Minocqua Fishing Report

Check for Weekly Updates Starting May, 2024!

Greg Bohn’s Strictly Walleye Guide Service provides updated Vilas & Oneida County fishing reports weekly starting (May 1st – Nov 30th). Jam packed with tackle secrets & tips. Timely “On the Water” walleye, muskie and trophy panfish secrets are sure to keep you informed. Join us weekly for all your Northwood’s fishing tips!

Minocqua Area Fishing Report – May 4, 2024 

Bohn’s Summary –

Musky – 

Northern –

Walleye – 

Smallmouth Bass – 

Crappie – Ice out crappie success can be tricky. Faster action typically occurs during the Pre-spawn to Post-spawn period and warmer water. Right now, small groups of crappie (6 to 8) fish will actively search for warmer water. Don’t be surprised if they appear near the surface where the warmest midday water temperatures are located. The sun’s heat can turn-on any calm water location quickly. Also play-off the wind, its your most important tool. Warmer surface water being pushed into any shallow location can turn on quickly.

I have witnessed and caught hundreds of spring crappie lying just beneath the still surface, many with their backs slightly above the water, which resemble leaves floating on the surface. Water rings are a dead giveaway. Yes, small bays warm quickly, but its the entrance and slightly deeper water nearby that’s usually the hotspot. Anchor fish, anchor fish, anchor fish! Remember, don’t over tackle these ice out crappie or you’ll be scratching your head. Think ice fishing, select finesse rigs, use light line, tiny ice jigs and #10 gold Aberdeen hooks tipped with crappie minnows or waxworms. By a scoop or two of crappie minnows picking out the smallest ones first. Be very size selective. Slip bobbers should be ice fishing sizes to detect those common slow bites.

Bluegill – 

Perch – 

What Lakes are Hot & What’s Not – 

Top-3 Walleye Lakes –

Weather Conditions –

Hot Walleye Bite –

Best Live Bait Selections –

Productive Jigs & Lures –

Walleye Plastic’s – 

Panfish Tidbits –

Walleye Structure –

Flowage Walleye Tips –

Willow Flowage –

Rainbow Flowage –

Water Temps by Lake Size –

0-500 Acres (74) – 500-1,000 Acres (72) – 1,000 to 5,000 Acres (70)

Key Walleye Depths –

Weed Walleye Hotspots – 

Mr. Slip Bobber Walleye Tips –

Slip Bobbering Snags – 

The Wind Factor –

Hot Walleye Rigs & Tackle –