Stopped in this afternoon to see “Schmidty” of Schmidty’s Archery & Bait Shop on North Broadway in Menomonie, WI. While I was there I got the lowdown on the ice fishing action in the area.
LAKE MENOMIN – Panfish action has been fairly consistent with some nice average sized fish being caught. Most of the willing biters are of the bluegill & crappie variety. Depths for these fish are somewhere in 15’ to 20’ of water with the fish being located 1’ to 3’ off the bottom. Some specific spots for the panfish have been the east/southeast side of the lake for the morning bite, while the west side of the lake between the library & the bridge has been best in the afternoon. The panfish have been hitting waxies and spikes fished on a variety of ice jigs including – Luna-Ticks (green flo. & purple flo.), Joanie Jiggs Black Purist, and various Moonglows. Schmidty says that purple has been a hot color on the lake this year. The guys have also been having some decent walleye action. These fish have been active in 10’ to 15’ of water. Hot ticket has been suckers on tip-ups fished about 2’ off the bottom. The late afternoon/evening seems to be best. Rumor is there is also a pretty decent ‘eye bite from midnight till 4:00 a.m.
TAINTER LAKE – Recently the action has slowed on this body of water, but by all accounts, it was turning out some good action earlier in the season for ‘eyes & panfish. Some reports still coming in of guys getting some ‘eyes on tip-ups & jigging but they are tending to run on the small side.
PINE LAKE (north of Baldwin) – Report for here is kind of sketchy. Guys are talking about a real good panfish bite here, but unsure of the quality of the fish (size wise). Also afraid I don’t have any info on presentation or location. If anyone else has more info on Pine, please chime in.
LITTLE LAKE WISSOTA – Getting some nice crappies through the ice on this body of water. The fish are deep – 40’ of water and suspended down 30’ to 35’. Electronics play a key role to locate the active suspended fish. Crappie minnows on a variety of jigs/hooks/teardrops presented below a slip bobber is the ticket. They are also getting a fair number of walleyes. Nothing real big, but lots of numbers. Fishing in 10’ to 12’ of water on or adjacent to sand bars has been the key location. ‘Eyes have been falling prey to small sucker minnows presented on tip-ups.
LAKE GEORGE (Spring Valley) – Anglers are reporting some nice bluegills coming out of 20’ to 25’ of water. These fish are located 1’ to 4’ off the bottom. Once again the panfish are hitting waxies fished on Luna-Ticks, Purists, and Lunar Grubs. You will also pick up some crappies but they tend to run on the small side.
Thanks for the help with the report Schmidty. If you are heading for the Menomonie area to do a little ice fishing, give Schmidty’s Archery & Bait Shop a call at 715-325-3134 for the latest info. Or stop in and get the inside scoop on the action from Schmidty himself.