with tip ups below +10° is my hands and fingers not working, not that my hole or tip up freezing. I guess I could still jig them inside a shack, but I find it more fun jigging crappie inside a shack.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Jan 18, 2019, 11:34 AM
eriksat - did you happen to see the in depth outdoors vehicle driving around in your neck of the woods this past week?? New video coming out sunday is from Hayward. Looks like they hammered some nice crappies.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 18, 2019, 02:37 PM
eriksat - did you happen to see the in depth outdoors vehicle driving around in your neck of the woods this past week?? New video coming out sunday is from Hayward. Looks like they hammered some nice crappies.

Someone told me the John Gillespie show coming on this Saturday is from Hayward area also, fishing for Northern Pike. There are several lakes around here with nice crappie. I should do my own show on youtube.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Jan 20, 2019, 10:20 AM
Got a report of truck going through the ice on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage this weekend. A Lot of places your looking at 12-16'' of ice, but in this particular spot they only had 1-4''.

Just a reminder to really check that ice before venturing out, even if its -10 out.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 20, 2019, 02:59 PM
It is a flowage meaning water current is always flowing. You better know where the heavy current areas are.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 20, 2019, 03:07 PM
eriksat - did you happen to see the in depth outdoors vehicle driving around in your neck of the woods this past week?? New video coming out sunday is from Hayward. Looks like they hammered some nice crappies.

Yes I watched both shows today in depth outdoors and gilesbie show were both in Hayward area.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 21, 2019, 08:17 AM
Fished on Thursday and Friday, Saturday when we woke up, it was -19 so we said, "hey? Isn't Kurt's Island and AquaLand bar open today?"

Got a couple of walleyes on Thursday, pre-front. Nothing on friday. What's odd is we had a pretty major cold front come through, yet no wind. It was a light breeze to nothing. You can tell things are cold when the snow on the ice get's that crystallized look to it.

(https://i.imgur.com/E6iaPgu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/1LrcU9s.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/fwPoEUJ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/41CpwOt.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/vUbqsQP.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Jimmy Bomanti on Jan 21, 2019, 09:54 AM

A buddy and I are heading up to the Minocqua area this weekend.  Can anyone tell me which lakes people are driving trucks on? 
We have no wheeler or snowmobile and will be entirely on foot unless we can drive my truck out to some spots.

Thank you in advance!   
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: AlphaRooster on Jan 21, 2019, 10:26 AM
I was on Gunlock lake Sat because its an easy access and right around he corner from my house,drove my mini van out and jigged and set 2 tip ups-just a pair of crappies and 1 flag and the usual mini perch - 14 " ice .It seems like most of the lakes are being driven on but there are some reports of weird patches this year and they just marked the snowmobile trail under the Minocqua bridge last week so be cautious
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 21, 2019, 10:33 AM
I would think by now most lakes should have enough ice to drive on. We are closing in on 18" of ice on most lakes around here. And looks like this coming Thursday low of minus -20° and looks like it won't get above zero for about 3 days in a row. I think we are entering a deep freeze period for maybe over a week straight lows in the below zero teens.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 21, 2019, 11:03 AM
A buddy and I are heading up to the Minocqua area this weekend.  Can anyone tell me which lakes people are driving trucks on? 
We have no wheeler or snowmobile and will be entirely on foot unless we can drive my truck out to some spots.

Thank you in advance!   

Talk to Kurt's Island or Rollie and Hellen's. I didn't see anybody driving out up there.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 21, 2019, 11:37 AM
If you are talking a river system that is a whole new ball game. Small inland lakes should all be good, but don't take anyone's word for it check ice thickness yourself before driving out anywhere.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Jan 21, 2019, 06:37 PM
I'm with erik and 52. Do not drive unless you know. Do not trailblaze. OK, follow tracks but I wouldn't deviate unless I knew what I was doing. Natural lakes should be pretty much locked up but any thing that has the word flowage, chain or reservoir in it is suspect. Even on natural lakes if springs are in play they can be trouble too.

I drove on the Rainbow flowage by St. Germain and had 18"+ in all holes. I was warned to steer clear of a few spots which were well known (at least locally) high current area where you can get into trouble. Last thing you want or need is to dump a vehicle into the drink. It's dangerous, cold, wet and expensive.

If I trailblaze by myself it's a few hundred feet at a time. I drill out front to verify and move forward. With a couple, three guys and drills it's faster.

Keep it on top...
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 21, 2019, 06:54 PM
That is what we do also, one guy walks ahead 100 to 200 yards and drills holes to check ice then signal to drive trucks up while he walks another 100 to 200 yards and drills holes. Once we establish a safe route we are good usually until spring.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 22, 2019, 10:36 AM
That is what we do also, one guy walks ahead 100 to 200 yards and drills holes to check ice then signal to drive trucks up while he walks another 100 to 200 yards and drills holes. Once we establish a safe route we are good usually until spring.

Drove through Minocqua on our way up and a day later to hit Rollie & Hellens, the snowmobile path that goes under 51 was clear and marked with barrels, drove through on Sunday, there were 2 spots marked yellow police crime scene tape where somebody reported thin ice or somebody went through.

Ice is a tricky devil.

Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Jan 22, 2019, 11:21 AM
Drove through Minocqua on our way up and a day later to hit Rollie & Hellens, the snowmobile path that goes under 51 was clear and marked with barrels, drove through on Sunday, there were 2 spots marked yellow police crime scene tape where somebody reported thin ice or somebody went through.

Ice is a tricky devil.


Bridges, inlets/culverts, narrow spots or a long run of good narrow with a bend, rocks or vegetation sticking out, aerators or goose holes. Plenty of hazards, often unseen especially after a fresh snow.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Jan 22, 2019, 12:41 PM
If there is current even a snowmobile or wheeler may not be safe. It scares the hell out of me to go under a bridge.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Jan 25, 2019, 08:50 AM
A car has now gone through the ice on the turtle flambeau flowage. (trude lake).

be careful if you are doing the JD Fisheree this weekend. btw its the last one :( so go hit up some great prizes and support a good cause.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: AlphaRooster on Jan 25, 2019, 11:01 AM

(https://i.postimg.cc/Q969R4P6/tims-car-through-ice.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/Q969R4P6)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: AlphaRooster on Jan 25, 2019, 11:03 AM
bad day fishing for my friend Tim who was visiting from the Green Bay area,havent talked with him yet
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: AlphaRooster on Jan 25, 2019, 11:05 AM

(https://i.postimg.cc/nC92GB98/tims-car.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nC92GB98)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Jan 25, 2019, 04:55 PM
That'll ruin your day...
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 01, 2019, 10:38 AM
I'm heading back up late next wed night. Of course we're gonna get cold again, but who cares? Its fishing. Anybody else been up recently? Been pretty quiet due to the extreme cold.  I'm jonesing to get out there.

(https://i.imgur.com/93YyZPP.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Feb 02, 2019, 05:53 PM
Just got off the ice @ Three Lakes. Beautiful day, 22" of rock solid ice. Won't be long and I'll have to look for an extension. Fish are there on the cam but the bite was slow (again). It's kinda that time of year.

I'm headed back south in the morning and then back up on Wed. Gotta move snow (coming) for mom and then it's a few days on Plum. Good times!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 04, 2019, 09:28 AM
Looks like we have snow moving in on Thursday, a fair amount too. If I don't fish thrusday, at least I'll be up for some clean up.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Feb 04, 2019, 10:16 AM
They knocked the snow forecast back a bit but still 3 - 5". I hate walkin' around in snow over up to (or over) my knees. I'll be on the ice at least part of Thursday and all day Fri. and Sat.

UPDATE: Geeez... I just looked again. 3 - 5" on Tuesday, that again on Wed. and again Thur.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Feb 10, 2019, 05:41 PM
Another brutal, far below zero Saturday, in the books. Saturday was -26F wake up and clear until the sun peeked over the treetops. Didn't get much better but did climb into the double digits, though not over 14F, while the sun was out. 25" of ice with good foot of snow on top. Depending on where you were it was slush or not and even then not terrible.

Slow fishing but did pound a 21" walleye and a few 26 - 28" pike. Our guys put up a 2nd place walleye (should kept it thawed on the way in) got bumped by an eighth of an inch and the big crappie @ 11.25". Lots and lotsa fun. Fresh pike poor man's lobster for "appetizers", 9 racks of baby backs, big tub o' chicken drummies, chips, a dozen kinds of beer, good whiskey, apple pie and a coupla cigars. Only 3 pike over 30" with the big @ 36". Not a stellar pike day.

Another good performance from the MMM/8" KD combo in extreme conditions. It's all good as long as you don't push it. Let the auger do the work and you won't be disappointed.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 11, 2019, 08:52 AM
It was -27 by me saturday when I first woke up, went back to bed, got up at 9 and it was still -22 and never got above 5. We shoveled, roof raked and drank. And holy balls did we get lucky on the drive home. We missed the 51 pile up by 10 minutes max. Glare ice on the way up on Wed, snow storm thursday then the cold fri-sat. I drilled one hole. It was 25-26" easy.

(https://i.imgur.com/IpwYd8b.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/zsJQkGQ.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/eUFUzDu.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/n1Z8iqK.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Feb 11, 2019, 02:39 PM
Prior to yesterday's snow the lakes were still pretty easily accessible with 4WD in Rusk County. Got on a good panfish bite Saturday morning. Was mostly confined to the shanty with it being close to -20 out. After this snowstorm, vehicle traffic will be tough without a plowed road...
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: husb0023 on Feb 12, 2019, 10:26 AM
Yeah, not bad driving Saturday.  Seen some all-wheel drive cars getting out on unplowed lakes without too much problem. Good traction. As long as the snow doesn't get up to the bottom of the truck it should be decent driving again this weekend.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 18, 2019, 03:13 PM
Been hearing some nasty stories about some bad slush conditions up in NE WI. Has anybody heard differently?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Feb 18, 2019, 03:25 PM
Had some spotty slush on Plum @ Sayner last (not this past) weekend. That was before the additional snow on Tuesday. I can't imagine it got better.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: husb0023 on Feb 20, 2019, 02:04 PM
All nasty in the NW.  Slush spots/deep snow.  Without a plow road, there is isn't much good that can happen.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Feb 20, 2019, 02:38 PM
And another 5 - 8" coming this weekend. Hope the bubbleheads are happy.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 27, 2019, 11:05 AM
It's a mess up there. I had about 24" of snow on my roof before last weekend. We went up last wed night and it took 5.5 hrs from Germantown. Fished in deep snow and about 6-8" of slush under it. We bailed out last friday afternoon to beat the incoming disaster. Ice dept is good at about 26", but you need to either use an extension or dig 10" down to not have to use one.

I'm going to head back up the first weekend in April for Perch.

(https://i.imgur.com/cUWsgMr.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/OovJkk7.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ibheVUb.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Yu1PQmF.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Mar 21, 2019, 08:05 AM
After this weekend I’m thinking you should be able to drive out again up here. I drove out last Sunday and almost got stuck in deep snow/slush. We had 26” of ice, the bottom 20” hard clear ice. If warm weather melts off some of the snow / slush 14* temp Monday night should freeze everything on top solid again I’m hoping. Still lots of good panfishing ahead.

Btw 52 I shoveled off 41 inches of snow in spots off my garage roof.

(https://i.postimg.cc/FkzFqr4s/8-C18504-E-A06-E-4353-834-B-2-EDB7-AA1-C153.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/FkzFqr4s)

(https://i.postimg.cc/DmpwGXrW/C02-EFDD2-4-B94-4-B84-8310-A3-E4-F79-B5258.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/DmpwGXrW)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: husb0023 on Mar 24, 2019, 07:59 AM
I had a solid 18" of hard ice up here yesterday.  Need to be careful though, the holes that people opened during the week are starting to creep.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Mar 25, 2019, 10:30 AM
I had a solid 18" of hard ice up here yesterday.  Need to be careful though, the holes that people opened during the week are starting to creep.

Insanity. I hear conditions are getting very good again for lake travel.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Mar 25, 2019, 12:50 PM
I saw a bunch of people out on the lake today, the slush must have hardened now. I had 4* at my house this morning.
Should be no problem getting out now, as long as the shoreline holds up.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Mar 26, 2019, 08:36 AM
Was out on the TFF yesterday and about a week ago. And its about the same. Top frozen ish layer about 12'' (snow, ice, water, slush all condensed and seems its been freezing and thawing and freezing and thawing.) Under That is about 16'' of solid clear ice.

Had the sled out both times. found no slush. everything was rock solid. Shorelines were still snow drifted. I'm sure some shorelines are more sun beaten but its not going anywhere soon. Anyone want to start taking some bets on ice out? Ill toss in a dollar and say its dock time right after Easter.

Btw fishing was decent :) Favorite time of the year for me to fish! Warm, sun burnt, and raising slabs all day.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Mar 26, 2019, 12:07 PM
I'm heading up to my place within the next week or so. BIG perch coming!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Apr 08, 2019, 12:57 PM
I got into some nice crappies Saturday had 18” of ice, bottom 12” clear solid ice.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Apr 12, 2019, 11:34 AM
Heading back on Tuesday. One last shot for big Perch.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Apr 12, 2019, 12:07 PM
Yesterdays snow was heeeeavy. Hardest the snowblower worked all year. Melting fast though. Had about 6 - 7" here @ 3 Lakes. Lotsa wind with it so it really piled/packed in places.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Apr 16, 2019, 08:02 AM
The snow has pretty much melted back down to bare ice now. I might give it one more try for Crappie tomorrow after work. Might possibly need a plank to get out off shore, but I do know of a steep shady shore line that holds ice a long time.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Apr 22, 2019, 08:31 AM
I got out one more time last Wed.  Bought a clearance 1 man Eskimo to pull out because the ATV was not going out on that.  Ice was about 12-14" once you dropped 3" through the thin layer, then water. That's scary stuff when you break though, but I drilled about 20 holes on my way out about a mile and the ice depth was about the same everywhere. Got a few flags, but nothing fish-wise. Storms chased me off wed evening, thursday was cold and rainy, so I said I'm done. Great to get out one more time!

(https://i.imgur.com/hcDjCRH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/ILKjM6U.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/AxhSN9i.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/JISthYG.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jun 28, 2019, 12:48 PM
Well fellas we only have about 170 days until we'll have safe ice for sure. Around Dec 15th. Of course, we could ave safe ice by Thanksgiving, but to play it safe, mid December. Hope all is well in everybody's summer.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Aug 23, 2019, 07:28 AM
Lotsa folks feelin' the change in the weather. When I drove down from 3 Lakes yesterday must have seen a dozen and a half sleds on trailers plus 3 crankdown shacks going "somewhere"...

On the lake Wednesday afternoon water temp dropped almost 3 degrees between 3 and 9 pm. Sure feels good!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Old Goat on Aug 24, 2019, 12:50 AM
almost time for the big gills here       having a garage sale here today mostly ice fishing stuff new check CL Madison and yeah IS members get better deals
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Sep 04, 2019, 11:27 AM
Lotsa folks feelin' the change in the weather. When I drove down from 3 Lakes yesterday must have seen a dozen and a half sleds on trailers plus 3 crankdown shacks going "somewhere"...

On the lake Wednesday afternoon water temp dropped almost 3 degrees between 3 and 9 pm. Sure feels good!

I haven't been up since the 4th. Been way too busy with the kids, work, settling in-laws into assisted living and moving ourselves into a new house. Nothing like getting stuff for the upcoming season. I bought a new cover for my Eskimo 1 man and am getting itchy now.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Sep 04, 2019, 02:19 PM
Last Wednesday we had 65* water temps @ Three Lakes already. I'll be back out tomorrow, Friday and Sat. on sugar Camp Chain and I know it will be cooler than that. Usually haven't been seeing 65ish till med-Sept. so a good two weeks or better ahead. I know, it can always warm up but I can dream can't I?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: ChadLeton on Sep 23, 2019, 12:24 PM
Indian summer last week has an impromptu trip North next week (to get that fall feeling going). Hitting Big Saint primarily to chuck for Musky with my brother. Should have a report soon enough. Probably going to spend some mid-day periods venturing off to other future ice destinations to do some graphing.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Sep 23, 2019, 06:34 PM
Just got home from Three Lakes/Eagle River. Water temps actually warmed up a bit from two weeks ago. I found 66 - 71 degrees depending where you were on the Chain (ER). Still, it's gonna keep cooling down. It's time.

Muskies were tough for us on Saturday though the field of 46 boats posted 19 fish with one team accounting for 4 of those. Sunday was better. Moved 9, boated two shorties and had a 37 and a mid to high 40s to the boatside but couldn't convert the anxious follows. Both were juniors and he is not particularly adept at figure 8s. he sure had fun though. That big one was the biggest he's ever had follow.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: ChadLeton on Oct 03, 2019, 11:21 AM
Certainly felt like fall on Big St. Trees (especially on the north shore) turning colors. Water temps 58-60 degrees. Overcast and rain/drizzle the whole time we were up. Overnight temps in the 40's.

Moved fish all over the lake on blades, topwaters, and even threw some wood. Blades converted for us though in the end. Weeds still green in most areas. Fish are looking stocky and putting on the weight!


(https://i.postimg.cc/ykZSm26Y/71148747-10219451034687237-345823370740236288-n.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/ykZSm26Y)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Oct 03, 2019, 07:22 PM
Nice trip Chad! We'll be up next weekend multi-species more or less. Still finding 'skis shallow or all over? I've got my son and his buddy so will probably target eyes and pannies mostly, I'll have some pike medicine along and the boys will probably want to dabble in a little casting exercise for 'skis. Probably won't last long. Gonna be coooold.  ;D

Potential targets include Pickerel, Big and/or Little St., Rainbow. Wherever the urge takes us. Once I move up to that area Plum is a draw for me. Mebbe tough but not a nut that can't be cracked  ;)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: ChadLeton on Oct 04, 2019, 11:10 AM
The Musky were contacted in both shallow and deep water. Breaklines with weeds (boat in 18-20 with weeds visible on side imaging) and bait seemed to possess fish that were more 'keyed up' and willing to chase. Others were low-n-slow just being curious. One came off rocky point on a weighted Suick as well but flared and missed the bait, then stopped completely still for 2 min. Wouldn't spook off and wouldn't chase. Cool to watch though. Good luck with your guests aboard!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Oct 04, 2019, 02:28 PM
The Musky were contacted in both shallow and deep water. Breaklines with weeds (boat in 18-20 with weeds visible on side imaging) and bait seemed to possess fish that were more 'keyed up' and willing to chase. Others were low-n-slow just being curious. One came off rocky point on a weighted Suick as well but flared and missed the bait, then stopped completely still for 2 min. Wouldn't spook off and wouldn't chase. Cool to watch though. Good luck with your guests aboard!

Thanks for the info Chad, greatly appreciated!  :thumbsup: It's a whole week away and things can change but based on those water temps and the upcoming weather we'll have to watch for lakes that are turning. May have to just keep poking around till we find one that's on.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Oct 09, 2019, 03:30 PM
Thanks for the info Chad, greatly appreciated!  :thumbsup: It's a whole week away and things can change but based on those water temps and the upcoming weather we'll have to watch for lakes that are turning. May have to just keep poking around till we find one that's on.

What did you get for water temps Esox?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Oct 11, 2019, 08:20 AM
Stay tuned 52. Winter jobs @ Moms have kept me off the water.  ::) I'll be out later today  ;D
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Oct 12, 2019, 06:24 PM
Brrrrr! 33 and snow wakin' up in St. Germain this am. Water temp was 48 - 50 depending on what part of the lake you were on. Should be syrupy by the end of next week the way the forecast looks.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Oct 30, 2019, 01:05 PM
Was up with Mrs last weekend. Gorgeous weather, bit breezy, but gorgeous. Water temps dropped from about 43.5 to 42ish.

(https://i.imgur.com/X9LfWNa.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/KD43F3G.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/shv7mAK.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Srg7bF2.jpg)

Stopped by Gooch's A1 and looked at the hole a while. Earlier in the summer some kid he kicked out for being a minor drove back to the bar, did doughnuts in the parking lot and hit a power pole, which then started the bar on fire. Total loss.  Ran into him at breakfast at the Grainery in Boulder Junction, he said he's looking at getting footings in before Christmas, so that's cool.

(https://i.imgur.com/2vwMtqg.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 02, 2019, 09:46 AM
Today @ Three Lakes:

(https://i.postimg.cc/XNkpwXDp/Rangeline-110219.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

It's happening...  :clap:
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: jiggalo on Nov 02, 2019, 09:49 AM
  :thumbsup:
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: ChadLeton on Nov 02, 2019, 11:25 AM
Appreciate the updates! Thank you!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Nov 02, 2019, 12:25 PM
I noticed they will be rebuilding Gooches Aone Bar!. Cool place it was.

Anyways, Was out removing some piers and was breaking through .5'' of ice in bays. Some smaller lakes almost froze over. Larger lakes just starting to freeze in the weeds and shallow bays.

Weather going to be colder next week down to the single digits. Fishing will come early this year if the snow can hold up for a month.

Time to put the boat away and get the ice gear out I guess.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 04, 2019, 05:24 PM
This forecast makes me "not grumpy"!  :clap:

(https://i.postimg.cc/X7yVY41Y/3-Lakes-Forecast-111319.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

 :tipup: :icefish: :tipup: :icefish: :tipup: :icefish:

Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 06, 2019, 10:50 AM
Looking more like January than the first week of November, less than two weeks ago up by me on Palmer the water was 43.5°. By this weekend there could be ice fishing in our bay. Insane how fast the ice went off last year and how fast it's going on this year.  Knowing my luck, it'll be mid 50's during my 2 week vacation over Christmas.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: DaleL57 on Nov 06, 2019, 06:54 PM
Gotta be positive!
We could stand not having this snowfall in SE Wisconsin
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Thorney on Nov 09, 2019, 11:41 AM
Guys are fishin' today on Pokegama (Chetek).
(https://i.postimg.cc/kDR73cNg/IMG-20191109-081543964.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/kDR73cNg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: sturboy on Nov 10, 2019, 07:14 AM
Cool picture. The shadows of the men go to the left of the hole, making it look like tracks of a vehicle of some kind abruptly disappearing into a big hole in the ice! :o
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 10, 2019, 09:48 AM
We have smaller lakes over here by Hayward totally iced over now. Might be on ice fishing sometime this week.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Thorney on Nov 10, 2019, 10:29 AM
Cool picture. The shadows of the men go to the left of the hole, making it look like tracks of a vehicle of some kind abruptly disappearing into a big hole in the ice! :o

Haha! You are right about the shadows. I sent the pic to my daughter at college and her response was "Oh no, did someone fall through the ice" because the puddle hides the hole.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 11, 2019, 08:23 AM
I'm going to check some ice tomorrow. Going down to minus -2* tonight.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 11, 2019, 11:27 AM
Our whole lake (125 acres - 28 feet max) is frozen shore to shore with only a couple qet spots I can see. Chipped a good inch @ shoreline. With the forecast we should be seeing 4" by this coming weekend.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 11, 2019, 02:21 PM
Bad news 52. Drove up past Conover today on a fact finding mission. There's a good 4 - 5 inches of snow on the ground already and the forecast has lake effect snow @ 6 - 12 by morning. South of Conover there's maaaaaybe 2" with nothing else comin' down this far. Could be a season long slush fest by you.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: dbuchmann on Nov 11, 2019, 03:14 PM
Was out on the Yellow River Flowage in Spooner Saturday between bow hunting sits. 3 1/2" of ice there and caught some small pike and panfish but nice to get out on the ice. Probably closer to 5" now after today. Checked a few other lakes around Spooner and found 1 1/2"-2" on the small ones I checked Saturday.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 12, 2019, 03:06 PM
Talked to a St. Germain local before I left today. He was finding 3 - 5" on the Rainbow. Pretty sure not everywhere but maybe in one of those protected bays off the main water (like the launch just offa J) but he did not divulge the exact location. Other guys out in the same area in portables so should be easy to spot with a drive.

As far as the heavy snow up there I didn't go back to see what it looked like. NW Vilas was supposed to get the worst of it and what there was didn't weigh anything, all powder. It's makin' big ice this week though. Saw a couple open areas (small ones) on the way back on Pelican but the rest was all iced over.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Old Goat on Nov 12, 2019, 03:08 PM
Cherokee is a go down here
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 13, 2019, 07:43 AM
Bad news 52. Drove up past Conover today on a fact finding mission. There's a good 4 - 5 inches of snow on the ground already and the forecast has lake effect snow @ 6 - 12 by morning. South of Conover there's maaaaaybe 2" with nothing else comin' down this far. Could be a season long slush fest by you.

Great, I was considering taking the tracks off the ATV this season and seeing how that goes. Guess that would be a bad idea.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Nov 13, 2019, 10:04 AM
was out 2 nights ago. had about 3''.

Still some pretty sketchy ice yet.  Some open water spots may have just skimmed over so there is some thin spots to look out for.  Even with the cold temps, i feel the snow is slowing the process down a bit compared to if we had glare ice.

earliest ice ive ever been on.  ;D
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Nov 14, 2019, 08:39 AM
No snow on the ice here. I’m going out this afternoon for walleyes. I’m guessing at least 4” of ice by now on the lakes that have been frozen for better than a week now. It hasn’t been above 32* for a week, and we had minus -5* the other night.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: sturboy on Nov 16, 2019, 09:02 AM
Walked out yesterday on a smallish lake and bucket fished. I'd forgotten how nice it is to drill thru 4-5" of ice rather than 2-3 feet. The lake gurgled and cracked the whole time. When it cracked near me the water in the hole would slosh just a little bit. Heard a pack of coyotes for a short while. Caught enough crappies for a meal. Wish there were more days like that! ;D
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Nov 20, 2019, 01:45 PM
I noticed they will be rebuilding Gooches Aone Bar!. Cool place it was.

Anyways, Was out removing some piers and was breaking through .5'' of ice in bays. Some smaller lakes almost froze over. Larger lakes just starting to freeze in the weeds and shallow bays.

Weather going to be colder next week down to the single digits. Fishing will come early this year if the snow can hold up for a month.

Time to put the boat away and get the ice gear out I guess.

Quick update on Gooch's A1 in Boulder Junction. They started the footings and want to have all of them done before winter really settles in. When I spoke to him in October he was still settling things out with his insurance, the kid's dad's insurance and the kid's grandmother's insurance. Good news though.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: WIcrappieguy on Nov 27, 2019, 08:45 PM

(https://i.postimg.cc/67dsK6qb/427200-D8-2058-418-F-9-A16-FB7699-EF3-AB2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/67dsK6qb)

Vilas county slabs were on fire before this snow hit.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 29, 2019, 07:57 PM
Sure didn't need 12" of wet/heavy on top of the few inches of good start. Another 6 -12" comin' over the weekend too. Lookin' to be a slush-fest of a season  >:(.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 20, 2019, 11:26 AM
I'm heading up in three days and the outlook is miserable. 6" f slush, 1ft of snow and sketchy ice. The guy who owns Bent's Camp in Land O Lakes is putting out barrels on the Cisco Chain for snowmobiling, so there has to be a decent amount of ice over there. We'll see.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: ChadLeton on Dec 20, 2019, 12:05 PM
Good luck 52! Appreciate the followup report. Will be up between the holidays and will give a shout here on how things go. Stay safe out there boys and girls!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: jackpine on Dec 25, 2019, 01:29 PM
Headed to Stoddard this weekend, How's the ice holding up with this heat? Also, is it safe for Quads?

Thanks for any info.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eastchannel on Dec 26, 2019, 11:08 AM
For Stoddard check with the marina/motel facebook page. Just north, Lake Onalaska has 5-8" ice but with current running through the lake, you never know.
Wheelers are out in some areas, fishing has been ok.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 02, 2020, 11:45 AM
We just got back last night from Land O Lakes. The weather wasn't bad last thursday when we got up, but man was it a roller coaster of crap after. Fished friday afternoon/evening. 3 small eyes on 5 flags. All at dusk. Fished saturday in the pouring rain, nothing. Sunday the ice, sleet and grapple started, so I stayed home and did an oil change and added heated grips/thumb to the ATV. Monday, fished in a white out. Just Perch fished and did pretty well on Wigglers. Tuesday morning it was a blizzard, tuesday afternoon was 30mph winds.

Travel wasn't as bad as I thought, but after seeing heavy slush, I didn't wander out past 2 miles. The ice was sketchy as hell. I drilled my first hole 100 yards off the landing... 2 layers of slush then ice. Most I found was 8", but measuring was difficult. The least I found was 1", which was also at the bottom of 2 slush layers and scary as hell with a half a ton of gear and atv sitting on it.

I'd say be prepared for slow travel, check the ice often on the way out and have really good boots. I could keep my atv above the slush by moving really slow, but once I hopped off, I was ankle deep in water.

(https://i.imgur.com/7aYJec6.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/6Rj5pZH.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/lkvdWfU.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/5ZW9xCf.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/b72kiLa.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Jan 03, 2020, 10:35 AM
I want that ATV
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: RoeBoat on Jan 03, 2020, 02:11 PM
Good looking rig, sucky conditions!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Jan 07, 2020, 11:42 AM
Hit up the Turtle Flambeau flowage yesterday. Weather was nice. Fishing was slow.

Ice was bad. Many layers of thin ice. Felt comfortable on foot, but would not recommend going by sled / wheeler / truck. Although there were many sleds running around.

Its going to take a long cold stretch to get things back in check.

Be safe out there guys.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 07, 2020, 12:22 PM
Matt do they drawn down on the flowage during winter?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Jan 07, 2020, 02:14 PM
If they do, its not much. Unlike places like Chippewa Flowage where they draw down what seems like 8 feet or more to tackle the invasives.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 22, 2020, 09:30 AM
Heading back up to Land O Lakes next wed night. Anybody been out up north?? Found out a buddy of mine built a huge house on the eat shore of Gogebic, so we're planning on a day or two out there. Man, it's been a quiet year.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Jan 23, 2020, 07:24 AM
I'll be driving thru Saturday morning early headed for Houghton. Three days on Portage for pike. Guy there says they got 3 feet of snow on a foot of ice. Gonna be a challenge for a guy with a 31 inch inseam...  ::)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Jan 23, 2020, 12:07 PM
Hayward area for me this weekend. Chasing some trout for the first time through the ice Sat morning and then trying out a few new lakes for crappie (hopefully). Never really know what you're going to find on those small pothole lakes.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: sturboy on Jan 24, 2020, 08:02 AM
Fished a small lake in Sawyer County yesterday. Took the UTV, which was touch and go and dragged the underside part of the way. So the snow was up to 14" on top of the ice, more in drifts. Ice was 10", 2" of slush, then 7" of hard ice. The crappies wanted minnows and ignored my jig/waxie. Wet snow the entire time making everything a soggy mess, but caught half a dozen crappies. I didn't find a "spot" but was in an area where fish would come through now and then. No trucks going out in my area yet, and I know ONE guy who won't be the first!  :o
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 03, 2020, 10:36 AM
Just got back from Land O Lakes. While the conditions are bad, they aren't like last year. There was at least 5" of snow, then 3-4" of water, then 2 layers of slush on top of 12" of ice. Getting around with the ATV was fairly simple. Just move slow, stay on top of the mess and let physics work in your favor. I fished for walleyes and did fairly well on finding fish, but only a few keepers in 7-15 fow. Nothing on suckers, everything was on small shiners. Overcast and very calm weather when I was up. There is a ton of snow, so much so, Land O Lakes was using an excavator to move it around.

Stopped at Central Waters Brewing in Amherst, awesome place. Drove by Gooch's A1 and it's coming along well. He wants it open before June I was told.

(https://i.imgur.com/SeROJ1X.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/g6Wr5ms.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/trRwKvc.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/cU8epGd.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/4dEb6ec.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/cqCIS5q.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/d3rgNuk.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: sturboy on Feb 04, 2020, 02:04 PM
Great pics, particularly the moon-eyed toothy walleye. Makes me wish I'd been up there with you, stealing your machine--I mean fishing with you!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Thorney on Feb 04, 2020, 02:20 PM
We fished Pokegama (Chetek chain) last weekend. There was no getting around on a wheeled ATV unless you stayed on the packed down trails. Unbroken snow was like peanut butter with slush underneath.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Feb 05, 2020, 08:56 AM
yes, its tough going on the lakes right now.

Sleds seem to be the go to right now unless your like 52 and have a sweet tracked wheeler.

Weather has been nice, pretty cold now, maybe 8 below zero this morning. Should help to stiffen things up.

Almost need an extension for my mora already. pretty much down to the drill head with all the snow and crap on top.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 05, 2020, 11:00 AM
I noticed the same thing with my KDrill, I damn near needed an extension with only 12" of actual ice.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Feb 10, 2020, 08:34 AM
Ice conditions have stabilized a bit since last weekend. I was on Plum Lake and really didn't get a wet foot except for backwash from drilling. Ruts were horrible and dangerously frozen but slush factor was greatly reduced. Depending where you were on the lake there were still some pockets of slush but could be easily avoided. Got another couple/three inches of light, fluffy yesterday but more sun and cold weather in the forecast so could get even better rolling into the end of the month.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 10, 2020, 09:11 AM
Great news about travel. I'm heading back up the first full weekend in March for Perch. Hopefully moving around the Cisco Chain won't be a nail biter.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 26, 2020, 02:32 PM
End of Game Fish on WI lakes, I'm heading up next week to fish MI waters for walleyes. Where is everybody going this weekend to finish her off??
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Feb 26, 2020, 02:47 PM
I'm heading up to Three Lakes tomorrow. We'll see what I fish for. Got a sleeper local lake for 'eyes that's been good to lotsa folks. I just need to focus instead of shotgun. Same body also had good pannies and a terrific population of modest pike. Travel should be great.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Feb 27, 2020, 09:44 AM
Post up ice conditions when you get back.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Feb 27, 2020, 10:05 AM
Post up ice conditions when you get back.

 :thumbsup:
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Feb 28, 2020, 11:19 AM
Heading up to Hayward Sunday, chasing some PB crappies on a new lake. Supposed to hold some monsters. Was in that area last weekend and lake travel was great. Hoping these average temps stick around, the best ice fishing is just about here!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Mar 02, 2020, 05:15 PM
Just got back from Three Lakes. Didn't get to fish as much as I wanted but found maybe a third of the previous snow depth in most places and lot of spots melted right back down to the ice. I had 8 -12" depending on and encountered no slush. In fact where I was at slush pockets had pretty much frozen to the point you barely knew they were there. Maybe half dozen of the 70 or so holes I drilled had water trapped yet and that was not very much. Looks great for next week, nice during the day but pretty much in the teens overnight to keep things frosty. Good luck all!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Mar 03, 2020, 09:53 AM
Had a successful weekend, hooked into a pair of tanks. Not quite a PB but darn close!

(https://i.postimg.cc/5XcKWfCg/Crappie-PB.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/5XcKWfCg)


(https://i.postimg.cc/SY2dHPQH/Crappie-PB2.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/SY2dHPQH)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Mar 09, 2020, 10:37 AM
Got back yesterday and gotta say there was some ups and downs. Weather was amazing on Wed when I got up, fished for Perch on the Boundary Waters (West Bay). Did ok, no whoppers to keep. Fished the same lake on Thursday....started off as light snow, turned to rain, turned to sleet, then back to snow and 40 mph winds. Got a few northerns and a nice upper 30's Musky, all thrown back of course. Friday was back to upper 30's, no wind and simply gorgeous. Saturday, warmer yet, but extremely windy. Both of the last two days were spent on the MI side of the Cisco Chain, and I got a bunch of walleyes, nothing of any size though.

I broke through come back through a sand cut, the front tracks on my ATV pulled me out, bit it got scary. If you're heading up to fish MI waters, you may have to bring bait. I could only find shiners at Kurt's Island in Minocqua. Glad I got out one more time. I think this might be it for my season, we'll see.

(https://i.imgur.com/LjhnZkE.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/Af9QDS2.jpg)

(https://i.imgur.com/aiD3EjM.jpg)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Sep 18, 2020, 10:47 AM
Had 32 degrees on the truck driving into Eau Claire this morning, looks like cooler temps up north. Won't be long fellas! At the rate we're going I'm hoping for first ice 11/7 to give me 2 weeks of shaking the itch before gun opener.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Old Goat on Sep 18, 2020, 11:01 AM
wow 32 already chilly
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Oct 13, 2020, 12:42 PM
Fished the Cisco Chain the week of October 1, water temps were about 57, that has to be heading downwards this weekend.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Oct 13, 2020, 01:40 PM
I was at High/Cauldron Falls near Crivitz last week. Water temps ranged from 51 to 55F depending on location and time of day.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Oct 29, 2020, 07:44 AM
was out walking on 1.5 inches of ice yesterday. Bays are locking up quick.

Warm temps next week will definitely put a hamper on things
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Oct 29, 2020, 11:33 AM
Well dang, that sure is exciting. I was hoping to take a trip up to the Hayward area next weekend if temps stayed cold next week, but 4 days around 50 looks like it'll push first ice back a week. Shooting for the 14th now.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 24, 2020, 03:02 PM
Observations coming down from Bayfield today:

Gile Flowage - 100% iced across and snow covered, wet cracks all over

Manny Waters - ice only in the bays

Little St. Germain - West Bay 100% iced over and snow covered out as far as I could see breezing by

Eagle River - Musky Bay 100% iced over and snow covered. Looked like the ice went clear out into the main lake on Catfish

Rangeline @ Three Lakes - 100% iced over and snow covered. Quite a few wet spots.

Snow cover at all locations was less than an inch of accumulation. Weather for the next week is not a deep freeze but should continue to build good ice and no snow in the forecast.

It's happening...  ;D
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Dec 03, 2020, 06:30 PM
Been out a couple times this week. Anywhere from 0 to 4.5'' of ice. Seems to be a lot of uneven ice sheets on lakes. One area will have 3-5, Next will have 1- 2.

Tread carefully.

And if it makes anyone feel better, fishing has not been that great.....

Stay safe out there.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: IFF on Dec 03, 2020, 06:35 PM
Wishing I was there to watch the ice grow.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 03, 2020, 07:25 PM
St. Germain, Eagle River, Three Lakes: decent 2 inches most places. Some of it good enough to slide out on, chip a hole and not have water puke back up on the ice. Not great but there are some opportunities. Another week we should be at a good 4 - 6 inches!
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: fish_disco on Dec 12, 2020, 05:57 PM
Altoona and Wissota - places with 3 inches and some places nearing 5. Recent warm weather made the ice weak but a good cold snap and we're officially in business. Some people out 100 feet from the beach on Altoona(word of mouth) and I plan on going and checking tomorrow.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Dec 15, 2020, 11:31 AM
Ice has been okay. Have a few spots  5+ that I have been hitting. Other spots are not so good.

Last night and today should really help build another 2-4'' in the sketchy spots.

Be safe, I was walking on 4-6 pokes of the spud and all of a sudden 1 poke. An inch of snow makes it difficult right now to indicate thinner ice.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Junkie4Ice on Dec 17, 2020, 07:31 AM
There will be ATVs on the ice around Hayward this weekend. Saw snowmobiles on several lakes. I had 4-6" on the 3 lakes I fished yesterday. Just hope the snow holds off.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: pdsniper on Dec 17, 2020, 10:14 PM
That's great news, thanks for the report.  I'm headed up in less than two weeks and was starting to worry.  Thanks again.
Title: 2021 - 22 ICE SEASON CANCELLED!!!
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 03, 2021, 06:28 AM
Well, might not be any ice fishing at all this year north of 8. End of November looked promising:

(https://i.postimg.cc/xj4M2cZk/20211126-070241.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Since then there's been really no more ice (was < 2") but 4 - 5" of wet heavy snow on top. Then 3 - 4 days of thawing until the whole thing became a slushy mess. This is yesterday afternoon:

(https://i.postimg.cc/Kv3LvmX0/20211202-153345.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Now for the disaster part. Saturday into Sunday the forecast is 6 - 8" of snow followed by not a single day above freezing for the next 5 days. AND another potential 3" of snow at the end of that.

Might be over before it starts. I have zero hope of being able to peel all that off and start over.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Iceassin on Dec 03, 2021, 06:48 AM
Not good for sure. Fortunately here in the mitten state we have not seen the big snow...yet. Apparently their future weather models have been wrong...colder than normal temps and less precipitation WAS predicted for the upper midwest/ Great Lakes regions this winter.
Title: Re: 2021 - 22 ICE SEASON CANCELLED!!!
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 03, 2021, 03:00 PM
Well, might not be any ice fishing at all this year north of 8. End of November looked promising:

(https://i.postimg.cc/xj4M2cZk/20211126-070241.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Since then there's been really no more ice (was < 2") but 4 - 5" of wet heavy snow on top. Then 3 - 4 days of thawing until the whole thing became a slushy mess. This is yesterday afternoon:

(https://i.postimg.cc/Kv3LvmX0/20211202-153345.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Now for the disaster part. Saturday into Sunday the forecast is 6 - 8" of snow followed by not a single day above freezing for the next 5 days. AND another potential 3" of snow at the end of that.

Might be over before it starts. I have zero hope of being able to peel all that off and start over.

I'm really really starting to be happy over buying a new long track sled over another ATV.
Title: Re: 2021 - 22 ICE SEASON CANCELLED!!!
Post by: justin p on Dec 03, 2021, 04:16 PM
Well, might not be any ice fishing at all this year north of 8. End of November looked promising:

(https://i.postimg.cc/xj4M2cZk/20211126-070241.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Since then there's been really no more ice (was < 2") but 4 - 5" of wet heavy snow on top. Then 3 - 4 days of thawing until the whole thing became a slushy mess. This is yesterday afternoon:

(https://i.postimg.cc/Kv3LvmX0/20211202-153345.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Now for the disaster part. Saturday into Sunday the forecast is 6 - 8" of snow followed by not a single day above freezing for the next 5 days. AND another potential 3" of snow at the end of that.

Might be over before it starts. I have zero hope of being able to peel all that off and start over.

10 below up here Monday night should help some.
It'll still build ice under that.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 07, 2021, 10:28 AM
Snow, cold snap, then a warm up into the upper 30's and 40's should maybe level things back out.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: FilletShow on Dec 08, 2021, 04:56 PM
Let’s hope 52.  I’m not able to get up until New Years.  I can only hope things tighten up enough for machines by then.

Fs
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 10, 2021, 05:21 AM
Oh goody! Another 7" +/- tonight and Wednesday it'll be 51 and rain...  >:(
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Iceassin on Dec 10, 2021, 06:38 AM
Hey Drifter...how bigs that cabin?  :whistle:
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: joekrz on Dec 15, 2021, 10:29 AM
I've been out 3 times already.  ~6" of ice in the areas I frequent.     A little slushy in areas after the weekend storm.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: tlzkaasen on Dec 15, 2021, 05:01 PM
Anyone in or near the Minocqua area?  Besides the 15" snow what are we looking at?   I'll be in Harshaw Saturday just to check on my cottage and will check ice on Alva, but curious?
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: GB-Dan on Dec 15, 2021, 09:28 PM
Finally, back on the board after a decade long sidetrack. ;D

Used to be a Lanke Linker...but the place is over run by guys looking for hand outs and mentioning any spot gets it pounded....plus its gotten pretty PC over there from when it first started up.

Living in Harrison now, just south of Rhinelander.


Report?
havent been on ice fishing yet, the lakes i like are bigger and/or deeper water lakes.
been checking a dozen or so lakes from Lk Alice up to N.Twin.
they were just about ready to fish, then that heavy snow crushed them.
the warm up the last 3 days looks to have melted all the snow and we get a reset, starting next week.

Yes, there are (were up till this warm) places to fish, but its been pretty uneven and im not one to push out on 2 inches of ice anymore.

Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Dec 19, 2021, 04:32 PM
Three Lakes has a happy update. When I left after the second significant snow on top of barely 2" of sketchy ice I was ready to call it a season as I HATE slush. However things changed for the better. Warm weather melted most if not all the snow on the lake (at least out in front) and cold weather behind has a nice solid 6".

That warm weather did bring some pretty good wind. High gust here measured 76 mph with sustained @ 35 - 40. Did some damage too. Lots of stuff down.

Any dead branches are now on the ground:

(https://i.postimg.cc/8CFfBQjP/20211218-120401.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/fTKdMfGZ/20211218-120417.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

But the highlight was the 120 foot pine that uprooted on the lakeshore:

(https://i.postimg.cc/zBKL6CCs/20211218-120442.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

(https://i.postimg.cc/g0fXgSZy/20211218-120520.jpg) (https://postimages.org/)

Pretty impressive stuff.  :o Someone I know is gettin' a new boat lift  ;)2 It was so close to crushing my neighbors boat house half a dozen or so big branches were bowed up against it.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: joekrz on Dec 20, 2021, 10:08 AM

been checking a dozen or so lakes from Lk Alice up to N.Twin.
they were just about ready to fish, then that heavy snow crushed them.
the warm up the last 3 days looks to have melted all the snow and we get a reset, starting next week.


Lake Alice has been fishable since Thanksgiving weekend.  There was 4" of ice on it that weekend and I've been there twice after that including after the storm.  Was a little slushy after the storm, but still good solid ice under the snow.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 22, 2021, 07:04 AM
Three Lakes has a happy update. When I left after the second significant snow on top of barely 2" of sketchy ice I was ready to call it a season as I HATE slush. However things changed for the better. Warm weather melted most if not all the snow on the lake (at least out in front) and cold weather behind has a nice solid 6".

That warm weather did bring some pretty good wind. High gust here measured 76 mph with sustained @ 35 - 40. Did some damage too. Lots of stuff down.

Any dead branches are now on the ground

But the highlight was the 120 foot pine that uprooted on the lakeshore:

Pretty impressive stuff.  :o Someone I know is gettin' a new boat lift  ;)2 It was so close to crushing my neighbors boat house half a dozen or so big branches were bowed up against it.

I was greeted with a text message from my neighbor thursday morning......then I drove up that afternoon. HWY 45 was closed 2 miles out of Three Lakes because of a "war zone" created by a microburst.
I faired ok, lost a roof vent on the cabin, but alls good with the brand new roof I had installed in October.




(https://i.postimg.cc/nsygT5PX/20211216-154551.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/nsygT5PX)

(https://i.postimg.cc/yg05GPMv/42222.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/yg05GPMv)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: tlzkaasen on Dec 22, 2021, 08:05 AM
I had a couple lights tore off and my grill was launched almost into my driveway.  I did have to get out of my SUV to cut some trees so I could get into my driveway..Harshaw/Minocqua area from last Wednesday's 12-15 Storm.  I also decided I better go up Friday to inspect the property.  I honestly was more worried about the power being off and no heat.

(https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/123546/5588DED2-5DC5-4888-9168-BD2314C11FAD-2212658.jpg)

actually tore the box off my fireplace
(https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/123546/8CE7B0EA-2D18-4310-A8EA-68E7F941D690-2212657.jpg)

Tore the entire light off the face of the house.
(https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/123546/F507E93E-F28F-48F8-945C-D73D5BEC5BB7-2212656.jpg)

The good news is.....

ICE
(https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/123546/1777B588-A95A-4B0E-A4C7-FF1F487B8FE0-2212659.jpg)

Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: SlabHammer on Dec 28, 2021, 09:14 PM
Came up to Barron county for a few days. Ice is anywhere from 7 to 11 inches. Slow bite this past weekend, did good on perch today. Nothing big but good quantity. If you're close check out lake chetac. Every lake I saw has atvs on it.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: tlzkaasen on Dec 29, 2021, 07:48 AM
Came up to Barron county for a few days. Ice is anywhere from 7 to 11 inches. Slow bite this past weekend, did good on perch today. Nothing big but good quantity. If you're close check out lake chetac. Every lake I saw has atvs on it.

Appreciate that update!  I'm heading up tomorrow or the butt crack of dawn Friday to the Minocqua area and will give a snapshot of ice depth once I get my tip-ups set  ;D :tipup:
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 04, 2022, 04:15 PM
Fished the Cisco Chain and Lake Gogebic last week. Did ok on eyes, mostly really small guys. Perch on Gogebic were not chasing wigglers. We marked a ton of fish on the LiveScope, but only managed a pair of 13"+.
(https://i.postimg.cc/KRJrbm6v/20211229-143403.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/KRJrbm6v)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: FilletShow on Nov 23, 2022, 05:08 PM
Anyone able to get out yet?  I want to live vicariously for a couple more weeks.  Winterizing the boat next week, and looks like starting Dec 1, we’ll be making some ice that will hopefully stay.

Fs
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: RapShack on Nov 24, 2022, 03:46 PM
I'm sure guys are out up north.  Someone was out in La Crosse already as the spot I checked on tuesday had holes drilled.  Would be going tomorrow but this warm snap has us boned us.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Old Goat on Nov 26, 2022, 03:40 PM

  They have to be let the cat out of the bag N. W.     
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: Cleared4Takeoff on Nov 27, 2022, 09:41 AM
From a southern wisco-nite, need to hear these good ice stories to tide me over.  :tipup: :tipup:
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 30, 2022, 04:51 PM
Had a pretty good change over night. At Three Lakes we got barely a dusting of snow (which is good) following a few days of melting from 40s/50s. Shoreline here was breaking up yesterday. Now windy and getting colder by the minute. Wake up temp was the high of the day at 20F, now 17F with a wake up temp tomorrow in the low single digits. Back up to low 30s on Friday but back to 20s and low teens over night for the next week.

I believe they got more snow, certainly west and north. I heard up to six inches. Not a deal breaking slush maker (yet) but I like a good base of great ice before the big snows come.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Dec 15, 2022, 04:21 PM
I was out on the Cisco Chain this past weekend. Fishing was slow, but the conditions were amazing. 6-8" of ice. Got a couple of eyes and an accidental, but quickly released, Musky. Marked a ton of fish with my buddy's LiveScope.
(https://i.postimg.cc/4mKwxgGm/20221209-141759.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4mKwxgGm)

(https://i.postimg.cc/rdT9jRrr/20221210-134654.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/rdT9jRrr)

(https://i.postimg.cc/B8CBVZTw/20221210-143531.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/B8CBVZTw)

(https://i.postimg.cc/4YV5pQmG/Resized-20221210-171415.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/4YV5pQmG)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: btwildfood on Dec 16, 2022, 11:36 AM
The Holcombe flowage and surrounding region has had walkable ice since deer hunting(2022) in some spots; most areas now, and the panfishing was good in late Nov to early Dec. We got over a foot of heavy wet snow in the last few days, so getting around won't be easy. The ice isn't thick enough to drive on yet, but the colder temps are starting now.

(https://i.postimg.cc/sMZzX2my/20221121-111403.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/sMZzX2my)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 03, 2023, 12:50 PM
Fished the Cisco Chain again from the 27th thru the 30th. Fishing was slow, there was a bunch of good ice and a TON of slush. We need a reset.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Jan 03, 2023, 01:27 PM
Fished the Cisco Chain again from the 27th thru the 30th. Fishing was slow, there was a bunch of good ice and a TON of slush. We need a reset.

Lotsa slush Eagle River/St. Germain too. Ain't gonna get no reset 52. Got another 5 - 7 inches coming tonight/tomorrow. Not the fine powdery stuff either.  >:(
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: tlzkaasen on Jan 03, 2023, 01:37 PM
Fished Alva lake (Harshaw area - between Rhinelander and Minoqua) Last Thursday, Friday, Saturday... Fishing wasn't slow - it was down right awful!  Ice was 6" - 10". Slush in several area's that I literally thought I was sinking in

Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Jan 04, 2023, 12:58 PM
Fished Alva lake (Harshaw area - between Rhinelander and Minoqua) Last Thursday, Friday, Saturday... Fishing wasn't slow - it was down right awful!  Ice was 6" - 10". Slush in several area's that I literally thought I was sinking in

I was going to run over to Big Portage lake, just south west of Land O Lakes, I heard the same over there.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: eriksat1 on Feb 01, 2023, 10:26 AM
I haven't been on the ice in almost a month the deep snow and slush was so bad here in NW WI. The last time I was out beginning of Jan. I almost didn't make it back off the lake with the snowmobile without getting stuck in deep slush. Since then we got about 8 more inches of wet heavy snow, I gave up. Hopefully this below zero cold will firm up the slush. But with all the deep snow I have my doubts? Plus the snow is so deep here there is no way I am walking out anywhere. If I can't take the snowmobile I'm just not going.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: SlabHammer on Feb 08, 2023, 05:56 PM
I haven't been on the ice in almost a month the deep snow and slush was so bad here in NW WI. The last time I was out beginning of Jan. I almost didn't make it back off the lake with the snowmobile without getting stuck in deep slush. Since then we got about 8 more inches of wet heavy snow, I gave up. Hopefully this below zero cold will firm up the slush. But with all the deep snow I have my doubts? Plus the snow is so deep here there is no way I am walking out anywhere. If I can't take the snowmobile I'm just not going.

I just got back from fishing a few lakes in washburn county and the snow is not bad on the lakes, used both snowmobile and atv. Sissabagama had trucks on it Saturday but they stayed in the plowed area. There was a ton of ice. Long Lake much less ice but not hard to move around on at all. Both lakes fished good.
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: matt12 on Apr 07, 2023, 11:48 AM
Probably last weekend/week of fishing up north here. calling for 60s .
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: esox_xtm on Nov 25, 2023, 05:47 PM
Hah! Love resurrecting a zombie thread!!!

Three Lakes today saw some skim ice mid lake. About 2/5s coverage, lasted all day. Cold(er) tonight, snow (no one seems to know how much) and much colder the next two days with no days above freezing until Wed./Thurs. and then barely. Could be the start of something fun!

And yes... I'm still around!  ;)
Title: Re: northern wisconsin reports
Post by: 52isntbigenough on Mar 06, 2024, 07:44 AM
Finished up game fish on the WI/MI Boundary Waters last friday. Had 15 flags, but just 1 small eye. Conditions were amazing. We moved up to Paulding MI and fished a pot hole lake for pannies. Did really well, but man were there some some ones.


(https://i.postimg.cc/218h4YgF/20240301-161744.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/218h4YgF)

(https://i.postimg.cc/bsR1DrVw/20240301-161750.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/bsR1DrVw)

(https://i.postimg.cc/F14Z7MFG/20240302-143901.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/F14Z7MFG)

(https://i.postimg.cc/grHKRgnp/20240302-143907.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/grHKRgnp)

(https://i.postimg.cc/jLq4hy77/20240302-163025.jpg) (https://postimg.cc/jLq4hy77)