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St. Germain Area Fishing Specials & Packages

St. Germain Ice Fishing Reports

 

Hunting, fishing, trapping and other 2011-2012 license and harvest permits for fish and wildlife activities in Wisconsin went on sale March 10, 2011. Visit the DNR website for more information. Licenses and permits for 2011-2012 expire March 31, 2012.

 

Wisconsin Fishing Season Dates

Recreational Safety Education Classes are now being offered by the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources. Check out the ATV, boating, hunting and snowmobile safety classes being offered in the area.

2011 Greater Wisconsin Muskie Tournament Highlights

Click here to review questions, new guidelines, and links about Viral Hemorrhagic Septicemia (VHS) Information.

Shortly after the ice melts on area lakes, fishermen head to St. Germain for panfishing. Crappies, bluegill and perch are all common in St. Germain’s lakes. In spring, look for shallow, warm water, particularly in protected bays, and fish with small jigs and baits. As spring moves on, catch & release bass fishing becomes popular. For the earliest bass action, target shallow, structure-rich lakes with stained waters and dark bottoms.

Summer is the quintessential Northwoods fishing seasons for many anglers. Panfishing gets increasingly better as the year progresses. Muskies become active shortly after their spawn in late spring. Early in the season, target areas just off prominent points and mid-lake humps adjacent to deeper water and fish smaller baits. As the summer progresses, increase the speed of your retrieves and the size of your baits.

St. Germain’s lakes are full of walleyes. Your chances of locating walleyes are greatly increased when you keep an eye on weather conditions, water temperatures and light conditions. Walleye tend to be shallower in low-light periods—such as sunrise, sunset and under cloudy skies—and move deeper during the day. Target mid-lake humps and deep weedlines.

Smallmouth and largemouth bass action is excellent on St. Germain’s lakes. Largemouth bass tend to hold tight to thick weed cover and structure for most of the summer and provide excellent action. Smallmouth are found deeper, generally around deep rocks and deep weedlines. Often when the walleye aren't cooperating, there’s great bass fishing to be had, so be prepared for both species and you'll improve your chances of getting into some great fishing action.

As the days grow shorter towards fall, many of St. Germain's fish species increase their feeding—which makes for great angling. Fall is the best time of year for catching behemoth trophy musky in St. Germain, with really tremendous-sized fish being caught right up until the lakes freeze over. Walleye action often increases as well, as does smallmouth fishing in the early part of fall.

For many fishermen, the real fishing starts when the lakes freeze over. St. Germain is a favorite destination for ice fishermen. Some of the best walleye and northern pike fishing can be had through the ice. The most popular technique for winter walleyes is jigging or using tip-ups with small to medium sized minnows. By far the most popular technique in St. Germain for winter pike is using a tip-up baited with large shiners or other live minnows. Crappies, bluegill and perch are also ice fishing favorites. If you're looking for a great ice fishing getaway, check out the St. Germain resorts that specially cater to ice fishermen, with shanties and amenities ready when you arrive.

 

St. Germain 2011 Ice Fishing Report

Pete Stoltman Report ~ Updated 01/05/2012

Here's a quick update for fishermen in the St. Germain area. The snow and cold front that followed New Years Eve really put a damper on fishing. Just like summertime fish react negatively to cold fronts. We're in day two of a warming trend and already I'm getting reports from my "scouts" that things are picking up. I think we'll be looking forward to some very pleasant ice fishing conditions at least through the upcoming weekend and possibly beyond. Ice is still averaging about 9" but seeing some areas as thick as 11". The snow that we received tends to insulate the ice and slows the thickening process. Travel by ATV and snowmobile seems reasonable (with usual due caution observed) but I'd still leave the truck back on shore. I've seen some out but remember that the weight of a vehicle makes the ice flex and pushes a wave under the ice as you travel. It's just not thick enough to absorb all that pressure just yet.

Prior to the storm pike, bluegills, and crappies seemed to be the best bet. Walleye doing reasonably well in most lakes and even bass were biting pretty regularly. I'm looking for that same trend to pick up over the next few days. Have fun and be safe out there.

Pete Stoltman

Last Cast Guide Service

Regular Fishin' for Regular Guys Outdoors

715-542-4142

www.rfrgoutdoors.com
rfrgoutdoors2@gmail.com

St. Germain 2011 Ice Fishing Report

Rob Manthei Report ~ Updated 01/12/2012

Ice conditions continue to improve ... most lakes have 10 to 13 inches on them ... several are driving out lighter trucks ... I've been driving my Ford Ranger on lots of lakes ... still use caution.

Walleyes have been more active in the morning for me over the last couple of weeks ... hands down the best has been jigging ... either using #3 and #5 Jiggin Raps or spoons and fatheads, such as Buckshot Rattle Spoons or the Bait Rigs Walleye Willow spoon ... ip ups and suckers/shiners are catching fish, but worked in combo with jigging, a lot more fish are coming to the ice.

We are getting some real nice perch mixed in too ...

Haven't really targeted pike on purpose, but have picked up several while walleye fishing along weed edges. I've been targeting deep weeds and grass for the walleyes mostly, and will start shifting over to rocks and gravel pretty soon.

Panfish have been spotty, with lots of reports of sorting through 50 fish to get 10 keepers...gosh, what a size limit and reduced bag would do for our lakes around here...


Good Luck to all!

Rob Manthei

Rob Manthei's Fishing Guide Service

715-477-2042

www.robmanthei.com
robmanthei@msn.com

 

Wisconsin Outdoor Report - Weekly report is updated every Thursday at noon.

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St. Germain Area Fishing Guides

Interesting Fishing Related Articles

Help control VHS in Wisconsin waters

The Department of Natural Resources has detected a virus affecting fish in the Lake Winnebago system called viral hemorrhagic septicemia, or VHS for short.

The DNR reported that this virus is not harmful to humans and that it is completely safe to handle and eat fish caught in Wisconsin waters. It is important to note that VHS is a deadly virus to fish and spreads easily among a variety of fish populations. The DNR is actively responding to contain this threat and has issued the following recommendations that should be practiced on all Wisconsin waterways:

  • Put your catch on ice and do not move live fish and unused bait minnows away from the landing or shore.
  • Drain all water from bilges, bait buckets, live wells and other containers when leaving the landing or shore.
  • Use live minnows purchased only from registered bait dealers in Wisconsin or catch it yourself in the same water you fish.
  • Clean plants and debris from your boat before leaving the landing.

To learn more about VHS, visit the DNR VHS homepage at http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/fish/vhs/

Below are some PDF files & links pertaining to VHS:

Out-of-State Firewood Regulations