Rice Lake Area Ice Report

I finally got some time to slip away to Barron County for a weekend and do some ice fishing. I fished Rice Lake, and Red Cedar Lake this weekend finding the bite to be a little tough. The key to putting fish on the ice was mobility, attenion to details, and lure presentation. The ice conditions were excellent I found around 2 to 3 ft. of ice, vehicles were able to drive basically anywhere they wanted to on the lake. I have my ATV set up with an H20 C mounted on my handle bars, Hand Warmers, auger carier, and bucket holders, add a portable shack with some good electronics you will be able to relocate in basically seconds to find fish. When I am Ice fishing I like to keep my fish alive and fresh, the first photo is how I make a livewell when ice am ice fishing. Just drill your holes stopping about 3 inches before going through, take your spud and finish off the last hole with a small opening to let H20 enter the well.

I was able to get some nice perch out of Red Cedar, the problem I was having is trying to keep off the small walleys. I set up on the deepest Contour of a sunken island and worked my way shallower. When I hit 31 ft. I was in the strike zone, Sweedish pimples tipped with lots of silver wigglers was the ticket. I like using lots of wigglers because if the perch hit once and you miss, it allows you to keep your lure in the zone without having to rebait. Making the fish come off the bottom was key, you needed to pull them about a foot off the bottom then hold your lure still. Here a couple of the perch Red Cedar will give up.

My last photo is from Rice Lake, this lake is loaded with fish and most are on the small side. I was able to find some bigger fish by using a waxie along with a power bait maggot. Tip your jig with a waxie then add the powerbait, this will help prevent the little fish from stripping your waxie. Keep on the move, use your electronics and pay close attention to details and how the fish react to your lure and you will find some nice fish on those tough days.

Tight lines,

Joe Moenck