January 30th, 2024

***Ice Report***

Warm temps have cooled off the ice making process. Little progress was made this last week. 6-12” of ice is being reported on local lake trout lakes. 12-16” of ice is being reported on other area lakes. Thanks to warm temps, slush and water on the ice has become very common on area lakes. This issue is expected to grow as water temperatures remain in the forecast.  

***Fishing Report***

Lake Trout - Lake trout fishing remains slow for many anglers. Many of the lakers being caught this last week, were caught with a sucker suspended just off the bottom, under a tip up. Deep flats in 30-50 feet of water have been best. 

Walleye - Walleye anglers reported good fishing this last week. Best bite has mainly been after dark, in 20-25 feet of water. Rattle reels tipped with a lively minnow, like a rainbow, has been the most popular for successful anglers. 

Crappies - Warmer then usual temps had many die hard spring crappie anglers out and about checking spring crappie spots. Unfortunately many were not greeted with traditionally good spring crappie bite, but rather slow late January bite. Deep holes, over 20 feet of water, held crappies. Active crappies hit small tungsten jigs, tipped with soft plastics. Old standbys like a crappie minnow under a bobber, was also very effective on crappies.

Stream Trout - Many anglers focused on Splake and Brook trout this last week. Anglers reported them being on the fussy side too. Lots of trout seen coming into baits but rejecting the bait. Deadsticking a freshly salted minnow proved to be the best technique to get them to bite. Splake were mainly found in 15-30 feet of water while Brook trout were found in 5 feet of water or less.