Fishing & Outdoor Report

Featured Business:

Featured: AAA Sport Shop

Featured Business:

Info to come

 

Fishing & Outdoor Reports for Washburn County

11/12/18 - Reported by AAA Sports 

Even though it looks like early ice, ALWAYS use caution and know your area! The big gun deer season is upon us!  We will be open Friday night until 10:00 p.m. and Saturday at 5:00 a.m. to  help you with last minute scopes, bore sighting, etc. Make sure to dress for the below average temperatures.

 

11/8/18 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

I’ve continued to take some folks out musky fishing this past week in Washburn County.  Fishing has been a bit on the slow side, it seems like we’ve been getting fewer chances at musky’s each time out.  We are getting the occasional fish to grab a live sucker, hooking them and landing them has proven to be quite an adventure here lately.  Water temperatures are in the low to mid 40 degree range depending on the lake. A forecast of daytime highs below freezing could keep us off the water, and/or end the season, we’ll just have to see how it plays out.
Good luck and good fishing,

 

10/1/18 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

Musky fishing here in Washburn County is getting better with the onset of autumn. Lots of nice fish are being caught across the area. Cooler lake temperatures have musky's hitting live bait more and more this week. Big jerk baits and soft plastics are catching a good amount of fish too. Fall colors are starting to come on now as well, what a great time to be outdoors!
Good luck and good fishing, Jim Stroede 

9/24/19 - Reported by AAA Sports

 Fall weather gets the fish moving!  Bluegills are plentiful and a couple of nice Northerns were brought in.  Muskie fisherman are getting more active.  We had three different groups in for Muskie suckers over the weekend.  We still have leeches (small and regular).  Small game, bear and deer archery hunting are all in progress. Waterfowl hunting opens this weekend.  Our next "Conceal and Carry Class" is October 13th at 10:00 a.m. 

 

 9/19/18- Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

Musky fishing has been improving here in Washburn County this week, and with the forecasted cool down starting tonight things should only get better on the big fish front!   In my boat we've seen increased action on topwater baits, really the only bait getting bit this week has been the prop baits.  We would have had a great week if we could have sealed the deal on a few big musky's, but hey, that's how it goes.  I took a group out for a multiple spieces trip early one morning and we did pretty well.  Big bluegills and a few crappies were most of the catch, but a few bass and a walleye also hit the net. 
I spent an hour filleting that day, so that was good!
 

9/10/18- Reported by AAA Sports

Fall weather is approaching, the foggy mornings are giving away to clear sunny days. Fish are moving again. We had 2 Northern brought in from Spooner Lake, 30" and 24", using northern minnow. And dandy crappie over 1 lb. from on the River, they were fishing for walleye with fatheads. Archery season is just around the corner. Bear hunters are out and waterfowl season is next. There are still antlerless tag available in Burnett and Washburn counties.

 

9/3/18- Reported by AAA Sports

The cooler mornings have the fish more active, the weekend was pretty productive and there were a lot of people out fishing. Nothing much to brag about but catching a few for the frying pan is always good. The Muskie fisherman are starting to move from lures to live sucker minnows. So much fun to have the kids come in for crawlers or waxies  and brag about the fish they have been catching. GOOSE SEASON: opened on Saturday, Grandsons Luke and Cade and another buddy got 15 on Saturday and Dawson Patrick said the they got 10 on Saturday. DEER:There are still antlerless tags available in  Barron and Washburn county on public and private lands. Burnett has private tags only left. Sawyer and Douglas counties were sold out the first week. BEAR:  Wednesday September 5th- Oct 9 - ZONE C bear hunting with aid of bait and all other legal methods EXCEPT DOGS. All other zones dogs are premitted, but check the dates. 

8/20/18- Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

We have seen a nice improvement in the fishing here in Washburn County this week.  Musky fishing is getting better as we've had action on topwaters and bucktails early and late in the day.  Weed beds near deep water seen to be the prime location right now. The first big cool down of early fall should turn these fish on majorly.  A mixed bag of Walleyes, bass and panfish have been biting on the lakes I've been on. It's currently a surprisingly shallow bite, 6-10 feet.  Bait shops no longer have leeches available, so we've made the switch to nite crawlers. Lake temps are in the 75-80 degree range.
Good luck and good fishing!

 

8/13/18- Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

Fishing has been tough this week around Washburn County.  We've picked up a few walleyes, a few pike, and a few smallmouth on area lakes.  Both jigging and trolling have caught fish, but overall its been tough going. The most consistent fishing has been for largemouth bass. Early in the day and again later just before dark it seems the bass get aggressive. We've done well on wacky worms and topwaters.  Musky fishing has been tough by and large also, however the evening bite is beginning to pick up a bit. I'm suspecting that when the hot weather breaks and waters cool fishing will pick up nicely.
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede 

7/17/18- Reported by AAA Sports

Hot weather has the fisherman out earlier in the day or into the early evening hours. Weeds on the lakes have us selling a lot of weedless hooks and lures such as the Johnson Silver Minnow or the Eppinger weedless spoons such as the Red eye. Also the 6" and 8" weedless worms. We just got in some new half head jigs for those of you who have asked. Also the Kalin "google Eye rattler". Not much for "show off" fish have come in but just a lot of fish for the dinner table. Don't forget our monthly fishing contest, good for $10.00 in bait! Coffee's on at 6:00 am!

7/10/18- Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

Musky fishing is picking up here in Washburn County.  We've been getting bit with bucktails and topwaters mostly, rubber jerkbaits are getting a few looks from bigger fish too. Largemouth bass continue to be very aggressive both early and late in the day. Wacky worms are great at times but other times they prefer a scum frog or other type of topwater. 
Some of the smaller, off the beaten path kind of lakes are really turning on around here, so don't miss out on the action!
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede 

6/25/18- Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

Bass fishing has been great all over Washburn County this week. Largemouth are in the pads early in the day and hitting wacky worms like crazy.  Smallmouth are more wood and rock oriented, and going good on jig and craw combos.
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede 

6/23/18- Reported by AAA Sports  

Rick was out on Lipsie with four guys on Sunday; they caught over 85 nice panfish/crappies. They were using waxies and occasionally throwing out some leech for bait. Another gentleman was out on McKenzie and caught a dandy walleye on Saturday morning using leeches and his favorite secret lure. We're selling lots of crawlers right now as well. Some guys are buying a flat and keeping them for the whole summer in crawler bedding and worm food. I had an uncle that fed them egg shells and coffee grounds. Assuming that the lakes "up north" are compromised by the rains and subsequent flooding, lots of fishing would be going downstream. 

 6/19/18 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

Even though it seems I'm always launching the boat into an east wind the fishing has remained good here in Washburn County this week.  We've been catching a mixed bag of walleyes, bass, pike and panfish on many of our lakes.  Water temps have held steady in the upper 60's for the most part, the cool rain has been a factor in keeping the temps down to the refreshingly cool place they are at, the fish seem happy!  Good green weeds are one of the best spots to fish on any lake right now, as lots of fish are hanging here. Slip bobbers or jigs and leeches are a good choice bait wise, also the largemouth bass are jumping on wacky worms like mad right now, which is a lot of fun too.  All in all things are going good and the bite has been strong most of the time.Good luck and good fishing,

6/4/18 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

Fishing has been very good around Washburn County this week. We've done quite well on Walleyes and bluegills in particular. For walleyes a jig and leech presentation is doing good. Look for good green weeds In 6 to 12 feet on area lakes.  Bluegills have been shallow and spawning this week. Many areas hold bluegills during the spawn, keep moving checking shallow shoreline areas until you find them. The 'gills should willingly bite a wax worm on a small hook suspended under a small bobber, no need to get fancy about it as they should be easy to catch most days.

5/29/18- Reported by AAA Sports  

It was a great Memorial Day weekend. Record number of people in the store. We literally ran out of some live bait on Saturday before the supplier came. With the weather being so hot, the fishing was better early morning and later evenings. There was some nice walleye off of Shell Lake with leeches, but really early ( like 5 AM) We got into some nice crappies and blue gills on Spooner both Saturday and Sunday night. (Jigs and waxies) Snagged a couple bass while moving to the hot spot. Depending on the lake the fish are spawning .Little later than usual, but the hot weather has the shortened the time frame. More people moving into the plastics and lures rather than live bait as this crazy hot weather continues.  Pro tour  5" trick sticks have been going well, and Berkley 7" powerbait. We have  all sizes of leeches, they last a long time if you keep them cold and clean. Coffee's on at 6 AM everyday, have a great week!

5/17/18 - Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

Let the Fishing Begin!!! Things are starting to pick up on Long Lake/Mud Lake this week. Water temps as of Wednesday night on Long Lake were between 60-62 degrees, Mud Lake coming in around 69 degrees. Fish are beginning their trek to the shallows but some still deeper. Nice Bluegills 8”+ seem to be liking red worms and waxies. Crappie are beginning to bite too and some nice ones at that 13”+! Crappie Minnows seem to be working.On the Bass side of things they are hopin as well! Word is the Largemouth seem to like clacking baits and the Small Mouth Jerk Bait. Walleye are still on the slow side, but a few are being caught. Walley size limit on Long Lake is 18” or larger to keep. Panfish still 25 in general. Public landing piers are in as well as a new addition at each of the landings: Picnic tables provided by the Long Lake Chamber of Commerce!

Fishing Report 5/16/18- Reported by  Jim Stroede Guide Service

Crappie fishing is just beginning to pick up as a good number of fish are starting to move into the shallows now.  We had a nice morning the other day boating lots of nice crappies and also a few big bluegills. The crappies seemed to like the small jig and plastic baits that we were throwing.  Water temperatures in Washburn County are in the mid 50's currently. Good luck and good fishing!

Fishing & Outdoor Report 5/9/18- Reported by Washburn County Tourism

Spring has sprung in Washburn County! The weather was absolutely beautiful for Opening Weekend! With a majority of the lakes having ice out, fishing was very good. Walleye that were anxious to spawn, were very hungry.  Anglers had good luck fishing with jigs and minnows. Walleye fishing should be excellent for the time being as they continue to spawn. Birds have flown back to the Northwoods and many of the trees are in the bud or flowering stages.  Bears and their cubs are out from hibernation and looking for food. Make sure to keep an eye on your birdfeeder. Spring turkey hunting is in its 4th week. Tom turkeys are gobbling and displaying for the hens. Elk Hunting tags are available from May 1st- 31st  for Wisconsin’s first ever Elk Hunt. Four tags will be given to four Wisconsin residents through a random drawing. A fifth elk tag will be rewarded to a Wisconsin resident through a raffle drawing held by the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation.

5/2/18 - Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

Count Down to Fishing Opener!
Ice out update on Long Lake.
The first photo was taken this morning at 6:30 am in the narrows in front of the Rockford House Saloon.
 
 
The other two photos were taken at the Narrows Landing last night, May 1st. The left photo is looking off to the NE of the landing and the other is looking out toward Mud Lake. The channel to Mud Lake is open. Ross at Lincolnwood Resort was reporting in at 13" on some parts of Long Lake yet.
 
 
 

5/2/18 Reported by AAA Sports  

The ice is going off area lakes daily, Spooner was open off the Mann landing and dark ice off the golf course landing..maybe by this weekend it will be completely gone. Most river fishing is good to go.

5/1/18 - Reported by Shell Lake Marine

Small lakes and flowages are open but the larger last still haven't completely broke out. The shorelines are open but theres still ice in the middle of the lakes. 

4/27/18 - Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

Ice at the North End is coming in at 2+ feet Ross at Lincolnwood reporting in around 21"-23" Shore lines & Landing are beginning to deteriorate.Here are some pics from the North end and narrows taken today at noon. Fishing is picking up nice Bluegill's jigging on tungsten jigs and some nice crappies were being caught on tip-downs. 

Fishing & Outdoor Report 4/23/18- Reported by AAA Sports & Washburn County Tourism

This warm weather has started to break up the ice along the lake shores. On the small lakes it seems as if most of the ice is already out but the larger lakes still have brave fishermen venturing out. Starting getting ready for the spring fishing opener just over a week away!

The 2nd season of for turkeys starts Wednesday, April 25th. If you have harvest a bird feel free to share your photos with us! Use #WashburnCounty #HuntingWashburnCo on your photos, you just might see your photo on the outdoor report or one of our social media pages! 

 

Fishing & Outdoor Report 3/29/18- Reported by AAA Sports

With this last big snowfall, there is not much to report as far as fishing goes. However, we do have an update on the availability of tags for turkey hunting: There are no tags left in Zone 6, but there are 2 tags left for the last two weeks of hunting in Zone 4. Fishing opener is only 2 weeks away! Time to get those rods and reels out and get them ready!

 

Fishing & Outdoor Report 3/29/18- Reported by AAA Sports

The panfish are coming on again! After a couple of weeks of slow fishing, last Thursday the fish got hungry again. The fish are biting on  waxies, spikes and crappie minnows. There is still a lot of ice. However, the landings are starting to break up.

Fishing & Outdoor Report 3/16/18- Reported by AAA Sports

 The weather looks to be in the upper 30’s during the day and in the teens at night, so the ice should stay good for awhile yet.Fishing was really slow after those last two big snowfalls. It got really slushy on the lake and made it hard to get around. Starting last Friday, the fishing picked up. Waxies and crappie minnows seem to be working well right now. Some nice perch have been caught off Spooner Lake and bluegills in Dilly Lake. Be persistent and be patient!

 2/27/18- Reported by  Jim Stroede Guide Service

Washburn County recently received a foot of new snow, this has been great for skiing and snowmobilers but has made getting out on the ice a little bit of a struggle for atv and truck traffic. Walking out to good crappie and bluegill fishing is still very good and easy on Long Lake. Multiple locations are perfect for walk out fishing.  Tiny jigs and soft plastics are working well right now.  The use of a flasher and or underwater camera is a great help for catching fish.

 2/26/18- Reported by AAA Sports

The weather pattern from this past weekend made it difficult for fishing. The weather pattern for this weekend looks very favorable for fishing. Get out and enjoy the last weekend of game fishing!

  2/16/18- Reported by AAA Sports

There has been a lot of successful fishing out on Spooner Lake. Colder temps are keeping some of the fishermen (and women) off the lakes. But for those getting out and being persistent, it pays off. Game fishing closes on March 4th. Make sure you get out there before then!  

 

1/29/18- Reported by  Jim Stroede Guide Service

Ice fishing around Washburn County has been good this week.  Plenty of crappies and bluegills are biting on many area lakes.  Small ice jigs tipped with wax worms or soft plastics are producing action typically near bottom, in 10 to 16 feet of water, depending on the lake.Also of interest is the bass and northern pike bite.  These fish have really been aggressive lately.  Most folks are using tip ups baited with shinners, and placing them along weed edges or up on top of the flats for the best results.

 

1/22/18- 12/28/17- Reported by AAA Sports

What a great weekend it was to be outdoors. The Boy Scouts had their funday on Sunday on Spooner Lake which was a big success. Don't forget we host a monthly fishing contest! The winner for the largest northern, bass, crappie, perch, bluegill will get a $10.00 in store credit. Give us a call if you have any other questions about this contest!

1/22/18- Reported by Shell Lake Marine

Fishing has turned a corner for the better with this warmer weather but still not great. Smaller lakes have been recording better catches with decent northern and panfish bites. Walleyes are still extremely light even on normally productive ground.

 12/21/17 - Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

"Just coming off our 1st week of freezing temps, Long Lake is finally making ice! Remember it is still 1st and is inconsistent! The North End is reporting anywhere from 2" to 6", the South End is reporting anywhere from 2" to 8". Fishing is off to a great start! So far the best fishing time is in the late afternoon into the early evening. Most species are stacked at anywhere from 12' to 20' with the larger fish on the top layer in 20' to 0' of water. Some of the Crappie caught have eben around 10" to 15". There are also reports of bluegill and perch being caught. Fishermen have had some nice Northerns pulled through the ice, catches around 25" to 28" plus! Also some pretty nice Walleye caught 20" to 27"! Fishing folk have been having the best luck with tip-ups for the Walleye & Northern using shiners and suckers. Crappie and other panfish seem to be liking waxies and spikes righ tnow. Enjoy the fishing and be safe!"

12/28/17- Reported by AAA Sports

"This cold weather has really made some great ice. We are happy that we did not get the snowfall that was predicted this past week so the ice had a chance to deepen. Anglers have been out on most of the local lakes; snowmobiles & 4-wheelers are actively being used and some small shacks are starting to pop up on the lakes." Waxies seem to be doing the trick when it comes to jigging for panfish, mostly crappies & perch. The last week of archery season is quickly approaching, January 7, 2018 and there have been successful trappers so far. 

12/21/17 - Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

As of this morning, very inconsistent, as it is 1st ice, the Narrows Landing and Lucy's Bay are reporting in anywhere from 1-2", no one venturing out too far off the landing. Landing off Rockford road reporting in at 2"-4", the Z Bar 2-5". Woody's and Lincolnwood reporting in around 3 1/2" We have had mild temps making the snow that was on top now slush. Hoping the cold temps on the way will help us along and the snow misses us to get more consistent good ice going. However, the fishing is picking up, reports of nice sized Walleye and Northern. Crappie are starting and some Bluegill and Perch.

12/19/17 - Reported by Washburn County Tourism

Fishing weeds seems to be the common factor when catching fish this time of year around the Washburn County area lakes. There have been quite a few nice bass pulled through the ice as well as pike and after dark walleyes. When out on the ice still be using lots of caution as there are still some slushy, soft spots. For the most part there seems to be 3 to 7 inches of ice.

The lucky fishermen have been using shinners on tip-ups as well as jigging for crappies. Kyle Tyree let us know that he was jigging with a black jig that had a black plastic tail and was able to pull some fish through the ice with it. In the 12 feet of water areas fish were staying close to bottom. 

12/18/17 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

Although some people have been getting out on the ice here in Washburn County this week the conditions are still varied from lake to lake as far as safe ice is considered.  Always error on the side of caution, stay safe and follow other people's tracks on the ice.  Those who are fishing have been catching some pike and bass during the day, and a few walleyes after dark.  Tip ups with shinners are working well right now.  Fish shallow weeds with the best ice cover possible if you head out.
Good luck and good fishing!

12/4/17 - Reported by Washburn County Tourism

We heard from  Barb at AAA Sports over the weekend and she told us that Spooner Lake has 4-6" of ice near the Mann Road landing. Definitely only good for walking on at this point. Other lakes reporting good ice include Dilly, Whalen and Cable.The rain today is good, even if we don't get a lot of snow. So be hoping for COLD weather to give us even more of an ice base.

On the hunting side of things...The hunting season was pretty successful. Everyone in Barb’s hunting gang got a deer; two of which were really nice 8 pointers. But there were a lot of hunters who said they never saw a deer all season. “We are currently in the muzzleloading season that started last week and goes through this Wednesday, December 6th. Then it's the statewide antlerless hunt from Thursday to Sunday.  Archery/crossbow continues through January 7th.”

 For those who are looking for other hunting forms, beaver trapping is open through April 30, 2018 and fox & beaver trapping is open through February 15, 2018.

“We are still in a holding pattern here in between open water and ice fishing here in Washburn County,” says Jim Stroede of Jim Stroede Fishing Guide Service  The good news is that the weather forecast is for colder temperatures the next couple weeks. That should lock up area lakes once and for all, providing ice fishing opportunities all across the area.

11/30/17 - Reported by Washburn County Tourism

According to the Wisconsin DNR, another Wisconsin nine-day gun deer season is in the books. There was a slight increase in the statewide buck harvest, with 98,364 hunters fortunate in their quest of the antlered deer. Northern counties showed the most significant upsurge in both buck and antlerless harvest. Overall, preliminary figures show that 195,738 deer were registered down slightly from the 197,262 registered in 2016.

We wish the hunters good luck who are trying their luck this muzzleloader season and during the four-day doe season following. Share your photos with us by using #WashburnCounty #HuntWashburnCounty.

11/16/17 - Reported by Washburn County Tourism

Temperatures are trending up this week. The forecast is calling for temperatures in the mid to high 30’s during the day, with no major drops in the evening hours.  Towards the end of the week, there will be a chance for snow showers.

The Wisconsin DNR reports that the white-tailed deer rut is on and going strong, with many deer moving through the day. Harvest for the archery season is progressing and updated harvest numbers can be found on the DNR website. The traditional nine-day gun deer season is now just a little over a week away, so if you haven't sighted in your firearms yet time is running short. Check the DNR website for shooting ranges and for additional information about the upcoming season.

There's not much to report on this week, says Jim Stroede of Jim Stroede Fishing Guide Service. Ice is covering all but the biggest lakes in Washburn County. The trouble is it's not much for walking on, yet enough to block boat traffic. “Some brave souls are trying their hand at ice fishing for a few bluegills and crappies, but most of us are waiting for good solid ice before venturing out.”

With those few brave souls out fishing the very early ice, there have been reports of some beautiful crappies being pulled through the ice. As for the hunting side of things, Barb from AAA Sports says there have been lots of reports of nice buck being harvested by archers in the area.

11/6/17- Reported by AAA Sports

Well the weekend started out with some serious Muskie fishing people coming in. Tthey were dressed for the arctic! Not sure how well they did,  but they ordered more suckers for this weekend. Trapping season is underway: Beaver, mink, muskrat, raccoons, fox  and coyote. We've taken a lot of deer hides, so there has been a lot of successful hunters out there. There are still antlerless tags available in Washburn and Barron Counties.

 

11/6/2017- Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

The end of the open water season is approaching. Lakes in Washburn County are cooling at a fast rate.  A few small lakes have had their first skimming of ice in recent days.  Muskies are still biting fairly well. We've been catching them on live suckers and jigging most often. However as it gets colder, the trolling option will become the only way to fish effectively.  I haven't been out for walleyes in a month, but have heard of some recent success out on the bigger lakes using large minnows. Good luck and good fishing.

 10/30/17 - Reported by Washburn County Tourism

According to the Wisconsin DNR, weather across the state last week from the 70’s at the beginning of the week, to 30’s and 40’s by the end of the week. Small amounts of snow were reported in the far north, with more in the short-term forecast. Expect more of the same weather next week.

The Wisconsin DNR says whitetail deer are moving into the rut. Rutting activity will be nearing its peak now and into the early weeks of November. Buck scrapes are being found and deer movement has increased significantly. It’s that time of the year where if you see one deer, you will probably see more.

Barb of AAA Sports in Spooner says there have been several nice deer hides come in, and hunters showing off their pictures.  One that came through was a non-typical 12 point that weighed close to 235 pounds. Everyone seems to be seeing more deer than the last couple years. Barb also reminds you to site in your guns because rifle season will be here before you know it!

As for the fishing side of things… Musky fishing is currently the best it's been all year!  Jim Stroede says the colder weather has triggered the fish into a feeding frenzy.  They've been catching Muskies nearly every time out.  Most of the fish are coming on live suckers or by jigging.  The current water temps are in the upper 40's.

Barb also added that the weather is more in line with rifle season than fall archery or fishing. There were still a few brave souls out on the lakes over the weekend with the snow coming down.

10/24/17 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

Muskies are biting really good on Washburn County lakes right now.  We've been catching lots of good fish from a variety of lakes all over the area.  Water temperatures in the 50's have got the fish in a feeding mode.  Jerk baits and big minnow baits have been our best casting lures, and live suckers are catching more fish every week. If the wind slows around here the next week should be great.  Good luck and good fishing, Jim Stroede 

10/23/17- Reported by Washburn County Tourism

Heading into late October, the forecast calls for more seasonal temperatures. However, on Friday, they are calling for a high only reaching the upper 30’s with snow showers. The weekend will be partly sunny, with daytime temps in the low 40’s.

According to the Wisconsin DNR, “The recent warmth seems so to have slowed deer activity and discouraged some hunters from hitting the woods with bow in hand. Bachelor groups of bucks seem to have broken up now causing some bucks to abandon existing spots in search of new ground. There have been reports that some bucks are already starting to follow does and scrapes and rubs are being seen in the woods already. To read about the 2017 White Tailed Deer Hunting Forecast, click here: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/hunt/documents/2017MP_deer_forecast.pdf

A local outdoorsman predicts that with the cooler weather coming everything in the woods should start to pick up.

Barb from AAA Sports said that she has not heard of many successful musky catches but lots of fishermen and women are buying musky minnows as they head up north. “We’ve has several nice dear hides come in from the bow hunters, with several different reports of 6-8 point bucks.”

When it comes to the Waterfowl hunts, there have been some very successful hunters. It seems as if many reports of hunters limiting out on ducks, geese, etc.

“The duck and geese seem abundant this year,” Barb said. “It’s a great time of year to live up north with all of the hunting and fishing going on…it can really keep a person busy!”

 

10/23/17- Reported by AAA Sports

We're getting lot of guys getting musky minnows as they head north, but have not heard of any successful catches. We've had several nice hides come in from the bow hunters and have had reports of several 6 and 8 point bucks.Lots of duck and geese hunters out there now too. Our grandson was successful over the weekend with seven geese total. It's a great time of year to live "Up North'. Hunting and fishing can keep a person really busy.

 

10/16/17- Reported by AAA Sports

The weather was beautiful on Saturday and Sunday, once we got past the early morning showers. Most of our anglers were getting live bait for their bait of choice; from crappie minnows to musky suckers. There was quite a variety of fanglers in the area this weekend. We're on the last of  the leeches. We sold a lot of musky suckers for the guys heading to Hayward Lakes area. Water temps are going down. There are guys out grouse hunting this week. More guys heading to the woods  for bow hunting now that the leaves are falling and it's cooling off.

 

 

10/9/17- Reported by AAA Sports

Lots of anglers out here pursuing the big muskies. We have large sucker minnows and also brought in a line pf Savage Gear soft bait. Last of the leeches are being used on the panfish and crappies. We had a 34" northern come in from "LOST LAKE," a guy said he caught it while trolling  for bass. The Brule has been pretty popular right now for the steelheads. Heard some guys went up to Washburn and caught some trout.They said they were throwing large poppers. Get out there and get fishing!

 

10/9/17 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

Muskie fishing around Washburn County is very good right now.  We're getting closer to the peak of the fall colors and have some great fishing to go along with it!  Muskies are hitting jerk baits and big minnow baits as we've worked them along drop offs near deep water.  A good number of our fish are coming on quick strike rigged suckers as well. The fishing should only get better as the weather gets cooler. 
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede 

 

9/25/17 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

With warmer than normal weather this past week one wouldn't think that the musky fishing would be very good here in Washburn County, but surprisingly its been pretty good. We've been able to boat some good fish by being versatile.  Some fish have been caught casting bucktails and topwaters, others have come on live suckers, and a few trolling crankbaits. The key is to have a flexible approach.  We also spent some time fishing for smallmouth bass, we had our best luck on pitching small soft plastics in shallow water.   A cool down is in the forecast for this week, so we'll see how it effects the fishing.  Good luck and good fishing, Jim Stroede 

9/12/17 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

This weeks warmer temperatures have been a pleasure to fish in.  And the fish must like it too because they're bitting good!
Muskies are active and chasing bucktails and topwaters in the shallows. Look for the thickest weed cover you can actually run a bait through and keep pounding away at 'em. We've been catching some nice bass too, both largemouth and smallmouth are doing well right now.  Spinnerbaits and jig worms are good out there. Crappies are starting to show up in classic fall areas now too. Good luck and good fishing!

9/12/17 - Report by Shell Lake Marine

Fishing is starting to turn a corner and pick back up for the fall bite. Shell Lake has had some reports of some 30"to mid 40" muskies along with ok panfish coming back into the weed lines from the cribs. Smallmouth Fisherman have reported some fair to good action along with everyone including the walleye seekers wishing leeches were still available. Crawlers have to be substituted or get creative with plastics as there are quite a few realistic alternatives. Everyone has been enjoying the early fall type weather including the annual site of the geese gathering has made fishing enjoyable for all.

8/9/17- Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

Fishing Report for Long Lake--Lot's of activity in and around the weeds! Bluegills, Bass, and Perch!  Also this week we have had reports of the Walleye and Crappie starting back up again off the deeper edge of the weeds anywhere from 12'-15' using crawlers.  The leech season is done, but most folks are having excellent luck with Crawlers, worms and waxies, also the crappie minnow and Fathead traffic is picking up!  Special note: there is a shortage of Walleye sucker minnows right now. Long Lake Bait has all in stock!  Open 7 a.m.-6 p.m. Monday- Saturday and Sunday's 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. 

8/8/17- Reported by Shell Lake Marine

I am not one for fairy tales, every report I have received this week has been dismal. Panfish bite is slow and size is small. Small mouth is probably still the best action at mediocre. Walleye is very light bite with few hook ups. Time to try spinners for northerns and at least you will get some exercise :)

 

Good morning, these warm August days have produced some exceptionally fine weeds on the lakes. Lots of anglers looking for the weed less hooks and lures now. Some are using the Johnson Silver Minnow's and the Snag Proof Boss Rat and Mouse. Also the weed less hooks and worms ,such as a GAMAKATZU weed less and a YUM, KALIN, or YAMAMOTO worm. Most of the customers who are coming in for bait say they are catching enough for a meal or two but nothing real exceptional for quantity and size. We're on the tail end of the leeches, but should have small ones for the next 1-2 weeks. Spooner Lake still producing a lot of fish ( crappies, bluegills and a few perch).

8/1/17- Reported by Shell Lake Marine

Fishing has been extremely tough this past week on Shell Lake. Can't even buy a walleye. Smallmouth bass are about your only option for some action try a Lindy rig with a crawler or spinners off the weed lines. Panfish are sporadic off the cribs.

7/25/2017 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

Musky fishing is picking up around the area, buck tails and top waters are catching fish early and late in the day. Pike are providing lots of action in between musky strikes too. Walleyed are a little on the tough side lately, we are picking up a few during our multi species outings. Largemouths are still going strong here too. Wacky worms and spinnerbaits are good choices right now.
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede 

7/24/17- Reported by Shell Lake Marine

Fishing on Shell Lake has picked up for Small mouth bass with reports of fish over 20". Panfish are on the cribs in fair numbers. Walleye action has slowed down as normal for mid summer limited success with trolling with perch or gold rapalas.

7/24/17- Reported by AAA Sports

Hi from AAA Sportshop. The hot humid weather had the Anglers fishing early in the morning and later in the evening. Seem to be selling more lures than minnows over the weekend. A lot of SPRO frogs and BOOYAH pad crasher went out the door in addition to chatterbaits. We had 2 bass over 4 LBS come in. One 30" 8 LB northern too, Rick continues to have guests in 3-4 days a week and they always go home with their tummies full and some fish to take home to enjoy later. Customers also purchasing weedless hooks and worms. Some lakes are really a challenge with the weeds by now. The coffee's on at 6:00 AM! Have a great week!

7/17/17- Reported by AAA Sports

Beautiful weather and great fishing! We've had lots of visitors to the area in over the past 2 weeks. We've sold quite a variety of bait with leeches being the strong seller, panfish ones on a jog or hook, regular size ones on spinners, beetle spins, larger ones on bigger jigs. Frogs from SPRO and BOOYAH have been going well for the bass. Weedless hooks and jigs are selling well for the lakes where weeds have become a problem. We brought some TUFFIES a smail bait fish, slightly bigger than fatheads but smaller than walleye minnows. 

7/17/2017 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

Washburn County fishing has been great! Lots of bass and panfish bitting on lots of lakes all across the county. Long Lake has been hot for a mixed bag of walleyes, largemouth and smallmouth bass, pike and bluegills. Deep weeds and wood are the better spots to find fish here, bring lots of bait! Also of interest is the many smaller lakes with nice largemouth bass populations. On these waters we've done very well on wacky worms and/or topwaters. Muskies action is beginning to pick up too, a few nice fish have begun to show up early in the day on classic summer spots.
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede 

7/10/2017 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

This week we're have some more typical summer weather, with our warmest stretch of temperatures so far. Water temps are around 70 degrees on area lakes. Bass and bluegills have been the most common catches, but walleyes are still bitting too. Muskie action is improving around Washburn County. Some nice fish are showing up on bucktails and swim baits. Try the weed line first, but if you have no action try casting or trolling over open water.
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede Guide Service 

7/3/2017 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

Cool, rainy weather looks like its giving way to warmer summer days.  The fishing has remained solid around the area.  Bass fishing, for both large and smallmouth has continued to be very good.  Wacky worms and jigs with soft plastics are catching lots of fish.  Walleyes have been a bit tougher most days, a few are showing up on deeper spots on jigs and live bait. Muskies are picking up a bit, casting and trolling are both working at times.
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede 

6/22/2017 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service  

Fishing has been great around Washburn county this week.  Bass, walleyes, pike and panfish have all been active.  The weather has been all over the place, sunny, windy, raining, hot, cool and all of the above on any particular day.
In spite of this the fish are bitting good. Jigs and leeches are working good, and we've caught some fish trolling crankbaits recently too. I'm expecting a good weed bite to continue for a while on most all of our lakes.
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede

 

6/13/2017 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service  

Area fishing is going good, we've been getting a fair share of nice fish.  Crappies were doing good a week ago but now they have finished spawning and moved out of the shallows. Bluegills are in shallow now and bitting very well on just about anything.  We've done well on the walleyes, smallmouth, largemouth, and pike recently.  Jogs and leeches are catching just about everything right now, what a great time to be out on the water!
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede

6/9/17- Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

Fishing report for Long Lake as of Thursday June 8th. Lot's of Fish Fry's this week~fishing remains great on Long Lake!   Lake temps continue to climb surface temp is around 68 degrees with deeper water coming in around 60ish!  The Bluegill bite is on!  The gills are hanging out on the weed beds.  Crappie bite has slowed but folks still catching some nice ones here and there. Lot's of nice Small and Large Mouth Bass, Walleye are biting just off the edge of the weed beds at about 8-12'. Some nice Perch too!  Fish seem to be liking all types of live bait right now.  We have a full line of Bait~ Waxies, Crawlers, Leaf & Red Worms, Euro Worms, Leeches (panfish, medium, large and jumbo), Crappie Minnows, Fat Heads, Walleye Suckers and Northern Suckers! Beat the heat this weekend by renting a Stand-up Paddle board, Kayak, Canoe or Peddle Boat from us!  Bait Shop Hours are M-Sat 7 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sunday's 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Enjoy the Hot Summer Weekend!

6/6/17- Reported by AAA Sports

We have had guests in to fish several days in the past few weeks. Everyone catches fish and goes home with a full tummy and fish to fry for future meals. Spooner Lake continues to be outstanding for pan fish, crappies and the occasion perch. We've heard that walleye are biting on Shell Lake south bay. Leeches and jig head seem to be working well. Water temps are on the rise so fish are moving into beds on most lakes. Everyone has their favorite bait or lure so it's hard to say what works best. Honestly, everyday someone comes in and says "the fish are only biting on this particular thing" and of course several people say the same thing, everyday! It depends on the day, weather, equipment and the bait or lure. The old tried and true: the red and white Daredevil, the Arbogast Jitterbug and the original floating Rapala's are the standard for a lot of fishermen and we're strong in sales on those items. Add a spinner bait, some kind of frog and a plastic of choice on a 1/0 hook and you've got a lot of good fishing lures to work with for the bass and northern. Rick's tried and true for the crappie and pan fish are the lead head jig (1/32, 1/8) and a waxie, of course. Now add a chicken jig or popeye jig to the lures, and maybe top it with a leech. You don't have to spend a ton of money on bait or lures, get the basics!!

5/25/2017 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service  

Fishing has been very good around Washburn County in spite of the cool, wet, windy, weather.  Most of our fishing has been involving crappies and smallmouth bass.  The crappies have been bunching up near spawning shorelines and we are finding them anywhere from right tight to shore at times to about seven feet deep.  On cold mornings we start out deep and work our way in as the day goes on.  Smallmouth bass are active in the shallows too, catch and release fishing  for them is a great time. Good luck and good fishing, Jim Stroede Guide Service
 

4/10/17- Reported by AAA Sports   

The summer is off to a great start. Opening weekend the weather was really nice and the anglers were out in droves. The biggest bass for the week was a 5 1/2 lb off of Spooner Lake. Largest crappie was 14 oz. off Lost Lake on a crawler. We do have leeches, but our supplier is not up to full steam yet. Don't forget our monthly fishing contest. $10.00 in store credit for the largest in each species: walleye, bass, northern, crappie, perch, and bluegill.

 

5/10/17- Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

Fishing kicked off to a great start opener weekend!  Current water temps ranging anywhere from 57 degrees up to 62 degrees.  Reports of Really Nice Crappie coming from Mud Lake and in shallower waters in depths of 1' - 4'using mostly Crappie Minnows, some worms, waxies as well as Gulp. Walleye's are biting as well! Had a nice 5 pounder caught off off a dock with Walleye Sucker!   Folks were using pretty much everything for bait ranging from Fat heads, Walleye Suckers, Leeches, Crawler, Rapala's you name it it seemed to work!  Bass were also very active along with a few Northern.  Reports of Bluegill beginning to bite as of yesterday!  Long Lake Bait Shop is now back to Summer hours 7 a.m. - 6 p.m.Monday - Saturday and Sunday's 7 a.m. - 5 p.m.  Fully stocked with Bait! All sizes of Leeches, Waxies, Crawlers, Worms, Euro Worms, Crappie Minnows, Fat Heads, Walleye Suckers,  & Northern Suckers.

Tom & Kathy Martin
Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store
 

4/10/17- Reported by AAA Sports   

This weekend we had reports of crappies and panfish biting...this is early!! !ater temps are still in the low 50's. Look for the fish in the shallow waters on the north and east side of the lake, where they get the most sun. Here's a to great open water fishing in 2017!

 

3/10/17- Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

2017 Licenses went on sale March 8th.  They are good through March 31 2018.  Cold temps are keeping the landings usable to get out on the ice.  Typical Spring Ice conditions exist so use caution.  Folks are still pan fishing.  It has been a bit slow, but folks are catching some nice Crappie and Bluegill along with some smaller ones. Also some really nice Perch out there too!  Have had reports of folks fishing shallow around 5-6' as well as some fishing deeper in around 20-24' and having good luck.  We have plenty of Crappie Minnows, Fatheads, Waxies and Spikes in the store.  Open 7 a.m. Tuesday - Saturday, Sunday's 7 a.m. - 3 p.m, Closed on Monday's.  

3/7/2017- Reported by AAA Sports   

Big game season ended on Sunday the 5th. In review of the winter:Our on the ice time was walking on in late November, driving on early January, shacks pulled off in Mid February. The fair to average days outweighed the good to excellent days.  If I was to pick the best fishing,( based on the fish brought in for our monthly contest) I would pick the timeframe of February 1-10. In the time frame we had the largest northern largest bass and largest pumpkinseed brought in.  The pumpkinseed was 1 oz from being a state record. It was 2# 11/2 oz weighed here and at the grocery store.  The next 10 days shows freezing weather every night, so we won't be losing any ice Still  lots of time to get out there and snag a few panfish. Don't forget about the monthly contest. Largest fish of each species get $10.00 in store credit!Bring in your  summer reels for new line!!

  

2/23/17- Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

Ice conditions vary use extreme caution.  This is a pic below is from the narrows landing 2-22-17 at 5:30 p.m. anglers reporting in anywhere from 6" to just over a foot.  Shore lines and bays are beginning to deteriorate.  The snowmobile stakes were removed from the lake on Feb 19th.  Fishing reports coming in are the Bluegill and Crappie are biting! Folks are using waxies and crappie minnows with a few fatheads here and there!  they have been found in depths ranging anywhere from 10' - 24'.  Crappie bite seems to be in the morning or late afternoon to early evening.  Still some nice Perch and a few Northern, Walleye are a bit on the slow side. There is currently a shortage of Sucker minnows and smaller shiners. We still have a medium large mix for the tail end of Game Fishing!  Game Fishing Season will end on Sunday March 5th!  Off Season hours are Tuesday - Saturday 7 a.m. 5 p.m. Sunday's 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Note we will open at noon Tuesday Feb 28th.
 
 
 
2/21/2017 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service  
Warm weather has made getting outside a real joy this past week.  Ice conditions are changing with the unseasonably warm temperatures, as always use caution out there.  We were out on a medium sized lake yesterday and had lots of action from the bluegills.  We caught all different sizes, kept a few to eat and let the rest go.  Small jigs and waxes in about 10 feet of water worked for us  .Good luck and good fishing, Jim Stroede Guide Service

2/9/2017- Reported by AAA Sports    

Here's what's biting! This past weekend was windy and cold, but if you were persistent, you'd catch fish. The Spooner Lions club contest on Spooner had over 200 people and lots of fish were caught. We sold a record breaking amount of suckers and shiners. Everyday people call and ask how the fish are biting and what are they using, etc. We can only tell them about what HAS been biting and what people are using. Every day is different, with weather patterns being the dominate factor. We'll help you as much as we can, but some days it's just fishing, not catching. Days are getting longer, gaining about 2 minutes a day!!

 

2/6/2017 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

The bite has slowed a bit for most ice anglers this week. Crappies had been active late in the day, and early evening on lots of Washburn County waters.This week they are bitting less often and lighter overall.  
Walleyes are still being caught on the bigger lakes, just after dark is still your best bet. Tip ups and shinner minnows have worked the best on the Wally's.
Continue to use caution on area lakes as there have been some folks get into trouble here lately.
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede

1/26/17- Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

Pan fishing is good right now, lots of Bluegills, Crappie (are out there but a bit on the slow side) and some nice perch, mostly found in the 7' - 12' range, but a few reports of 20' as well.  Folks mostly using crappie minnows, Waxies and Spikes, with a few plastics.  Walleye seem to be liking the morning and evening hours using Suckers and Shiners suspended in the 12' - 24' range.  The Northern are finally getting some size to them too, the bigger the bait the better with large Shiners and Suckers!   We are fully stocked with nice fresh bait and other items! Our "Off Season Hours" are: Tuesday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m./ Sunday's 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Closed on Mondays.
 
With the warmer temps we have lost most all of our snow cover so travel with CAUTION.  Reports from anglers coming in on ice thickness are ranging from 9"- 16" around the lake.  REMEMBER ice isn't always what it seems and ice ridges can develop quickly, causing thin ice. Fluctuations in temperatures can also quickly reduce the thickness of the ice.

 

 
 1/24/2017- Reported by AAA Sports    

The wet rainy weather was a challenge over the weekend, but the fish were biting!  If you could stay dry and not slip and slide too much you should have caught fish.  The low pressure had the fish moving.  We had several people in with their limit of panfish and a also a couple nice Bass brought in for the monthly fishing contest.  A 32"  northern has been entered too.  We need the snow and cold to get the lakes back in good walking condition.We've got ice cleats in several styles and sizes. Be SAFE!!

 
 
1/20/17- Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store
 
It's Wisconsin DNR FREE Fishing this weekend~January 21 & 22!   Things are picking up after the cold snap!  Ice conditions on Long Lake range from 12" - 16" Remember that the opening leading into the narrow at the north end NEVER REALLY FREEZES do not travel through there by auto, ATV or Snowmobile.  Reports coming in of lots of nice panfish including some Bluegill 9"-10" Crappie 12" - 15" and several nice Perch.  They are sitting at depths of 7-12 feet.  Most folks have been using Waxies, Spikes and Crappie minnows as well as some smaller plastics. Orange/Black  or White colored jigs seem to the ticket.  Walleye right now are sitting in depths around 200-12 feet.  Our Walleye limit on Long Lake is 3 and they must be 18" or larger to keep.  Had reports of some really nice ones being caught either early in the morning or in the evening after dark.  Folks are mostly using suckers or shinners both on tip-ups for jigging (we have both mediums and large sizes in both).  Word is that finally the Big ones are starting to bite on tip-ups with large suker minnows and a some large shiners.  We are fully stocked with nice fresh bait and other items! Our "Off Season Hours" are: Tuesday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m./ Sunday's 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. and Closed on Mondays 
Happy Fishing!  Thanks~Have a Super Weekend!~
Tom & Kathy Martin
Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

 

1/18/2017- Reported by AAA Sports   

There are lots of people out fishing!  What works for one guy, does not always work for another.  This week’s requests have included size 6 rat finke pink head/white body, size 4 GLOW demon red hook/silver body, heavier tip up line, larger shiner minnows, smaller shiner minnows, and colder weather!  There are reports of 15 plus inches of ice on the lakes.  Fisherman are reporting shiners are working better than minnows, spikes for perch, purple/blue jigs with waxies, flirty girty’s seem to be popular, smaller Rapala jigging raps for crappie and larger Rapala jigging raps for Walleye.

 

1/17/2017 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

Ice fishermen are out in big numbers on Washburn county lakes.  Lots of good reports of panfish action this week, most fish are being caught in 7 to 12 feet of water on small ice jigs and wax worms or spikes. Mornings have been better than later in the day by and large.Walleye fishing has been fair to good on most waters. The evening bite is solid.  Tip ups and shiners or walleye suckers are catching most of the fish, but jigging Rapala's have had their time too.
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede

 

1/13/2017- Reported by AAA Sports  

Lots of fishermen in today. All thinking it will be great weekend after the full moon and January freeze. Don't forget we run a monthly fishing contest: largest northern, walleye, crappie, perch, and bass. Each worth $10 in store credit, and we don't even ask where you caught it. Just bring it in for weight and length!

 

1/10/17 - Reported by Stone Lake Bait & Tackle

Recent reports have been that there's 12-16 inches of good ice on area lakes. Snowmobile trails have been marked to the best of our knowledge. The fishing has been living up to most angler's expectations with walleyes in 15-20 feet and hitting on medium suckers under a tip up. Northern pike can be found in shallower depths taking large shiners or large suckers. Although there's been several reports of good sized pike being picked up while jigging for panfish with a crappie minnow. Now that's a good time! If you can't find the crappies at your favorite spot try going deeper for them. We were told that crappies were found down at the 30-35 foot range recently ans small spoon type jigs tipped with waxies, fathead heads or crappie minnows are the presentation of choice. Continue to stay alert and aware of ice conditions when you head out. If you have equipment issues or have forgotten something at home we have most ice fishing gear for rent at Stone lake Bait and Tackle to include Vexilar flashers, ION battery powered augers, underwater cameras and more! Give us a call at 715-865-4665 for more info. Good fishing!

 

1/2/2017- Reported by AAA Sports    

Most of the area lakes have 8+ inches of ice. Safe for ATV's and snowmobiles. Always know where you're fishing and let someone know where you are.The Holiday weekend had lots of ice-fishing action. We had 4 guys from South Carolina in the week before Christmas. Rick took them to several lakes and they caught northern, bass, perch and crappies. Over new years weekend we have 4 guys in who ventured out of 4-5 lakes and were able to catch  some nice fish. With some cold weather coming in the middle of this week, we should see the ice thicken and hopefully get out on the lakes with vehicles. We have suckers minnows, shiners, rosy reds, fathead and crappie minnows as well as spikes and waxies. Just got in a new tiger Eye lure and also just filled up on Rapala jigging raps. Open everyday at 6:00 AM!!

 

12/21/16 - Reported by Stone Lake Bait & Tackle

Ice conditions in the Stone Lake area continue to improve rapidly. Although fishing seems a little slow right now there has been a decent northern bite with suckers on tip ups working well. Ice thickness will vary depending on currents and water depth. Currently we are getting reports of 3-4 inches on Big Sissabagama, Slim and Big stone and as much as 6-7 inches on Lac Courte Oreilles and Whitefish. There has been very limited ATV and snowmobile traffic on the lakes. I, personally, would give it another week before venturing out too far with your machines. Please use extreme caution at all times on the ice. Don't go alone but if you do let someone know where you plan on fishing. Feel free to call us at Stone lake Bait and Tackle anytime during business hours for ice condition and fishing updates at 715-865-4665. We're open 8-4:30 M-F and 7-4:30 weekends. We have all the bait you need including frozen smelt and herring. We will be open 7-2pm on Christmas Eve and all day Christmas day. Good luck! Be safe and Merry Christmas! 

 

12/21/16- Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

Merry Christmas to All!  1st Ice Conditions on Long Lake consist of 2" -8" on the South End and 2"- 5" and spotty on the North End by the Narrows by means of "Foot Traffic"  The North End just fully crusted over last Wednesday. Use EXTREME CAUTION!  Reports of nice Walleye, Crappie and Bluegill being caught all hours of the day!  Folks are using a full array of live bait!  Long Lake Bait Shop hours are Tuesday - Saturday 7 a.m. - 5 p.m. Sunday's 7 a.m. - 3 p.m. Closed Mondays.  Open Christmas Eve 7 a.m. - 2 p.m. Open Christmas Day 9 a.m. - Noon.  

12/19/16- Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

1st Ice Has arrived on Long Lake! Reports coming in from the South End that it crusted over on Monday December 12th with 1"-5" in some spots. North End just crusted over on Wednesday evening December 14th reports coming in of 1"-3" in some spots. Due to the recent snow fall we now also have water coming up through the ice. Thickness of the ice is exremly inconsistant. There have been a few brave soles out there this weekend catching some really nice Walleyes! EXTREME CAUTION IS RECOMMENDED!!!!

9/9/2016- Reported by AAA Sports    

Winter is here and so is the ice fishing! Only 10 days ago all the lakes were open and now we have reports of over 6" on most area lakes.We have not had any great fishing reports but we should soon. And don't forget out monthly fishing contest. $10.00 store credit for largest fish in each category!

12/15/16 - Reported by Stone Lake Bait & Tackle

Big Siss, Slim and Bass Lake (Springbrook) all have 2-2 1/2 inches of ice. There were a few guys out on these lakes and recommended that you don't venture out too far as of yet. Definitely no 4 wheeler's. It appears that Big Stone is still open. Please stay smart and safe. Check back for further updates.

12/8/16 - Reported by Stone Lake Bait & Tackle

The Stone Lake area lakes are cooperating nicely with the forecast although there's not enough ice to venture out yet in my opinion. The wind we've had has been keeping the waves rolling pretty good. This should change a lot by this time next week. We'll be closed this weekend but we've got fresh bait coming in on Tuesday, 12/13 so hopefully the smaller bays and lakes will be ready to go. With that being said please use extreme caution with early ice or at any time during the winter for that matter. Don't forget your ice picks and be safe! It's just a fish. Good luck!

 

10/27/16 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

I've been fishing muskie exclusively here in the month of October.  The bite has been good to very good most days.  One thing that has been working well is dragging live suckers and casting big minnow baits. We are catching more fish deeper rather than shallow this week, seeing lots of bait on the locator is usually an indicator of a great spot. 
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede

 

9/30/16 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

Water temps are holding around the low 60's on Washburn County lakes this week.  As we move into October look for cooling waters to concentrate fish all the more.  Musky fishing remains strong here, as lots of fish are still up shallow and are catchable. We've had multiple fish days this week.  Topwaters, shallow running crankbaits, and suckers have scored in my boat.  Walleyes have been on the tough side from what I'm hearing.  A pretty slow bite this week overall.  Jigs and minnows or Lindy rigging should start to catch fish as they begin to pile up on rock bars and humps across the county.
Good luck and good fishing, Jim Stroede

9/22/16 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

Musky fishing around Washburn County has really been picking up this past week, we've been catching lots of nice sized fish across the area.  Muskies are hitting a wide range of baits, topwaters, bucktails, and minnow baits have worked best for us recently.  Most fish are shallow hanging around weeds.  Cover lots of water to locate the most fish in a days time.
I didn't do any walleye fishing this week as the muskies kept me quite busy, but the walleyes should be bitting well on drop off areas and along rock bars and humps.  Try jigs and minnows or lindy rigging for walleye success.
Good luck and good fishing, Jim Stroede

 

9/9/2016- Reported by AAA Sports   

The cooler weather is when the true fishing enthusiast get out on the water. The lazy days of summer are over. Fish are moving more as they water temps start to lower. This makes them more of a challenge as they're probably not where you been finding  them all summer. For your bass and Northern: if you're "go to" bait of minnows is not working, throw them a spoon or spinner. The Bass have been really active and hitting on the "frogs" , whether it be a SPRO bronzeye or Boo-yah pad crasher. We also encourage you to try a plastic worm such as the Berkley power worm or Yamamoto Senko. Panfish can be even pickier, Rick continues to use the jig and waxie but has went to a crappie tube or cubby tail  when the catching has been slow. Musky fishermen are getting their orders in for the larger sucker minnows. The bigger bucktails have been selling well.

 

9/7/16 - Reported by Stone Lake Bait & Tackle

Fishing in the Stone Lake area has been a little slow recently. Most anglers are thinking that it could be due to all the rain and storms as of late. The presentations that seem to get the best results are using a small jig tipped with a crappie minnow or similar looking plastic bait, 4-5 feet under a bobber, along a good weed edge for crappies. Walleye anglers are having some action using a 1/4 to 3/8 ounce jig tipped with either a fathead minnow or medium sucker minnow in 12-14 foot depths. The musky action appeared to be pretty good over the Labor Day weekend with 2, 50 plus inch fish being caught, The bucktail type lures are producing the most action it seems. The smallmouth and largemouth bass are hitting spinner bait and top water frogs if you're fishing in heavy weeds. Leeches appear to be done for the season in our area although there's always the Berkley Gulp leeches that work well for a plan B. If you're in the Stone Lake area please be sure to stop in for all of your live bait and tackle needs. Good fishing to all! Stone Lake Bait and Tackle "It's Catchin' On!"

 
 9/1/16 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service
Fishing has been great all across Washburn County this week, walleyes, pike, bass, panfish and Muskies have all been bitting.
Weeds are the place to be if your looking to get bit right now.  A nice early morning jig bite is producing lots of fish in my boat, sun up 'till about 10am has been best. Bucktails and topwaters are catching good sized Muskies right now. Try fishing fast and cover lots of water to contact fish.
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede

 

8/31/16- Reported by Long Lake Bait, Tackle & C-Store

Fishing remains pretty good on Long Lake!  Lots of nice Blue Gills, Perch, Large & Small Mouth Bass, and a few Walleyes.  Crappies are a bit on the slow side right now.  Most all species are sitting just off the weed line at about 10' to 12'.  We are done with leeches for the season.  We have plenty of Crawler, Leaf Worms, Euro Worms, Waxies as well as Crappie Minnows, Fat Heads, Walleye Suckers and Northern Suckers.  We can order in Musky suckers upon request if they are available with our bait dealers. Bait shop hours through September 30th are: Monday - Saturday 7 a.m. to 6 pm. and Sunday's 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. ( we begin our "Off Season Hours" October 1). We wish everyone a safe and enjoyable Labor Day Weekend!

 

 

8/25/16 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service

Some cooler overnight temperatures have lowered the surface readings on Washburn County lakes from around 80 down Into the mid to lower 70 degree range this week. Fall is just around the corner. Musky action is picking up with nice fish cruising the shallows again. Bucktails and topwaters are catching fish. Walleye anglers are having good fishing right now, jigs and crawlers, lindy rigs, and trolled crankbaits have produced fish this week. Bass fish remains very good too. Lots of largemouths were caught on wacky worms and jig worms in recent days.
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede

 

 8/17/16 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

Fishing around Washburn County remained good this past week. Muskies are hitting bucktails and topwaters early and late in the day on many waters. Main lake bars with weeds have been the favored spots. Walleye fishing was good this week too.  We had a couple mornings with a little cloud cover and a nice chop on the water which led to a nice walleye bite. We're getting most of our fish in 13 to 18 feet near main lake basin areas.  
Good luck and good fishing,  Jim Stroede 

 

8/11/16 - Reported by AAA Sports  

If you don't mind the heat then the fish are still out there to catch. More anglers are using crankbaits, spoons, and spinners rather than minnows because the heat makes it difficult to keep the minnows fresh. Leeches are still being used in all sizes. Walleye on Shell lake have been biting, but the size are on the small size. We had a few nice crappies come in from Lipsie over the past weekend using Southern Pro crappie tubes (pumpkin/chartreuse). Trego Lake produced a couple nice northern on spoons. Rick continues to fish Spooner with guests a couple days a week and usually gets the limit. He still uses waxies and a jig head. Looking forward to fall fishing, We have leeches, but not sure for how long. We will be getting in Musky suckers in a couple weeks. Take a kid fishing!

 

8/10/16 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

Walleye fishing has been very good out on Long Lake. Nice fish in the 18 to 22 inch size range are feeding in the mornings on deep weed edges. Muskies are kind of spotty lately with a few fish caught on bucktails and topwaters, early and late in the day have been best. Bass are bitting really well on most lakes, frogs and wacky worms are catching the most fish now.
Good luck and good fishing,
Jim Stroede 

7/27/16 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

This past week we've been fishing a lot on Long Lake here in Washburn County. The walleyes are bitting on deep weed edges in 14-16 feet. We get bites from a mix of fish out there this time of year, largemouth and smallmouth bass are common along with all the panfish varieties as well. Jigs and leeches have been the go to presentation along with lindy rigging at times working too.
Good luck and good fishing, Jim Stroede 

 

7/27/16 - Reported by AAA Sports  

As the summer goes on the angler is turning from live bait to artificial, such as Gulp Alive, Minnows, leeches and crawlers. Yamamota has full line of plastics and we have the hooks from 1/0 to 5/0. Bass are doing better on spinner baits and frogs. We still have leeches form small to large. If theyre not biting, watch the weedlines as the fish are moving under that for cover. Have a great week!

 

7/20/16 - Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

Heavy down pours of up to ten inches of rain last week has area rivers running wild and area lakes a foot or more high. Lots of docks are underwater, many roads sustained heavy damage or complete wash outs, it's was really something.
Fishing has been good in spite of it all. Largemouth bass are bitting really well all over Washburn County, we've caught lots of nice bluegills recently too.  Pike are real active, and Muskie action is picking up nicely. Walleyes have been tough, try late in the day towards evening.
Good luck and good fishing,Jim Stroede 

  

7/7/16- Reported by Jim Stroede Guide Service 

Fishing remains good in Washburn County.  This week the bass and pike were keeping anglers plenty busy. Casting spinnerbaits over and around cover has been producing well, also topwaters early and late in the day for bass has been hot. Musky action was fair this week with a few fish coming on bucktails.
Good luck and good fishing, Jim Stroede
 
 

7/2/2016- Reported by AAA Sports   

Beautiful day to get out on the area lakes. Spawn is pretty much over and the fish are going deeper. We had 2 couples in this week that nick-named  Rick , the" fishing magician". They caught northern, bass, perch, crappies and sunnies. Mostly on Spooner with the traditional jig and waxie for the panfish and crankbaits for the larger game fish while trolling. Island produced some nice crappies this past week. 2 -8-10 # northern off of Spooner came in and several Bass using Scum frogs and hula-poppers. Catfish off the dam at Trego using "dough bait" in dip tubes 2 nice walleyes off of Big McKenzie using jighead and leeches. Get out and fish!!