As many of you know, I write a fishing report for the Cisco Chain during the summer months, but because I do not ice fish anymore and don’t know a lot of ice anglers, I leave the winter reports to others. That being said, the ice fishing season will end in March. While ice fishing in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula closes March 15th, that isn’t the case for the Cisco Chain of Lakes. Wisconsin ice fishing closes March 1st along with Wisconsin/Michigan’s Boundary waters.

Before I continue to write I want to add this. FOR THE PEOPLE THAT GAVE ME THE INFORMATION BELOW, THANK YOU AND I TRULY APPRECIATE YOUR INPUT.

I know this is totally late but, if you are still ice fishing until the 1st, I have talked to a few anglers about locations and depths for different species. The number 1 fish being caught now is NORTHERN PIKE. Nice size Pikes are being found in 8-foot green weed to deeper weed edges in 15 feet of water. Larger minnows (shiners) have been working the best.

BLUEGILL are the next species mostly being landed. They have been located in 15 to 20 feet over soft bottoms with waxies and small ice fishing jigs.

The 3rd most being caught would be YELLOW PERCH. Fair amounts of perch are still being caught in deeper weeds/weed edges 12 to 20 feet using jigs tipped with waxies.

WALLEYE is the next up with smaller fish being hooked 12-to-20-foot green weeds, but don’t overlook even deeper weeds 25 feet. Medium size shiners are being used but one person told me if you’re not getting any action try smaller minnows. Early morning and later in the day have been the best times.

The last and from what I have heard that are least jumping on the hook, are CRAPPIE.  They are being caught later in the day and suspending in deep (20 to 30) water. Just keep trying different depths until you start getting a bite on crappie minnows.

I was also told by most of the angles, this time of year can be great fishing, because fish can really start feeding heavily. But if one species is not biting, (time of day means a lot) move on to another species. Good luck and I hope this article helps anglers catch some fish. before the ice is off the lakes.

(I WILL START THE WEEKLY CISCO CHAIN FISHING REPORTS, RIGHT AFTER THE OPENER. May 2ND)