With the rain, ice, and more snow, it looks like we will be closing out the game fish season trying to fish in some awful slushy conditions. Trucks, snowmobiles and ATV’s with tracks all have been getting stuck, so when you are getting ready to go out check your local lake conditions. Please stay safe on the ice.  If you aren’t familiar with a lake, please ask a guide, other fisherman, the bait shop, gas station, bars or other businesses about any areas to be cautious around for safe ice conditions.

Northern Pike: Game fish season closes March 1st on border lakes, such as LVD, and March 3rd for WI inland lakes.

Walleye: Same as above.

Panfish: Not much change with these fish. Bluegills are being found in the weeds using small jigs tipped with waxies, spikes or tipped with plastic.  Perch are being caught on the deep weed edge where the mud meets. Crappies are being found off the first break off of the deep weeds in some lakes and found suspended over the deep water basin.
​
Happy fishing!  Selective harvest is the way to go.  Colin Crawford's Guide Service, [email protected] (715)891-2715.  Website is www.crawfordfishing.com or you can also find Phelps Outdoors on Facebook.

​Ice conditions are in good shape. With the month of February, comes longer days and some stronger sun, so always keep an eye on conditions. Remember that some of the area lakes are also marked with barrels for snowmobiles and to punch your holes away from the trail areas.  The lakes are shared by outdoor enthusiasts for lots of different purposes and consideration of each other makes for a more enjoyable time by all.  Please stay safe on the ice.  If you aren’t familiar with a lake, please ask a guide, other fisherman, the bait shop, gas station, bars or other businesses about any areas to be cautious around for safe ice conditions.

Northern Pike: We are finding them fishing in the weeds setting our tip-ups right above the greenest ones we can find. Shiners and suckers are both still working as bait of choice. You can pick up a couple if you are jigging the weeds for Walleyes also for a little surprise.

Walleye: Intercepting these fish early dawn and dusk coming in on the weed edge to feed using tip-ups with extra-large fatheads or golden shiners is a great start. During the daylight, jigging out off the edge of rock humps will produce eyes, also using jigging raps or similar baits along with spoons are producing fish.

Panfish: Not much change with these fish. Bluegills are being found in the weeds using small jigs tipped with waxies, spikes or tipped with plastic.  Perch are being caught on the deep weed edge where the mud meets. Crappies are being found off the first break off of the deep weeds in some lakes and found suspended over the deep water basin.

​Happy fishing!  Selective harvest is the way to go.  Colin Crawford's Guide Service, [email protected] (715)891-2715.  Website is www.crawfordfishing.com or you can also find Phelps Outdoors on Facebook.

Wow, with this cold snap and a lack of snow, ice conditions are in great shape. Some commonsense is still needed when traveling on the ice in your vehicle; make sure neck down areas and thorofares are safe before you keep going.  If you are unfamiliar with the lake, ask around to make sure there aren’t areas that need to be avoided or to take extra caution around.  Remember that some of the area lakes are also marked with barrels for snowmobiles and to punch your holes away from the trail areas.  The lakes are shared by outdoor enthusiasts for lots of different purposes and consideration of each other makes for a more enjoyable time by all.

Northern Pike: Fish are still being found on the weed edges and in the deeper weeds. Shiners and suckers are both working for these water wolves. On the edges the set up should be tip ups set a foot or so off the bottom.  When fishing the weeds, set your tip ups so that your bait is just above the tops of the weeds.

Walleye: Setting tip ups on the weed edges and on the breaks coming in from deeper water will help intercept these fish coming in at low light periods to feed. Jigging the deep weed edge and rock humps will produce eyes also.  Also, on the same areas with baits like the buckshot rattle spoon are producing fish.

Panfish: Bluegills are being found in the weeds using small jigs tipped with waxies, spikes or tipped with plastic.  Perch are being caught on the deep weed edge where the mud meets. Crappies are being found off the first break off of the deep weeds in some lakes and found suspended over the deep water basin.
​
Happy fishing!  Selective harvest is the way to go.  Colin Crawford's Guide Service, [email protected] (715)891-2715.  Website is www.crawfordfishing.com or you can also find Phelps Outdoors on Facebook.

​With the early cold, then some snow and rain, the local ice conditions are in great shape. We have had a great couple of weeks as far as fishing goes, snowmobiling not so much. Make sure to check the ice depth along your pathway to make sure it is thick enough. Remember that some of the area lakes are also marked with barrels for snowmobiles and to punch your holes away from the trail areas.
Northern Pike: We are finding fish on the weed edges and in the deeper weeds. On the edges the set up should be tip ups set a foot or so off the bottom.  When fishing the deep weeds, set your tip ups so that your bait is just above the tops of the weeds.
Walleye: These fish are being caught in a couple of areas, in and around weeds.  Setting tip ups on the weed edges baited with walleye suckers or medium golden shiners in low light conditions seem to be best.  Also, jigging in the same areas with baits like the buckshot rattle spoon are producing fish.  The other good option is on the tops of rock humps for good spots in the early evening.
Panfish: Bluegills are being found in the weeds using small jigs tipped with waxies, spikes or tipped with plastic.  Perch are being caught on the deep weed edge where the mud meets. Crappies are being found off the first break off of the deep weeds in some lakes and found suspended over the deep water basin.
Happy fishing!  Selective harvest is the way to go.  Colin Crawford's Guide Service, [email protected] (715)891-2715.  Website is www.crawfordfishing.com or you can also find Phelps Outdoors on Facebook.

The Breakfast with Santa/Warm the Children Fund fundraiser recently hosted at the Phelps School by Colin Crawford’s Guide Service and Phelps Outdoors, LLC with the grateful assistance of the Phelps School Student Council members was very successful.  The colorful and cheery woodland backdrop was donated by Judy Lucas of The Village Barber.  Paul Lucas also assisted Colin Crawford in the kitchen for the breakfast food preparation.  The School District of Phelps donated the use of the building and several staff members assisted in preparation for the event.  Special thanks to staff, Lynn Kolling, Patrick Brown, Mickey Santy, David Justice (and woodshop students) and Robyn Boyer for their extra special assistance.  Greg Payne made his appearance as Santa, he has graduated from Santa School and is available for hire for other events, he can be contacted at 715-891-0024.  Santa and his Elf Terry generously have donated their time for this worthy cause.

The Phelps Student Council helped with the event day set-up, serving, reindeer games, selling baked goods and at the door tickets and clean up.  Additionally, they helped with pre-event ticket sales and donation collections at both Trig’s in Eagle River and Pick n’ Save.  Both stores graciously permitted the students to set up a table for their events.  Pick n’ Save also donated towards the breakfast foods purchase.  Several other area businesses, Phelps Convenience Center, Great Escape Bar & Resort, Village Barber, Phelps Chamber of Commerce, Northern Exposure, Sand Lake Pub and Dublin’s Bar & Grill took part in the pre-ticket sales and donation cans at their places of business.

There were approximately 100 meals served over the 3-hour breakfast event.  Both the young and the young at heart attended the breakfast.  Several multi-generational families also enjoyed a meal with Santa.  Home-made baked goodies were donated by community members and sold as well, as part of the fundraiser.  Additionally, 35 items where collected for the Headwaters Food Pantry totaling 24.55 pounds of food.  To encourage the non-perishable food item donations, Phelps Outdoors and Colin Crawford’s Guide Service donated a stocking with several Christmas themed items plus a Bluetooth children’s speaker.  Everyone who brought food donations received a free raffle entry for every item into the stocking drawing.  Tickets were also available for the stocking by purchase without a food pantry donation.  Levi C. won the raffle drawing which was done by Santa at the end of the event. He accepted his stocking from Santa with an ear to ear grin of joy and excitement.
​
The Crawfords presented a check in the amount of $140.00 to the Phelps Student Council for their assistance.  Jacki Risjord, on behalf of the Warm the Children Fund, accepted a donation check in the amount of 1260.00 to aid in the children’s winter clothing program.  Mark your calendars now for December 7, 2019 so you don’t miss out on this fundraiser that aids in helping local children stay warm, all while enjoying a breakfast with Santa. Thank you to all the area businesses that assisted in ticket sales and allowed the placement of donation cans and those that attended, baked and donated for helping make this fundraiser a success!  It is because this wonderful Northwoods Community does ban together to contribute in a multitude of ways to make a difference that we are able to help this worthy cause that directly benefits many local children with new warm winter clothing.

The Breakfast with Santa/Warm the Children Fund fundraiser hosted at the Phelps School, lower commons, 4451 Old School Rd., Phelps, WI 54554, by Colin Crawford’s Guide Service and Phelps Outdoors Guiding & Lodging in partnership with the grateful assistance of the Phelps School Student Council members, who receive 10% of the proceeds as their own fundraiser while the remaining 90% is donated to Warm the Children Fund.  There is a colorful and cheery woodland backdrop for photo opportunities. Please bring your own camera or we can take and email.  These photos are a great family event.  We request a photo donation to go towards The Warm the Children Fund.  The breakfast tickets are for a pancake, scrambled egg or a combo meal.  All meals include, sausage links and milk/coffee.  Tickets range from $5--$10.  Advance tickets will be available at the Phelps School office, Phelps Chamber of Commerce, Phelps Convenience Center, The Great Escape, Northern Exposure, Sand Lake Pub, Dublin’s Bar and Grill, and The Village Barber, as well as Phelps Student Council members.

Both the young and the young at heart are welcome and encouraged to attend the breakfast.  Home-made baked goodies are donated and are available at the breakfast as well.  Additionally, items are collected for the Headwaters Food Pantry.  To encourage the non-perishable food item donations, Phelps Outdoors and Colin Crawford’s Guide Service donate a stocking with several Christmas themed items plus a surprise item.  Everyone who brings food donations receives a free raffle entry for every item into the stocking drawing.  Tickets are also available for the stocking by purchase without a food pantry donation.  There are also free “Reindeer Games”, including Pin the Nose on Rudolph, coloring sheets and Letters to Santa.
​
The Warm the Children Fund is a Vilas County News Review children’s winter clothing program.  Mark your calendars now for December 1, 2018, 8—11am, so you don’t miss out on this fundraiser that aids in helping local children stay warm, all while enjoying a breakfast with Santa. 

​This cold weather has most lakes in the 40’s making sure that turnover is done. The water has cleared up, and with all this rain, the water levels are up considerably.         
                                                                                                                                                
Northern Pike: These fish are still in the deeper weeds jig and minnow combo are your best bet but look to using larger chubs or sucker minnows as bait.

Walleye: We are finding walleyes starting to school up some, so using your locator to find these fish is a big help in getting a fish fry. Been finding them all over depending on the lake, they are in holes on the Eagle River chain and around rocks on the bigger lakes. Jig and minnows are the best bait to use now.

Panfish:  Perch are starting to show up in the rocks a lot lately; using jigs tipped with minnows are your best bet. Crappies are starting to leave the weeds, use your locator to find these in the deeper water, jigs and minnows are working. Bluegills are in the shallow weeds and can be caught slip bobbering tipped with plastic, waxworms, or a piece of crawler.
​
Muskie:  Jerk baits, glide baits, crankbaits and bucktails thrown parallel and over the weeds while soaking a sucker on the breaks are getting fish.
​
Happy fishing!  Selective harvest is the way to go.  Colin Crawford's Guide Service, [email protected] (715)891-2715.  Website is www.crawfordfishing.com or you can also find Phelps Outdoors on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. NPAA #94. Remember, if you hire a guide, make sure the guide is licensed as a guide.

This constant cold weather is dropping the water temps that’s for sure. We have been seeing water temps low to mid 50’s;  turn over will be here soon, if not already, on some smaller lakes.
                                                                                                                                                          
Northern Pike:  If these fish are on your hit list, the deeper the weeds you can find, the better your chances of hooking up with these water wolves. Jig and minnow combo are your best bet but look to using larger chubs as bait.

Bass: I have found the Largemouth Bass are starting to leave the shallows heading to the deep weeds, so crankbaits will help get you “ol’bucket mouth”. Smallmouth Bass are starting to move up the rocks; some crayfish imitation baits will catch these.

Walleye: Walleyes are all over depending on the lake, they are in holes, on the rocks and in the weeds; glad they are making it easy to have a fish fry. Jig and minnows are the ticket now.  

Panfish:  Perch are starting to show up in the rocks a lot lately; using jigs tipped with minnows are your best bet. Crappies are starting to leave the weeds, use your locator to find these in the deeper water, jigs and minnows are working. Bluegills are in the shallow weeds and can be caught slip bobbering tipped with plastic, waxworms, or a piece of crawler.

Muskie:  Jerk baits, crankbaits and bucktails thrown parallel and over the weeds while soaking a sucker on the breaks are getting fish.

Happy fishing!  Selective harvest is the way to go.  Colin Crawford's Guide Service, [email protected] (715)891-2715.  Website is www.crawfordfishing.com or you can also find Phelps Outdoors on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. NPAA #94. Remember, if you hire a guide, make sure the guide is licensed as a guide.

The surface water temps are that’s for sure. They have dropped 10-15 degrees depending on the lake. With lower temps you will need to start changing things up as far as your bait choices; live bait, you will need to bring minnows, crawlers and plastics for panfish and walleyes; and suckers (aka sausages) for muskies, bring your banker along for these, rumor has it they are going for $10.00 or better a piece. This week I found fish in the same areas; but falling temps will get them moving                                                                                                                                                         


Northern Pike:  Getting these fish on the deep weed edges using jig and minnows, tossing a bass style spinnerbait usually chartreuse or white in color should get you hooked up.

Bass:  Largemouth Bass are still up in the shallows, so throwing crankbaits and plastics will get you “ol’bucket mouth”. Smallmouth Bass are starting to move up the rocks; some crayfish imitation baits will catch these.

Walleye: Walleyes have really spread out in the last couple of weeks, we have been catching them on jig and crawlers on the soft bottom and rocks. Watch the water temps you will need to start switching over to minnows as it starts to drop.

Panfish:  Perch are starting to show up in the rocks a lot lately; keep on using jigs tipped with red worms or plastic. Still catching some Crappies in the weeds. Bluegills are in the shallow weeds and can be caught slip bobbering tipped with plastic, waxworms, or a piece of crawler.

Muskie:  Bucktails and jerk baits over and thrown parallel to the weeds are getting fish.
​
Happy fishing!  Selective harvest is the way to go.  Colin Crawford's Guide Service, [email protected] (715)891-2715.  Website is www.crawfordfishing.com or you can also find Phelps Outdoors on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. NPAA #94. Remember, if you hire a guide, make sure the guide is licensed as a guide.