Winter is here, but it’s hard to tell on some of those warmer days! Thankfully, the nighttime temps are still getting cold enough to hold the line and we’re seeing generally good conditions. That said, it’s still early ice, and while progress has been fairly steady, it remains uneven. Most areas are improving daily, but caution and patience are still essential for anyone heading out, especially in areas where snow as drifted or there are visible heaves.

Ice thickness continues to vary widely from lake to lake. Some larger lakes that stayed open longer earlier this month are now holding surprisingly good ice aside from some heaving and shorelines, while smaller or snow-covered areas can be far less consistent. Anglers getting out are generally reporting around 4 to 9+ inches, depending on location. Looking ahead, temperatures are expected to moderate at times with a chance of light snow, but overnight lows should remain cold enough to maintain what we’ve got.

Walleye action has stayed solid. More anglers are starting to reach slightly deeper water, although the shallow bite remains very productive. Tip-ups with medium shiners or sucker minnows continue to shine during early morning and late afternoon windows, with dependable after-dark action as well. Jigging has been working good, too, – especially with rattle spoons to call fish in, and smaller, more subtle jigs when fish are cautious. As access continues to improve, expect the bite to spread out along deeper breaks and edges.

Northern pike activity is picking up as anglers gain confidence and mobility. Early-season pike are still relating closely to green weeds, and tip-ups placed along those weed edges are producing fish. Large shiners and suckers on the bigger side remain the go-to baits. As ice improves and more weed lines become accessible, pike action should continue to improve.

Panfish remain a good and consistent option for anglers. The perch are mixing with the walleye, both shallow and deeper, which can be a challenge for walleye anglers. We’re hearing of good size in those fish, though. Bluegills are holding shallow in protected bays and weed pockets, with steady action on small jigs tipped with waxies or spikes. Crappie reports are slowly increasing, especially during some of those warmer days. Fatheads or larger rosie reds are working for these fish, with waxies always a good choice, too. Look for weeds in the 8–14-foot range to find these guys.

As ice continues to build, the season is shaping up nicely. The holidays are upon us and there will be more people out on all the lakes in the area, so put your patience pants on! We’re hearing reports of snowmobiles and UTVs on some lakes now, too, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. The more cautious among us prefer the ice to be measured in feet vs. inches before doing that – and hopefully that will happen soon. Happy holidays to everyone out there – we hope your celebrations are fun, you get all the presents, and the fish keep biting!

Good luck and good fishin’!