WI/IL fishing reports

[Lee Borgersen]

Midwest fishing report

March 6, 2008
Midwest Fishing Report

WISCONSIN REMINDER: Game-fish season on most inland lakes is closed.

AREA LAKES: Fair: Shore lines and current areas gave way over the weekend, especially south, but overall ice fishing should hold well into next week or beyond. The influx of water and current has helped keep ice fishing good in what is generally the February/March doldrums.

AREA RIVERS: High: Despite high dirty water, a few fishermen are getting out on the Fox and Kankakee, primarily for walleye (tight to flooded shorelines or near discharges). The lower Fox at Dayton should fall below flood stage today. The Illinois is forecast to remain above flood stage at La Salle into next week.

CHAIN O' LAKES AREA: Holding: Current areas are opening up. Use caution around them, otherwise the ice is running 14 inches-plus and should hold for at least a couple weeks. Capt. Darrell Baker reported good crappie on the north end of Channel and south end of Catherine; walleye remain good, especially on Marie, and are moving shallower; and white bass have been good on Fox, Pistakee and Marie.

DELAVAN/GENEVA LAKES, WISCONSIN: Decent: Guide Dave Duwe reported decent bluegills on Geneva Bay and smaller perch off Stone Manor on Geneva. Bluegill slowed some, but remain decent around the island on Delavan. Ice should hold for weeks.

KENOSHA, WIS: Decent/holding: Ice remains good, but don't venture past the crowd. Harborside reported browns have been steady, close to limits. Some nice pike on tip-ups at Southport Marina. Browns relate more to the docks in marinas. Jigging has been most productive method. Thaw has rainbows staging at mouth of Pike. A good rain could really kick in fishing the days after. Jigging Gulp Minnows (smelt color), waxies on big Rat Finkies or minnows tipped on Swedish Pimples; or roaches on tip-ups have been best.

LAKE michigan: Changing: CHICAGO: Anxious boaters were out over the weekend, some catching perch in the slips off the Cal. The problem is the north winds may sock the ice back in again. Watch the winds and check with local shops like Henry's at (312) 225-8538, or Vet's at (773) 734-6720 or Mik-Lurch at (219) 989-0575, for what ramps are open. Otherwise, the harbors continue to offer good ice fishing, though the perch take sorting for keepers, and should hold ice into next week or beyond. WAUKEGAN: Salmon Stop reported open water off government pier, may hold even with the north winds. Try slip-bobbering for browns and steelhead.