Recreation : Fishing

Hunting, fishing, trapping and other 2008-2009 license and harvest permits for fish and wildlife activities in Wisconsin will go on sale March 10, 2008. Visit the DNR website for more information.  Licenses and permits for 2007-2008 will expire March 31, 2008.

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.

Click here for the 2008 Fishing Report for Wisconsin.

Click here for dates of Wisconsin Fishing Seasons.

Click here for 2008 Wisconsin Angler Education Workshops.

Click here for Wisconsin Boat Registration & Titling Instructions.

Click here for online recreational vehicle registration.

Click here to purchase your fishing license online.

Greater St. Germain Fishing Report Up-to-date Northwoods fishing conditions, provided by local St. Germain area fishing guides

Last updated: May 9th, 2008

St. Germain, WI (VILAS/ONEIDA COUNTIES) -- as of 05-09-08 St. Germain Fishing     With the opener a week past we are enjoying some decent fishing this week. Walleyes appear to be wrapping up or done spawning depending on the lake you are fishing. The deeper clear water lakes may still have some spawning activity going on but the smaller stained lakes are about done. The walleye have been moving off to gravel bars or an existing weeds during the daytime but a fair amount still coming in a cruising shallow during the low light periods to some extent. Expect most of these to be smaller males. Another spot to check is any downed timber or brush where the fish can get a little cover. These fish in shallow are quite “spooky” so approach them very quietly and use the lightest presentation you can get away with. I’ve tried a number of different baits this week and found that small chub minnows in the 2”- 3” range work the best.     Crappies are starting to come in shallow preparing for their turn at spawning. Look for them in areas with some brush or reeds in 2-3 feet of water. On the bass scene I've observed a few smallies edging toward the shallows but mostly just cruising.  I think they are just looking for the warmer water that the shallow water provides. Not very active just yet but don't be surprised to pick up a bonus smallmouth or two on a given outing. Remember that bass fishing is catch and release only until June 15. Pike are cruising their traditional areas meaning shallow weeds. I've actually still seen a few that were just coming off the spawning mode and not very aggressive but the ones that have finished and recovered are willing to take smaller offerings. Again think in terms of  2”-4” bait size. Live minnows or shallow running crankbaits will do the trick. In general I'd suggest concentrating your efforts for all species in the warmest water you can find and looking for cover. Timber, brush, cribs and larger rocks will hold fish now. Think small and slow in your bait presentations. Fishing should be pretty good coming up for a while and even if the weather is not so nice for humans the fish shouldn't mind unless we get a severe cold front. Feel free to check out the fishing reports message board at my website where I update frequently.  Pete Stoltman Last Cast Guide Service 715-542-4142 www.lastcastguideservice.com pjs53@frontiernet.net   Click here for 2008 Vilas County Fishing Events.

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DNR Discussion Forum

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Ask questions of local DNR Warden - Mike Sealander

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://dnr.wi.gov/fish/vhs/

Below are some PDF files pertaining to VHS:

• Anglers, Bait & VHS Frequently Asked Questions (274 Kb)
• Fish as Bait Pamphlet (1.3 MB - large download)
• VHS Alert - Boaters & Anglers (25 Kb)
• VHS Revised Rules (73 Kb) - New rules went into effect April 4, 2008.
• VHS Poster - Ice Anglers (758 Kb)
• VHS Poster - Boaters & Anglers (172 Kb)

Out-of-State Firewood Regulations