Jan. 18: Midwest fishing report

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Updated: February 19, 2012 8:21AM

ICE FISHING NIGHT AT SHABBONA: Lakeside will have its 1st Night Ice Fishing Event Sponsored by Cabela’s on Saturday at Shabbona Lake. Updates on ice conditions are on Facebook, where Tuesday Lakeside reported 2-4 inches in Somonauk Bay, geese are swimming open at the north end of the road bed.

AREA LAKES: Ice conditions are especially variable with rain and warmth followed by a snow blanket in most areas. Most public sites did not have safe ice as of Tuesday; that should change in many areas later this week. Regulations on public-area waters are posted at STRAY CASTS (blogs.suntimes.com/bowman/).

CHAIN O’LAKES/FOX RIVER AREA: Triangle reported fishable ice building. Stay close to shore and away from the middle of the lakes. Bluegill are good shallow; T-Channel has been producing nice fish when ice allows safe access; some at the south end of Channel (but stay close to shore). Arden Katz reported outstanding bluegill Sunday at Nielsen’s Channel off the Fox River at Port Barrington, but he had to rescue two guys who went through in the current area of the channel. For early access points, go to STRAY CASTS (blogs.suntimes.com/bowman/).

DELAVAN/GENEVA LAKES, WIS.: Brian Gates at Geneva Lake Bait & Tackle reported nice bluegill at Lake Lawn Marina ($5 parking) on Delavan and both bays on the west end producing good pike and bluegill (keepers 1-in-4); middle is not safe. Good pike on Como; good bluegill on Pleasant. Geneva is open, still launching at Fontana.

DOWNSTATE NOTES: SHELBYVILLE: Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service reported crappie good, as of Monday, on main lake ledges in 14-16 feet on 1/4-ounce jigs known as Shelbyville Killers. There’s some ice in the back coves. Most major launches south are open.

LAKEFRONT: Safe harbor ice is a long way off. CHICAGO: Perch still can be caught at 92nd, reported Henry’s; and harbors have spotty perch and a few trout. Mik-Lurch reported a few browns at the state-line power plant. NORTH POINT: Lori Ralph at Salmon Stop reported some fishing large roaches in open water at North Point for pike. PIER PASSES: With the lack of ice, remember the $6 pier passes for Chicago harbors are available at Henry’s.

MADISON LAKES, WIS.: D&S Bait reported ice building; some perch fishing on Kegonsa and a bit on Waubesa. Bluegill (take sorting) are good on Squaw (a few perch, too) and Monona bays. Some pike on Warner Bay on Mendota.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN: EAGLE RIVER: Chamber of Commerce reported 10-12 inches of ice with ATV and snowmobile travel. Walleye are on outside of weeds in 10-12 feet, pike are a good all-day bite. MINOCQUA: Kurt Justice Of Kurt’s Island Sport Shop reported pike best bite, on bigger shiners and suckers; perch are improving, especially with wigglers in 16-18 in the mud; bluegills are pretty good in 8-12, walleye slowed after Thursday, best over top of off-shore humps on the bigger lakes; crappie bite is very variable. A few lakes have truck travel.

NORTHWEST INDIANA: Mik-Lurch reported ice fishing beginning at Willow Slough. White jigs are taking browns at Gary Light when weather allows. Rains and snow melt should spark steelhead in the streams.

ST. JOSEPH AREA, MICH.: Tyler Harmon messaged that ice fishing inland is beginning (2-5 inches of ice) and steelhead remain good on the river.