Called Gen at Gen’s Bait & Sport Shop in Amery (north of town on hwy. 46) to see what’s biting up that way. Here is the lowdown as to what’s happening.
APPLE RIVER – Gen says thay are still getting some nice northerns through the ice on the river. She said there are about three key spots that are producing the fish. The first spot is an area called the “stumps” near the hwy. 46 bridge. Tip ups baited with river shiners and northern suckers is the best presentation. She gives the nod to the river shiners and northern suckers as the best bait choice because they are native to the Apple River. Best depths are 8′ to 10′ of water. The second spot is across from the Apple River boat landing. Same presentation. Look for the fish in 6′ to 10′ of water. The third spot is North Twin Park near the tennis courts in town. Same presentation, and the fish are in 6′ to 10′ of water again. Gen says you may also ice a musky in this area. The guys getting fish have been setting their baits 1′ to 2′ off the bottom, but don’t be afraid to set one tip up 4′ to 5′ off the bottom as they have been getting some pike cruising through a little higher. To get accurate directions to these spots give Gen a call or stop in and see her. They are still getting a lot of panfish on the river, but they tend to run small. Waxies and crappie minnows on Rockers, Demons and Flipper Jigs have been the ticket for the panfish. Best colors are green or red.
BIG ROUND – Indian Bay (across from the boat landing) is still producing some nice crappies. Fish have been found in 5′ to 8′ of water. Waxies and crappie minnows fished on JB Lures Glitter Bugs and Dot teardrops have been the best producers. Hot colors are orange and anything that glows. The walleye action seems to have slowed down and turned into a nocturnal bite.
BONE – Anglers are reporting catching some nice crappies and perch with the action being being good. The south end of the lake, near the islands, is the hot spot. These fish are in approx. 15′ of water. Swedish Pimples with fatheads has been the best presentation. Gen says the anglers are using a little bigger minnow to catch the better fish and keep the little guys from biting. Some people are also using rosy red minnows and Adam vertical jigging lures. Gen suggests those fishing the south end of the lake to access it near Wilkins (spelling??) Resort. The north end of the lake is turning out some northerns. The best presentation has been frozen smelt on tip ups in 10′ to 12′ of water. If you head up here on saturday, plan to have some company. I guess there is a contest on the north end of the lake.
WHITE ASH – Anglers are getting plenty of flags and catching a lot of northerns on this body of water. Gen says the pike are really abundant in White Ash. There are lots of 1 to 3 pound fish and enough in the 5 to 8 pound range to keep things interesting! Look for these fish in approx. 8’+ of water. The best presentation is shiners fished below tip ups. The bite on White Ash tends to be an all day affair.
Thanks for the help with the report Gen. If you are heading for the Amery area, stop in & see Gen for the latest info. Gen’s Bait & Sport Shop is just north of Amery on Hwy. 46. She will be more than happy to try & help put you on some fish. You can also reach her at 1-888-USE-BAIT.