Nortwoods Wisconsin Fishing/Outdoor Report 4-15-2010

As of April 15, 2010:

Outdoor and Fishing Reports for:
– Eagle River, Wisconsin;
– Central Wisconsin Lakes AND the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin’s Marathon
and Lincoln Counties (near Mosinee and Wausau).

THIS WEEK’S HEADLINES:

- - Perch hitting best, with some good crappie action, and bluegills still
deep in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

- -Explosive northern action, early bass spawn, crappies and bluegills
heading towards their spawning areas, and post spawn walleyes scattered, all
going on in and amidst the lakes and the Wisconsin River of Wisconsin’s
Marathon and Lincoln Counties (near Mosinee and Wausau). Remember: The
walleye and northern seasons REMAIN OPEN on many of the waters in Central
Wisconsin.
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WEEKLY OUTDOOR AND FISHING REPORTS, and calendar highlights:

***Eagle River, Wis. (VILAS COUNTY) — as of April 15, 2010:

Perch hitting best, with some crappie action, and bluegills still
deep in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.
Eagle River Chain of 28 lakes (largest freshwater chain of lakes in
the world) providing some good fishing action, as its waters are some of the
warmest in the Eagle River area.

Not a lot of anglers going out ­ and they’re missing some decent action for
panfish in the Eagle River area.

Best fishing action is on the Eagle River Chain of 28 lakes. The waters of
the Chain warm quickly, as the waters pour over dams, aerating it, and
grabbing warmth quickly from the sun as it moves and pours into the 28
lakes. Savvy anglers are taking advantage of this by fishing the Chain.

Perch are hitting best right now in the Eagle River area- - good numbers,
not that much on size. But the fun is in the action, and after some sorting
there’s still plenty for a delicious perch fish fry. Fish the shallows
around stumps, old weeds and brush piles wherever the deeper water gets
close to the structure. That’s the place to be. The perch move from cooler,
deeper water up into shallow mud basins during the afternoon, when the water
temperatures are at their highest. The stronger the sun, the faster the
action. Use a crappie minnow, waxie or crawler.

Anglers in the Eagle River area are reporting good crappie action off the
tip of the big island on Catfish Lake on the Eagle River Chain, along with
increasing crappie action on other lakes of the Chain, as well. Water depth
is about 10 feet. Use a crappie minnow or crawler.

Not much to report on bluegills right now in the Eagle River area. They’re
still deep, and haven’t joined the crappies and perch, shallow ­ yet. Stay
tuned.

Anglers are also reporting strong hits from walleye (season does not open
until Saturday, May 1st), while going for panfish. All walleye must of
course be immediately released. But knowledgeable guides and locals say
that this type of early walleye action portends for a good season in the
Eagle River area.

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative
Brilliance interviews with Eagle River guides “Muskie Matt” of Wild Eagle
Lodge, “Ranger Rick” Krueger of Guide’s Choice Pro Shop, 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: rfrgoutdoors@gmail.com
* Mat Hegy, 715-571-7544, e:-mail: lunkerclunkerguideservice@yahoo.com
* Guide’s Choice Pro Shop, guide/owner “Ranger Rick” Krueger 715-477-2248
* George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guides Association, 715-479-8804.
e-mail: fishing@eaglesportscenter.com
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***Some special calendar highlights for Eagle River, Wisconsin:

- -Fri., April 30-Sun., May 2, 2010: Annual Wild Eagle Lodge Walleye School
on the Eagle River Chain of 28 lakes. Learn the art of how to catch
Wisconsin’s favorite game fish ­ the walleye. Conducted by Eagle River
guide, Muskie Matt. Hands on demonstrations, fishing and expert advice.
Not to be missed or the beginner or experienced angler. Eagle River Chamber
of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web:
www.eagleriver.org

******–Fri./Sat., May 7-8, 2010: 14th Annual Journeys Marathon in Eagle
River. Marathon, half-marathon and 5K. Lots of activities, prizes, awards,
food, and fun for participants and fans alike. Eagle River Chamber of
Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web:
www.eagleriver.org.

- - Fri.-Tues., May 14-18, 2010: Weeds N’ Walleyes Fishing School at Guides
Choice Pro Shop in Eagle River. Join guide Ranger Rick Krueger in this
annual school of how/where/when to snag Wisconsin’s favorite gamefish.
Hands on seminars, fishing, and discussions. Lots of fun and lots of great
training for the experienced or neophyte “walleye hunter.” Eagle River
Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org

******- -Fri.-Sun., June 4-6, 2010: Fishing Has No Boundaries. The Eagle
River community’s annual event held at Wild Eagle Lodge on Lynx and Duck
lakes, for the mentally and physically challenged. This weekend event
provides those who otherwise would not be able to enjoy the beauty of the
Northwoods the opportunity to open water fish with guides. Meals, lodging,
and equipment furnished. Volunteers and donations greatly appreciated and
needed. Those who volunteer and donate continually say that they get more
out of this great event than the participants. Don’t miss this chance to
help others, while helping yourself! Contact: Will Campbel, 715-479-9309.
Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail:
info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org.
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***(Report on Central Wisconsin Lakes AND the Wisconsin River in Wisconsin’s
Marathon and Lincoln Counties near Mosinee and Wausau), — as of April 15,
2010 (Editor’s note: The daily bag limit for walleyes on many lakes and the
Wisconsin River in Central Wisconsin (always check the regulations on the
particular water, first) is five (5) fish per day throughout the year while
the daily bag limit for walleye in many areas north of Mosinee and Wausau
may only be two to three fish because of Native American spearing
initiatives and the resulting DNR “quota limits”).

SPECIAL EDITOR’S NOTE: Don’t forget that unlike most all other areas of
Wisconsin, the walleye and northern season on many of the waters in the
Central Wisconsin area DO NOT CLOSE. You don’t have to just settle for
panfish! Check ahead to make sure the water you want to fish is indeed one
of those that remain “open.”

Explosive northern action, early bass spawn, crappies and bluegills
heading towards their spawning areas, and post spawn walleyes scattered, all
going on in and amidst the lakes and the Wisconsin River of Wisconsin’s
Marathon and Lincoln Counties (near Mosinee and Wausau). Remember: The
walleye and northern seasons REMAIN OPEN on many of the waters in Central
Wisconsin.

 Low water flow and warm temperatures have walleyes scattered on the
local waters of the Central Wisconsin area.

Walleye anglers in the Central Wisconsin area are finding tough conditions
for targeting this year’s spring fish. With the low water and warm
temperatures, the walleye spawn is over in the area, and the post spawn
walleyes are scattered over large areas, instead of being concentrated on
traditional post spawn locations. A variety of methods are being used to
target these fish. The most practical and consistent has been long line
trolling crankbaits in 4 to 8 feet of water. Lures like Rapalas,
Thundersticks, and Bomber Long A’s have been producing the best.

We’re seeing an early bass spawn in the warming Central Wisconsin area, and
the smallmouth bass are moving up into their traditional early season
locations. Shallow rocks and timber associated with any current will hold
fish now, and for the next two to three weeks. Jig and minnow combinations
or small crankbaits will attract all kinds of attention from these
aggressive bronzebacks.

Crappies and bluegills in the Central Wisconsin area have been moving about
and are headed towards their traditional spawning locations. Look for them
to be hanging out in 3 to 5 feet of water, associated with weeds and or
wood. Run slip bobbers with small minnows, or a piece of crawler, and
you’ll catch these feisty panfish all day long.

The northerns in the Central Wisconsin area are putting on a real strong
bite in the shallows. These fresh water alligators are raising havoc with
hair-pin spinners in white or chatreuse, and small spoons like John Silver
Minnows or Daredevils in red and white or blue and silver. Toss these lures
in and around shallow weeds in 1 to 3 feet of water, and get ready for
some explosive action.

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(This report based on interview with licensed guide and trapper Phil Schweik
of Hooksetters Fishing & Hunting Guide Service, Mosinee. Wisconsin).

For more information about fishing and hunting in the Central Wisconsin
area:
* Phil Schweik, Hooksetters Fishing & Hunting Guide Services: phone:
715-693-5843; e-mail: info@hooksetters.biz; web: www.hooksetters.biz

Upcoming 2010 Events and Tournaments for Hooksetter’s Fishing & Hunting
Guide Services:

NOTE: All Hooksetter’s fishing tournaments are done for CHARITY! All
proceeds from the tournaments will go to the Kippenberg Creek Kids. Entry
fees provide the cash prize money, and there is 100% payback of entry fees.
Great fishing opportunities, great fun, years of wonderful response. Join
us. Enjoy yourself and help the Kippenberg Creek Kids!

NOTE the dates of upcoming Hooksetter’s charity fishing tournaments in 2010.
Stay tuned for details, and plan on attending:

Half Moon Lake:

- -Sat., May 8, 2010: Spring Shoot-Out Fishing Tournament

- -Sat., July 24, 2010: Summer Days Fishing Tournament

–Sat., Oct. 9, 2010: Fall Meltdown Fishing Tournament

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Reports compiled, written & distributed by Creative Brilliance. ©2010.
Naomi K. Shapiro or Ray Smith, Creative Brilliance
608-827-6483; 800-975-5474 (media). e-mail: cre8vads@cheqnet.net;
cre8vRay@charter.net.