Minocqua, Lac du Flambeau, St Germain, Boulder Junction, and Manitowish Waters Wisconsin open water and Ice Fishing Report

Thursday 1/16/25

I'm not sure how the ice conditions in the Minocqua could be any finer.  Lots of vehicles are hitting the ice as there seems to be plenty inches.  The only lakes that seem to be iffy are the big clear ones like Trout and Fence.  Other than that conditions are fabulous.  We've even received a few inches of snow to go on top of the ice making travel easier with sleds, ATVs and foot traffic.  BBUUUUUUTTTTT, no ice is safe ice so you know the drill.  Be freakin' careful.

The fishing has tailed off a little bit but still very good.  We got some nice weather here for a couple of days before we really head to the deep freeze for a few days and then head to the consistently moderate temps, highs in the teens to lows around 0 for the foreseeable future.  As long as the winds don't kick up too much that's pretty comfortable.

And I understand Vilas and Iron County snowmobile trails will be open this weekend.  Hmfph...

As many fisherman as there are on the lakes right now (and there are many) there are that many ways to catch fish.  The old adage still holds true that everyone has a great way to catch and the only guy who is wrong is the one that says there is only one way that is the right way,  I do the same thing each time ii go out.  I look for the green weed edges next to deep water and fish just out side of the edge and just inside of the edge,  Maybe you don't have any well defined edges where you fish then I would look for rocks and wood that will hold fish.  Jig 'em, spoon 'em, live bait, fake baits just keep doing different things until something works and then do tat again.

Remember you get 3 lines in Wisconsin so use'em all.  Tip ups, hole hopping jigging and tip downs will keep you busy until its time to go.  (all the Jaw Jacker types are on sale right now) Take the kids and start a bon fire and watch the kids chase some flags while you warm yourself with your fav beverage.  Great fun!

That's all for now.  Good luck out there everybody and be safe.  Catch a big one and make some memories!  Check out the website and give us a call if you wanna go on a guided ice trip.  It's inexpensive, a blast and spots are filling in a hurry.  Its the most fun you can have with your clothes on!  But Joey did say that clothing is optional...  They been popping some real big northerns and walleye out there not to mention some giant gills and crappies.

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Most AUGERS from STRIKEMASTER, ION & ESKIMO come with extra stuff like batteries and blades.

Right now for live bait we have Mousees, Wax worms, Red, White and Multi-Colored Spikes, Crappie Minnows, Regular Fatheads, XL Fatheads, Walleye Suckers, Blacktail Chubs, Rosie Reds, Northern Bait, Milwaukee Shiners, Medium and Large River and Golden Shines.

And since we only deal with trappers and growers, you get the freshest product while our prices are the lowest around, by a lot!

HOURS:
Monday thru Friday - 6am to 6pm
Saturday & Sunday - 6am to 5pm

Business has been fabulous but Linda and I are ready to ease into retirement.  WE ARE NOT GOING OUT OF BUSINESS!  If you have an interest in owning and operating the largest non-franchised bait shop in Wisconsin and making a living while doing it, call Jeff at 715-892-2751.  We'll give you all the help you need to succeed in the beautiful northwoods.