Warmer Weather Hurts Snowmobiling But What About Ice Fishing?

So, the Northwoods of Wisconsin have been blessed or blursed perhaps with a lot of warmer weather this ice fishing season. Though we hate the hassles created by not being able to fire up our snow machines for longer-distance travel and fun outdoor sports, the lighter weather has created a buzz at the beginning of the ice season for pan-fishing action.

Many of the lakes of Vilas and Oneida County have between 4-10″ of ice that is still great for ice fishing.  It turns out that some of the warmer temperatures, clear ice, and sunlight have provided the winter game fish with a great reason to be frisky even after the new year.  Though we usually find that ice fishing is better left for cloudy days, this season has marked a surprising turn for ice fishermen in the area with a lot of success in the bright warm days.  The catches are seemingly plentiful and with a substantial drop in the number of anglers traveling up for early ice, locals are reeling in some whoppers.

If you want to join in the action, there are plenty of area lakes with thick enough ice to drop a line.  Anglers are having success with a mix of minnows and jigging options, so it’s always best to check around with the locals to see what’s biting.  Don’t let the weather scare you away, as reports of great catches are coming despite the warmer weather.  But for those who love a bitter cold bite, have faith that colder weather is right around the corner and the trek to the lake will be filled with more motored sleds than hand-pulled ones.