Walleye fishing report for Boulder Junction Wisconsin

Duane Horstman, Licensed Guide, Box 798, Boulder Junction, WI
54512-0798; phone: 715-385-0081

Fishing action slows because of cold snap in the Boulder Junction
area.

On behalf of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce, here's what area
guides are reporting:

It's very normal that the real cold January weather spells a general
fishing slowdown all over northern Wisconsin.  Same with Boulder Junction,
although there are reports of some decent action here and there.

Right now, most fish have moved deep, looking for the heavier oxygenated
water, which has "sunk" to the bottom.  They are all pretty scattered, and
relatively lethargic in their bite.

Not a lot of anglers are going out, but those who have are meeting with
some degree of success.

Crappie fishing at night, seems to be doing best right now.  The crappie
are deep - - and that is a relative term . What's deep on one lake, may be
just moderate depth on another.  Fish 20 to 25 feet, if the lake allows,
and the crappie will suspend, regardless, a couple of feet off the bottom,
with some moving halfway up.  Electronics, like a Vexilar are really a
must, of you'll just be spinning your wheels.  The crappie may very well be
in tight schools, or somewhat scattered.  One can never tell.  If you find
a school, you'll get some great action, for some nice sized slabs - - and
suddenly it'll totally turn-off.  Use a crappie minnow.  Patience, augering
a lot of holes, moving around, and using a Vexilar will give you your best
chances for success.

Walleye are not generally moving shallow at night to the weed areas.
They're deep right now, and will not start moving back shallow until the
water warms and oxygenates the shallower depths.  Fish 20 to 25 feet,
looking for deep holes, or structure of some type, like a reef, rockpiles
or hump.  Use a tip-up with a medium golden shiner.  The action will be
sporadic.  Time of day to fish walleye right now is not that important, as
they're deep and light won't play a big role.

Northern are also fairly deep, moving and very scattered, along weedlines
and sand/rockbars, seeking whatever forage they can find.  The norther
hang-out on edges, looking inward.  Fish 18 to 20 feet or so, using a
tip-up with a big golden shiner.  Some smaller northern are still looking
for forage at weed edges in 6 to 10 feet of water.  They'll bite
aggressively, as they're not that many fish to be found in these areas
right now.

Bluegills are relatively deep - - 12 to 15 feet of water in the weeds, but
they're not biting real strong.  Use a waxie.

Perch if found, will probably locate over softer bottom areas, where
they're just now begining to look for wigglers in the mud.  That will pick
up in the coming weeks.  Use a wiggler, or small minnow.  Best depths will
range from 12 to around 15 feet, or so.

In addition to wonderful fishing and natural beauty, the Boulder Junction
area has some great snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and X-C skiing
opportunities.  Wonderful, groomed trails,  and many great community events
and happenings.  Contact  the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce at the
toll-free number listed below for information.

Decent northern and panfish bite in the Boulder Junction area.

On behalf of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce, here's what area
guides are reporting:

The recent cold weather has slowed fishing down somewhat in the Boulder
Junction area, but there is still action.

Northern are hitting nicely in and around weeds in 3 to 12 feet of water or
so.  You can fish the drop-off ledges/weedlines, or right in the weeds.
Both areas have northern cruising, looking for panfish.  Use a big golden
shiner on a tip-up.  You can fish the northern all day.  Most average
sizes, but some real nice ones have been taken, too  -- and the northern
bite is very aggressive when they do hit.

Bluegill, perch and crappie are scattered  -- both shallow and deep.  Most
of the gills and perch are locating in the weeds, in 3 to 10 feet of water.
Jig with a waxie, wiggler or small minnow.  Crappie will be normally deep
-- although anglers are also getting crappie in the same areas as the
bluegills and perch.  The crappie in deep water (20 to 25 feet) will be
suspended off the bottom at varying depths, depending on day.  One day,
they'll be a foot off the bottom, and the next, 5 feet.  And when the water
starts to warm, the crappie will steadily move up the water column.  For
the crappie, use a small minnow.  Anglers are also reporting that they have
been finding gills in and among the DEEP crappie.  So you can't tell what
you'll get where.  The panfish are scattered, deep, shallow, and most
anywhere in between, so you'll have to be patient and move about.  But they
are there for ice anglers.  Most savvy anglers use a Vexilar to locate
these panfish.  Saves a lot of augering, wasted time and moving about.

Walleye have slowed -- and this is pretty-much normal for high winter.  The
cold weather has definitely had an effect.  For those who want to try to
walleye, about the best time would be from late afternoon into an hour or
so after dark.  That's pretty much the time you'll want to try.
Use a tip-up with a medium golden shiner.

In addition to wonderful fishing and natural beauty, the Boulder Junction
area has some great snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and X-C skiing
opportunities.  Wonderful, groomed trails,  and many great community events
and happenings.  Contact  the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce at the
toll-free number listed below for information.

Good winter ice fishing action in the Boulder Junction area.

On behalf of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce, here's what area
guides are reporting:

Very good bluegill action going on throughout the day in 4 to 8 feet of
water in the weeds.  Use a waxie. There are reports of some real nice sized
bulls being taken.  Use a waxie or wiggler.

Walleye are hitting right before dusk until a few hours max after dark.
The walleye move into the weedflat or weed areas in 6 to 12 feet of water
to feed on panfish.  Use a medium sized golden shiner on a tipup.  You can
auger your holes starting at around the first breakline or weedline from
deep water, and move shallower as dark comes on.  You'll get the walleye as
they move in from deeper water.

Northern are hitting throughout the day, along weed edges and weed
breaklines, anywhere from 3 to even 15 feet of water, depending on the
lake.  Use a tipup with a big golden shiner for best results, or a northern
sucker minnow.  The northern roam these areas at different depths, and
there is really no telling where they'll be on any particular day.  Fish
different depths on the water column for best chances of success.

Crappie are deep, but the action is sporadic.  Most anglers are fishing
crappie in the earlier morning hours.  The crappie are locating in 20 to 24
feet of water, and suspending at varying depths on the water column, from a
few feet off the bottom, to 8 feet or so.  Use a crappie minnow.

Some jumbo perch reported hitting in 6 to 12 feet of water in the weeds,
particularly in the later afternoon into early evening.  Use a small minnow
or wiggler.

In addition to wonderful fishing and natural beauty, the Boulder Junction
area has some great snowmobiling, snowshoeing and X-C skiing opportunities.
Wonderful, groomed trails,  and many great community events and happenings.
Contact  the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce at the toll-free number
listed below for information.

Fish moving up the water column in the Boulder Junction area.

On behalf of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce, here's what Bill
Sherer of the We Tie it Sport Shop is reporting:

We've had a mini-spring in the Boulder Junction area.  The warm weather
(that's supposed to change rather quickly to our usual deep-freeze
conditions) has caused ice-melt, and warm water flowing through holes in
the ice.  The fish love this, and are moving up towards the surface in
shallower depths right now.

Generally, you're going to be getting your best results in 4 to 10 feet of
water.  The panfish, such as crappies, gills and perch are in the weedbed
areas (find green weeds for the best results), and you'll be able to get
them in 3 to 10 feet of water.  Use an ice fishing rod, and a waxie, spike
or small minnow.

Northern are in EXACTLY the same area as the panfish, particularly cruising
the weedline edges, looking to feed.  Use a tipup with a big golden shiner.
The bigger northern will hang out along the deeper weedlines, with more
action from smaller fish in the shallower depths.

Walleye are a tad deeper -- and the window for walleye will be best either
in the early morning, and, better yet, late afternoon to about one plus
hours after dark.  Fish the weedlines in 6 to 12 feet  of water.  Use a
tipup and a medium golden shiner.

The fishing this winter has been exceptional.  Some of the best I've seen
in the last couple of years.  I will also add that as far as the "infamous"
winter walleye fishing "slowdown" -- you can expect that to happen for two
reasons.  First, the walleye will start undergoing physiological changes as
they start to produce eggs and milt.  Secondly, and most important, as soon
as there is our "normal" (assuming that happens this year!) winter
deep-freeze, all fish become more lethargic.  My suggestion is to "get
while the gettin's good."  (Bill Sherer)

In addition to wonderful fishing and natural beauty, the Boulder Junction
area has some great snowmobiling, snowshoeing and X-C skiing opportunities.
Wonderful, groomed trails.  And community events and happenings.  Contact
the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce at the toll-free number listed
below for information.

Decent northern and walleye action, with panfish action picking up
well in the Boulder Junction area.

On behalf of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce, here's what Bill
Sherer of the We Tie it Sport Shop is reporting:

Ice has improved considerably, with most lakes having 8 to 12 inches or so.
I've seen a couple of snowmobiles, and an ATV here and there going out.
But as I continue to tell you, I would be MOST uncomfortable using any type
of motor vehicle, even with the improving ice.  I've been around this area
too long, and have seen too many vehicles and people go through ice to say
anything else.  Be patient for another number of weeks.  By mid-January, if
all goes well, you may be able to start using that trusty pickup.  Right
now, stick to what I consider is the best locomotion: Your two feet!   Wear
flotation gear.  Take safety gear.  And check carefully before going out
anywhere.  Never forget the time tested axiom that says:  "There is no such
thing as safe ice!"

An anticipated warm front means that we're going to see fish moving up into
shallower water areas.  You're going to find both northern and walleye in 4
to 8 feet of water.  Look for weeds, and particularly green weeds.  And
don't laugh!  There are still good numbers of green weeds this time of
year.  The most successful ice anglers are those who find these green weed
areas (fish gravitate to these oxygen-producing green weeds, particularly
in winter!).  In addition, the Winter Solstice is upon us, and the days
will now start to grow longer.  Fish and wildlife feel these changes
(particularly gravitational changes) far more acutely than we do.

Recognize that, and you'll do better, fishing.  The green weeds and
lengthening days, along with the near-term anticipated warm up, will bring
the fish in shallower.  For both northern and walleye, use a tipup, with a
golden shiner; a big one for the northern, and a medium size one for the
walleye.  Fish the northern all day, and while you can get some walleye
action in the morning, I'd still opt for the last hour before dusk to an
hour or so after dark.

Panfish are still in relatively deep water.  You'll find crappies running
from 8 to 12 feet, hugging the bottom, to a foot or so, off.  Use a crappie
minnow on an ice fishing rod.  Gills are a bit deeper than the crappie (not
a misprint!).  The gills will be in weeds in 14 to 20 feet of water,
hovering around the bottom, to a few feet off, but right in the weeds.  Use
a waxie or spike.  Perch will be right on the bottom, deep -- 15 to 20 feet
or so.  Use a small minnow or a waxie.  Decent action for all the panfish,
with most average eaters, and a bigger one here and there.  I might add,
that normally panfish action picks up steadily and gets really good near
springtime.  And the way time flies, folks, that's literally just around
the corner.  Also, all of the fish you catch this time of year are
uniformly firm, healthy and utterly delicious -- and with their shimmering
winter coats in a constantly changing spectrum of colors, are very
beautiful, as well.   (Bill Sherer)

In addition to our wonderful fishing, and natural beauty, the Boulder
Junction area has some great snowmobiling, snowshoeing and X-C skiing
opportunities.  Wonderful, groomed trails.  And there are also holiday
celebratory community events and festival happenings.
Contact  the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce at the toll-free number
listed below for information on everything

Watching water temps and depth, secret to ice fishing success in
the Boulder Junction area.

On behalf of the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce, here's what Bill
Sherer of the We Tie it Sport Shop is reporting:

With the recent cold snap and snow cover, ice conditions, while having
firmed up (6 to 8 inches max, with big lakes like Trout Lake still
partially wide open), can still be very tricky.  For myself, I err on the
side of being prudent -- especially with snow cover hiding what can be, and
often are, treacherous areas.  BE CAUTIOUS.  CHECK LOCALLY.  WEAR FLOTATION
GEAR AND CARRY SAFETY GEAR!  Also a very good idea to hire a local guide
who knows the lake or lakes you want to go out on.

My experience regarding using motorized vehicles in the Boulder Junction
area is not to -- at least until mid January, after our normal post holiday
cold snap.  Get some exercise, and walk out.  Yes, you'll see a few very
experienced locals who know a particular lake going out with some type of
motorized transport -- an ATV or snowmobile.   I never have done so at this
time of year, and never will -- and I know our lakes as well as anyone.
'Nuff said.

Panfishing has picked up nicely in deeper water.  There are crappies,
gills, and perch being found as deep as 20 to 22 feet, but most of the
panfish are showing up somewhere on the edge of shelves, in 8 to 12 feet of
water.  Having said that, while most fish have left the weeds because of
the water temps (more about that in a moment), you will still find some of
them in these areas.  Use an ice fishing rod, with a teardrop or small
hook, baited with a waxie, spike or small minnow.

Most anglers forget how important water temps are to catching fish.  Water
is densest at about 39 degrees.  This water sinks to the bottom.  During
winter, generally, the warmest water is at the bottom, and that's why the
fish have moved deeper.  39 degrees may not sound warm, but to a fish it's
a sauna compared to the colder water nearer the surface.  Don't forget
that, and that's why savvy anglers are fishing somewhat deeper at the
moment.

Having said that, we're expecting a warm-up, and with the snow cover, the
water a couple of feet below the surface, and maybe a bit deeper, will be
the warmest there is.  The fish will then migrate back to shallower water,
coming up on weedflats, in 4 to 8 feet of water.

So, if it's a warm-up period, fish shallower, and if it's a cold snap, go
deeper.  Good basic tactics for maximizing your fishing success.

Like the panfish, at this "cold moment," both the walleye and northern are
deep  - in the same general areas.  Some going as deep as 20 feet or so,
but most off of drop-off edges in 8 to 12 feet of water.  For both walleye
and northern use a tipup with a golden shiner.  Best success for walleye is
late afternoon into about an hour or so after dark.  Northern can be caught
all day, and if it's overcast, or the lake you're on is dark watered, or
with a heavy snow cover which keeps the light out, you can get walleye all
day, as well.

The bite for all fish in this cold water world is off a bit.  However, I do
predict that with the anticipated warm-up, the bite for everything will
increase markedly and very rapidly.  (Bill Sherer).

In addition to our wonderful fishing, and natural beauty, the Boulder
Junction area has some great snowmobiling, snowshoeing and X-C skiing
opportunities.  Wonderful, groomed trails.  And there are also holiday
celebratory community events and festival happenings.
Contact  the Boulder Junction Chamber of Commerce at the toll-free number
listed below for information on everything.

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