Price County Outdoor Recreation

Fishing Report - 2/3/10

Fishing Report for Price County / Upper Chippewa Basin: Ice conditions continue to be very good - most lakes have between 14 and 16 inches of solid ice, with about 4 to 5 inches of snow cover on top of that.  Packed trails have developed on many waters and this has allowed anglers to access most of their favorite fishing spots.  However, there are still quite a few rough areas with frozen ruts and ridges - so snowmobilers and anglers should be careful when traveling on the lakes.   The relatively stable and more moderate weather of the past few days has been a pleasant change for ice fishermen - but fishing success continues to be very inconsistent.  Most species still appear to be in a mid-winter period of inactivity, with northern pike providing the best action in the past week.  Some decent action has been occurring during the mid-day hours, with large golden shiners fished over the top or along the edges of any old weed beds.  A few trophy pike have been reported, with nicest one being a 42-incher caught on a Price County lake this past Saturday.   Most of the regular walleye anglers have been have reported generally slow action.  No one tactic has been better than the other - as shallow flats, gravel drop-offs, rock bars and weed edges have all been experiencing some activity.  Panfish action has also been very spotty and these anglers have been moving around quite a bit. The most successful anglers have been moving from spot to spot on a lake - catching one here and one there while continually searching for the active fish. Success has been generally low but a few fair catches of crappie and perch have been reported.  Skip Sommerfeldt, Senior Fisheries Biologist

Ice Safety:  Check ice conditions before heading out. Make sure the ice is at least four inches thick before walking out onto it. If taking a snowmobile, ATV or other vehicle, at least five (5) inches is needed to safely travel onto the ice. Because thickness can vary across an area, check more than one spot. Remember this rule of thumb: "Thick and blue, tried and true. Thin and crispy, way too risky."

• Contact local sport shops to ask about ice conditions on the lake or river you want to fish.
• Do not go out alone, carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.
• Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss; take extra mittens or gloves so you always have a dry pair.
• Wear creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
• Carry a spud bar to check the ice while walking to new areas.
• Carry a couple of spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.
• Do not travel in unfamiliar areas or at night.
• Know if the lake has inlets, outlets or narrows that have current that can thin the ice.
• Clear ice is generally stronger than ice with air bubbles in it or with snow on it.
• Watch out for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water and may be an obstruction you may hit with a car, truck or snowmobile.

For more information on Fishing in Price County, visit our website at http://www.pricecountywi.net/fsh.html.

Fishing/Hunting Guide Reports

Fishing has slowed on some of our are lakes. Anglers are still catching fish but a more aggressive approach is required to consistantly fill your bucket. Anglers fishing for crappies need to drill many holes over vast areas of lake basins and deep holes to find fish. Start fishing high in the water column since these fish will rise to a bait. If fishing is slow start fishing lower areas of the water column. Perch fisherman may need to switch from minnows to larve and wigglers as the majority of food in the water this time of year are wigglers and larve. Northerns are still up in the shallow weeds and walleyes can be found throughout the water column. Many walleyes tend to go deep but dont over look the shallow bite. The Snogypsies Fisheree is being held this Saturday on Butternut lake. Tickets are on sale at Northern Pines resort. Be Safe. Good Luck Fishing! Joe Brezinski, Northland Guide Service - 2/1/10

Walleyes are being caught in 3’ to 5’ of water-shinners and small suckers---look for areas of still green weeds near deep water. Some perch and crappies in 23-27’ of water small minnows and waxies---hit and miss not a strong bite. Later ... Tony B. - 1/22/10

Ice fishing has been pretty decent and ice conditions are better than earlier this year. However, depending on the body of water, you will still find some variation in ice thickness. Chris, Old School Guide Service / Elk River Custom Rods & Bait Shop - 1/19/10

Area guides are available to assist you with your outing, http://www.pricecountywi.net/guides.html. 

To view Lake-Link.com fishing reports go to http://www.lake-link.com/fishreports/index.cfm and search for Price County.