| Hardwater Gold by Chris Powell |
Well, it’s just about that time of year to go hit the ice, and here in
West-Central Wisconsin, we have bountiful opportunities to hit ice
fishing gold. The first ice around here is usually hot. Lakes such as
Marshmiller, Otter, Chetek Chain, Menomin, and Miller Dam are
popular with local anglers in search of a good meal of bluegills.
Look in the shallow water during this early ice period. Tear drops,
moon jigs, and rockers work well, tipped with waxies, wigglers, or if
you can find them, mousies.
West-Central Wisconsin, we have bountiful opportunities to hit ice
fishing gold. The first ice around here is usually hot. Lakes such as
Marshmiller, Otter, Chetek Chain, Menomin, and Miller Dam are
popular with local anglers in search of a good meal of bluegills.
Look in the shallow water during this early ice period. Tear drops,
moon jigs, and rockers work well, tipped with waxies, wigglers, or if
you can find them, mousies.
Early ice is also a great time to break
out the tip-ups for bass and northern
pike. I usually set out two tip-ups while
I jig. I like to use a mono leader about
18 inches long, with a split shot eight
inches above a number 4 treble hook,
tipped with a small to medium northern
shiner. I will usually set one shiner
directly under the ice, and place one
near the bottom as well. First ice is
also a great time to catch walleyes by
way of jigging pole or on tip-ups.
Personally I prefer jigging them with a
jigging shad rap, as they put up a
great tussle, and taste great afterward.
Look for them in low-light hours of the
day in 10-20 feet of water.
out the tip-ups for bass and northern
pike. I usually set out two tip-ups while
I jig. I like to use a mono leader about
18 inches long, with a split shot eight
inches above a number 4 treble hook,
tipped with a small to medium northern
shiner. I will usually set one shiner
directly under the ice, and place one
near the bottom as well. First ice is
also a great time to catch walleyes by
way of jigging pole or on tip-ups.
Personally I prefer jigging them with a
jigging shad rap, as they put up a
great tussle, and taste great afterward.
Look for them in low-light hours of the
day in 10-20 feet of water.
I know many of you diehard ice
fishermen and women hear this every
year, but it is worth repeating. No fish
is worth risking your life over. Always
use caution when heading out onto the
ice, especially this early in the season.
Always bring a spud bar along to
check the ice for weak spots, and
never fish alone. It is a good idea to
pick up ice picks to hang around your
neck, just in case you do fall through,
as these will help you to pull yourself
out. Also, with the lack of snow the last
couple of years, it would be a good
idea to invest in a pair of ice cleats to
help with traction, as these lakes can
get downright slippery!
I wish you all a fun and safe ice fishing
season!
Chris Powell
Fat Guy’s Guide Service
715-577-9771
www.fat-guy.org
fishermen and women hear this every
year, but it is worth repeating. No fish
is worth risking your life over. Always
use caution when heading out onto the
ice, especially this early in the season.
Always bring a spud bar along to
check the ice for weak spots, and
never fish alone. It is a good idea to
pick up ice picks to hang around your
neck, just in case you do fall through,
as these will help you to pull yourself
out. Also, with the lack of snow the last
couple of years, it would be a good
idea to invest in a pair of ice cleats to
help with traction, as these lakes can
get downright slippery!
I wish you all a fun and safe ice fishing
season!
Chris Powell
Fat Guy’s Guide Service
715-577-9771
www.fat-guy.org
