From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 03-17-25:

The big question has been…is there safe ice? Seems reasonable to ask after we saw temps hit 60 degrees last Friday (3/14). That, and the rain Fri night/Saturday (3/15) did make the top layer rather punky (porous). Some landings got mushy (if snow from previous week piled there).

While some anglers continue to press their luck by driving trucks, that’s one method we can no longer recommend here. Measurements of 16-28” seem fine, however, the top layer of ice has been compromised due to rain and warmth. Walking (bring creepers) and ATV travel still good. With forecast for next two weeks showing highs of 34-44 degrees yet lows of 14-23 degrees, our fishable ice should last through this week and the next!

And that’s good because…

Yellow Perch: Excellent – Limits of Perch in the 9-11” range with some pushing 13” over the past weekend. Mud flats of 14-24’ using Halis, Flash Champs, Bull spoons & Pinheads tipped with spikes or wigglers. Tip-downs with medium fatheads or large rosies working great for larger Perch.

Crappie: Excellent – Still great action on basin fish of 18’, to as deep as 30’. Most fish found 4-8’ off bottom. Tikka Flash, Jointed Pinheads and Rattlin Kastmasters tipped with waxies or tip-downs using Crappie minnows or small rosies. Weed bite in 8-12’ standing narrow leaf cabbage using small #3 tungsten jigs or #8 rockers to deliver plastics (white, pink, silver). On shallower lakes, Crappies and Gills found taking plastics just at ice bottom levels.

Bluegill: Very Good to Excellent – Gills taking waxies and butterworms with gusto in 4-8’. Sometimes just under the ice! Small plastics with red, brown being tops, but purple, black and well, very little else not being rejected.

During early ice, 3” of new “black” ice is safe to walk. This time of year, the top layer of “white” ice (porous, crumbly) gives way to “green” ice. This ice can be 10-12” thick, but does not support the weight new black ice does. Be cautious! Carry rope, floatation devices (cushion, vest), ice picks and creepers just to be safe!

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 03-11-25:

The 10” of snow that was part of the storm last Wednesday (3/5) has now been reduced to near nothing due to the recent warm snap! Water and slush remain on the ice, 3-4” at most. Ice thickness has held up (17-30”) so far, but without that padding of snow to protect it from sun and warm winds, we will expect to lose ice from this point forward.

Crappie: Excellent – Anglers experiencing some of the best action of the season as melting snow running down the holes brings oxygen and energizes life below the ice. Basin bites are still going strong, with anglers preferring Jointed Pin Heads, Tikka Flashes and Rattlin’ Kastmasters tipped with waxies or spikes. With the warmth and the crappies feeding like they are, tip-downs and Jaw Jackers are scoring, fished with crappie minnows or rosie reds.
In conjunction with the melt, shallower water action has heated up! Fishing plastics by slow dropping jigs amongst narrow leaf cabbage in 8-12’ as well as tip-downs in the same areas have been working very well. A few reports of anglers catching crappies right under the ice in lakes with shallower weeds of 4-8’.

Bluegill: Very Good – Gills working weeds, sometimes just under the ice like the Crappies. Slow dropping 2.5-3mm tungsten jigs on windy days or old-style lead tear drop jigs to lower dark plastics, live waxies, spikes or butter worms providing great action.

Yellow Perch: Good-Very Good – Tip-downs with medium fatheads or Northland Rattling Spoons loaded with waxies or spikes over mud flats of 14-20’. Some nice Perch to 13 ½” this past weekend using the tip-downs. Anglers also reporting nice Perch mixed in with lots of smaller Perch in 6-10’ weeds.

The effects of the sun, wind and forecasted rain (possible 3/15) will definitely take its toll on the uncovered lake ice. We should be good for this coming weekend. The following week (16th-20th) temps drop and ice melt will slow (highs in 30’s, lows in 20’s) that should give us one last weekend of safe fishable ice through the 23rd. But Mother Nature will have the final say.

Stop by the shop for lots of end of season discounts, while supplies last… Rods, tackle, augers, shacks, clothing… All boots are 25% off with the exception of LaCrosse (Ice Kings, Cold Snaps and Hunt Pac only – 50% off)

#minocquaarea #fishingislife #icefishing #letsgofishing #fishingguide #fishingreport #minnkotaservice #stcroixrods #rapalafishing #diawareels #ShimanoFishing #normark #minnkotamotors #13fishing #costadelmar #berkleyfishing #kalins #lindy #engelcoolers #frabill #smitybaits #interstatebattery #mammothcooler #templeforkoutfitters #underarmour #humminbirdfishing #garmin #garminlivescope #otteroutdoors #strikerice #clamoutdoors

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 03-04-25:

As the gamefish season has come to a close (3/2) it’s nice to see the panfish action ramping up! That is giving us ice enthusiasts plenty of reasons to hit the ice and enjoy some more of our favorite sport. As a note, the final gamefish weekend was a good one with lots of reports of Walleye and Pike catches. Some years it ends with a fizzle, this year a bang. Pike to 37” and Walleye to 28” reported with plenty of numbers, a shortage of big bait (our fault) the only downside.

Bluegill: Very Good – Very nice catches of nice sized Gills (many 8-8 ½” with some up to 9 ¾” reported). Early to mid-morning best for size, but nice fish caught throughout the day. Wax worms, Butter worms and plastics on 3 mm tungsten jigs in 7-10’ cabbage.

Crappie: Very Good – Lots of 10-12” fish caught and bagged this past weekend with reports (and pics) of slabs to 15”. Still a basin bite for the most part on Rattlin Kastmasters, Tikka Flash and Jointed Pinheads tipped with spikes or waxies. Tip-downs doing well baited with rosies or Crappie minnows. Of note, the draw down on the Willow Flowage has made some areas hazardous, use caution. Reports of slower fishing Fri and Sat may be more reason to stay off.

Yellow Perch: Good – Mud flats in that 14-22’ range using #2 Pimples or #25 Halis to deliver wigglers or red spikes. Tip-downs with small minnows also working. Use medium fatheads or large rosies to try and discourage smaller fish.

Other than earlier concern mentioned regarding the Willow, the Hwy J access on the Rainbow is not safe. Lakes on the other hand are in great shape following last weeks warm spell. Ice thickness from 17-30” reported. Snow on Wed (3/5) could be a mess to move around on depending on how much we get. Temps overnights in teens with highs in low 30’s following should amount to continued safe ice for at least a couple of weeks.

Shout out to all the high school teams that participated in the KISS Tournament this past Saturday. Your catches made me envious! Thank you Winneconne, Milton, Wauzaukee, Northland Pines, Rhinelander, Chequamegon and Rosholt and their students and coaches for participating! Great job!

Stop by the shop for lots of end of season discounts, while supplies last on rods, tackle, augers, shacks, clothing…

All boots are 25% off with the exception of LaCrosse (Ice Kings, Cold Snaps and Hunt Pac only – 50% off)

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 02-22-25:

Time to crawl back out from hibernation for a bit! Temps down to -19° last week has gave way to nice balmy temperatures as high as upper 30s maybe the 40s this Monday. Combine that with a new moon period and Fishing has picked up dramatically!

Walleye: Very Good > Bite windows remained about an hour and a half long on average. Mostly just before sundown, but also pre-dawn. Walleyes moving up to the weeds of about 8 to 16 feet of water, (depending on the lake type), taking suckers and shiners on tip ups, as well as back to aggressively, smacking, Ripping Raps, Jigging, Raps, and Tikka Minnows. Just about a week left to the season, best to take advantage of this hot bite!

Northern Pike: Very Good > Warm-up has helped. Pike action has improved and the bite is window starting earlier in the morning and lasting throughout the dusk versus last week. Take advantage of big active baits with rigs sporting blades for the added attraction!

Crappies: Good-Very Good > Action picking back up over basins of 18 to 28 feet of water. Small spoons with some noise such as Rattling Kast Masters or jointed Pinheads or those with flash such as Tikka Flash or Northland Slim Spoons to pull in roaming schools of crappies. Tip with waxes or minnow heads. Weed fish moving up from holding tight to the bottom. Slow drop and light fluttering jigs tipped with light colored plastics best.

Yellow Perch: Good-Very Good > Mud flats of 14 to 18 feet of water, using fast dropping spoons to deliver red spikes or wigglers, if you can get some. A few larger perch on small shiners under tip ups meant for walleyes and weeds. Find pockets and heavy cabbage and lower medium fatheads hooked lightly through the back on a number 14 travel to target larger perch in these weeds. Nicer weed perch also hitting #2 jigging Raps as well !

Largemouth Bass: Good > While missing for a week or so – back on the charts due to the warm-up. Jigging while targeting gills using waxes or butter, worms, or setting tip ups with small to medium shiners are best! Jigging with spoons or wraps if your bass is your main target is also a good method.

Bluegill: Fair-Good > Action and reports improving as anglers targeting gills following the cold and wind. They kept most people off the ice. Small plastics, waxies were better, worms, and number 3 mm tungsten jigs and 8 to 12 feet of weeds. Some nice gills are also being caught roaming the open water of 14 to 20 feet by perch, crappie anglers.

Gamefish season officially ends March 2 at midnight. Looks as if weather won’t be too bad with temperatures in the 20s for the most part the mid week temps in the 30s plus will make things very comfortable.

Ice conditions are very good with averages 22 to 30 inches in most spots. The one report of 17 inches on a private lake raised a few eyebrows. With this much ice and the mild forecast ahead, it looks like a good month of panfishing through the ice is in store for the rest of our month of March.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 02-18-25:

A good smack of winter this past weekend as snow and frigid temps kept anglers (most, not all) off the ice for the holiday weekend. Single digit and lower temperatures with wind chills in the negative teens and lower made for good reasons to stay inside and watch NASCAR, if that’s your thing. Bite windows were small and not always when expected. Yet, once again a few stalwart individuals (and groups) did well.

Yellow Perch: Good-Fair – Action slowed by the weekend when afternoons produced better than mornings. #2 jigging raps tipped with a waxie or minnow head helped weed out the smaller Perch when the bite did open up. When things slowed (stopped?), a more subtle presentation was needed using small #3 tungsten jigs tipped with a wiggler or spike.

Northern Pike: Good-Fair – Even the Pike bite was off this weekend. Afternoons produced better than mornings. Still, nice catches by those willing to brave the cold and chip some ice. This is usually a time of heavy feeding for Pike and I’m sure it will be once temps warm a bit.

Crappie: Good-Fair – Snow, wind and cold kept most anglers from chasing suspended Crappies, it was mostly a sit and wait bite (inside a warm shack)! Clam pinhead minnows, Tikka Flashes and small Kastmasters to get down quickly still producing over 18-28” of water. Tip-downs or deadsticks kept inside shacks working with Crappie minnows as well.

Walleye: Good-Fair – Bite earlier in the evening, actually late afternoon. Tip-ups out shining jigging as high barometer and cold making for limited bite. Smaller shiners and suckers better at times like this. With warm up and new moon, this bite should really pick up starting this weekend.

Bluegill: Fair-Poor – Just not very good conditions for Bluegill enthusiasts. Those that hunkered down in shacks had some success with small jigs tipped with red spikes. Lots of lookers, few takers.

Largemouth Bass: Poor – Not a fan of this extreme cold. This species seems to pick up activity when temps rise into 20’s and barometer not so high (or so low).

Real temps down to 19 below (2/18) and fresh snow (5-6” on 2/15) did a number on participation for us anglers this past week, but the coming weekend looks great! Temps in the 20’s (then 30’s during the following week) plus a new moon period should spell a great end to the gamefish season with just two weekends left.

Ice Fishing Tournaments
February 22nd – Kids Ice Fishing Day sponsored by Northwoods Muskie Inc – Kennedy Bay, Lake Minocqua
March 1st – KISS – WIFA Highschool – Minocqua Chain

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 02-10-25:

Wind (and lots of it, not needed) and snow (about 5”, much needed), slowed participation on the ice for anglers. Add cold and it looks like a lot of anglers took a pass on heading out on the ice this past week. Those that fished (when they could) had mixed results. Still, fish were caught and time on the ice enjoyed.

Crappie: Good-Very Good – Deep basin and wood along river channels (Flowages) produced very well for anglers using Rattlin Kastmasters. Most tipped with waxies or minnow heads. Conditions for tip-down use not the best with snow and wind. Weed Crappies (8-12’) held tight to bottom. Slow dropping thin, fluttering jig/spoons tipped with waxies or plastics (white, silver, yellow) best.

Northern Pike: Good – Nice thing about Pike fishing in the winter, most done with tip-ups… set it and forget it (except to keep holes from freezing up). Enough action on shiners and suckers to make effort worth it.

Yellow Perch: Good-Fair – Lots of #’s, but light on the keepers was the word from most anglers. Mud flats of 16-22’ using heavy, yet small fast dropping spoons (Pimples, Hali, Bull spoons) to get back down quickly when pods of Perch moved through. Wigglers and red spikes for the most part. Some larger Perch on minnows on dead sticks.

Walleye: Good-Fair – Bite window still best one hour before and after sunset. A few early risers catching fish before dawn. Jigging Raps and Slab Raps accounting for some nice fish (17-23”) but majority on tip-ups baited with suckers or river shiners. Depths of 14-18’ weed edges or along breaks of 18-25’ gravel best.

Bluegill: Fair – Not the best conditions for chasing Bluegills. Those that did found Gills holding within a foot off the bottom and being tight lipped. Due to wind, #4 tungsten jigs to combat line bow tipped with waxies or spikes best.

Largemouth Bass: Fair – Came to on warmer days, yet overall waiting for warmer weather.

Forecasted cold week with daytime temps single digit to teens and night time chills of -8 to -13. Should ease up for the Holiday weekend (Fri/Sat) breaking into 20’s before dropping down into single digits for Sun/Mon.

Ice thickness good, averaging 22-28”+. New snow may be a bit of a hindrance, but overall travel conditions very good. Cold and high pressure more of a hindrance on the bite than anything else.

Only three weekends left of the 24/25 gamefish season. Closes March 2nd at midnight, so don’t wait much longer to catch that Walleye dinner.

Ice Fishing Tournaments
February 15th – 24th Annual Plum Lake – Plum Lake
February 15th – 19th Annual Lake Tomahawk Family Fishery – Lake Tomahawk
March 1st – KISS – WIFA Highschool – Minocqua Chain

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 02-04-25:

The “Dog Days of Winter” (thanks reporter, Jeff Walz), may be upon us. Though that assessment could easily be the day more than the week itself. There’s typically a drop off in midwinter as ice, thickens, and snow deepens. This cuts off light to plants and they lose the ability for photosynthesis, lowering oxygen levels and fish activity. But with very little snow this year, weeds seem to be staying green. More than likely, I’d blame the “dog days” this year on the east winds. Yet whatever the reasons, conditions still are very good for anglers and fish are still being caught.

Crappies: Good-Very good > Bite having windows, as some anglers fishing basin fish doing extremely well at times catching limits. At other times, fish being persnickety (my grandmother’s word), coming in to investigate, then dropping away. Flashy or loud lures such as Tika flashes, jointed Pinhead, and rattling Kast masters and the like tipped with waxies still tops as are tip downs with rosies stationed nearby your jigging hole (if you’re not the run and gun type). Weed fish requiring finesse. Slow dropping jigs tipped with plastics (silver, white and yellow being best. Start high in the water column, but be ready to fish low (1 foot off the bottom) if fish are not responding.

Northern Pike: Good- Very Good > Typical shiner or suckers on tip-ups. Lots of complaints of pike snipping off jigs meant for gills or crappie, so you know they are on the prowl.

Yellow Perch: Good-Very Good > Mud flats the best overall location in 15-20′ of water. Hali Jigs and Kastmaster spoons with chain hooks to deliver wigglers or red spikes. Schools on the move! If you find some, more than likely they or another school will return.

Bluegill: Good > Heavy cabbage in 8-12’, but also some cruising flats where crappies and perch found. Plastics in red, motor oil, purple and black. Waxies or spikes always a good choice.

Walleye: Good-Fair > Bite more concentrated towards evenings than earlier. Some pre-dawn action but window smaller. The jigging bite (Raps, Hyper Glides, Hyper Rattles) has caught enough fish of late to make the effort count. Depths of 14-25’ using suckers or medium shiners did the trick this past weekend.

Largemouth Bass: Fair > Bass bite slows when temps drop. Most caught targeting other fish on tip-ups with medium shiners.

Overall conditions remain unchanged if not slightly improving as ice slowly thickens. (Most lake at 20-28”) and not enough new snow (sorry snowmobiles) to affect travels. Do watch access on some North Landings as drifts could impede travel, but for the majority of access things are excellent.

Weather forecast of highs in the upper teens to mid 20’s and low’s in the single digits to negative temps. Should do well for ice anglers trips this week. Still a good inventory of boxed and built flip shacks, hubs and electronics in stock and on sale at shop. Stop in or give us a call, 1-715-356-4797

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 01-27-25:

Following last week’s frigid blast, ice conditions have improved to some of the best ice we’ve seen in several years! Reports of 20-27”+ on almost all lakes (Trout, Fence about 16”). Little snow (3-4”) means travel is excellent. We have had to deal with wind the past four days, making it feel colder than it is. On top of that, some finicky fish at times.

Crappie: Good-Very Good – When at the right place at the right time, (good feeding windows) basin Crappies put the feed bag on! Pinhead jigs, Rattlin Kastmasters and Tikka Flashes dressed with waxies and fished 4-8’ off the bottom in 18-28’ this past weekend scored very well…when the bite was on! At other times Crappies did a lot of window shopping, very frustrating. Weed Crappies still being caught but not in #’s of open water fishing.

Yellow Perch: Good – Still dealing with a lot of smaller fish cruising mud flats in 15-18’. When larger fish move in, Halis, Pimples and Pinhead spoons tipped with waxies or spikes, as well as small rosies on single hooked Forage Spoons, working well on Perch of 9-11”.

Bluegill: Good – Heavy weed beds producing well as lack of heavy snow must be letting in enough light to keep weeds alive. Look for holes or pockets in weeds. Small jigs tipped with waxies, red spikes or plastics (red or motor oil tops this week). Nice catches of eaters to 8½ “.

Northern Pike: Good – Big baits (shiners, suckers) on bladed tip-up rigs. While weeds typical placement, some larger Pike (30-35”) coming from mud flats in 15-18’ where small Perch are cruising.

Largemouth Bass: Good – Medium shiners on tip-ups, as well as jigging medium to large fatheads, in 8-12’ weeds. When temps go up, Bass activity increases. Reports of Largemouth to 19” over the weekend.

Walleye: Fair-Good – Bite windows critical as early am and again after dark best (though diligent angler reported very good action and size during noon minor over the weekend). If you can find, wild golden shiners just seem to have the “it” factor. Out producing suckers and pond raised shiners head-to-head. Jigging raps in sizes 5:7’s also produced this past weekend when Walleyes “turned on” for those feed windows.

Whitefish: Fair – Anglers finding access great just not Whitefish always in the mood. Spoons, the smaller you can work with the better (40-55’ depths) tipped with waxies or pieces of crappie minnows.

Combining a new moon period with some warming temps (above freezing 1/30/25) should be a great combination for anglers. Another 1-2” of snowfall (to cover our tracks), but not enough to affect travel. Looks like another good week!

Ice Fishing Tournaments
February 8th – Willow Haven Ice Fishing Derby – Hazlehurst
February 8th – Bucksnort Fisheree – Willow or Pier Lake (Tripoli)
February 15th – 24th Annual Plum Lake – Plum Lake
March 1st – KISS – WIFA Highschool – Minocqua Chain

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 01-23-25:

All right ladies and gentlemen ice anglers… Start your engines!
I realize my reports are on the conservative end in regards to driving trucks on the ice. Plenty of anglers have already been driving trucks I know, but I couldn’t in good conscience give an all-around okay. Following the past couple of days though low temperatures of 22 and 27 below zero on the 20th and 21st of January, the 16-20” reports from Saturday will surely be in the 20-24” range by this Thursday. With 2+” of snow on the ice, access by trucks and even all-wheel drive cars will be fine.

Crappie: Good – Decent bite, even for the few crazies such as my grandson who went out in 17° below temperatures on Monday because Lakeland school was closed. Nice crappies with many in the 10-13” range including a 15” slab caught and quickly returned by musical talent Bernie Thompson. Suspended fish in the 16-24” depth from reports being caught 3-6’ off the bottom using Kastmasters and Tikka Flash, both spoons that were tipped with wax worms. Still some fish hanging out in the weeds were being caught but very tight to the bottom on forage fry jigs tipped with waxies or spikes.

Yellow Perch: Good – Best in 16-20’ mud flats. Schools are cruising. With the cold, the best is to wait your turn as they come through. Northland Forage jigs with a single hook tipped with the minnows taking the best perch. Pimples and Halis tipped with red spikes are good choices; just have to deal with more of the smaller Perch.

Bluegill: Good – Nice Gills of 7.5″-8.5″ with a few over 9″ around cabbage flats of 8-12’. Mostly working into the weeds to pull fish up and out. Some very nice suspended Gills are being found along with the Crappies and Perch.

Walleye: Good-Fair – Still some decent action for mid-January. Lack of snow on the ice may be contributing. Live bait continues to be the best choice as all species, especially Walleyes that seemed to be a bit finicky this past week. Top bragging rights go to Sawyer of Winneconne, Wisconsin with a beautiful, predusk 28 ¾” monster. Congratulations Sawyer.

Northern Pike: Good-Fair – Surprisingly, not a lot of larger fish from the reports that we gathered here this week. Some decent action on eaters of 22-27″ on big shiners and suckers. Most of them have been related to weeds of 8-14’.

Largemouth Bass: Fair – As in “Fairweather ice fish”! Typically, when temps get below 20°, we don’t see as much activity from Largemouth. Still, a few of them up to 17″ were reported over the weekend.

Whitefish: Fair – Not much on the Whitefish front. Should get better as travel conditions improve.

Despite all of this great ice for access and travel, still be cautious of ice heaves. The Rainbow Flowage, Willow Flowage, Fence Lake and North Twin (which has a 3-ft heave) are bodies of water where you need to watch carefully. Moving forward it looks like a great ice season. 2’+ of ice and lots of access. People with permanent shacks are starting to pull out the extensions already and creepers are still a good idea with such little snow on the ice. Not a lot of anglers out Sunday through Tuesday with dangerously cold temperatures but that should change coming Wednesday.

Big shout out to the three schools and four teams that competed in the Minocqua Madness on Saturday. Teams from Winneconne, Slinger and Wausaukee hit the ice and stuck it out catching lots of fish in six of the seven categories (there were no Smallmouth for the day). Lots of fish, great competition and a great bunch of young anglers. The WIFA organization has done a great job of getting these young anglers out on the ice and introducing them to the sport of ice fishing. Whenever you can, support the WIFA organization to help support our wonderful sport.

Ice Fishing Tournaments
February 8th – Willow Haven Ice Fishing Derby – Hazlehurst
February 15th – 24th Annual Plum Lake – Plum Lake
March 1st – KISS – WIFA Highschool – Minocqua Chain

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 01-13-25:

Another good week of ice fishing conditions coming to a halt this Monday/Tuesday as cold (subzero) and wind will keep most anglers off the ice for a couple days. Three to four inches of snow will give the ice a little traction, hopefully not insulating enough to keep from building more ice.

Crappie: Good – Most reports from anglers finding Crappies roaming basins of 15-24’. Small jigs with rattles or blades best for drawing in fish (Kastmasters, Tikka Flash). Tip-downs with rosies also picking up fish. Some weed related Crappies coming on bright jigs tipped with plastics (pink, white, silver and blue best).

Yellow Perch: Good – Mud flats of 15-28’. Fast dropping spoons (Bull spoons, Halis, Flash Champs, Pinheads) tipped with wigglers, red spikes or Berkley Power Nymphs working. Nice eaters in the 9-11” range for the most part. Lots of smaller fish to sort through.

Walleye: Good – Early morning and the last of light. Medium shiners along weed edges of 8-14’, suckers over sandgrass flats and gravel humps in 14-22’. Jigging Raps and Rattlin Raps still producing some nice fish, but action towards the artificial baits seems to have slowed as ice thickens. Still good to use to locate fish, even if reluctant, then go back to live bait on a dead stick or tip-up.

Northern Pike: Good – Typical tip-up bite along deep weed edges or in the heavy cabbage. Use big baits (shiners, suckers) to garner attention. Rigs with blades also help to add “flash” as the big baits struggle on these rigs.

Bluegill: Good – Weed Gills in 7-10’ using #3 tungsten jigs in dark colors tipped with red, purple, motor oil plastics or a colored spike. Suspended basin Gills taking larger #4:#5 tungsten jigs in glow patterns tipped with spikes or waxies.

Largemouth Bass: Fair-Good – Will slow with cold but should pick up by week’s end. Some notable Largemouth caught over weekend in the 16-18” range. Tops, a 22” behemoth on a jig and waxie meant for Gills.

Whitefish: Fair – Anglers report fish skittish, not liking too bright or too active a lure. 40-50’ depths.

The slight pause with the cold and wind (chills to -30) should give us a chance to prepare for some even better ice for travel. Most lakes reporting 12-14”+, with more to come. Even with the arrival of the 4” of new snow, travel and access should be excellent. Snowmobile use will be better and snow isn’t deep enough to hinder ATV, UTV or even foot traffic.

Ice Fishing Tournaments
January 18th – Kurt’s Minocqua Madness – WIFA High School – Minocqua Chain
January 18th – 10th Annual Iceholes of the North – Sponsored by Team Retreat Musky Club – Various lakes
January 18th – Battle on St. Germain Lakes
February 8th – Willow Haven Ice Fishing Derby – Hazlehurst
February 15th – 24th Annual Plum Lake – Plum Lake
March 1st – KISS – WIFA Highschool – Minocqua Chain

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

Happy New Year to All!!!

While I’m still checking out the last of the WI Archery season, our ice fishing seems to be off to a fantastic start here in the Northwoods… Our ice may be as good as its been in all the years since I’ve been living here (’94). And this the last report of the season, here’s hoping to a Safe and Prosperous 2025!!!

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 12-30-24:

Another strange week of weather. Should we expect anything else? Warm (above freezing for three days) and rain ate up whatever snow cover we had. Lake tops have been wet and slippery. Luckily, we didn’t lose much ice, its more about getting on the ice and staying on your feet! While some anglers reported just fair fishing in spots, overall fishing this past weekend was very good. I’m sure this new moon period combined with mild weather and lots of anglers on the ice helped pump up the successful reports. Lots of good catches (and releases) this past holiday weekend.

Walleye: Very Good – Evening bite hot with reports from anglers both using tip-downs with live shiners and those jigging Raps, Hyper Glides and Tikka Minnows. Best action coming just at dark and next 1½-2 hours after. The few willing to get out a couple hours before light in the morning being rewarded with nice Eyes on tip-up in 6-8’ weeds. Evening fish a bit deeper at dusk in 10-14’. With lots of good catches and some very nice fish over the “eater” slot, top honors go to 5 yr old Clara of Hinkley, IL with a 29” C&R trophy Eye, while out with Dad and Grandpa after dark…on Banana Lake of course.

Northern Pike: Very Good – Good numbers and some exceptionally nice Pike taking the largest of golden or river shiners and big suckers on tip-up rigs in 6-12’. Tops for the week was 14 yr old Molly of Madison, WI with a 39” C&R Banana Lake beauty!

Crappie: Very Good – Two areas to target! Standing tall weeds of 10-14’ slow dropping plastics or tip-downs with minnows. The basin Crappies have been roaming in 20-28’ mud flats. A jig with a rattle (Rattlin Kastmasters) or blade (Tikka Flash) to lure fish in have been best. Tip either with a waxie or spike. Tip-downs with small rosies also working, setting at correct depth for suspended fish is the trick.

Largemouth Bass: Very Good – Not a typical target through the ice. Yet with the warm weather and so much “bait” to look at, anglers reporting lots of “green bass” activity on tip-ups with medium shiners and also taking jigs with waxies meant for Gills. Lots of 14-16” being reported with fish to 20” also being C&R.

Bluegill: Very Good – Deeper weed edges of 8-12’ producing nice Gills in the 7-8½” range. Several photos of 9-10”+ fish at shop showing the positive side of selective harvest. Plastics in red, purple, motor oil on #3mm tungsten jigs in subtle colors proving best.

Yellow Perch: Good – Not as many anglers targeting Perch with Crappie action being so good. Those targeting Perch doing well using wigglers on small spoons (Pimples, Bull Spoons, Northland Forage Minnows). Medium fatheads on tip-downs also working up closer to weed edges, about 1 foot off bottom.

With no snow on the ice to impede access, anglers are finding a lot of areas to fish by foot travel (with cleats), ATV and snowmobile. Still can’t recommend car or truck travel (though some people are, I know). Most lakes supporting an average of 8” with larger lakes as little as 4”. Parts of our local flowages have reports of 11-12”, but always use caution as these bodies of water also have current.

As the late, great Merle Haggard one wrote – “If we make it through December”, (and we almost are as of this report), “everything’s gonna be alright I know!” Following this recent warm spell, which left enough ice for us to continue fishing, we got some cold coming in! Starting 12/31, forecast has 14 straight days below freezing, with at least 12 nights in single digits and below! With no snow on the lakes as of now, and very little snow in the forecast, we should see good ice building weather from here on out, everything’s gonna be alright I know…
Hope you all have a very Happy New Year!!

Ice Fishing Tournaments:
January 4th – 74th Annual Rib Lake Area Fishing Contest – Rib Lake
January 11th – 17th Annual NCO Club & AMVETS Post 724 – Lake Nokomis
January 11th – 31st year – Rainbow Ice Jamboree – Rainbow Flowage
January 18th – Kurt’s Minocqua Madness-WIFA Highschool: Minocqua Chain
January 18th – 10th Annual Iceholes of the North–Sponsored by Team
Retreat Musky Club – Various lakes
March 1st – KISS – WIFA Highschool – Minocqua Chain

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 12-23-24:

Merry Christmas to ALL!

Ice conditions in and around the Lakeland area are good, but not great. With ice thickness varying from 5-10” (with 6-8” being comfortable average), most ice good for walking, ATV and snowmobile use. With another report of a truck breaking through down in Newbold, just can’t stress enough to keep cars and trucks off the ice until we get a good 14-16” minimum! While access and conditions on the ice have been great (only about 2” of snow on ice as of this report- creepers still a good idea). Fishing has been good, but not as great.

Walleye: Good-Very Good – Still a post dusk/pre-dawn bite for the most part. Jigging Raps (#5), Shiver Minnows (2.5:3), Hyper Glides (#5) and Rippin Raps producing nice fish worked in 6-10’ weeds. Tip-ups with medium shiners, river shiners and Walleye suckers strategically set up on weed edges prior to dusk bite best call. Plenty of good eaters (15-19”) but also reports of “over” fish in the 20-24” range.

Northern Pike: Good-Very Good – Big shiners and suckers hanging just above weed tops or along weed edges of 5-10’. Adding a small blade to give wired rigs some flash seems to be “tipping” odds in tip-up anglers favor. (Get it?…tipping/tip-ups. I’ll be here at the bait shop all week folks, there will be a two minnow scoop minimum! Haha)

Crappie: Good – Reports starting to pick up as anglers venturing out to more areas as ice conditions improve. Still a tall weed bite using tip-downs and Crappie minnows/small rosies in 10-14’ narrow leaf cabbage bays. Others finding suspended Crappies taking Tikka Flashes and small Kastmasters tipped with waxies in 14-20’. These roaming schools take some drilling to find, but nice fish in the 9-11” range on average with some 12-14” slabs reported.

Bluegill: Good – Slowed a little from previous week, but more high pressure days and some southwest winds at times may have been biggest turn-off. Otherwise, bays with good weeds in 5-10’ holding Gills. Small jigs tipped with waxies, spikes or plastics producing. Mid-mornings through late afternoons on most lakes. Reports from small, hard to reach lakes have best bite at dawn to 9 AM using #3:#4 dark colored tungsten jigs tipped with red spikes in 12-18’ basins. These small out of the way lakes produce quality Gills, but can’t sustain much harvest, so be gentle.

Largemouth Bass: Good – With most daytime temps above 20 degrees (and forecasted for 30 degrees after Christmas), Largemouth have been active taking medium shiners meant for Walleye, but also jigs and waxies meant for Gills and Perch. Weeds of 5-10’ best, same as being targeted for Gills.

Yellow Perch: Fair-Good – Reports picking up as anglers working a bit deeper (10-14’). Just outside weed edges in mud flats where jigging spoons, such as Northland Forage Minnow Spoons, Buckshot Spoons and Clam Leech Flutter Spoons tipped with waxies, spikes or minnow heads producing. Tip-downs with small to medium fatheads working well in the mild weather where holes not freezing up.

With the coming of the New Moon period after Christmas and through New Years, I’m liking the outlook for some great ice fishing during the holiday week. On the less optimistic side, days with temps peaking in the 30’s (possibly 40’s on 12/28) plus some rain will make things slippery and messy. Be sure to bring cleats and waterproof boots out on the ice. While the warm up will hurt making more ice, it shouldn’t be enough to lose much of what we have. Always be cautious.

Hope you all have a Merry Christmas!!

Ice Fishing Tournaments
January 4th – 74th Annual Rib Lake Area Fishing Contest – Rib Lake
January 11th – 17th Annual NCO Club & AMVETS Post 724 – Lake Nokomis
January 11th – 31st year – Rainbow Ice Jamboree – Rainbow Flowage
January 18th – Kurt’s Minocqua Madness – WIFA Highschool – Minocqua Chain
January 18th – 10th Annual Iceholes of the North – Sponsored by Team Retreat Musky Club – Various lakes
March 1st – KISS – WIFA Highschool – Minocqua Chain

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 12-17-24:

Ice conditions improved significantly by mid-week, closing up some trouble spots and adding inches to the ice and confidence to the anglers. With many of the more popular spots reporting 6-8” and with the weather very mild, many anglers headed out over the weekend. Fishing was good overall, yet anglers should still use caution when venturing out to areas untraveled or on larger deep lakes.

Walleye: Very Good – Not all day, but for anglers willing to get out pre-dawn or fish the first hour and a half after dark, nice catches in 4-8’ of water using medium goldens or river shiners on tip-ups. Jigging Rapalas (#5), Shiver Minnows (#2) and Hyper Glides (1.5:2’s). also working well. Keeping bait 2’ off bottom to just over weed tops working best as Eyes moving into shallows at dusk to actively feed. Nice fish, many slots (20-24”) and several 26-28”ers reported.

Northern Pike: Very Good – Nice thick fish in the upper 20” to low 30” size on big suckers and shiners. Some right at dusk surprising anglers targeting Walleyes in 4-8’ of water.

Bluegill: Very Good – Mornings until about 10-11 AM then again picking up about 3 PM until dusk. For the most part, shallower weeds of 4-8’ using light jigs tipped with waxies or plastics. Anglers fishing small, deeper lakes with less weeds finding Gills in 12-14’ using tungsten jigs tipped with spikes or plastics. Nice Gills, most in the 7 ½-8” range, but enough 9”+ to make things interesting.

Crappie: Good – Anglers working fish along 8-12’ weeds using jigs with small flutter blades like Lethal Cecil’s and Tikka Flashes scoring well. Warm temps keeping holes open, so tip-downs are working well baited with small rosies or crappie minnows. Clam Niku Bolt Minnows and Flutter Fly’s also producing.

Yellow Perch: Good-Fair – Some reports of nice eaters in the 8-9” range taking jigs with waxies meant for Gills. Depth still shallow 4-10’ while ice is relatively thin.

Second weekend of warm up and light rain making some areas slushy and spooky (dark). Cool off (highs to 20 degrees and upper teens) mid-week with some single digit lows should firm up the top and hopefully add a few more inches to make snowmobile and ATV travel better. The week of Christmas to New Year’s looks good, with nice winter temps and a little snow.

There have been a few trucks reported on the ice…NOT GOOD! With only 8” and less of ice, it’s not safe for these drivers or the other people enjoying the ice. Please hold off from driving full size trucks on these lakes until we get a good 14-16” of solid ice out there.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 12-10-24:

Wrong again!

Last week I was SO SURE we were going to have some great early ice conditions, just waiting for the wind to lay down and let the cold take over…then the snow…then the not so cold…

Was there ice fishing? Yes. Was it great? For the few that found some safe, fishable ice, not great, but good. Problem was some of the ice that started to form, unformed. Holes opened up in areas that had freshly skimmed and some areas got soft following warmth and rain Sunday (12/8).

The bright side is there are areas with 3-5+” of ice and anglers have done well for Walleye, Pike, Bluegills and Crappies where safe ice has allowed angling. All ratings where fishing is ice safe to do.

Walleye: Very Good – Shallow water, 3-6’ at and just after dusk. Shiners on tip-ups as water a bit shallow for most jigging rap techniques.

Northern Pike: Very Good – Shallow weeds from early morning on. Medium to large shiners in 3-8’ of green weeds.

Bluegill: Very Good – Good numbers of nice Gills in the 7-8” plus ranges over mud/cabbage flats in 3-8’. Starting mid-morning through late afternoon.

Crappie: Good – Not as many reports as Gills, but some anglers finding Crappies in 6-8’ weeds using Gulp Alive minnows on horizontal jigs.

We have forecast of some snow (12/10-12/11) but also of temps coming in below zero or just barely over. That should give us the base we need to lock up some good ice. Following that, a mild weekend, but hopefully not so much it hurts.

Lesson is, I’m too old to use comments like “its on like Donkey Kong”, never even played it when I was young. I’ll stick to verbiage I’m used to like “23 Skidoo” and “Cat’s meow”.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
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Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 12-02-24:

Looks like its “On like Donkey Kong”!

We have fishable ice on some smaller lakes and bays (2-3 ½”) and building! Bay across from shop locked up overnight! All we really needed was wind to stop long enough to let ice form. As much as we all complained about that biting wind this past week, it helped super cool the water so it was ready to freeze

Further north in Mercer, reports of 4+” of ice, we should see lots of access by this coming weekend.

Caution is still advised, but the outlook is for a good stretch of ice building weather. Snow flurries mid-week should be light and dry enough to not latch onto ice. As always for early ice, spud bars, creepers, float suits (vest), rope and friend are advised.

Not a lot of reports from anglers. Staffer, Bret Bender was doing well casting from shore for shallow Walleyes, but as he says, once the cast starts clinking, time to go ice dinking! Nolan Waltz and his father, Jeff hit a smaller Vilas Co. Lake on Sunday and found 3+” of good ice as well as a couple Pike over 30” (both C&R). I’m sure the reports will be pouring in over the weekend.

This weekend is our 15th Annual Ice Fishing Extravaganza. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, Dec 6th-8th. There will be deals storewide, add-ons, raffles, free smoked pork sandwiches (Sat only). Best chance to see our huge selection of flip-shacks on display! Stop in and take advantage of our best show deals ever.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 11-26-24:

With a very quiet deer opener behind us, some cold and snow (11/25-11/26) and very few anglers taking part in open water fishing of late, looks like most everyone I talk to has early ice on their mind. Will get to that!

Musky: Fair – Unless you’re the angler who boated a HUGE 51” recently (I’d post his name if I had permission). A fish that has unreal girth from shoulder to tail, look it up! Otherwise, very little to report.

Whitefish: – Good – Anglers using Swedish Pimples and Shiver Minnows in 25-40’ outside of nighttime spawning areas doing extremely well.

With the few anglers I’ve talked to fishing larger lakes, reports of surface temps averaging 42-44 degrees. I’m sure smaller lakes and those with less depth are in the upper 30’s and dropping as the snow falls. Ice is starting to form on the pond behind our shop this morning (11/26). I’d be EXTREMELY CAUTIOUS to consider ice to be safe this coming weekend. If I get reports. I’ll pass them along!

The following weekend? Well, that’s another story. Forecast of highs to 30 degrees thru 11/28 followed by highs in low 20’s with lows in single digits to below zero will make for some good early ice as long as we don’t get much snow. Even then, if it comes in cold (single digits) and we get wind to blow it off the lakes, we should have some safe ice to work with.

Crossing our fingers for a good ice season.

Don’t forget, Dec 6th, 7th and 8th is our 15th Annual Ice Extravaganza! Lots of great deals, add-ons, raffles, even food (Sat, Dec 7th). Cash in on these great deals while supplies last! Three days only!

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 11-18-24:

Nice week to fish, until weekend biting winds took their toll on the fun. With temps cresting into the 50’s until Saturday, fishing was unusually pleasurable for mid-November. Reading on lakes ranged from a low of 42 degrees to highs of 46 degrees surface. With Tuesday’s forecast of rain and highs in the 50’s, that will be the last we will see of temps hitting 40 degrees for a while, so expect the inevitable.

Musky: Good – Strongest on suckers with lake temps now in 40’s. Still worth casting gliders and twitch baits as well as lighter rubber baits to draw attention. Best activity has been mid-late mornings through mid-afternoons.

Yellow Perch: – Good – Anglers still finding nice eaters along 10-12’ weeds using small minnows. Not jumbos, but nice 9-10” fish.

Northern Pike: Good-Fair – Not many targeting, but some nice Pike to mid-30” range taking suckers meant for Musky.

That’s it for fishing reports for now. A reminder, that the Musky season remains open through the month of December, BUT…you can only fish from shore or a boat for Musky. Ice cannot be a base to fish from for Musky (No tip-up fishing).

While deer season in the Northwoods has not been what it used to be, gotta say seeing some trail cam pics of nice bucks this year. Could be last year’s mild winter helped survivability and antler growth. Signs of rutting good so despite a late gun season opener, hopeful for some good success to our hunters.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
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Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 11-11-24:

Moving into mid-November and still with such mild temperatures. Daytime highs cresting 50 degrees some days and lows in upper 30’s to low 40’s continue to buoy lake surface temps. Have reports of lakes as low as 44 degrees with large lakes still reading 49-50 degrees.

Fishing pressure light with most anglers targeting Musky, though a few taking advantage of mild weekend to pursue Perch and Walleye.

Musky: Good – Suckers accounting for most catches. Holding rigged suckers in 14-24’ of water while casting gliders and twitch baits worked slowly up across weed edges. Fish will become more sluggish as water temps cool making slow moving lures and suckers more appealing. Takes (bites) can start getting softer and will continue to be so as water chills.

Yellow Perch: – Good – Surprise entry, but a good one as anglers working weeds of 12-14’ finding nice numbers on Crappie minnows. No jumbos but lots of good 9-10”+ eaters.

Northern Pike: Good – Liking the cool water! Pike providing some fun, late season open water action. Target remaining green weeds of 8-14’. Jig and chubs or suckers (4-6”) best. Like their bigger cousins, Pike bites surprisingly light, hence the live bait preference.

Walleye: Fair – Anglers working mud flats of 22-30’ reporting some fish on redtails and Walleye suckers on Lindy style rigs. Best along edges or flats where hard bottom meets.

With high, cold winds from the North mixing things up today (11/11), water temps will most likely slide down. Lows the rest of the week in 30’s with highs of mid-40’s will continue trend.

As a side note, rarely mentioned Whitefish on Trout Lake have been biting as they stage in 30-40’ off potential spawning flats. Swedish Pimples tipped with waxies, minnow heads or Gulp.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
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Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 11-04-24:

Fairly quiet on the Lakeland front. Water temps did not drop as much as I predicted. Most lakes in the 50-52 degrees mark (following snow and upper 20’s on 10/31, I thought we would see more in the 48-50 degree range).

Musky: Good – Could be most of us fishing too deep! Reports from several guides and anglers catching fish in 3-5’ using twitch baits such as Cranes, Slammers and light gliders. Pattern not what we expect for this time of year. Lakes holding their temps and off breaks not seeing signs of bait fish. Typically, I don’t use bobbers when sucker fishing, but to keep suckers out of weeds going that shallow, floats the way to go.

Crappie: Good – After no report last week, finally some anglers talking. Nice catches on medium fatheads over wood or cribs in 8-12’. Floats to hold bait at structure top or cast and swim paddle tails on 1/16 oz jigs.

Northern Pike: Good – Most reports on Pike picked up while Musky fishing using twitch baits in shallow weeds. Also casting jigs on wire leaders with 4-5” chubs and suckers for those targeting Pike.

Walleye: Fair – Few reports. Mostly deeper water with live bait as fish not very aggressive. Seeing lots of fish holding in 35-40’ relating to big schools of bait fish.

Following a small warm up, (60 degrees on 11/4) lows in the 30’s this week with highs in the low 50’s means patterns should remain about the same. With Ciscos staging on lakes that have them, anglers should start to see Musky staging just outside these gravel spawning areas themselves.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
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Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 10-22-24:

Mild to warm weather (almost 80 degrees on 10/21), not common for this time in October. Water surface temps averaging 52-55 degrees (low of 48 degrees-high of 57 degrees). Nice weather to be out and about.

Musky: Good-Very Good – Maybe not surprising, but a larger percentage of Musky than usual being caught on artificials this past week. Fish from shallow weeds to out over 20’+. Jerk baits, divers, gliders, twitch baits and even word of a top-water catch! Suckers working also, but not at the ratio expected. Kudos to guide Jake Smith leading his client to a 49 ½” fish a week after boating a 48 ½”er.

Northern Pike: Good – Not many people targeting, but good action on black chubs fished on weedless jigs. Eaters in the 22-27” range with a few low 30” fish for fun. Also being caught incidentally by Musky anglers on twitch and glide baits.

Smallmouth Bass: Good – Good Smallies on drop-shot rigs over gravel/rock humps of 16-26’. Ned rigging also scoring.

Walleye: Fair-Good – Best along transition areas of gravel to mud on large fatheads and smaller redtails on 3/8-1/2 oz jigs in 22-34’. Jigging Shiver Minnows and Jiggin Raps picking up some aggressive strikes. On lakes without the deep water (25’+) look for remaining green cabbage to drag chubs on lighter jigs.

That’s all the reports I gathered as fishing pressure for other fish has dropped. With one more “nice” day as of this report (10/22), a week plus of low 30 to highs of mid 50’s will put surface temps into upper 40’s/low 50’s. Should improve sucker bite while slow artificial action. Moving away from full moon period should help action. Still plenty of time left.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
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Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 10-15-24:

Mid-October and a fast change in water temps as lakes react to the 30-degree lows and highs in the upper 40’s. Surface temp reports from low of 50 degrees to high of 58 degrees (never got much of a shot at the wonderful mid-60’s), have anglers on alert for turnover (usually 55-57 degrees) on their favorite lakes. Look for murky water, debris from bottom of lake (not fresh dead tree leaves or algae) floating or suspended. Pick-up and go somewhere else, lots of lakes to choose from in the Lakeland area and lakes don’t all turn at the same time. Only going to do reports on species still being fished at this time. Windy weekend and rain kept anglers off water. If missing reports come into shop, I’ll add later.

Musky: Good-Fair – Not the great weekend we normally expect for mid-October. Maybe the water temps, but fish scattered. Anglers finding fish still weed related, either in or just off. Other reports have anglers picking up fish off rock humps on deep diving cranks. Surprisingly sucker bite not as strong as expected, but twitchbaits, jerks and gliders accounting for boated fish. Top fish reported at shop, 48 ½” guided by Jake Smith on Thursday (10/10).

Crappie: Good-Fair – Action cranking up (before wind made tough to fish). Good action and size (10-13”+) on medium fatheads or light hair jigs fished under slip-floats over submerged wood or along coontail edges of 12-14’.

Northern Pike: Good-Fair – Not as much targeted as being caught by anglers fishing for Musky. Nice fat Pike of 28-34” on suckers, twitchbaits and gliders.

Walleye: Fair – With water temps, best action on shallow lakes (that don’t stratify-no turnover), flowages (current-no turnover) or deeper lakes that haven’t cooled as fast. Redtails, large fatheads, ½ crawlers best. Not many reports of jigging lures (Shiver Minnows, Rapalas) but always have a rod ready. Bites have been light, so live bait has produced best.

Smallmouth Bass: Fair – Some Bass fishing still going on but not much. Best relating to offshore humps using drop-shot methods. Some close-up shore fishing producing a few big fish, but as temps have cooled and baitfish move out of these areas, less of those fish being caught.

I’ll add reports on Largemouth, Perch and Bluegill if we get any, but as season progresses, the ones reported on are the most targeted species.

We have an uptick in temps for the coming weekend, with highs forecasted into mid to upper 60’s with lows in 40’s. Not a fan of daytime full-moon fishing, but some noteworthy guides I know are, so fingers crossed. Colors have peaked, things are beautiful in the Northwoods. Take advantage if you can before things cool the following week.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

Apologies for the late updates from Kurt… Been one of those summers where family events have kind of overrun other activities, but I have fished more this summer and hope to make a good run to the end now!!! Be Safe and Good Luck!!!

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 09-30-24:

Into October, finally some cold mornings (as low as 29 degrees on 10/4) driving temps into the low 60’s (as it should be). Colors starting to pop and Musky action on the upswing. Our weather has been either calm or very windy, but one constant has been very few clouds. Somewhere in the middle would be a much better compromise for anglers. Bite windows have been small for some species, but when it’s on, it’s been good.

Smallmouth Bass: Very Good-Good – Two distinct bites… off-shore, along coontail edges or over rock humps. Numbers of Smallies to 16” using drop-shot rigs with 3” minnow imitations. For a crack at a big fish, work top-water (Whopper Ploppers, Choppos, Torpedo’s) over shallow weeds. Fish to 6 ½ #’s this past week with several 5#+ fish from reports of guide Todd Powell!

Crappie: Very Good-Good – Wind made weekend bite tough to work for Crappies. Yet once surface temps hit below the mid 60-degree mark, Crappies have been on the feed. Depth of 10-16’ with wood or green weed edges. Medium fatheads or 1/16 oz jigs with Charlie Brewer Crappie Sliders, Garland Slab Slayers or Mr. Crappie Sugar Gliders either jigged or worked under a slip-float have been killer. Good catches and size to 14” this past week.

Musky: Good-Very Good – It’s the start of “sucker season”. While bucktails and top-water lures still providing good results (and will until surface temps hit 55 degrees/turn-over), suckers are really coming into play. Fish just outside of shallow weed flats, drawing fish to suckers on quick-set rigs with blades. Twitch and gliders also picking up their share.

Northern Pike: Good-Very Good – Liking the cooler temps. Good catches reported from anglers casting spinnerbaits or jigging chub/jig combos on wire leaders. Some very nice mid-30” fish being caught on 12-13” suckers meant for Musky.

Yellow Perch: Good – Best along sandgrass just outside coontail edges or mixed in drown weeds. ½ crawlers or medium fatheads on weedless jigs, Lindy rigs or under slip-floats.

Walleye: Good-Fair – Wind held off what was an improving bite. On “fishable” days, outside weeds over sandgrass in 15-18’ and also, depending on lake, over gravel/rock humps in 17-28’. Redtails along weeds. Large fatheads or ½ crawlers on 1/8-1/4 oz jigs. May be the cloudless skies, but the hard jigging lures (Shiver Minnows, Jigging Raps) have not been as effective, as bite over deep has been light.

Largemouth Bass: Fair – Not many anglers actively pursuing. Outside weed edges as bigger fish rule the shallow weeds. Wacky Worms, drop-shot been best. Some top-water where competition from Musky not present.

Bluegill: Fair – Had a great run! Wind over the weekend made pan fishing almost impossible. Seems bite fading as water cools.

We’ve seen water temps drop from low 70’s over a week ago into upper 50’s to low 60’s (62 about average). Definitely bringing about some better patterns for the “October” anglers pursuing Musky, Walleye, Smallmouth and Crappies. With the two-week forecast showing lows below 40 degrees almost every morning and highs of mid 60’s at the warmest, we should start seeing signs of turn-over in a week or so. Don’t confuse turn-over with the heavy algae blooms on some of our lakes, those should be clearing up with the colder temps.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
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Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 09-30-24:

Been a very warm September. Thought with forecast of cooler mornings and temps to come, that things would get back to a normal fall. Well, with the temps cracking into the 80’s in the afternoons, not much has changed. Surface temps dropping overnight to lows in upper 60’s climbing back to low 70’s by afternoons. As we turn the calendar page, looks like October may FINALLY bring some fall like temps.

Bluegill: Good – Same as past couple weeks. Suspending outside coontail edges in 12-14’ and around drowned wood. Beavertails (small crawlers) best.

Musky: Good-Fair – Early mornings best up tight on inside weed edges and shallow weeds. With bright sun and mostly flat water, better to move out to deeper water weeds as things brighten up. Top-water and bucktails that you can ride up over weeds. Gliders and twitchbaits moving fish also. Best fish of the week, a 48” “first fish” Musky caught with guide Jake Smith!

Smallmouth Bass: Good-Fair – Drop-shotting over gravel humps in 18-28’ providing some action. Lots of searching for active fish, best in late mornings.

Northern Pike: Good-Fair – Flat, warm afternoons not helping. #4 & #5 Mepps and spinnerbaits picking up fish in deeper weeds. Pike prefer the cooler temps, bite should improve.

Crappie: Good-Fair – Another species (Nearly all of them actually), that seems to be waiting for a drop in water temps to kick in. Some decent catches of fish suspending 2-4’ off bottom outside coontail edges and over drowned wood in 12-14’ of water.

Yellow Perch: Fair – Best in remaining green cabbage and woody bottoms on medium fatheads or half crawlers.

Largemouth Bass: Fair – Surprisingly few reports at our shop. Couple reports of good plastic frog top-water bites in the slop. Some fish on Wackys mid-day.

Walleye: Fair-Poor – Conditions NOT on our side. Crawlers and large fatheads over off-shore gravel humps of 22-30’, but mostly smaller fish. Some still weed related, just outside deepest cabbage in 12-15’ over mud.

We are finally seeing some patches of color in the area, they seemed to pop up overnight and will probably fill in quickly due to the late start. Can’t recall such a warm, sunny, and many days windless, September. Thought it was going to change this past week, but didn’t. Yet now, as we start October, forecast of lows in upper 30’s/low 40’s and highs in the upper 50’s to low 60’s, we will finally get this fall fishing bite going.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
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Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 09-23-24:

Looks as if fall is finally on its way. Following nearly two weeks of high temps in the 80’s, things look to cool off a bit, hopefully bringing some consistent fall patterns back in order.

Bluegill: Very Good – One nice consistent, despite full moon, high temps and not usually on the radar. Very nice above average (8 ½”-10 ½”) Gills still being found outside coontail edges of 14-18’ and in drowned wood of 10-14’. Beavertails (small crawlers) and worms suspended under floats, as well as, small plastic grubs working best.

Northern Pike: Good-Very Good – Despite looking not so good last week, Pike shot up the charts with some nice reports of anglers catching Pike of 24-31” working chubs in deeper, cooler slots on jigs with wire leaders. But the best report was of a large 41” Pike caught on a #5 Mepps.

Yellow Perch: Good-Fair – Medium fats and beavertails on 1/16-1/8 oz jigs or under slip-floats along 8-12’ cabbage beds and flooded timber. Nice Perch of 9-12”+.

Musky: Fair – Early and late, due to high skies. Top-water and bucktails over weed flats. Water temps in upper 60’s to low 70’s as of 9/21, same pattern should hold, even get better as water cools.

Crappies: Fair – Suspended fish on medium fatheads and swimming plastics. Coming weeks, as waters cool, should pick up bite and concentrate fish.

Largemouth Bass: Fair – Still some top-water reports, but bites tougher to come by. Wacky Worming best, looking for slow bites best.

Smallmouth Bass: Fair-Good – Rock/Gravel off shore humps/bars. Drop-shotting and football jigs or tubes best. Anglers working jigs on Lindy rigs for Walleye reporting some Smallie play as well.

Walleye: Fair-Poor – Spotty reports. Getting some catches using black chubs and redtails. These fish seem to be most affected by unseasonably warm temps, full moon and sunny skies. Like Crappie and Musky, best is yet to come.

Looking forward to seeing surface temps drop, that will get fish in the mood and snapping! Most lakes very quiet, lots of room for anglers.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
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Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 09-16-24:

An unseasonably warm September has put typical patterns a bit off. With water temps working back into the low 70’s every afternoon due to air temps in 80’s not all species are reacting like we expect, some good, some not so good.

Bluegill: Very Good – Calm, warm days have allowed Bluegill anglers a great opportunity to target these fish. Either suspended outside coontail edges in 12-16’ of water or hunkering down around submerged wood in similar depths. Lots of action and some BIG SLABS of over 10” (10 5/8” largest measured) using leaf worms and beaver tails under slip floats.

Yellow Perch: Very Good – Perch to 12+” actively taking large fatheads and crawlers on 1/16 oz weedless jigs fished in cabbage beds of 8-12’. Others being found in flooded wood mixed with Gills.

Largemouth Bass: Very Good–Good – Top-water morning and evenings! Outside weed edges using jig and Sweet Beavers, Carolina rigging 7” worms, Wacky Worming and Drop-shotting. Spinnerbaits over and through cabbage flats. Musky activity in shallow weeds can push these fish out to deeper water.

Smallmouth Bass: Very Good-Good – Rock and gravel humps holding good numbers for anglers using drop-shot rigs. Some of the largest Smallies in the lakes will be found on the inside weed lines where the Musky will move to. These fish will hit top-water meant for Skies.

Musky: Good-Very Good – As mentioned above, Muskie moving into shallower weeds. Top-water baits, Fat monkeybutts, Whopper Ploppers, Flaptails have been working well. Bucktails with Colorado or fluted blades to ride high over weeds. Twitchbaits such as Cranes and small to medium (due to weight) gliders also scoring fish.

Crappies: Fair-Good – Hot bite hasn’t happened yet, but its coming. Most Crappies being caught on medium sized fatheads on slip-floats in 12-22’ water around wood or outside coontail, narrow leaf cabbage. Reports are fish not concentrated in most cases. Even those that are not many actively feeding. Casting and counting down 1/6 oz jigs with Bobby Garland Slab Slayers and Sugar Gliders to suspended fish also producing.

Northern Pike: Fair – A few reports from anglers targeting using Chubs or Suckers under slip-floats (using wire leaders) working. Others reporting some action using twitchbaits and spinnerbaits over weed beds. Action should pick up once waters cool.

Walleye: Fair – Best using black chubs or redtails along breaks just outside weeds. Gravel humps mostly producing small fish. Look for any type of deviation in bottom (pile of rocks, wood) to hold some fish. Definitely not as good as previous week. Moving out of full moon along with cooler waters should help by week’s end.

A couple more days of temps in 80’s, then mid-70’s by the weekend should help our Walleye and Pike fishing. Take advantage of the nice weather if panfish are your choice, fishing has been good. Not a lot of color change with the warm weather. Traffic on most lakes has been light (with a few exceptions), good time to be on the water.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 09-10-24:

It sure felt like fall earlier this week, seeing people break out jackets, football starting, bear hunting opening up and hearing geese fly overhead. Unfortunately, for those hoping that we’re heading into the fall fishing patterns, that we are all so fond of, Mother Nature’s throwing a heatwave at us. 80’s are forecasted in the Northwoods for the next five days.

Yes, this fluctuation in temperature has made fishing a little frustrating for some species of late. Although there have been some good reports from the Musky world. Fish have been caught cruising shallow, weedier areas with reports of fish coming on Smity Flaptails and bucktails.

With the warm weather, look for Bass fishing to also be productive. Target the Smallmouth over deeper gravel with drop-shot techniques, but also don’t forget to poke around those shallower, inside weeds. Some of the bigger Smallies might be cruising around there looking for a swimbait or a top-water to grab.

For Largemouth, look for 8-12’ of water with weeds. A variety of techniques will work, creature baits have been productive and top-water should be productive with the warm weather.

It’s been a quiet week in terms of anglers on the lakes the past few days due to cooler temperatures and a lot of wind earlier in the week. Hope to get more anglers out fishing in the coming days and also more reports.

That’s about it for now, get out and enjoy the warm weather, it could be the last warm spell until June??

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
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Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 09-03-24:

Holiday weekend in the rear-view mirror and on to our favorite time of year, fall fishing. I know the calendar says its summer until September 21st, but for us anglers it’s the start of the early fall bite. Following a crazy heat wave on Monday (8/26), with air temps hitting the mid-90’s, raising surface temps into the 80’s, things have cooled off and water temps are hovering in the 69–71-degree area. Conditions have been cool in the am (lows in upper 40’s), but comfortable, into the 70’s by afternoon. Except for a lot of wind over the weekend. Overall fishing pretty good.

Walleye: Good-Very Good – Lakes under 1,000 acres and flowages seeing good bites, weed related. These fish seem to be feeding heavily on 1 ½-2” Perch! Red-tailed chubs, large fatheads and crawlers on 1/16-1/8 oz weedless jigs. Others taken snap jigging bucktail jigs or 3” swimbaits scoring well. On larger lakes, drifting crawler harnesses along 22-30’, wind made for tough fishing, so slow trolling and keeping these rigs touching bottom key.

Largemouth Bass: Good-Very Good – Heavy weed beds holding nice Largemouth to 20” this weekend for anglers working heavy jigs (due to wind) in 8-12’ weeds using Sweet Beavers and Christie Craws. Heavy drop-shot rigs with minnow and craw imitations scoring also. Wind made it tough for top-water fishing, but September is a great time to fish up high.

Northern Pike: Good-Very Good – Action picked up as water cooled from last Monday’s heat wave. Spinnerbaits such as Boonies, Reed Runners and Booyahs, Chatterbaits and 4” swimbaits all worked well. This species seems to pick up speed as the waters cool into 60’s. Nice fish to 30” this past week.

Smallmouth Bass: Good – Off-shore fish hard to stay on in winds. Use heavy drop-shot rigs and good boat control to stay on top. #’s will be out over deep gravel/rock, but the biggest bruisers will start working shallow, inside weeds. Target them using swimbaits and Whopper Ploppers!

Musky: Good – Reports ranging from anglers finding in weeds on bucktails and top-water to others working deep open basins using rubber. As fish move into shallower weeds, top-water works great until turn-over (55 degrees), so plenty of time left.

Bluegill: Good-Fair – Action should pick right back up as wind dies down. The flying ant bite was short lived, but anglers should find good suspended Gills outside coontail edges. Slip-floats with Mini-Mites or other small jig/plastics work great. Worms and waxies can’t be beat. On lakes with larger Gills, try a Crappie minnow, big Gills will have no problem with these.

Yellow Perch: Good-Fair – Like Gills, wind made for tough conditions. Still weed related feeding on small, young of year Bluegills. Try medium fatheads on a light jig or the small 1 ¾-2” Ned worms on a 1/16 oz head.

Crappie: Fair – This bite will pick up it was just tough over the past weekend to present small baits in such wind. Some anglers did score some nice 10-12” Crappies. Reportedly from lee sides of lakes where cribs could be found. Small plastics fished on 1/32-1/16 oz jigs around the cribs and cabbage that surrounds them.

A nice steady stretch of weather plus a new moon this week should be a big plus for anglers (not to mention not many pleasure boaters, but I just did!). Great time to take advantage of the next 6 to 7 weeks of some of the best fishing and weather of the Northwoods.

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark

Another issue with the 100# tank is that it will run at a lower pressure making it run more sooty vs that 500# tank. The 500 will keep the pressure up and allow the heater to run more efficiently. We installed gas fireplaces in all sorts of cottages and ran into the 100# soot issues frequently.

If you have access to natural gas, go that way as it’s way more efficient, burns way cleaner, could be cheaper and should never run out…

Mark

From Kurt’s Island Bait for the date 08-26-24:

The last week of the summer is upon us. We’ve seen the temperature swings from upper 40’s for lows to mid-80’s for highs. One big day (8/23) of thunderstorms and rain, followed by a weekend of high humidity and heat. Fishing during this past week has been a bit off to be honest. Even the “action” bite wasn’t what was expected. Not all bad as we move past the full moon phase and see some temps level off after this Tuesday’s (8/27) cool down.

Largemouth Bass: Good-Fair – Bite not as active and size seeming to run smaller this week. Wacky Worms and Ned Rigs in the cabbage continued to work, though signs of Largemouth coughing up small Perch and Gills had moved to twitchbaits and swimbaits as well as lipless cranks over weeds scoring some nice LMB up to 19”. Hot muggy weekend provided good top-water action on Whopper Ploppers, Buzz Baits, and plastic frogs in the evenings in shallower weeds and pads!

Smallmouth Bass: Good-Fair – Like their green cousins, Smallies were a bit tougher to catch. Rock humps and some deep weed edges held biting fish. Using Drop-shot rigs w/small bait fish and crawfish imitations was the most consistent. Tube jigs and jig/creature baits also produced. Tubes better along weeds, jig/creature over rocks.

Bluegill: Good-Fair – Just like the Wicked Witch of the West and her flying monkeys, my Mother-in-law and the flying ants arrived this weekend. (I forecasted the ants, but wasn’t ready for my Mother-in-law)! Gills were good, slowed, but improved as they rose to eat the plentiful little buggers off the surface. Fishing high in the water column (1-2’ down) or on the surface with small dry flies or poppers scored well.

Northern Pike: Good-Fair – Best on spinnerbaits and chatterbaits. Live bait in the form of chubs or suckers on spinner rigs with wire leaders also scoring. This bite will improve as temps cool.

Musky: Good-Fair – Mostly reports of action fish (34-38”) hitting bucktails (Wizards, 700 Series Buchertails) over weeds. Larger fish toward evening on top-water baits (Tallywackers, Fat monkeybutts)

Yellow Perch: Fair-Good – Slowed mid-week but picked up over Sat/Sun (8/24-25) with warmer weather. Dragging 1/16 & 1/8 oz weedless jigs through heavy cabbage tipped with ½ crawlers or beavertails. Slip-bobbers with fatheads also effective.

Crappie: Fair – Bite hasn’t recovered from up and down weather. Most caught casting small jig/plastic combos over weed beds. Crappie minnows under small floats fished 2-3’ down at weed top level.

Walleye: Fair – The fluctuating weather hasn’t helped much. Redtails along deep coontail edges picking up a few fish. Rock bite has been mostly tough, but a few size exempt lakes giving up fish on large fatheads or half-crawlers.

Forecast for the last week of August and the coming holiday weekend looks like a cooling off by Wed (8/28) with lows in 50’s and highs in the mid-70’s. As we move into the week, the waning moon should be more to our favor, hopefully bringing some appetite to the fish!

Kurt Justice
Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
http://www.kurtsislandsports.com
Like us on FaceBook
Minocqua, WI 54548

Mark