Ice-fishing in the wake of the recent warm conditions remains good for a variety of species including walleye, panfish, northern pike, and believe it or not, channel catfish.
The walleye bite has moved a bit deeper than in recent weeks, but remains solid during the low-light and nighttime periods. Frabill tip-ups baited with large golden shiners or sucker minnows are still a good bet - leave the "small" bait at the bait shop. Look for mid-lake humps in the lakes and reservoirs to be holding fish; begin by working the sharper breaks, especially those adjacent to the deepest water during the day.
As the evening progresses, move tip-ups up the breaks, with some on the top of the structural elements. Some fine walleyes are yet coming from depths of water less than 10'. Anglers looking to score while jigging should consider using jigging spoons such as the Buckshot Rattle spoon or lures such as the Jigging Rapala - whichever you use, tip the lure with a minnow head.
Northern pike are greedily consuming large golden shiners along the deeper weed lines of back bays, as well as along the stump fields and irregular breaks of sections of main river channel; the bite has been best from mid-morning until late afternoon, with several very nice specimens caught within the past week alone.
While not commonly targeted by most anglers, the resident channel catfish population has been active for anglers looking to test their fish-fighting skills on a jigging rod. St. Croix and Frabill jigging rods used to work rattling-style jigging spoons tipped with minnows heads will produce action. Begin by locating areas of river channel and then key in on the deeper holes within. Typically, start by working the "head" of the hole as it will hold the most active fish. Keep the bait less than a foot of the bottom and move to locate sections holding willing cats. Trust me, you'll enjoy the battle! Try a few of the smaller ones Cajun style for a true treat of the pallet!
Tight lines,
Joel DeBoer
www.wisconsinanglingadventures.com