Just like that we are climbing into ice season.  What an incredible week it has been, weather-wise and fishing-wise.  Fishing success is certainly still going strong, but most folks have moved on to other fall activities and preparations for the winter months. 

Some of the biggest challenges in providing these weekly fishing reports are the seasonal transitions.  It was not that long ago we were sharing the summer-to-fall transition.  Now we are about to dive into fall-to-winter.

Anglers are already starting to see ice form on shallow back water bays, but they are not giving up that easily.  Depending on the way the wind is blowing you might run into some skim ice at the landings.  Great fishing will continue to be achievable for the die-hard anglers that can head out.

 Despite the cold, snowy and windy weather, I assure you anglers are still taking to the water as much as possible.  To put in the time on the water now is doing yourself a favor, especially for trophy caliber fish.  Every year we witness big bites, so hang in there, we are not ice fishing yet.

Area lakes have seen little to no traffic recently.  Most fish taken are still coming from mid-lake structure and old vegetation.   Some big crappies continue to be an easy target.  Best bet has been soft plastics tipped on a 1/16 oz jig.  Make sure to pay attention to your electronics to mark the roaming schools.  This time of year, it is fun to bring along the ice fishing equipment. Winds have not been ideal, but nothing better than catching fish from the boat using a Vexilar and short ice rod.

 Walleyes continue to roam wind-blown shorelines as well as mid-lake structure.  Same goes for some nice-sized smallmouth and northern pike.  Make no mistake, this is a great time of year for a multi-species bite.

 One of the most targeted fish this fall of course is the musky.  Several mid forty fish have been boated and reports of a lot of follows.  Most of the action has come using live bait, a musky sucker on quick strike rigs has been producing the most, but top water baits has also produced, especially early morning and later afternoons.  Swimbaits and bucktails baits are still being used, but not a lot of success.

 I want to mention again the importance of making sure you wear your life jackets.  This time of year the water is very cold and hypothermia can grab hold of a person fast. So please be safe out there.