Crappie and Bluegill on Tap in Rice Lake Area
Panfish the top target this week

February 2, 2010—(Rice Lake, WI)—Cold weather made it tough on anglers
heading out to fish this week in the Rice Lake area.
 
Most of the anglers who braved the cold were targeting bluegill and
crappie. Fishing action was slower than in the previous week, but
several anglers reported good success. Walleye reports were mixed.
 
The single digit temperatures have helped to keep the ice solid. Expect
to spend a few more minutes drilling through the extra inches of ice.
This coming week should bring higher daytime temperatures. Combined with
the solid ice, that should make conditions ideal for fishing.
 
Jigging with small sized jigs has been the best technique for crappie
and bluegill. A bit of wax worm added to a small plastic bait has been
the ticket.
 
To maximize your chances of hooking a walleye, set your tip ups out so
that your baits are positioned to intercept walleyes moving into the
shallows during the evening. This lowlight period has been when area
anglers have reported the best success.
 
Midwinter can be a great time to be out fishing. The ice is thick and
the daytime temperatures can be quite bearable. Get out and fish this week.
 
[Report written by Rice Lake Tourism.]