12/12: Midwest Fishing Report
BY DALE BOWMAN outdoorbdb@sbcglobal.net December 11, 2012 7:24PM
Updated: January 13, 2013 11:10AM
NORTHERN WISCONSIN ICE FISHING: Ice fishing is just beginning. Guide Kurt Justice of Kurt’s Island Sport Shop in Minocqua emailed: ‘‘Lakes are gradually building ice. Not as fast as we would like, but building nonetheless. . . . On average, most lakes have approximately 2 inches. Several smaller lakes and those with protected bays have 3 to 4 inches. The flowages: Willow, Rainbow and Turtle Flambeau, with their low water levels, have 3-plus inches. Regardless of where you fish, use caution. Check ice with a spud bar. Fish with a friend (preferably lighter than you). If he’s your brother-in-law, have him go out first (mother-in-law? Even better). Seriously, use caution. Fishing has been good overall, with one young lady icing a 29-inch walleye over
the weekend. Lots of northern-pike action, with fish to 26 inches reported, and some good shallow-water bluegills.’’
DELAVAN/GENEVA LAKES, WIS.: Brian Gates at Geneva Lake Bait and Tackle reported walleye are being taken on Delavan after dark on X-Raps and Rattling Rogues. On Geneva, bluegills are being caught off the
remaining piers at Fontana.
KANKAKEE RIVER: Few are fishing, but Norm Minas has done well for walleye; best on a No. 9 Rapala Tail Dancer. He is moving often and fan-casting flats.
LAKEFRONT: Perch remain the primary story, with some better ones caught inside of Montrose Harbor. But there’s action at Belmont,
Diversey, Navy Pier, the pipe at Burnham and even 31st. Henry’s reported a couple of browns and steelhead
at 31st.
SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN: Tyler Harmon messaged that some steelhead and walleye are being caught in the river and a few whitefish and steelhead off the piers.
