Here's what George Langley of the Eagle River Fishing Guide Association, is reporting about fishing in the Eagle River area:

FISHING WITH THE GUIDES

1/23/12

by George Langley

We are now experiencing more typical January weather, with more snow on the ice and some occasionally really cold weather to deal with. The lakes still have pretty good access at this point, as many anglers make it easier for everyone by plowing a road onto the ice. Ice thickness is now as thick as 18" on some lakes, so it is really getting thick. With more snow, the snow shoe and cross country ski enthusiasts are quite happy. It is really pretty out in the woods at this time of year, and you get to see a lot of wildlife if you are quiet and watchful.

If you do drive out on the ice, we would certainly suggest that you have a four wheel vehicle, as there are snow dunes on most of the lakes from the wind.

Walleye fishing remains surprisingly good for this time of year. On some years we seem to get a January slump, but that hasn't happened this year here. Some nice fish have been reported even through that cold front last week, and many more anglers are getting out there with the warmer weather this week. As always, either sucker minnows or golden shiners are the favored bait. At this point, it is about 50/50 between the two. Most of the fish are still being caught in the evening and after dark, but a few anglers have reported some good action jigging for them during the afternoon also.

Northern action is still good also. The fish are moving on a daily basis through the weeds, hunting for panfish and minnows to feed on. The best action is on large shiners, and most anglers report better action if they move their tipups often, with the best action coming right after they drop the shiner in the water. Look for weeds for these fish - the same areas that you usually fish for bluegills and perch.

Speaking of panfish, that action has been OK, but a little slower because of that cold front. Spikes have been reported as the best bait for the bluegills, and wigglers and waxies are best for the perch. The bigger perch are generally in deeper weeds than the bluegills. Crappies are now being found off the weeds and in the holes on the Chain. These guys are hitting pretty much on crappie minnows only.

We have nice ice fishing conditions now - take advantage of both the good fishing and the good weather.

Good luck and good fishn'

For more information about fishing the Eagle River area call us or visit our website.:
*George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guide Association,        715-479-8804;

www.eagleriverfishingguides.com

JANUARY 2012

NORTHWOODS REPORT

The winter is upon us but the snow is way behind on annual snowfall. The snowmobile and cross-country ski trails are open but we could use at least a foot of snow to make excellent conditions. As of the last week in December there was no significant snow in the forecast.

The ice is slowly gaining depth but as of this writing extreme caution should be used when venturing on the lakes. Unless you are familiar with the lake, you are going to fish I would recommend talking with a local person or a fishing guide.  There is about seven inches of ice on the smaller lakes but ice depths at this time can vary. If using an ATV or snowmobile use extreme caution and know the ice depths. At this time DONOT USE A VEHICLE ON THE LAKES.

The snowmobile trails that cross the lakes are not open and with colder weather and additional ice depths they will open in the weeks to come. Check the Eagle River Chamber website for current updates.

Fishing at this time is very good and for the early weeks of January the fishing will be the best of the winter.  Bluegills, crappie and perch are very active and the walleye and northern are also easy to catch.

With the lite snow cover, hiking is very easy and with the quiet walking, wildlife observations can be very good and exciting. Ice skating and sledding will offer fun for the youngsters.

Keep a tight line,

Yukon

715-479-3219

www.yukonjackegv.com

*Yukon Jack Outfitters,

1857 Scattering Rice Lake Rd.,

Eagle River, WI  54521,

715-479-3219; website: www.yukonjackegv.com

We can honestly say that there is no place on earth with as much variety of fishing opportunities in freshwater fishing. With literally hundreds of lakes of all sizes, and miles and miles of trout streams, plus the fishing in the Wisconsin River, you could fish every day of the open water season and never hit the same water twice. We have great fishing for trout, musky walleye, smallmouth & largemouth bass, northerns and all types of panfish. You can catch most of these species within the city limits of Eagle River.

Musky fishing is spectacular, with people travelling from all over the world to fish these great gamefish. The action starts on the Memorial Day weekend - and there is good fishing for them right from the start. Our variety of musky waters run from the Wisconsin and Eagle Rivers to lakes running from 50 to 4,000 acres. We also have a great variety of dark and clear water lakes for all weather conditions.When you are thinking musky you may want to fish them in the summer while on a family vacation. At this time of the year surface baits provide heart-stopping action - and you can fish early and late in the day while still boating or otherwise enjoying life with the family. One great thing to remember about musky is that they hit at any time - not just at a particular time of day, Fall musky fishing is the best of the trophy time, with numerous huge musky caught (and usually released) every year. This is the time that our many excellent area guides are very busy with musky clients.

Walleye fishing is also good, especially in the spring and fall. Our game fish season starts on the first weekend in May and the walleye are active from the start. Most opening weekends find some of the best fishing of the year, with the fish still in the shallows from spawning. May is a great time to fish walleye with light tackle along the shorelines. June finds the fish moving deeper, with good action experienced in deeper weeds and on mid-lake structure.
As the summer vacation period happens our guides will still find these great tasting fish daily, and many a vacation has been enhanced with an evening meal of fresh-caught walleye. They are located deeper in the summer, usually around mid-lake bars and reefs.
Fall walleye fishing is great, with days of 10 - 30 walleye not uncommon. This is the time of the year for fishing with jigs and larger minnows for big fish. You can also experience fine artificial bait luck at this time of year with crankbaits.

Northern pike abound in this area also, with a variety of lakes for these fish. We do have some trophy water for these fish, although most of our lakes contain mid-sized fish in good numbers. This is a great gamefish to introduce to you children to fishing for while on vacation, because of their aggressive nature and abundance.

This area has not been previously known as a hotbed for largemouth bass, but it is a real "sleeper" area for these fish. You will experience a huge variety of conditions and types of fishing for them, from 20 acre ponds to 2,000 acre lakes. More and more our guides have learned to take clients to out-of-the-way small bog lakes for these fish. Fish to 6 pounds are not uncommon, but most fish run in the 2-3 pound range.

Smallmouth bass are a different story - we have some of the best smallmouth fishing in the world right here. Catches of 50 fish a day are not uncommon, and many trophies are taken yearly. The smallies hit right from opening day on - and it again is a wonderful way to introduce your friend or children to gamefish fishing with a certainty of success. Another way of enjoying fishing for smallmouth is to flyfish for them. This is becoming a much more popular sport yearly. Many area guides have become adepot at this type of fishing.

Out trout fishing is also varied, with both streams and lakes available. The experience of wilderness fishing for trout along our hundreds of miles of streams is a great way to spend a summer day or evening. Most area streams are small, but loaded with fish. A number of our rivers or streams can be canoed.There is a good number of lakes and ponds for trout fishing also, and these fish are noted for hitting all season long.

One of the great benefits of coming to this area is the variety - there is ALWAYS some type of fish active and hitting. Bring a variety of rods, or just hire one of the many local guides and they will provide equipment for you.

Good luck and good fishing!