The Northwoods Report by Naomi Shapiro 11-2-08

gengberg November 3rd, 2008

As of November 3, 2008:

Fishing, Outdoor, and Event Reports for Eagle River, Wisconsin,
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area; Lake of the Woods and Rainy River out of
Sportsman’s Lodge (Baudette, Minnesota).

1. THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES:

– Walleye bite strong on both the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods, with
grouse and duck hunting excellent on the south end of Lake of the Woods, out
of Sportsman’s Lodge, Baudette, Minnesota.

– Excellent northern action, with a good musky, walleye and crappie bite
in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

– Trophy muskies and northerns hitting, with excellent action for smallies,
walleyes, white bass and crappies in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area.

- - 2. WEEKLY OUTDOOR AND FISHING REPORTS, and current calendars:

***Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY) — as of November 3, 2008:

(Head): Excellent northern action, with a good musky, walleye and crappie
bite in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

Northern are hitting often and hard in the Eagle River area. Fish in and
around the weeds in 15 feet of water or less. Use a four to five inch
sucker or chub under a slip bobber. Husky Jerks in minnow patterns are also
producing well.

The musky bite in the Eagle River area is good and continuing to improve.
The musky are primarily locating in 25 feet of water or less over hardbottom
areas adjacent to the outside of the weeds. Suckers on quick-set rigs in the
12 to 15 inch range are working, as well as jerkbaits and crankbaits. The
muskies are going into the upper 40s in size, with some 50 inch plus fish
reported, but not verified.

The walleye action in the Eagle River area is good, but it can be sporadic.
Fish deep water mudflats in 18 to 30 feet of water, using a jig and a
fathead minnow.

Crappie are hitting in deep water over structure. Fish 18 to 30 feet of
water, targeting the crappies two to four feet off the bottom. Use a
crappie minnow under a slip bobber.

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative
Brilliance interview with licensed guide, Mat Hegy of Guides Choice Pro
Shop).

Contact info for Eagle River:
* Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org
* Guide’s Choice Pro Shop, 715-477-2248
* George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guides Association, 715-479-8804.
e-mail: fishing@eaglesportscenter.com
—–

***Some outdoor activities and events coming up in Eagle River, Wisconsin:

- - Tues., Nov. 25, 2008 at 2:00 pm: “A Simple Survival Kit for the Woods”
indoor presentation on Northwoods survival supplies and skills, such as
orienting. FREE one hour program as part of the monthly Northwoods Speaker
Series in celebration of Lake Forest Resort’s 30th anniversary. Presented by
Sandy Lotto, outdoor educator. Program will be held at Lake Forest Resort &
Club, Resort Center, located five miles east of Eagle River. Information
and directions: Lake Forest Resort, 715-479-2455, Ext. 3. Eagle River Area
Chamber of Commerce & Visitors Center: 800-359-6315; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org

Eagle River, The Snowmobile Capital of the World®, voted number one as The
People’s Choice ­ “The Best Wisconsin Town for a Snowmobiling Getaway.”
Thousands from the state and nation voted in The Wonders of Wisconsin
competition. Eagle River was also ranked number three for “Best Town for a
Fishing Getaway” and “Best Town for a Boating Getaway.”

GENERAL: The fall season in Eagle River, Wisconsin means many things:
Beautiful crisp weather, pristine forest with the fall colors of vibrant
reds, golds, and yellows; 1200 lakes including the Eagle River Chain of 28
lakes (the largest freshwater chain of lakes in the world), providing
excellent fall fishing along with unmatched deer, bird, and waterfowl
hunting. Great time for hiking, biking, birding, picnicking, fall
festivals, fabulous fishing, hunting, exploring and just plain relaxing.
Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; web:
www.eagleriver.org
—–
—–

***Wausau/Central Wisconsin area (MARATHON COUNTY, including the communities
of Kronenwetter, Mosinee, Rib Mountain, Rothschild, Schofield, Wausau, and
Weston) — as of November 3, 2008:

(Head): Trophy muskies and northerns hitting, with excellent action for
smallies, walleyes, white bass and crappies in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin
area.

As fall progresses in he Wausau/Central Wisconsin area, fish have been
moving and holding out deeper in the area’s rivers, lakes and reservoirs.
Excellent areas to target are hard-bottom areas in proximity to structure or
current breaks.

Both muskies and northerns have been feeding aggressively in the
Wausau/Central Wiscnsin area, with true trophy fish of both species having
been caught and released within the past week. A combination of casting
jerkbaits, crankbaits, or large jigs while hanging live suckers over the
side of the boat is resulting in steady and at times furious action; some
days the fish are preferring live suckers while other days, the artificial
lures are being hit. Anglers looking to cast should key in on
irregularities in the river channel or lake basin, and near river and creek
mouths.

Unlike many other waters in Wisconsin, motor trolling is permitted on the
Wisconsin River system in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area. Motor trolling
is an effective method of producing not only walleyes, but both large
muskies and northerns. Deep diving crankbaits worked over deep flats or
along river channel edges are producing fish and will continue to do so
until ice-up.

Live bait has been working excellent lately in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin
area with jig and minnow combinations accounting for splendid mixed bags of
smallies, walleyes, white bass and crappies. Try casting jigs along the
sharper, hard-bottomed break-lines, up and under deeper undercut banks, or
parallel to downed timber and rock outcroppings. In addition, both smallies
and walleyes are being caught by anglers casting or trolling crankbaits;
more natural schemes such as perch and sucker patterns are producing best.

Crappie anglers in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area are doing well by
working slip bobber rigs baited with minnows, by probing deeper cover laden
backwater areas or fishing deeper break-lines where schools of crappies can
still be found suspended.

And remember, that unlike so many lakes further north, that have daily
walleye bag limits of two or three fish, the walleye bag limit remains at
FIVE (5) fish on most of the waters of the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area.

With such a wealth of opportunities, it’s important for anglers to practice
catch-and-release for everything but a few for the frying pan. This simple
and mindful conservation will insure that the legendary fishing in the
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area will continue for generations to come.

(This report for the Wausau/Central Wisconsin CVB based on Creative
Brilliance interview with guide Joel DeBoer of Wisconsin Angling
Adventures).

For more information about the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area:
*Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau: 888-948-4748, or
715-355-8788; web: www.visitwausau.com
Fishing and hunting info:
* Wisconsin Angling Adventures (Joel DeBoer), web:
www.wisconsinanglingadventures.com; e-mail: joelthemuskyman@charter.net;
phone: 715-297-7573.
* Hooksetters Fishing & Hunting Guide Services (Phil Schweik, John Sparbel,
Craig Lemmer, Justin Gaiche, Glen Moberg); phone: 715-693-5843; e -mail:
info@hooksetters.biz; web: www.hooksetters.biz.
—–

***Some outdoor activities and events coming up in the Wausau/Central
Wisconsin area in the coming weeks.

- - Sat./Sun., Nov. 22-23, 2008: Opening weekend at Granite Peak Ski Area,
Wausau at Rib Mountain. Hours 9am-9pm.

GENERAL: The Wausau/Central Wisconsin’s fall season is a magnet for those
who seek the beauty and enormous breadth of nature, as well as the finest
hiking, biking, touring, sightseeing, birding, exploring, picnicking,
relaxing, and legendary open-water fishing anywhere (remember, most waters
in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area REMAIN OPEN for walleye, northern and
bass throughout the year without any closed season). Hunters flock to the
area’s enormous tracts of public land for some of the finest turkey, deer,
bird and waterfowl hunting in Wisconsin. Wonderful tracts of forest with
breathtaking fall colors, pristine waters, birds and wildlife surround
visitors at every turn. The services, infrastructure, entertainment,
accommodations, restaurants, and non-stop community activities, festivals,
and events provide something for every taste. Wausau/Central Wisconsin
Convention & Visitors Bureau: 888-948-4748, or 715-355-8788; web:
www.visitwausau.com
———-

***Sportsman’s Lodge and Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge on the Rainy River,
and southern end of Lake of The Woods (Baudette, Minnesota) — as of
November 3, 2008:

(Head): Walleye bite strong on both the Rainy River and Lake of the Woods,
with grouse and duck hunting excellent on the south end of Lake of the
Woods, out of Sportsman’s Lodge, Baudette, Minnesota.

The emerald shiner run up Rainy River slowed a bit because of unseasonably
warmer temps, but with colder weather coming in, the shiners are fired up
again, and the walleye are chasing them, and hitting strong. The annual
fall bonanza known as the “emerald shiner run” will soon be over, so now is
the perfect time to get up to Sportsman’s Lodge and enjoy some of the
greatest fishing of the year.

Sportsman’s Lodge guests have found that Wilson Creek on the Rainy River
(right in front of Sportsman’s Lodge and the Rainy River Marina) is
producing great action. Evening has been the best time for getting walleye
limits, by fishing in 16 to 18 feet of water, using a pink jig.

Some Sportsman’s guests report more of the bigger fish are being found in
the Rainy River than on Lake of the Woods itself, or in the Gap area. But
the big Lake and the Gap are producing a lot nice eaters, as well as seven
walleyes over 23 inches, with one going over seven pounds, all caught in a
short time.

Sportsman’s Lodge guests who enjoy hunting are having a great season.
Grouse hunting has really picked up, with many guests limiting out on grouse
in a day or two on the many trails and roads of the Beltrami State Forest,
which is just minutes away from Sportsman’s Lodge. Sportsman’s affiliated
Quack Addicts duck and goose hunting guides report this is prime time for
both ducks and geese.

So do a “two-fer.” Come to Sportsman’s Lodge and limit out on some gorgeous
walleyes, and then do the same hunting for grouse, ducks and geese.

(This report based on Creative Brilliance interview with Gregg Hennum,
co-owner of Sportsman’s Lodge. phone: 800-862-8602, or 218-634-1342; web:
www.sportsmanslodges.com)
—–

Highlights at Sportsman’s Lodges:

NEW - - : Fall Lund Alaskan fishing trips on the Rainy River. Fabulous
fishing in spots that bigger boats cannot access. Our brand new 18 foot
Lund Alaskan boat gets you into fishing that you’ve never experienced.
Guide, bait, tackle and fish cleaning, for up to four people, only $400 per
day.

– Sportsman’s motto is: “Hookem’ and cookem’.” Sportsman’s will be happy
to clean and prepare your walleye or sauger for you after a day’s fishing.
This is the best way to enjoy these super-fresh and delicious fish, and
still have some to take home with you.

– Sportsman’s Eagle Ridge property is forty miles out on Lake of the Woods
on Oak Island. Secluded and remote, but easily accessible and served by
Sportsman’s Oak Island Lodge as a base camp, which has great food,
beverages, supplies, gas, liquor, tackle, maps and grocery items. Eagle
Ridge has two cabins with accommodations for up to16 and is available for
extended stays.

– The Beltrami Island State Forest offers wilderness lovers nearly 67,000
acres of every type of natural setting to explore. Established routes allow
visitors to comfortably enjoy this spectacular, vast wilderness, all year
round. Sportsman’s Lodge offers perfect access to this unique opportunity.

– Sportsman’s Lodge on Lake of the Woods, Baudette, MN is proud to announce
that recent creel census results conducted by the Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources shows that on average, the Lake of the Woods walleye catch
rate is the best of any lake in the State of Minnesota.

- - Sportsman’s guests can avail themselves of not only great fishing, but
excellent care and the finest professional guides, while relaxing in comfort
and safety on Sportsman’s fleet of 27 foot, inboard, fishing charters, which
are all equipped with heads and cuddy cabin.

– Sportsman’s Lodge is now offering air charter service to Baudette, MN
directly from the Anoka County (Twin Cities) airport on eight passenger
jet-prop aircraft from Wilderness Air Service in the Twin Cities. About an
hour’s fast and convenient flight.

– Cross-border fishing (American and Canadian waters) on Lake of the Woods
is available out of Sportsman’s Lodges. For information about required
permits, licenses and opportunities contact us. Fish for walleye, sauger,
northern, bass and jumbo perch from the main lodge or at Sportsman’s Oak
Island Lodge.

- -Hunting seasons of all types are starting right now in the Sportsman’s
Lodge area. Waterfowl opened Oct. 4; firearm deer season opens Nov. 8;
muzzleloader deer season opens Nov. 29; AND there are any number of
“specialized seasons” from now until the end of 2008. Now is the time to
make your reservations at Sportsman’s Lodge for some of the greatest hunting
in North America. Sportsman’s Lodge hunting guides are proven experts in
how to bag your quarry, with a great deal of excitement and the camaraderie
that only a hunt can provide. Trophies abound. Call us for information
about permit applications and make your reservations now. Quack Addicts, the
affiliated hunting club of Sportsman’s Lodge has access to thousands of
acres of prime waterfowl hunting land to guide you to your bag limit.

—–

For more information on any of the above: Sportsman’s Lodge, phone:
800-862-8602, or 218-634-1342; web: www.sportsmanslodges.com
—–
—–

3. WARNINGS AND INFO FOR A FEW WEEKS OUT

- - The fall Wisconsin musky season provides great opportunities for trophy
fish in both the Eagle River and Wausau/Central Wisconsin area. Contact
each area for information. Contact info is contained at the end of each
area’s fishing/outdoor report. All caring musky anglers release every fish
caught, after taking a photo. Modern day technology can produce a perfect
wall hanging or trophy from a photograph. Please help protect this
magnificent game fish by practicing catch-and-release, exclusively.

- - All of our reporting areas offer some of the finest hunting
opportunities in North America. Contact information for each area is located
at the end of their particular report.

GENERAL: Each reporting area has pro- and pro-am fishing tournaments of all
types throughout the year (musky, walleye, sturgeon, panfish, bass and
northern). Upcoming tournaments are listed and featured at the end of each
weekly report for every reporting area. Lots of fun, with prizes galore for
each tournament.

NEW: 2008 Hunting and trapping information for all Wisconsin seasons.
(Editor’s note: Our gracious thanks to guide Phil Schweik of Hooksetters
Fishing & Hunting Guide Services of Mosinee for providing all posted
information).Check out the season opener dates below for information on when and where
you can start.
Hunting and Trapping Season Dates
Season dates for all species are found on this page. Some species listed are
protected and therefore do not have a season. Some seasons are subject to
change before hunting and trapping regulations pamphlets are published.
Consult the regulation pamphlets
before going
into the field.

Check the Outdoor Report
for the most up to date hunting and outdoor news releases or the Hunting and
Trapping Regulations
for more details on hunting and trapping in Wisconsin.

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