Fishing & Outdoor Reports
1/16/2026 - Reported by AAA Sports Shop
This crazy weather has been a big factor in the fishing. Fishing was good during the last cold spell, and got even better with the "heat wave" we had. Cold and windy the past 2 days has slowed them down a bit. Ice reports are from 8" on most lakes, and had a report that there was over a foot on Shell Lake. We've had a couple nice Bass brought in for our MONTHLY CONTEST! We've been selling a lot of shiners. Tip up fishing is on as well as guys ( and gals) jigging for panfish and crappies. Just typical winter ice fishing. Bait has been great supply and we have frozen smelt and herring (temporarily out of Cisco's). Open everyday at 6:00!!
1/12/2026 - Reported by The Pioneer on Long Lake
Ice and trail report! We have 12-14" of ice on the lake! We had some warmup and rain last week but our trails are still open and in good shape! Looking like we may get a snow storm here later in the week so!
1/12/2026 - Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.33, No.1) by AAA Sports Shop
Fishing was great before the snow storm. Ice has been safe overall. Good-sized northerns have been coming in, along with some good panfish. Anglers are using shiners more than suckers. Anglers have been having luck with waxies and spikes for panfish. Tungsten jigs have been really popular. Brighter colors have been performing, best overall, other than on very clear lakes.
1/2/2026 - Reported by Wisconsin Fisherman Guide Service
Check out this video. Family ice fishing outing in Spooner. Big smiles for a big fish!
12/29/2025 - Reported by The Pioneer on Long Lake
ICE REPORT!! We got 8-12" (depending where you are on the lake) of fresh snow last night! Ice is a pretty consistent 10" of good hard clear ice.
12/29/2025 - Reported by Wisconsin Fisherman Guide Service
Check out this video!
12/23/2025 - Reported by Long Lake Bait & Tackle
Ice conditions on the North end of Long Lake: Out front of Blackhawk were averaging 7-8" but Winnebago Bay (LUCY) is averaging 5-8" of ice. Walking or smaller 4 wheelers and UTV's have been venturing out short distances. If your unsure, pop some holes as you venture out! Safe fishing!
12/22/2025 - Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.26) by AAA Sports Shop
Some lakes have walkable ice. In areas with less early snow, anglers will find better ice. Fishing season is getting under way and anglers should be seeing good action soon. Caution is still advised on most lakes, however.
12/19/2025 - Reported by AAA Sports Shop
Deer Hunting: There is one more gun deer hunting season in our area this year - the "Antlerless only Holiday Hunt". This season runs December 24, 2025 - January 1, 2026. If you are in the part of Washburn county that is now "Central Farmland" Zone 2 you can hunt. This area is south of 70 and west of 53. There are both public and private antlerless tags for this area.
Ice Fishing: Most of the area lakes are now frozen over with reports of 6-8" on some lakes. We always caution people to check the ice conditions. We have BAIT! Northern and Walleye suckers, shiners, chubs, crappies, fatheads, spikes and waxies too!
Our 20th annual Youth Fishing Funday will be December 29th on the Yellow River at the Veterans park. Bait, poles tip-ups and help provided, along with food and beverages. Dress warm.
12/15/2025 - Reported by The Pioneer on Long Lake
Monday Morning Ice Report! Got 8" along shore, anywhere between 7"-4" as you walk out farther. The snow has slowed ice growth for sure. But we are still WAY ahead of where we have been the last couple years.
12/15/2025 - Reported by Wisconsin Fisherman Guide Service
Check out this post about ice conditions on Long Lake!
12/12/2025 Reported by Long Lake Bait & Tackle
The Narrows is averaging 3 to 6 inches. North end off Blackhawk Landing is 4 to 5 inches. Belvedere bay (LUCY) is 3. If I was going to venture that way, make sure you have a spud bar this was the last place to freeze up! South end, Pioneer 3 to 5 they said. The snow is definitely slowing ice growth a bit. Hopefully these next 3 days of super cold locks it up!
12/12/2025 Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.25) by AAA Sports Shop
We have fishable, walkable ice on a few lakes. Further north where there was not as much snow, there is better ice. Ice conditions can vary several inches from one part of a lake to another, and are dependent a great deal on snow cover. Anglers should use caution on the ice, or wait for better conditions.
12/8/2025 - Reported by The Pioneer on Long Lake
Monday Morning Ice Report! The ice is very inconsistent. We have 2" then 5" depending on where you check. Please everyone be safe and remember its early yet!!
12/2/2025 Reported by Long Lake Bait & Tackle
Ice conditions, narrows is locking up but very thin ice. North end is wide open, hopefully that will change over the next few days. South end as of yesterday was about 30% iced over. We have some very cold temps coming over the next 4 days, lets hope that it gets froze over!
11/28/2025 Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.24) by AAA Sports Shop
The number of fishermen has dropped way off, but those who are still out there are finding willing walleyes eating chubs and suckers on deep structure under slip bobbers. They are also finding some big smallmouths in the same areas. However, most fishermen are now awaiting good ice.
11/6/2025 Reported by Wisconsin DNR
This winter in Wisconsin, if you spot a bear den, the DNR wants to know!
Reporting black bear dens helps DNR research scientists conducting a multiyear project for accurate population estimates and other important information.
If you do spot a den, remain at least 30 yards (one basketball court length) away at all times. Quickly and quietly drop a pin on your phone's map app to record the location and take some photos of the den's position on the landscape.
Then leave the area, being careful not to disturb the den's resident. Report the den as soon as possible using this online form: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7DSMFZS
Your help makes this work possible. Thank you!
10/28/2025 Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.22) by AAA Sports Shop
Walleye fishing has been running about average while also improving with cooling water temperatures. During the day, fish mid-depth to deeper weeds, weed edges, rock, drop-offs and near deep basin structure. Towards evening and after dark, move to shallower weeds and weed lines. Jig live bait or plastics on jigs, or cast and troll crankbaits. Pike action is good to very good around weeds on live bait. There are only a few anglers still chasing large mouths, but they're doing well by using any type of rig around weeds and wood. Small mouth bass action is good.
10/22/2025 Reported by Wisconsin DNR
The DNR reminds hunters and the general public that the 2025 pheasant season opens at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025, and runs through Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026. The opening weekend, Oct. 18-19, has a daily bag limit of one rooster per day. Starting Monday, Oct. 20, the daily bag limit increases to two roosters per day. This limit remains in place for the remainder of the season. Hunters may harvest a rooster or hen when hunting in designated rooster and hen hunting areas
The DNR again plans to stock approximately 75,000 pheasants from the state game farm on over 80 properties statewide. Depending on production levels, pheasants are released once before the pheasant hunting season and up to twice a week for the first two to three weeks of the season. After that, birds are released about once a week until the nine-day gun deer season opens on Nov. 23, and stocking resumes once per week on only a handful of properties following the nine-day gun deer season.
Hunters are encouraged to wear blaze orange or pink while pheasant hunting to increase visibility for other hunters and outdoor recreators. During any gun deer season, at least 50% of any hunter’s clothing above the waist must be blaze orange or pink, except for waterfowl hunters.
For more information, including complete pheasant hunting regulations, shooting hours and helpful tips, visit the DNR's Pheasant Hunting webpage: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/pheasant.html
10/15/2025 Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.21) by AAA Sports Shop
Anglers have been doing well on bluegills. There has been little crappie action to report, but many anglers are buying minnows, so they are likely catching something on them. As is the case across most of the state, anglers have been hoping for cooler water temperatures.
9/30/2025 Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.20) by AAA Sports Shop
Walleyes are deeper, with some moving shallow. For deep fish, troll crankbaits and crawler harnesses. Fish will transition from deep to shallow, slip bobbers and jerk-baits will work again. Pike anglers are seeing fish in 5 to 20 feet on spoons, spinnerbaits, swimbaits and jigs/minnows. Largemouth and smallmouth action has been steady, whether shallow or deep. Crappies are on deep structure and roaming basins.
9/16/2025 Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.19) by AAA Sports Shop
Walleye fishing is improving with cooler water. Anglers are trolling crankbaits and crawler harnesses for deeper fish. Northern pike are fairly shallow. Anglers are seeing fish in 5 to 20 feet where they're hitting just about anything. Bass fishing remains good, with largemouths grabbing any type of rigging while smallies are cruising rocky structure and hitting topwaters and drop-shot rigs.
9/15/2025 Reported by AAA Sports Shop
Wow! The fall always sneaks up on us. Bear hunting started the first week of September and goes into October. Musky season has taken off with the cooler weather. (Except that we are having Summer temp again this week)
Archery season opened on Saturday (9/13). The unusually warm temps are keeping some people out of the woods, (bugs are plentiful and hardly any leaves have fallen). Duck and regular goose season starts next weekend (9/20) Having said all that, we have a great supply of hunting products and services to offer. Please check out our Facebook page and new website at tripleasportsshop.com
Open everyday 6:00 AM -6:00 PM except Sunday until 5:00.
9/5/2025 Reported by Wisconsin DNR
MADISON, Wis. – For many hunters, the crisper evenings and shorter days of early September start the annual countdown to the Wisconsin deer season. Nationally recognized as one of the country's premier states for hunting white-tailed deer, our state has both an abundant herd and a reputation for producing record-class bucks. Hunters once again have a multitude of opportunities this fall. For a comprehensive report on what to expect for the 2025 deer hunting season, please see the 2025 Deer Season Forecast. The forecast contains field updates from biologists, maps, information about CWD in the state and detailed season dates.
As the deer season progresses there are several changes and important dates to keep in mind:
- There have been updates made to the Deer Management Units (DMUs) for the 2025 Deer season, as well as a correction to the season structure for Green and Pierce Counties. Review the map of the new DMUs and see the season structure breakdown by counties.
- Archery & Crossbow: Sept. 13 – Jan. 4, 2026
- Extended Archery & Crossbow: Jan. 5 – 31 *
- Youth Firearm: Oct. 11 – 12
- Gun Deer Hunt For Hunters With Disabilities: Oct. 4 –12 **
- Nine Day Gun Deer: Nov. 22 – 30
- Metro Sub-Unit Gun Deer: Nov. 22 – Dec. 10
- Muzzleloader: Dec. 1 – 10
- Four-day Antlerless-only Hunt: Dec. 11 – 14
- Antlerless-only Holiday Hunt: Dec. 24 – Jan. 1, 2026**
For the most up to date information about the 2025 deer hunting season in Wisconsin including where/how to purchase a license, safety tips, CWD updates, etc., please visit the DNR Deer Hunting webpage.
Lastly, the DNR recommends that hunters check out our Safely Eating Venison webpage for info on the current lead and PFAS advisories in place in Wisconsin. *In select DMUs only. For more information please consult the Deer Management Units and Season Structure map. Note: The printed regulations labelled Green and Pierce counties incorrectly. View the corrected map online.**Not a statewide season. Please visit the DNRs Deer Hunting For Hunters With Disabilities webpage for more information.
9/5/2025 Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.18) by AAA Sports Shop
Largemouth bass fishing is good to very good on shallow weeds, weed edges, weed lines, lily pads, slop, and brush. Most any offering is working now, including jigs and minnows, artificials and any kind of rigging. Smallie fishing is a bit slower, but still good. Find fish on rock bars, weed lines and along shoreline wood and stumps out to 20 feet. Crappie fishing is good to very good, with best success in later afternoon and evening.
8/7/2025 Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.16) by AAA Sports Shop
Northern pike action is solid on just about any lure, but mostly for smaller fish. Fish in the weeds, the thicker the better. Largemouth fishing is very good in lily pads and weeds. Smallmouth bass are active in woody or rocky areas.
Crappie fishing is solid, with a good night bite going right now. Minnows are the best live bait.
6/25/2025 Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.13) by AAA Sports Shop
Walleye anglers are camping on weedlines with live bait. Or try swimbaits or crankbaits over weeds in 10 to 15 feet. Northern pike action is good to excellent in shallow areas with panfish. They're hitting everything. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are coming off the spawn. Head for shallower flats with wacky rigs, swimbaits, chatterbaits, and jerkbaits.
6/13/2025 Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.12) by AAA Sports Shop
Most muskies are shallow and are hitting on small bucktails and swim-baits. Walleyes are between shallow waters and the first weed growth. Cold and wind the last few weeks halted growth, but some sun should help on that point moving fish into weed lines. Northern pike are active in 10 to 13 feet. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are mostly shallow and active. Crappies and bluegills have moved shallow as well.
5/12/2025 Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.10) by AAA Sports Shop
Minnows are producing walleyes in 6 to 15 feet of water on most area lakes. The morning and evening hours have seen the best action. Crappies have made a big push into shallow water last week on most lakes. Expect muskies to be relatively shallow and chasing smaller lures on the May 24th opener.
4/14/2025 As submitted to Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.8) by AAA Sports Shop
All lakes are in different stages of ice-out, with some having only a few open shorelines and others have 75% or more open water, depending on a number of factors. Fishermen should check the status of their fishing licenses and start preparing gear for the May 3rd fishing opener. It's not far off. The catch-and-release stream trout season is open, as is the early release bass season. Anglers reported a good ice season overall, especially for panfish.
4/1/2025 From The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/105896
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is reminding anglers that the 2024-2025 fishing licenses expired on March 31, 2025. On April 1, 2025 all residents and nonresidents over 16 must possess a valid 2025-2026 general fishing license to fish in Wisconsin's inland waters. Along with the new licenses, the new fishing regulations are now available for the 2025-2026 fishing season.
Annual resident licenses cost $20 each, or purchase a spousal license for $31 so you and your spouse can fish together. All fishing licenses and stamps can be purchased on line via Go Wild, at a registered sales location or at DNR Service Centers.
3/17/2025 As submitted to Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.6) by AAA Sports Shop
Ice conditions are solid, with most lakes having more than two feet of ice. Foot and ATV travel is no issue, but warm temperatures are on their way. Crappies are still hanging mostly over deep water, but some are also staging outside of bays that they will enter to feed and spawn once the ice retreats. Search for fish suspending in more than 20 feet. Larger jigs and jigging spoons should temp big crappies. Bluegills roam deep weed lines and muddy basins looking for food. Use waxies and plastics on small jigs, or even go to small spoons for bigger fish. Perch will cruise toward mud flats getting ready to spawn. Focus on bottom baits that stir up the sediment. Small insect and worm style baits on small jigs work well. Trout angers are fishing the early catch-and-release season in many rivers.
3/3/2025 As submitted to Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.5) by AAA Sports Shop
Crappies and perch are in main lake basins in 20 to 25 feet. Waxies and plastics on small jigs are the best options for getting down to the suspended panfish. Bluegills should be closer to cover. Look for fish in and around shallower weeds and wood. Waxies and plastics on small jigs are great for bluegills.
2/19/2025 As submitted to Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.32, No.4) by AAA Sports Shop
Walleye fishing slows at this time, and anglers move near walleye spawning areas. The fish gather on the main lake flats outside of spawning bays, staging for ice-out. Try jigging spoons and rattle baits to tempt walleye cruising by setlines. Northern pike fishing is great this winter. At this time, pike scour lake bottoms for dead and dying fish due to winter kill, so dead bait shines. Crappies are in a basin bite in 15 to 50 feet, depending on the lake.
2/18/2025 - Reported by AAA Sports Shop
It's cold out there! Dress warm and enjoy the beauty of the Washburn County winter wonderland.
Minus 15 here today and I've already had 3 groups in for bait. They are all headed to their shacks on local lakes. There have been some really nice fish brought in!!
I have 4 crappies over 1# registered and 1 7# walleye.
Largest bluegill is only 9"...someone should be able to beat that!
Have a great day and don't forget to stop in a sign up for our 25th anniversary monthly drawing...a Shappell ice shelter is the February prize
1/23/2025 - Reported by AAA Sports Shop
Our little blast of frigid weather kept some anglers off the lakes, but those with ice castles, etc. were still out in full force over the last few days.
Most anglers are using northern and walleye suckers or shiners for bait. The guys that were jigging were using a variety of lures: Rapala jigging raps, Acme Hyper rattles and Hyper glides, Northland Puppet minnows, etc. For crappies and the 'gills the Tungsten Skandia Diamond jigs have been working well along with the K-Rips and T-Rips.
We still have a few of the newest Beaver dam tip ups in stock. The 2024-2025 models are the "Beat Cancer" and The "Snot Rocket" You have to see it to appreciate it!
This week Rick and Cassi will be at The Cameron Gun & Knife Show on Jan 24th-25th. This Cameron gun show is held at the Old Cameron School and hosted by Bearing Arms Gun Shows. All federal and local firearm laws and ordinances must be obeyed.
Also this weekend, there will be a fishing contest put on by the Northwinds Bar on Little Rice Lake.
Don't forget to stop in and sign up for our monthly 25th anniversary prize. This months prize is an ice fishing package with product from Beaver Dam, Clam, Eskimo, HT and more!
Still OPEN 6:00 AM - 6:00 PM 7 days a week.
1/15/2025 - Reported by The Pioneer on Long Lake
ICE REPORT! We have 14" in front of Pioneer. The entire lake is marked and ice on Friday reported from 12-16". We got about 4" of light fluffy snow over the weekend. Not quite enough for trails yet but you can ride the lake!! As always, no ice is 100% safe.
1/10/2025 - Reported by Wisconsin Fisherman
Check out this fishing report and ice update from the Spooner area!
1/6/2025 - Reported by AAA Sports Shop
It's cold outside and the ice is definitely set up for ice fishing! Reminder to always check the conditions before venturing out.
Today I have anglers going out on Leisure, Lipsie, Spooner, Shell, and Sand lakes just to name a few. More tip up fishing today than jigging. Hands can get mighty cold! Bait is in great supply We have added Rosey Reds to the inventory for the rest of the winter. We have a great supply of Tungsten in stock to jig for panfish.
Our 19th Annual Kids Fishing Funday was held on December 27th and was well attended. Fish were caught, cleaned and cooked on the ice.
Don't forget to stop in and sign up for our 25th anniversary monthly give away. December's prize went to Ken Haydenb of Cumberland. Ken won an Eskimo ice shelter. January's 25th anniversary prize is an Ice fishing package with products from Clam, Beaver Dam, Eskimo, HT, etc. Worth over $200.00.
ALL our non-tungsten jigs are on sale 2/$1.00. DOES NOT INCLUDE DEMONS HT ice hole covers are on sale for $9.00 ALL CLOTHING IS 10% OFF.
1/6/2025 - Reported by The Pioneer on Long Lake
ICE REPORT! 10.5" here in front of Pioneer. Reports from the north end of 6-7", 9" in the thumb. This is the hardest clearest ice I've seen since I've been up here so we have a great base! The Long Lake Chamber of Commerce will be marking the lake Friday morning. Everyone do a snow dance and let's get the trails open and have a great winter!
1/5/2025 - Reported by Shell Lake Fire Dept.
There is a pressure ridge that has formed on Shell Lake, east of the main boat landing near Hwy 63 - approximately 150 yards out from the landing. It starts near Scouts Island and continues to angle north past the beach area. It gets closer to the shoreline as it angles north. Use caution in this area!
12/30/24 - Reported by The Pioneer on Long Lake
ICE REPORT! Well our ice made it through the warm up surprisingly well! We have 7" of good hard clear ice in front of Pioneer. Have reports of 4-5" on the north end. Weather is looking a lot better this week for ice making. We are hopefully going to be able to mark the lake late next week. As always, no ice is 100% safe, please use your best judgment and be safe!
12/27/2024 As submitted to Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.31, No.26) by AAA Sports Shop
SPOONER AREA: Most of the smaller lakes had 4 to 6 inches of ice last week. The larger lakes have sheeted over, but are running a little behind the smaller lakes on ice depth over deeper areas. Walleyes are still relating to shallow weeds in 12 feet or less. Northern pike are also roaming shallow weed lines. There have been reports of good numbers of panfish catches on live bait and plastics on jigs in 15 to 30 feet.
12/26/2024 - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that the 2024 open water musky fishing season will close statewide on December 31, 2024.
Anglers are also reminded that musky may not be targeted through the ice at anytime.
The season will reopen in the southern zone on May 3, 2025, and in the northern zone on May 24, 2025.
12/23/24 - Reported by The Pioneer on Long Lake
ICE REPORT! We have 7" of good hard clear ice in front of Pioneer. Reports of 5" on north end. Warmer weather next couple days but cold after that. We are hoping to mark the lake first or second week of January. As always, no ice is 100% safe and please be safe.
12/20/2024 - Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) invites clubs and organizations to host free fishing clinics on Winter Free Fishing Weekend, Jan. 18-19, 2025.
On Free Fishing Weekend, residents and nonresidents can fish most waters of the state without a fishing license or a stamp for trout or salmon (see exceptions regarding trout waters below).
Please submit the event registration and materials request forms by Jan. 8. The clinic will be promoted, and educational materials will be sent. Anglers ages 15 and under may fish without a license any day of the year. Therefore, organizers are encouraged to also welcome adults new to ice fishing.
No ice is safe ice. A strong ice safety message is recommended to be stressed at every clinic. The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, but local bait shops and fishing clubs may have current information. Download the brochure Know Before You Go for facts about ice and tips to prepare for a safe outing on the ice. If the lake chosen for the clinic doesn’t freeze over, anglers can cast from shore into open water.
Clinic plans should include anglers with limited mobility. Many state properties and community partners have accommodations or equipment to make the outdoors accessible for all. Learn about the available accommodations at state-managed properties on the DNR's Accessible Recreation webpage and other options from partner organizations.
Clinic hosts are advised to consult the trout regulations when planning clinics and outings to ensure that the body of water is open to fishing. While most trout streams are open during the catch-and-release season on Free Fishing Weekend, there are trout streams, spring ponds and lakes that are closed to fishing. Check with your local DNR fisheries biologist if you have questions about specific waters. For open trout streams, only artificial lures are allowed, and anglers must release all trout caught.
All other fishing regulations, including bag limits, size limits and species restrictions, remain in effect.
11/29/24 - Reported by Wisconsin Fisherman
Check out this first ice update from the Spooner area! View Video
11/27/2024 - Reported by AAA Sports Shop
WE ARE CELEBRATING OUR 25TH YEAR IN BUSINESS ALL YEAR LONG!
From November 2024 - October 2025, we will be giving away a special anniversary prize on the 25th of each month.
The December prize is an Eskimo Ice Shack. Stop in and register - no purchase necessary.
It looks like the ice fishing season is about to get going! The weather the past 2 winters has hampered the ice fishing tremendously. As always, be cautious when getting out on the lakes. We are well stocked with augers, tip ups, jig poles, etc., and our fresh bait is coming in today and Friday.
Hunting season is about 1/2 through and I've seen a lot of nice deer on Facebook and people showing off their deer on their phones when they come in.
11/22/2024 - Reported by AAA Sports Shop
. . . and the hunt is on.
On the tail of a successful and ongoing archery season, we now have the gun deer hunters hitting the woods. License sales have been brisk and there is always the excitement of the first hunt for many.
Friday morning was a mix of hunting and fishing. I had musky anglers in and another bunch bought walleye minnows for "1 more time out with the boat". Then it was a sale of night crawlers and waxies for a guy who was panfish fishing from shore.
About 9:00 the hunters started to come in and after that it was busy with guns, ammo and license sales for the rest of the day. It amazes me the number of new guns sold the last couple of days before the opener. Needless to say it settled down at about 5:00 and I closed at 9.
We will have our usual 6 to 6 hours everyday except for the 24th when I plan to close at 3:00. Closed Thanksgiving Day.
EVERYONE BE SAFE OUT THERE! GOOD LUCK!!
10/18/2024
Northern WI Fishing Report.
Water temps are around the 55° mark.
Folks are starting to get a lot of Muskies on sucker rigs. Walleyes are starting to stack back up on shallower weedlines as the weeds are dying. Smallmouth are right along there with them. The panfish are around there too but some are heading to deep basins to roam.
Jig and a medium minnow, walleye sucker or a fathead is a great bait to catch just about anything on right now. I usually use a 1/4 or 1/8oz jig. You can catch a lot of bass and walleye this way keeping the jig above any weeds and just slowly lifting them reeling the slack no need for fancy jiggin technique. Fall fishing is heating up! Good luck to all the hunters in the woods as well! If you want to get on the water for a fall fishing trip I have days available just shoot me a message!
Submitted by: The Wisconsin Fisherman - Kyle Tyree.
9/17/2024 As reported by Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.31, No.19) Contributing writer: Dave Zeug
Wisconsin's 2024 fall pheasant season opens on October 19th @ 9:00 AM and ends on January 5, 2025, with a bag limit of one rooster per day on opening weekend and two per day after that point.
9/17/2024 As submitted to Wisconsin Outdoor News (Vol.31, No.19) by AAA Sports Shop
Northern pike action is solid on just about anything, while largemouth action is steady around shallow weeds and structure. Smallmouth fishing is good in 15 to 30 feet, though in late summer, many smallmouth surface feed on insects and minnows. Crappie anglers are seeing fish on cribs, over deep water, or hovering just above the weeds.
9/12/2024 Reported by Wisconsin DNR
The deer archery and crossbow seasons open Sept. 14. The two seasons run through Jan. 5, 2025, except in the 35 counties and metro subunits that have extended seasons open until Jan. 31, 2025.
The early archery and crossbow seasons are great opportunities for hunters to harvest antlerless deer before they change their patterns and experience additional hunting pressure during the gun deer season. Bonus antlerless harvest authorizations remain available in many counties.
As a reminder, all harvested deer must be registered by 5 p.m. the day after recovery using GameReg online, by phone or at a participating registration station.
9/6/2024 Reported by AAA Sports Shop
Fall 2024..... and the HUNT IS ON!! Canadian Goose season opened 9/1 for 2 weeks. Teal opened 9/1 for 9 days. Bear Hunting by baiting began 9/4- 9/10. Bear Hunting with Dogs, and using bait, is 9/11-10/1. YOUTH DUCK is 9/14 and 9/15.
AND THEN.....Archery season opens 9/14 through JANUARY 5TH!! There are private bonus antlerless deer tags available in Washburn, Sawyer, Barron and Burnett counties. NOTE: If you have a bonus tag and DO NOT use it for archery, you can use it for gun deer season
Other hunting seasons that open on the 14th are: Grouse - Zone A, Cottontail Rabbits - Northern Zone, Squirrels - Statewide, Regular Duck and Goose season, and Fall Turkey.
AAA Sports Shop hours are now 6AM - 6PM Monday - Saturday. Sunday Hours are 6AM - 5PM
COFFEE'S ON!
7/26/2024 - Reported by Wisconsin Fisherman
Hey Folks! Kyle here with another update! We’ve been getting on some good fish this past week! Water temps are holding around 76° fish are a little deeper. Crappies are holding in weeds from 7’-15’Deep. Minnows and small jigs are the ticket for them! Walleyes have been in 25’-15’ Trolling crawlers and slip bobbers with leeches are a good way to target them. Pike we’ve been catching with sucker minnows and jigs or spinner baits on deep weed edges pike like to ambush its prey so find heavy weeds. Bluegills, the bigger ones are hanging 7’ deep or even deeper. Use a slip bobber and worms to pick up a meal of them! If you keep catching small ones go deeper. Smallmouth bass have been chowing minnows on a drop shot in about 20’ of water.
I have more availability this next month so just shoot me a message if you’re looking to get out and fish! Thank you!
7/26/2024 - Reported by AAA Sports Shop
July has been a busy month, lot's of weekly visitors to the area.
Water temps have been hovering around 75" but the next few days should see those temps rise. When the water gets that warm, we steer people away from live bait and into plastics, crankbaits and spinners. Beetle Spins, Panther Martin and Mr Twisters spinners have been doing well on the crappies and panfish. Mepps in size 4 and 5 are being used on the bass, along with frogs. We have Spro, Scum frog, Booyah and Lunkers in frogs options 3/8 and 1/2 Spinners in white and then Chartreuse seem to be the most popular. Due to weeds in the lakes, we are selling a lot of weedless hooks with worms ( plastic)
We are at the end of the leech season, earlier than usual but we had leeches earlier in the spring. Once we go through with this round of hot weather, we will start getting in musky suckers. Lots of good fishing left to do.
Looking ahead to fall...the deer bonus tags go on sale 8/12.
If you have one that needs repair, bring it in anytime. Open everyday at 6:00 AM. closing at 6:00 PM starting 8/1.
6/18/2024 - Reported by Wisconsin Fisherman
Hey folks, Kyle Tyree here with your latest fishing update!
We're in a sweet spot for fishing right now. Water temperatures are sitting between 65°-70°F depending on the lake size. The bluegills are starting to bed down in the shallows, so it's prime time to get out there and hammer some panfish. Keep an eye on those shallower warmer bays where the beds are easy to spot.
Walleye are still hanging around the weed edges at about 12 to 15 feet deep. Early mornings and late evenings are your best bets, and Slip bobbers with leeches is working wonders.
For those of you after northern pike and largemouth bass, focus on the shallower thick weeds. The pike are smashing flashy spinnerbaits and largemouth bass are hitting chatterbaits very well. That vibration really draws them in.
And let's not forget the crappies! They've moved to their post-spawn locations in the deeper weeds. Using crappie minnows in these areas is paying off big time. Find those deeper tall weed beds and you're in for crappie action.
That's it for this report. Get out there, have fun, and as always, tight lines! We have limited guide trip availability so give me a call and let’s get you scheduled in to catch some fish!
4/29/24 - Reported by AAA Sports Shop
The past couple weeks have been busy!
Anglers are getting their boats out and grabbing some crappie minnows and night crawlers. Water temps are cold yet, so the crappies and bluegills are still in the deep water. As the days get warmer and we approach the May 4th opener, the fishing will just keep getting better! Don't forget your license expired on 3/31!! We will be open until 9:00 on May 3rd and open at 5:00 on Saturday morning. We have LEECHES!! Panfish, regular and some nice large ones.
Youth Turkey hunt went really well, check out our Facebook pages for some great pictures. This past week was the first week for a lot of hunters.
Successful hunters in our family include Bailee, Allie, Jeff and Jay.
WE Sell DAKA DOCKS AND LIFTS check out their website and then call us for pricing.
Open 6:00 AM everyday...coffee's on.
1/17/24 - Reported by AAA Sports Shop
Well the ice is definitely getting safe on the lakes, many reporting 7" and up.. But always use caution when going on the ice. We had a 19" brown trout come in off of Spooner lake and a couple really nice Bass from another area (Mystery) lake. Next weekend the 27th there is a contest scheduled at Northwinds, located on Rice Lake by Benoit Lake. Also the Barronett fishing contest on Shallow Lake west of Barronett on the 27th. Coyote hunters are out hunting. Not much snow makes it a lot easier this year. Our bait supply is very good, including frozen smelt, shiners, cisco and Herring. Coffee's on at 6:00 am!
1/16/24 - Reported by Wisconsin DNR
Curious about ice fishing but don’t know where to start?
This weekend, Jan. 20-21, is Free Fishing Weekend, and that means you can ice fish without a fishing license or trout and salmon stamp throughout Wisconsin. Keep in mind, though, that all other fishing regulations apply.
A couple of things to keep in mind as you head out on the ice:
– Whether you are fishing an open stream, jig fishing from a shack or waiting for a flag from a tip-up, remember that no ice is 100% safe. Take precautions and stay safe on the ice.
– Also, just like you, fish don’t like being kept out in the cold. Try to get them back in the water as quickly as possible.
Free Fishing Weekend only happens twice a year, so take advantage and see what ice fishing is all about! Learn more about Free Fishing Weekend and Learn to Fish clinics on our website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/.../anglered.../freeFishingWeekend
We’ll see you on the ice!
1/15/24 - Reported by The Pioneer on Long Lake
ICE REPORT!!! Well we are definitely finally making ice!! It was -12° this morning, now 1° which I believe is going to be our high for the day. The ice is very inconsistent, I drilled 10 holes, found from 6"-2" so we definitely need some time. Most of the lake was open five days ago. The forecast looks great with cold and no snow so hopefully we can get out there soon! As always no ice is ever 100% safe so please use caution. And if you want to come visit our winter wonderland we do have nice warm cozy cabins open year round!
1/14/24 - Reported by Long Lake Bait & Tackle
Just checked Blackhawk Road landing "Narrows Landing" - we made ice overnight that's for sure. 3-4 solid inches out there! Foot traffic definitely recommended but with these temps, won't be long. Get out and fish!
1/11/24 - Reported by The Pioneer on Long Lake
Ice Report: Well FINALLY we can call the lake locked up! Everything we can see on the south end is locked up. Am checking with folks on the north end now! Cold cold weather the next week or two so hopefully we get some good ice, and snow to salvage a month or so of snowmobile and ice fishing season!!! The dark colored ice was open last night so please please take extreme caution when venturing out on the ice.
1/6/24 - Reported by Wisconsin DNR
Let the trout season begin!
The early catch and release inland trout season kicks off this Saturday, Jan. 6, giving you your first chance in 2024 to hit those inland streams, lakes and ponds for one of Wisconsin’s four inland trout species. Remember, only artificial tackle can be used during this season, which will run until May 3, 2024. Make sure to have your 2023-2024 general fishing license AND your inland trout and salmon stamp, which are both good until March 31, 2024.
Since this is a catch and release season, we also want to remind you to release your catch responsibly. Reduce your reel and handling time as much as possible.
It's sure to be a great season, so dress warm and enjoy yourself out there!
Get tips on our website: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/Fishing/trout/index
1/5/24 - Reported by Long Lake Bait & Tackle
The ice at the Narrow Landing (Blackhawk Road) is only 1/2" Thick.
12/26/24 - Reported by AAA Sports Shop
This weather is causing a lot of anglers to re-think about getting out on the ice. We had about 6-8 good ice on many lakes. Now we have a LOT of rain on top of that ice. Some shorelines are breaking up, etc. For that reason we are postponing our 18th annual youth fishing funday from Thursday to Saturday this week. Once it stops raining, the temps will be settling down into what appears to be a more normal range. We did have people fishing over the weekend and even on Christmas Day!
12/22/24 - Reported by Wisconsin DNR
Reminder! The antlerless-only holiday hunt opens this weekend in select Farmland Zone counties and runs from Dec. 24 – Jan. 1, 2024.
If you'll be out for the holiday hunt, keep safety top of mind and remember that all hunters, except waterfowl hunters, are required to wear blaze orange or fluorescent pink during any firearm deer season, including those participating in the holiday hunt.
In addition to wearing blaze orange, remember TAB-K to help you easily remember the four rules of firearm safety:
T = Treat every firearm as if it is loaded
A = Always point the muzzle in a safe direction
B = Be certain of your target, what's before it and what's beyond it
K = Keep your finger outside your trigger guard until you are ready to shoot.
Be safe and enjoy the hunt!
Find the counties in this year’s antlerless-only holiday hunt: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/hunt/dates
