Northwood's Fishing Report: Late March
Late Season ice Fishing in Oneida and Vilas county has been good. The gamefish season is closed so panfish is the targeted species until ice out.
Guide staff member Fred Palermo has been doing well catching Crappies and Bluegills.
Fred's preferred depth has been 10'-12' weeds. Most of Fred's success has been near the end of the day but we always say go fishing when you can go fishing. He has been using mostly tip downs but also jigs for them as well. The best bait for Fred and customers who we've been talking to have been Crappie minnows, Rosy Red minnows, Wax worms, Red Spikes, White Spikes.
Rosies have been particularly good in dark water situations.
Fred has been using a variety of jigs when jigging. And a variety of tip downs when using that method of ice fishing.
Friend of the Musky Shop Jim Menke has been doing well on some lakes near the town of Tomahawk WI. Rosies have been working very well for Jim and his friends as they fish more dark bodies of water. I actually had the good fortune of enjoying a delicious fish fry with Jim. He had driven up to my brother's house with a mess of panfish, Pike, and Walleye fillets. We all fried them up in a pan and had an awesome meal of fish. Threw in some baked beans, mashed potatoes, bread and washed her down with some brownies for dessert. Man, that was good eatin!
There's something about fish caught through the ice that makes them taste so good. I mean fish are good to eat anytime but eating fish after being caught through the ice is out of this world.
The ice conditions here in Northern WI are in the 24"-26" range. Travel on the ice really depends on where you are fishing. If you are near a snowmobile trail, travel is pretty good. If you are venturing off of the beaten path then be prepared to encounter some slush.
Late season ice fishing can be a ton of fun, if you're thinking about a trip up north feel free to give us a call if you need some local fishing or travel information.
We hope you have a great time when you get out to fish for some late season Crappies and Gills, late season ice fishing can be fantastic.
Stop by or give us a holler if we can be of service to you.
Kind Regards, and Good Fishing, Jim