Northwoods Fishing Report: Early February
Ice fishing in the Northwoods continues to be good for many species. The Crappie bite has been good. The Willow Flowage has some large Crappies and fishermen targeting them have been doing pretty well. The Minocqua Chain, especially Lake Tomahawk, and Lake Minocqua have been producing very good Crappie and Panfish action. Other species such as Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike and Walleyes are very plentiful on the chain.
Katherine Lake, Bolger Lake, and Brandy Lake are all very good lakes for game fish and panfish.
On The Willow Flowage, the ice conditions are in the 10"-15" range as the ice does fluctuate a bit with water flow under the ice. However, travel on the Willow is very good. Travel on Northwoods area lakes is universally easy with ice conditions being in the 14"-18" range. There is not a lot of slush in the ice currently so it's pretty easy getting around.
Katherine Lake is a lake that is easy to access by foot if one chooses to walk out to their favorite fishing spot. There are some good spots near the landing for a short walk or lots of good spots if you decide to venture a bit further.
Again, Perch, Panfish, Walleyes, and Northern Pike are plentiful here.
Fish Location:
- Panfish, on the Willow, 4'-10' weed and rock combinations. Walleyes will be in that location too but may move a bit so one may have to follow them if they move a bit deeper.
- On the inland lakes, Crappies and panfish have been in the weeds and weed lines in the 6'-12' range.
- Pike, and Walleyes have been mostly a bit deeper near the weed edges in that 10'-18' range.
Target Bait:
- Medium and Large Golden Shiners have been producing very well but depending on the weather and the mood of the gamefish, Walleye Suckers work as well
- Panfish have been hitting Rosy Reds, Waxies, Red and White Spikes as well as Fatheads and Crappie minnows.
We currently have a great selection of Fresh Live Bait and Ice Fishing supplies at Musky Shop so stop by or schedule a pickup at your convenience.