FISHING WITH THE GUIDES with George Langley - WEEK OF 12/28 to 1/4

We’re closing out 2025 and heading into the New Year with winter finally feeling a bit more like winter, even if it hasn’t been a picture-perfect Northwoods deep freeze. It seems we’ve got that coming later this week.  The snow we got Sunday into Monday will have a big impact on “getting around” out there – slush is going to be the name of the game for a while. Let’s hope the predicted cold holds.  

Ice thickness continues to vary across the Eagle River area. Overall, ice is decent, though it still remains pretty classic “early-season”—uneven, variable, and very dependent on location. Snow cover (a bigger issue after the storm), pressure cracks, and shoreline heaves are still factors to watch closely, so caution remains the word of the week. We’re getting reports of 5 to 10 inches generally, with some thicker spots in some areas. Larger lakes and flowages like the Chain are improving but still demand extra attention, especially near current areas, narrows, and shoreline access points and heaves. Spudding as you go and keeping space between groups is still strongly recommended, but this cold snap we’re expecting should help.

Walleye fishing has been solid and consistent. The shallow weed bite remains productive, especially during low-light periods, but more anglers are starting to push out toward mid-depth breaks and edges, and having great luck there, too. Tip-ups with medium shiners or sucker minnows are producing well, particularly early and late in the day, with good after-dark action being reported. Jigging continues to be effective—rattle spoons to draw fish in, followed by smaller jigs or jigging minnows when fish get cautious. Expect the bite to continue spreading deeper as we move deeper into winter.

Northern pike action is steadily improving. Early-season fish are still closely tied to green weeds, and tip-ups set along remaining weed edges are the most consistent producers. Large shiners and sucker minnows are the preferred baits. Look for those weed edges in about 5-10’ and try your luck there.

Panfish remain a dependable option. Perch are active and deeper now, and reports suggest some very nice-sized fish in the mix. Bluegills are holding in the shallows, less than 10’, generally. You should see steady action on small jigs tipped with waxies or spikes. Crappie reports are increasing, particularly during warmer stretches of the day and toward evening. Look to weeds and basins in the 8–14’ range or even deeper if you’re not finding them. Fatheads, rosie reds, or waxies are all working now.

All signs point to a promising 2026 ice season. As we head into the New Year, we can expect a lot of traffic on area lakes with the snow - and holiday visitors and locals alike enjoying it, and the ice. We’ve seen a number of vehicles go through the ice in the last couple of weeks and many seasoned anglers are still sticking to foot travel only for the time being – which will get tough with all this snow -  and hopefully change with some consistent cold. Be smart out there, and you’re sure to have a great time pulling fish through holes for a fantastic dinner – or lunch or breakfast!  Wishing everyone a safe and happy New Year. Here’s to steady ice, bent rods and flying flags to start the year off right.

Good luck and good fishin’ on into 2026!

 
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