Northwoods Fishing/Outdoor Report 4-6-09

As of April 6, 2009:

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).
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THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES:

- - Crappies and perch biting hard as ice fishing seasons winds down, in the
Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

- - Walleye, and northern season remains OPEN on many waters in the
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area. Excellent open water walleye bite, with
northerns, white bass, channel catfish, and crappies hitting, in the
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area.

- - Walleye season remains OPEN on Lake of the Woods, with some excellent
walleye action on the ice, and open water fishing on the Rainy River, out of
Sportsman’s Lodge, Baudette, Minnesota.

– Wisconsin spring turkey hunt is coming up. Wisconsin’s wild turkey
population is huge - -and growing. Each one of our Wisconsin reporting
areas: Eagle River and the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area can offer turkey
hunters fabulous opportunities. Make your reservations now. Contact
information for each area is listed after their individual reports.

WEEKLY OUTDOOR AND FISHING REPORTS, and current calendars:

***Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY) — as of April 6, 2009:

(Head): Crappies and perch biting hard as ice fishing seasons winds down, in
the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

While many are getting open water gear ready, ice anglers are still using
FOOT TRAVEL (forget motorized vehicles!) to get out, and catching some good
to excellent action for both crappies and perch in the Eagle River area. At
this time of year, it’s almost essential that anglers hire a knowledgeable
local guide- - which the Eagle River area has plenty of. Don’t go out on
the ice without a guide who knows each lake, and knows where to go to catch
plenty of fish in total safety. The stakes are just too high not to do so.

The crappie bite in the Eagle River area is good to excellent. Fish 25 feet
of water or less around breaklines or weed edges. The crappies are
suspending 2 to 10 feet off the bottom. Use a crappie minnow on a tip-down,
or under a slip bobber. Best action is late afternoon into evening.

The perch in the Eagle River area are hitting in two patterns. Fish deep
water mudflats in 25 feet of water, OR 15 feet of water or less in and
around weeds. The perch are near or right off the bottom. Use a spike,
waxie or wiggler.

All anglers should make sure they have their new 2009 fishing license
before going out. The old licenses expired at midnight on March 31st.

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative Brilliance
interviews with Eagle River guides, “Muskie Matt”, and Mat Hegy).

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
* “Muskie Matt”, 715-479-8086; e-mail: info@muskiematt.com
* Guide’s Choice Pro Shop, 715-477-2248
* George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guides Association, 715-479-8804.
e-mail: fishing@eaglesportscenter.com
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***Some outdoor activities and events coming up in Eagle River, Wisconsin:

*****- -Sat., May 9, 2009: 13th Annual Journey’s Marathon. Challenging
and inspirational spring race meandering along rustic roads, through the
Northern Highland American Legion State Forest and passing many scenic
northern Wisconsin lakes. Many venues and opportunities for all. Eagle
River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org

- -Wed.-Sun., May 13-17, 2009: Weeds N’ Walleye Fishing School in Eagle
River. “Ranger Rick” Krueger owner of Guides Choice Pro Shop will share his
walleye expertise and teach how to catch walleyes in the weeds. Trip
includes four nights lodging, breakfast, dinner, Power-Point presentations,
map marking seminars, technique seminars, demonstrations, lake maps, on-the
water monitoring, evening discussions and raffles. Eagle River Chamber of
Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web:
www.eagleriver.org

Eagle River, ranked in “Best Town for a Fishing Getaway” and “Best Town for
a Boating Getaway.”

Spring in Eagle River provides the seasonal renewal that we all seek. Wild
flowers, forests, and meadows; shimmering lakes, rivers and streams; soaring
eagles and birds; cavorting deer and wildlife of all types; biking, hiking,
golf, legendary fishing; picnicking and relaxation; community festivals and
celebrations; museums, entertainment, accommodations and food, to match
every taste and budget. Come, experience and enjoy the rebirth that is
spring in Eagle River. Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315;
715-479-6400; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org

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***Wausau/Central Wisconsin area (MARATHON COUNTY, including the communities
of Kronenwetter, Mosinee, Rib Mountain, Rothschild, Schofield, Wausau, and
Weston) — as of April 6, 2009:

(Head): Walleye, and northern season remains OPEN on many waters in the
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area. Excellent open water walleye bite, with
northerns, white bass, channel catfish, and crappies hitting, in the
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area.

The majority of boat landings in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area are now
open. Anglers are finding the cure for cabin fever by cashing in on the
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area’s excellent walleye fishing, both from shore
and boat. Plenty of action, along with some of the top trophy potential in
Wisconsin.

The majority of walleyes are being found relating to deeper holes and
current breaks, both below dams and downstream. Jigs painted in brighter
colors, such as orange and chartreuse have been working effectively when
tipped with a medium sized fathead or 3 inch Berkley Gulp. With the cold
water temperatures, slower and subtler retrieves have been producing the
most action. Anglers need to be vigilant for light biting fish as strikes
will often feel like a very light tick or even a “mushy” dead weight. If it
feels “different,” set the hook! This early spring period is a fine time to
utilize stinger hooks while fishing jigs, to aid in hooking any short
striking walleyes.

In addition to jigs, live bait rigs such as slip-sinker and three-way rigs
are also accounting for good numbers of fish. A diverse fishery, the
Wausau/Central Wisconsin area is providing anglers with action from
northerns, white bass, channel catfish, and crappies, while pursuing
walleyes on the mighty Wisconsin River system.

Unlike most areas of Wisconsin during the late spring “shoulder season”,
walleye, and northern fishing remains open after March 1 on many of the
waters in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area.

Furthermore, when the regular Wisconsin fishing season does “open”, the
daily bag limit for walleye (particularly north of Wausau) may range from
two to three fish (because of Native American spearing initiatives and the
resulting DNR “quota limits”); the daily bag limit in the Wausau/Central
Wisconsin area REMAINS at the “normal” Wisconsin five (5) fish per day
throughout the year.

The highly productive Wausau/Central Wisconsin area spring turkey season is
right around the corner, and with the snow gone, it’s a good time to get out
and start preparing for the gobblers.

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 based on 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

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

– Fri., March 6-Sun. to April 19, 2009: Spring Thaw: Wisconsin Waterways.
Wisconsin rivers, lakes and streams are seen like never before. No waders
required. Gallery on ArtsBlock, Wausau. Website: www.cvawausau.org;
Wausau/Central Wisconsin Convention & Visitors Bureau: 888-948-4748, or
715-355-8788; e-mail: info@visitwausau.com; web: www.visitwausau.com

Sat., May 9, 2009: 4th Annual Spring Shoot-Out Fishing Tournament. Held on
Half Moon Lake and the Wisconsin River. Entry fee $50, per boat of two
people. Prize money for 1st-5th places. Location base: Half Moon Bar &
Grill, Mosinee. Great fun and great fishing! Wausau/Central Wisconsin
Convention & Visitors Bureau: 888-948-4748, or 715-355-8788; e-mail:
info@visitwausau.com; web: www.visitwausau.com

– The Wausau/Central Wisconsin’s spring season is a magnet for those who
seek not only the beauty and enormous breadth of nature, but also the finest
hiking, biking, touring, golfing, sightseeing, birding exploring,
picnicking, relaxing, and legendary open water fishing anywhere (remember,
most waters in the Wausau/Central Wisconsin area REMAIN OPEN for walleye,
and northern throughout the year, without any closed season). Wonderful
tracts of forest, pristine waters, wild flowers, birds and wildlife surround
visitors at every turn. The services, infrastructure, entertainment,
museums, 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

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***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 April
6, 2009:

(Head): Walleye season remains OPEN on Lake of the Woods, with some
excellent walleye action on the ice, and open water fishing on the Rainy
River, out of Sportsman’s Lodge, Baudette, Minnesota.Still time to get some late season lunker walleyes both on the ice on Lake
of the Woods and open water on the Rainy River. The season is open through
April 14th. Best ice fishing is around structure in 28 to 33 feet of water,
using bright colored jigs tipped with a minnow. The Rainy River fishing is
picking up as the weather warms, and the River is open east of Baudette
about 20 miles from Sportsman’s Lodge and 10 miles from Baudette. The
Frontier boat ramp is open, but is still a bit sloppy. The walleyes are
running between 22 and 30 inches, so there’s still plenty of trophies to be
had yet, this season. And when the walleye season closes, it’s time to
start wrestling with some monster northerns and sturgeon on the Rainy River.
Sportsman’s guided 20 foot Lund Alaskan boat a is ready to take you out for
a true fishing adventure.

There’s NEVER a slow season at Sportsman’s Lodge.

(This report based on Creative Brilliance interview with Sportsman’s Lodge
co-owner, Gregg Hennum).

Sportsman’s Lodge. phone: 866-750-0809; web: www.sportsmansmn.com)
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Highlights at Sportsman’s Lodges:

*****Special Spring Fishing Note for Sportsman’s Lodge:

Here’s a general schedule of spring fishing at Sportsman’s Lodge and the
Rainy River.

River fishing (on the Rainy River out of Sportsman’s Lodge) usually starts
by the second week in April, weather (ice out) permitting. Walleye season
goes until April 14 and then it is closed until May 9. River fishing for
northern and sturgeon is also very popular and can be very exciting in April
and May too! Northern fishing does not close and is very good the end of
April and through May.

Sturgeon Fishing , catch and release can be enjoyed all year, and for those
want to harvest these magnificent fish, the harvest dates for 2009 are:
April 24- May 7 & July
1 - Sept 30, and of course there’s Sportsman’s Lodge annual
catch-and-release sturgeon tournament being held, Sat./Sun., May 1-2, 2009.
Musky season opens June 20 and runs to Dec. 15th. Northern, bass, crappie
and perch are open all year.

*****Fri./Sat., May 1-2, 2009: 3rd Annual Sportsman’s Lodge North Star
Catch-and-Release Sturgeon Classic. Cash prizes awarded, banquet, kids
welcome, guided packages and special rates available. Great fun. Great
opportunity Sanctioned by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

– 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 (with 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 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.

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For more information on any of the above: Sportsman’s Lodge, phone:
866-750-0809; web: www.sportsmansmn.com
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