Coho – Getsetntravel

Very good bass fishing at Braidwood Lake, a brief preview before the opener of LaSalle Lake next Tuesday, March 15, the spread of open-water fishing around Chicago, lake trout and coho on southern Lake Michigan, and the return of river reports lead this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.

Posted on March 8, 2022 | by getsetntravel | Leave a Comment

Very good fishing at Braidwood Lake, a brief preview before the opener of LaSalle Lake next Tuesday, March 15, the spread of open-water fishing around Chicago, lake trout and coho on southern Lake Michigan, and the return of river reports lead this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.

Tom Starcevich emailed the photo at the top and this:

37 inch lake trout on a 1oz white tube jig at Portage Indiana today

He added these details:

me and my cousin jigged up 4 Lakers today water temp was 33 degrees very cold my buddy was trolling today for coho he got nothing so far the coho run is pretty slow lot’s of boats out trolling not many coho luckily the lake trout were biting they were very deep 47 to 35 ft of water dead on the bottom we worked are jigs slowly and got a few

BRAIDWOOD LAKE

Since the reopening on March 1, there’s been some unbelievable bass fishing going on over the past week on the cooling lake in southwestern Will County, though winds closed boating Sunday.

If you follow regularly, you know the Fish of the Week came from opening day on March 1.

Pete Banach also sent the photo above, and this:

“Easily caught over 100 fish between the 3 of us. Lots of 2 1/2 to 3 pound fish.”

See below to hear/read that assessment seconded.

James Baranski with one of many good largemouth bass caught opening day at Braidwood Lake. Provided photo — James Baranski with one of many good largemouth bass caught opening day at Braidwood Lake.

James Baranski messaged the photo above and this report:

I was first in line for opener of Braidwood with Steve McClone from Moonpie outdoors 3 years running. We got about 80 for a 2 man team. A lot of 2.5 to 3.5lbders…

I have a lot of respect for those are get into line early. What can I say? I enjoy doing it, too.

Bob Johnson with a good largemouth bass from Braidwood Lake. Provided photo — Bob Johnson with a good largemouth bass from Braidwood Lake.

Bob Johnson emailed the photos above and below, and this:

Hi Dale – Much of the same today and some surprises. My fishing partner Joel Wilson caught 2 hybrids today on shad color lipless crankbaits and the were strong healthy fish catch and release. I believe these 2 hybrids are the first to get caught on any of my boats from Braidwood in the 30 years on that lake. The Bass fishing is still produces numbers and size today my 2 biggest weighed up at 3.5 on drop shot and 4 lbs on a Carolina right fished with a power bait general. We also had luck throwing a Ned rig and Rapala OG Tiny shad color. Jigs with a creature worked too. Looks like the hybrid stripers are going to be a pleasant surprise for many who fish for them

Joel Wilson with a good hybrid striped bass from Braidwood Lake. Photo provided by Bob Johnson — Joel Wilson with a good hybrid striped bass from Braidwood Lake.

Seems like the right place for a reminder that district fisheries biologist Seth Love would like to hear from anglers on hybrid catches at Braidwood. You can email him at seth.love@illinois.gov.

Braidwood is open daily 6 a.m.-sunset.

LaSALLE LAKE OPENER

The cooling lake southwest of Seneca, reopens Tuesday, March 15.

Biologist David Wyffels said most will be focused on blue catfish and hybrids striped bass. Blues “are looking significantly better.” Fall survey showed good increase in blues of 20-30 inches and fish of 30-35 inches showed back up. Hybrids showed good numbers in the 17-20-inch range in the fall survey. Bluegills are looking exceptionally well, quite a few in that 8-10 inch range. Largemouth bass are looking better than last year, but not like days of yore.

Site is open daily 6 a.m.-sunset. As a perched lake, boating is often closed because of high winds. Check (815) 357-1608 for daily updates on boating.

NAVY PIER ANGLING

The north side of Navy Pier is open for anglers. The discounted parking for anglers is $9 daily, if out by 10 a.m.

LAKEFRONT PARKING

Chicago Park District’s parking passes for the fisherman’s parking lots at DuSable and Burnham harbors are on sale at Henry’s Sports and Bait in Bridgeport and the Northerly Island Visitor Center.

Readers suggest SpotHero app downtown. Otherwise, here are some basics: Foster (free street parking or pay lot); Montrose (now a mix of metered and free street parking); Belmont (pay lots on north and south sides); Diversey (pay lot or street parking); DuSable Harbor (pay lot or fisherman’s lot); Northerly Island/Burnham Harbor (meters, pay lot or fisherman’s lot); 31st/Burnham (meter parking between McCormick Place and 31st Street Harbor); Oakwood/39th (meters); 63rd Street/Casino Pier (pay lot); Steelworkers Park (free street parking at east end of 87th); Cal Park (free parking).

PIER PASSES

Pier passes are good through Tuesday, March 15, then the gates are chained until boating season. The $6 pier passes, which allow legal access to select piers at most Jackson Park, Burnham, DuSable, Diversey, Belmont and Montrose harbors, may be bought at Henry’s Sports and Bait (cash only) and Northerly Island Visitor Center (credit-card only). A number of additional piers were added this year to bring the total to 31 piers.

AREA LAKES

Definitely a transition period. Ice fishing is done most areas, Ice is off in some places south, still thick some places north.

The Leyden bass fishing team got in some practice on the beautiful Saturday at Busse. Provided photo — The Leyden bass fishing team got in some practice on the beautiful Saturday at Busse.

Rob Abouchar emailed the photo left and this:

Hi Dale The long pulaski day weekend was filled with lots of fish catches as we transition from ice to open water. Friday after work a nice largemouth hit a tip up with a shiner minnow. Saturday I hit busse lake with the leyden bass fishing club. The action for bluegill was fast and steady on waxworms. When the waxworms ran out bits of Berkeley max scene bait did the trick. Lots if anglers were fishing the open water discharge and salt creek Some small bass were being caught on small minnows. When I returned home the ice was still Holding up so I set one last tip up. Possibly the Last fish of the ice season was an acrobatic pike that broke the line and came flying out the hole onto the ice. Kind of fitting as we’ve been chasing the esox all season. With Monday off for pulaski day I hit Braidwood for some shore angling. The wind rain sleet snow and fog did not seem conducive to good fishing but some good largemouth action along the shore line on the warm side near the second and third trash can. Square bills in purple craw and sexy shad got hit hard in the rocks. The sun actually came out and the island was visible as a pelican flew high into the clear. On the music front an appearance on que 4 radio for live performances and video recording Tight lines and good health Rob.

I always enjoy the music updates. Think of it as the seasoning for the MFR.

Ken “Husker” O’Malley with an open-water largemouth bass. Provided photo — Ken “Husker” O’Malley with an open-water largemouth bass.

Ken “Husker” O’Malley of Husker Outdoors emailed the photo left and below, and this:

Hey Dale, Here is a recap of this past weeks fishing. Area lakes-Open water opportunities started this weekend on lakes out south. It was good to finally breakout the long rods. Ducks and muskrats were enjoying it as well. Bass were good on lipless crankbaits worked along the wind blown north shorelines during early afternoon hours. On sunny days these shorelines will have warmer water temps and hold the most active biters. Here is the nature pic of the week. Out for a swim. TTYL — Ken Husker O’Malley Husker Outdoors Waterwerks fishing team

Mallards swimming. Credit: Ken “Husker” O’Malley — Mallards swimming.

CHAIN O’LAKES AREA

Greg Dickson at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said the ice is deteriorating, it is hurry and wait time.

COOLING LAKES

Braidwood is open daily 6 a.m.-sunset. See above for report on opening week.

LaSalle reopens Tuesday, March 15; Heidecke, April 1.

DOWNSTATE

POWERTON: Boat and bank fishing is open. Winter hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

EMIQUON PRESERVE: Hours are sunrise to sunset. Access permits and liability waivers are required. They are available Tuesday to Saturday at Dickson Mounts Museum, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service.

SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing.

HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Closed. Reopens May 15. Check regulations at http://www.wetlands-initiative.org/dixon-paddling-fishing.

DuPAGE RIVER

Ed Schmitt emailed the photo above and this:

Hey Dale, it’s been awhile since I’ve had anything to send you, my apologies. My son Nick and I fished a section of the mighty DuPage River in Plainfield this Saturday afternoon during the warm spell and did pretty good for our first open water trip of the year. We had our best luck dragging our own custom poured darter and NED stick soft plastics, but shallow cranks and jig/craw combos also produced. We fished out of my 12’ sit-on-top kayak working areas of submerged large chunk rock in slow-moving water. Water temps were hovering around 45°F and visibility was only 12 to 15. This evenings storms and predicted cooler temps will undoubtedly change conditions, but it won’t be long and the duper will be back to floatable or wadable levels. Attached is an image of my son’s best of the day, she bumped out at 18.5 and went 2.9lbs on the digital scale. We caught quite a few more and some of them had scars and wounds from being caught before. Catch & release works and we’re big fans! We’ll be back out again soon! Ed

There’s a lot of truth to ponder in that report.

FOX RIVER

Dicky’s Bait Shop in Montgomery reported a few catfish caught on larger shiners; people trying for walleye below the dams; a few smallmouth caught.

GREEN/STURGEON BAYS, WISCONSIN

Staff at Howie’s Tackle in Sturgeon Bay said anglers are still getting out for whitefish, mostly in 70-90 feet. Keep an eye on conditions, if planning a trip.

HEIDECKE LAKE

Closed. Reopens April 1.

KANKAKEE RIVER

Staff at Kankakee River Trading Post in Altorf said the river is fast and high, but some anglers are catching walleye, mostly on live bait, and a few others getting few smallmouth.

LAKE ERIE

Click here for the Ohio DNR Report.

LAKEFRONT

Big perch caught downtown Chicago. Provided by Jason “Special One” Le — Big perch caught downtown Chicago.

Arden Katz said that on Sunday at 89th he “tore up the perch. They are in there.” He was using used chartreuse Instinctrix jigs, by Panfishpro.com, with spikes.

Others seconded the good fishing for the perch over the last week.

Jason Special One Le texted the photo left and this: Over 13 inches I never seen one of this for awhile. I caught at Downtown Chicago on Sunday,

Steve Palmisano at Henry’s Sports and Bait texted:

Some coho and trout mixed in from the powerline reports. By sinking a portion of a powerline one can possibly catch both coho and trout. Perch still biting at 87th!!

I like that idea.

Stacey Greene at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor texted:

hopefully opening Saturday at 5 AM that is the plan right now

LaSALLE LAKE

Reopens Tuesday, March 15. Site is open daily 6 a.m.-sunset. Preview is at the top.

As a perched lake, boating is often closed because of high winds. Check (815) 357-1608 for daily updates on boating.

MADISON LAKES, WISCONSIN

Click here for the update from D&S Bait.

Pat at D&S Bait said ice is not in greatest (shores sketchy) but probably have ice fishing into next week; fishing is good on Monona Bay and north end of Waubesa; Cherokee is consistent; perch good deep on Mendota and Monona.

MAZONIA

Hours are 6 a.m. to sunset.

David Brooke emailed on Sunday:

Mazonia ice out report from today since Braidwood was closed I drove around a little bit. 3-5-22 Braidwood lake closed to boats Docs lake all bad ice Monster open 10’ at ramp, some shore water, rest looks like bad ice Gar lake open from clear end Carp lake ramp iced in for 30 yards, after that 80 or so yards of open water Bullhead aka Outhouse 70% open far as I can see, left side has ice Goose lake 5’ open at ramp, rest is bad ice. Loop road closed, I imagine because of the flooding that crosses the road in the back Bass lake, some patches of water on the main channel but mostly bad ice.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN

NOTE: Inland gamefish season is closed.

Kurt Justice at Kurt’s Island Sport Shop in Minocqua emailed:

The inland gamefish season closed with little fan fare once again. Very icy conditions made travel dangerous, so few anglers traveled much less got out on the ice. Those that did had some success, but participation was low. Crappie: Good – Nice fish up to 15 this weekend with anglers finding suspended Crappies anywhere from 16-28’ taking minnows on tip-downs and waxies on jointed pin minnows (CLAM) or tungsten Kastmasters (ACME). In cabbage of 8-12’ working vinglas and pimples 1-2’ off bottom working for those fish in shallow. Bulk of the action deeper though. Bluegill: Good – Mostly working cabbage of 8-12’. 3mm tungsten jigs in dark colors (black, purple, red) tipped with mousses or waxies. Plastics in similar dark colors with red and brown (motor oil) best. Nice Gills in 7 ½ – 8 ½ range. Best morning until noonish, then again hour before dark. Yellow Perch: Good – Mud flats of 18-30’ using Halis, small PK tungsten spoons and Kasmasters to get wigglers, red spikes down to mud bottoms. Pound lure into mud, then raise 1-1 ½ ’, shake then hold still. Aggressive fish will rise 4-6’ to chase down (up) bait. Some weed Perch taking minnows or Northland Fry jigs loaded with waxies. Some nicer Pike were caught on this past final weekend of the gamefish season. Fish to 35, few Bass and even fewer Walleye it seemed. Shout out to the Wausaukee High School Ice Fishing Team who, despite bad weather, competed and took first (and second) place in the KISS Tournament this weekend. Conditions on the ice are not good for travel. With added sleet/rain over weekend, slush conditions worsening. Use tracked vehicles (snowmobile, ATV’s) for any distance travel. Stick to packed down areas for limited truck travel. Shorter distance walking using packed trails also advised. Temps from 0 degrees to mostly upper teens/low 20’s until Sunday mean little for improving conditions. Kurt Justice Kurt’s Island Sport Shop – Like us on Facebook

NORTHWEST INDIANA

The photo topping the online MFR indicates good lakers are around to be caught by boaters.

Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:

Coho spotty for boat and shore fisherman one day ok next day slow slow Coho will be here in full force any day now squid, skein, shrimp and crawlers baits to start with Some crappie caught on the warm days we had around the docks and bridge down from portage marina using minnows The ice just got off the lakes and ponds so reports on the slow side.

I think he is right that coho will really break loose any day.

Christina Petrites at Stan’s Bait & Tackle Center in Hammond emailed:

Hi, Dale!The recent, fluctuating weather, has created some challenges in the fishing world. More steady temperatures with a steady increase are coming, though! Here’s what we’ve heard recently: River fishing remains strong for both Steelhead & Walleye. Mag Lips for the former; nightcrawlers & spinners for the latter. Coho is starting to pick up on the south end of Lake Michigan. Nightcrawlers, ThinFish, & Thinfins performing well.

SHABBONA LAKE

Thinning ice with a few small openings.

In March, site hours are 8 a.m.-8 p.m.

Concessions are closed, reopening April 1.

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

Proprietor Phil Schuman at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said a few coho were caught Saturday afternoon; otherwise it is quiet.

Paddle and Pole hosts the Berrien Springs Fish Ladder Camera.

WOLF LAKE

On Monday, BoRabb Williams messaged:

Wolf Lake…. Ice off…. almost… not Quite … couple more days of SUN and it’s ON 4 ICE OFF!!

WOLF RIVER, WISCONSIN

Guide Bill Stoeger in Fremont texted:

They’re still driving on area lakes. Winnebago is giving up some nice perch. Gills, perch, and crappie are getting more active on the upper lakes . The river in Shiocton came up nearly 3 feet after Saturdays rain. With the current picking up, the ice should go fast.

I don’t know about others, but I find it remarkable that not that far north of us, they are still driving on the ice.

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Coho fishing picks up in southern Lake Michigan (more lakers in Chicago), plenty of ice fishing remains despite the warmth and river fishing begins as the ice leaves to lead this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.

Posted on March 2, 2021 | by getsetntravel | Leave a Comment

Coho action building in spurts in southern Lake Michigan (more lakers on the Chicago lakefront), plenty of ice fishing remaining, even with the warmup, and rivers opening up lead this sprawling raw-file Midwest Fishing Report.

Charlie Gimmler messaged the photo of a 15-inch crappie at the top and this:

Caught on a fathead in 8’ of water Friday morning in Lake County, with still 8-10 inches of ice.

BRAIDWOOD OPENER

The cooling lake in southwestern Will County opened as usual on March 1, Monday.

Largemouth bass on opening day at Braidwood Lake. Provided by Pete Banach — Largemouth bass on opening day at Braidwood Lake.

Pete Banach posted the photo above and this:

We did really well out there today. Over 100 fish. LOTS of little ones but 16 keepers. Best 5lbs. 1 at 41/4 handful of 3 1/2s and. Few 2s. Great day.

Amy Russell-Ellison posted the photo below about her husband and son and this:

Jimmy and Chaser . They caught at least 50+.

Chaser and Jimmy Ellison with good largemouth bass on opening day at Braidwood Lake. Provided photo — Chaser and Jimmy Ellison with good largemouth bass on opening day at Braidwood Lake .

I love that Chaser added this note to his mom’s:

Amy Russell-Ellison We got 80 if we count the little 12 inchers

Rob Abouchar emailed the photo and report below on shore angling:

Hi Dale

I made it to the Braidwood opener on Monday morning and there was no line when I arrived at the West ramp at around 6:30. The trailers were being parked in the extra lot as the shore anglers were out in numbers. The shoreline anglers were plentiful and scattered all the way to the fence on the West side. The conditions were classic Braidwood with windy clear and cold conditions. I saw a large water spout pop up mid morning and watched it travel across the lake; very weird. The time on the water seemed surreal after the long deep freeze. Upon releasing the first bass of the season the water was very warm to the touch possibly high 60’s. I was able to land a few bass and lost a few other fish that hit. The size was down compared to last year and the shad that were plentiful last year seemed gone where I was fishing. All but one of the fish seemed to stockers from the last couple years. I may buy into the fish kill that occured last summer. But More trips to Braidwood will help determine that. My fish were caught on Squarebill cranks in Shad and Purple Craw near rocks and a few feet out from the rocks. Also a purple Max Scent General got some bites. Another boat suggested switching colors to purple and as soon a I switched I connected. Nice to see anglers on the water willing to share tips these days.

Tight Lines and Good Health

Rob

One of the better largemouth from shore on opening day at Braidwood. Provided by Rob Abouchar — One of the better largemouth from shore on opening day at Braidwood.

Braidwood is open daily 6 a.m. to sunset.

LAKEFRONT PARKING

The Chicago Park District’s parking passes for the wo small fisherman’s parking lots on the Chicago lakefront (DuSable and Burnham) are ready to go as soon as official clearance comes. Details to come when that happens.

Readers suggest SpotHero app downtown. Otherwise, here are some basics: Foster (free street parking or pay lot); Montrose (free street parking); Belmont (pay lots on north and south sides); Diversey (pay lot or street parking); DuSable Harbor (pay lot); Northerly Island/Burnham Harbor (meters); 31st/Burnham (meter parking between McCormick Place and 31st Street Harbor); 43rd (limited meters); 63rd Street/Casino Pier (pay lot); Steelworkers Park (free street parking at east end of 87th); Cal Park (free parking).

AREA LAKES

South, fishable ice is nearing the end, but many northern areas should hold fishable ice into at least the weekend.

Frankie Paull with a nice crappie from Aurora. Provided photo — Frankie Paull with a nice crappie from Aurora.

Frankie Paull emailed the photo above and this:

Dale,

Got both these out at prairie road lake in aurora. Fish have moved from being suspended over basins to shallow and aggressive both these were caught in less that 10ft of water on a hair jig and minnow both bought over at Dickies Bait in Montgomery.

Bass Wishes,

Frankie Paull

Late-season largemouth bass. Provided by Ken “Husker” O’Malley. — Late-season largemouth bass.

Ken “Husker” O’Malley emailed the photos above and below and this:

Hey Dale,

Here is a recap of this past weeks fishing.

Area lakes- Ice conditions are fading fast. There is six inches of frozen slush on top of a base layer of 3-4 inches of clear ice. There is a pocket of water between the two layers. By the time I came off the ice after a morning of fishing, I busted through the top layer of slush a few times and the shorelines were getting soft. With the weeks forecast, the season will be coming to an end.

Bass have been very good during early morning hours on Northland buck shot rattle spoons. Flats with remaining green weeds adjacent to deep water have produced the best bite.

Bluegill have been decent on Vexan tungsten jigs tipped with multiple spikes. Weed flats have been good during early morning hours and work out along the outside weed lines as the morning goes on to keep up with the active biters.

Here is the nature pic of the week. Waiting for a flag on the last day of the season.

TTYL

—

Ken “Husker” O’Malley

Husker Outdoors
Waterwerks fishing team

A late season flag. Provided by Ken “Husker” O’Malley. — A late season flag.

The tip-up photo seems emblematic of the week.

CHAIN O’LAKES AREA

Still plenty of ice, Channel continues to draw the most effort in a remarkable run of ice fishing. Arden Katz reported still 13-14 inches of ice on Channel over the weekend, decent crappie and bluegill (wax worms best), as he hole hopped constantly.

Proprietor Greg Dickson at Triangle Sports and Marine in Antioch said, “Looking into the weekend, I think we will be fine. Thank God, we are not getting a quick transition. The ice is going to hold and the sportsman will be able to get out.”

DOWNSTATE

POWERTON: Shore and boat fishing is open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

SPRING: Open for fishing.

EMIQUON: Basically, go to the launch. General information at http://experienceemiquon.com/sites/default/files/LakeAccessRules.pdf. Fishing is allowed sunrise to sunset even during waterfowl season this year because The Nature Conservancy has suspended their public waterfowl hunting program this year due to COVID-related issues. TNC hopes to resume the public waterfowl hunting program next year.

HENNEPIN-HOPPER: Closed for the year.

SHELBYVILLE: Check with Ken Wilson of Lithia Guide Service. SOUTHERN ILLINOIS: Check with Jason Johns of Boneyard Fishing.

FOX RIVER

We welcome a new contributor, which opened on Labor Day.

Dicky’s Bait Shop in Montgomery—(630) 675-4371—reported the ice is going out around the Montgomery dam and people are bank fishing. As of Monday, some were till ice fishing on the side channel.

GREEN LAKE AREA, WISCONSIN

Guide Mike Norris emailed:

Fishing Report 3/1/2021

Mike Norris

Big Green Lake – Finding safe ice up here in south-central Wisconsin is not a problem after the 17-day Freeze-A-Thon we had in the first three weeks of February. Most, but not all, areas of Big Green Lake have 12 inches or more of ice and anglers are out in droves and doing well catching lake trout in depths anywhere from 80 to 120 feet. Northland Rattle Jig, VMC spoons, and white tube jigs are working well for the lake trout. Try the Shale Bar and the deep water adjacent to Sandstone Bluff.

Fox Lake – There is 12 to 18 inches of ice and the bluegills and crappies are cooperating in 4 to 5 feet of water on small tungsten jig tipped with plastic in an area on Fox Lake known as “The Jug”. Move around and when you find them, they will bite like crazy. The warmer weather we have experienced last week has melted the snow cover and smoothed out the surface of the ice, but the landings are getting sloppy though. With warm weather this week it might come down to where you will need to walk out.

GREEN/STURGEON BAYS, WISCONSIN

There’s been good whitefish on Sturgeon Bay. Provided by Jeremy Jakiel — There’s been good whitefish on Sturgeon Bay.

As the Fish of the Week showed, whitefish continue good around Sturgeon Bay.

Click here for the Wisconsin DNR weekly report.

HEIDECKE LAKE

Closed for the season.

ILLINOIS RIVER

Rod Thorson tweeted:

Walleye fishermen are starting to catch near starved rock.

Time seems right.

KANKAKEE RIVER

Stopped by to grab some bait from Nick Carr at Kankakee River Trading Post in Altorf Monday. The ice went out relatively quickly on the river, now it is high, fast and dirty, but soon enough.

LAKE ERIE

Click here for the Ohio DNR Report.

LAKEFRONT

With the Chicago lakefront open, some of the casters and powerliners are out trying for early coho, but lakers are more often caught.

Steve Palmisano at Henry’s Sports and Bait texted:

We still have plenty of ice around the Chicago area . The edges are getting a little soft but still a good base. I’m not sure about the city harbors tho.

The coho anglers are beginning. No reports yet. That’s about it. Gearing up for spring/summer with lots of new tackle coming in daily ! Take care

Stacey Greene at Park Bait at Montrose Harbor texted:

Supposed to get the water on today. Hoping to fill up the tank and that everything is okey dokey and the plan is to open Saturday at 5 a.m.

LaSALLE LAKE

Reopens to fishing on March 15.

MADISON LAKES, WISCONSIN

Click here for the update from D&S Bait.

MAZONIA

Both units are open for open-water fishing or ice fishing. The ice fishing is near the end.

MILLE LACS LAKE, MINNESOTA

Mille Lacs perch. Provided by McQuoid’s — Mille Lacs perch.

Justin Lederer emailed the photo above and this from McQuoids Inn in Isle, Minn.:

Justin Lederer checking in from McQuoids Inn Lake Mille Lacs. The walleye season is over till spring time to target big perch and pike. The perch are hitting small crappie minnows and fathead heads use small tungsten jigs and smaller versions of buckshots and 360’s. Wax worms are also producing smaller ones. Work 20-35 feet of water around rock structures. Pike are back in the bays work the outside of the weed lines target 4-12 feet of water. Hang 6-9 inch suckers on tip ups, rattle reels or dead sticks. We have warmer weather coming in this week so it should be turning the fish on. We still have two feet of ice on the lake so if you want to extend your ice fishing season head up.

NORTHERN WISCONSIN

Gamefish season ends Sunday, March 7.

Classic scene, including the full moon, while ice fishing around Hayward, Wis. Provided by Kyle Lamm — Classic scene, including the full moon, while ice fishing around Hayward, Wis.

From Hayward, Kyle Lamm tweeted the photos above and below and this:

Fishing up near Hayward was on fire this weekend. We limited out on crappie multiple days on multiple lakes. Tried tip ups one day as we jigged crappie. Nice Northern

Ice fishing for crappie has been good around Hayward, Wis. Provided by Kyle Lamm — Ice fishing for crappie has been good around Hayward, Wis.

Kurt Justice at Kurt’s Island Sport Shop in Minocqua emailed:

Warm temperatures, followed by 6 inches of wet, heavy snow that fell Sunday morning has made travel a bit difficult as of late. Warmer temperatures this week will contribute to even more slush on top of the ice. Still, there is well over 2 feet of ice beneath the slush. Stick to main paths or venture out on foot to avoid spending all day digging your vehicle out. With that being said, fishing is improving as we move into late ice season.

Northern Pike: Good-Very Good – As the days warm up the fishing keeps getting better. Large golden shiners and large suckers are both still producing fish under tip-ups.

Walleye: Good – Anglers are reporting good action in the low light hours of the day. The jigging bite has been heating up. Jigging Raps, Tikka Minos, and slender spoons all taking fish.

Largemouth Bass: Good – Jigging the shallow weed breaks or tip-ups have been putting fish top side.

Bluegills: Good-Very Good – Tungsten jigs tipped with waxies, spikes or mousees are all working.

Crappies: Good-Very Good – Tip-down actions is getting better by the day. We are also getting fish jigging with Swedish Pimples, VMC Flash Champs, and tungsten jigs tipped with wedges.

Yellow Perch: Good – Mud flats are still the hot bite. Hali jigs, Kastmasters, and small jigs tipped with red spikes or wigglers are working best.

Just a reminder, game fish season is open thru Sunday, March 7^th so get out there for the last week of it. Weather looks beautiful, just remember to bring rubber boots to avoid wet feet.

Kurt Justice

Kurt’s Island Sport Shop
Like us on FaceBook

NORTHWEST INDIANA

Capt. Rich Sleziak at Slez’s Bait in Lake Station texted:

Since last report and up till Saturday morning coho action at portage river walk and Michigan city was good for most fishing skein on the bottom or squid under slip bobber Since Saturday late morning and now water high and dirty from snow melt run off

Boats going to Gary light have steady action fishing top 10ft of water using brads thin fish jointed rapalas and a variety of small crankbaits

So everybody knows plenty of fresh skein and squid strips in stock over here along with every color they have in the brads thin fish for the trollers

Christina Petrites at Stan’s Bait & Tackle Center in Hammond emailed this important follow-up:

Hi, again. If it’s not too late, the Harbormaster just sent this information:

Hammond Marina has had little fishing activity lately aside from the sporadic salmon, due to the snow & ice. There is still ice in the marina, so boats can’t launch yet. Anglers have not been open water shore fishing this season, as the ice on the lake just cleared out last Thursday. Boats should be able to launch in a few days though, with the consistently warmer temperatures.

For information like that, it is not too late.

She originally emailed:

Hey, Dale; hope all is well.

Here’s what’s going on this week:~Coho fishing has really picked up out of in the Marinas, Burns Ditch, & Saint Joseph; there are lots of limit catches & some very nice-sized fish.

~Ice fishing is coming to a close with the recent rise in daily average temperatures, as well as the upcoming even warmer days; it has all but about come to an end. To the anglers still frequenting the local ponds, creeks, & streams-exercise EXTREME caution. The regular fishing season will be an early one this year.

~Anglers are catching walleye & steelhead at Wolf Lake & the St. Joseph dam.

~New 2021 fishing licenses & stamps are now on sale in Indiana, Illinois, & Michigan; current, valid 2020-2021 Indiana fishing licenses & stamps are good until March 31st, 2021.

ROOT RIVER, WISCONSIN

Click here for the Wisconsin DNR’s report, usually on Tuesday or Wednesday.

SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

Staff at Tackle Haven in Benton Harbor said they catching coho off the pier for the last couple days; a few steelhead by Berrien Springs.

SHABBONA LAKE

Site hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

SOUTHEAST WISCONSIN LAKEFRONT

Click here for the southern Lake Michigan reports from the Wisconsin DNR.

WINNEBAGO SYSTEM, WISCONSIN

Sturgeon spearing season ran the full 16 days through Sunday on Lake Winnebago in Wisconsin while the Upriver Lakes season closed early on Feb. 20.

Lana Freiberg speared this 157.8-pound (78.3 inches) F4 female lake sturgeon on day eight of the 2021 spearing season. / Photo credit: Wisconsin DNR — *Lana Freiberg speared this 157.8-pound (78.3 inches) F4 female lake sturgeon on day eight of the 2021 spearing season.*

On Friday, Lana Freiberg speared the largest fish, an F4 female 157.8 pounds, 78.3 inches, on Lake Winnebago.

WOLF LAKE

Christina Petrites at Stan’s Bait & Tackle Center in Hammond emailed:

. . . Anglers are catching walleye

. . .

New 2021 fishing licenses & stamps are now on sale in Indiana, Illinois, & Michigan; current, valid 2020-2021 Indiana fishing licenses & stamps are good until March 31st, 2021.

WOLF RIVER, WISCONSIN

Guide Bill Stoeger in Fremont texted:

Perch, bluegill, and some crappie have been getting more active in the past week. The water is starting to come up with the warmer weather, but it’ll be a good

two weeks before the boat gets wet

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