Ice fishing around E.C.

[picksbigwagon]

Okay, my brother lives in E.C., actually washington Township, but close enough, where are a couple of good lakes for ice fishing?

[Cooter]

First off ol bud... does he own enough land for bowhunting Depending on your reply I may or may not get back to you JK. What are you looking for? Swing on up and I'll either take you out or get you on the latest and greatest EC ice fishing bite! Seriously, L. Hallie for northerns, lake Altoona for big perch and crappies, maybe Tainter or Menomin in Menomonie depending on time of year. I'd lean for Altoona as I think its the most consistent with the nicest fish plus I'm most familiar with it. Later.

[picksbigwagon]

He owns 1.5 acres, and has deer in his yard all year long. He lives right across from Lowes Creek Park, which we are planning to trout fish one of these years. Thanks for the help and I will get a hold of you if this comes together. We would probably have kids along so crappies and panfish would be good. Have you ever fished Red Cedar in the winter Cooter? I absolutely fell in love with that lake last summer. Of course it helped we were catching big smallies and enough walleyes for dinner.

[Cooter]

Never have fished the Cedar in winter. If you have kids along and just want action Half Moon right in town is pretty good or as mentioned early in the year a bay on Menomin kicks em out like no other but you got to be there early ice. Give me a heads up a week or so before you head over and I'll give you a report.

I drive by your brothers house everytime I come home from hunting - some big deer in that particular area. Never fished that section of Lowes but it does have some real nice browns in it. Later.

[gvg_uwec]

Cooter, do you fish wissota much? I have been hitting altoona mostly the past few years between classes and have done well but would like to try a few other lakes in the area. I wont be back to BRF much this winter with the lake down so I am going to try to get more familiar with EC area lakes. Also could you point me torwards some clearer lakes...I have always been fishing stained lakes and would like to try a few clearer ones

[Cooter]

Ah yes, good ol UWEC! Wissota's a good lake for ice fishing. Crappies and walleyes mostly. The walleyes are for sure an early evening/after dark bite, if you know where the weedbeds are the best route I've found is to set tip ups(with lights if you got them) staggered shallow started about 3' and going out to say 7'. I like to get the tip ups set then grap a jigging rod and fish the deep edge of the weeds, which isn't real deep on Wissota - 10' max. Had good luck with the soft plastic Storm jiggin lures - I sauce them up with a little scent, best color has been the plain shad(black/grey). Jiggin Raps work as well.

For cleared water try Lower Long by New Auburn, very similar tactics, shallow during evening and after dark. Both have a short, but distinct flurry that last half hour or so. On Long, again if you know where the weeds are you're styling. Both lakes have the slot(nothing between 14-18") with plenty of little eaters and nice fish in and a few above the slot. Shoot more questions if ya want. Later.

[gvg_uwec]

Thanks cooter, I will be trying to get out onto wissota some this winter as it is much quicker to get there this year with the bypass in place. I will be home around the BRF area this weekend working and also hitting the lakes around there, unless I hear about a hot bite in EC before then. I was thinking of trying to get out on Long this year as I have hear it is quite clear. If I have enough money after buying xmas gifts I will be purchasing a aqua vu scout or something similar and plan on trying it up there for sure. Hope to see ya on the ice soon! Should be safe this weekend by the looks of it

[BlueBasser]

Hey guys just moved into the area and have been thinking about getting out on the ice. I think the first place I want to try is Altoona. Anyone have any good places to start??? Thanks

[Cooter]

That silly lake literally has fish everywhere but straight north and a bit east of the handicap dock is a good bet for both perch and crappie, area is about 13 ft. To the north west of there where the shack town always pops up is the old river channel/cribs in about 18 ft, usually the best bet for crappies. The shallowere 8-10ft areas in the middle of the lake are good for perch as is the bay in the far east/northest end of the lake, some bluegill action there early as well. In general, look for shacks and fishermen, lots of knowledgeable local anglers on that lake so you can kinda follow the crowd and do well if you don't know the lake yourself.

[BlueBasser]

Thanks for the info. Cooter, I will have to get out and try it one of these days. Say just thought I would pass along a link for some lake maps. http://dnr.wi.gov/org/water/fhp/lakes/lakemap/eauclair.htm

Who knows how old they are?? But I thought they were a good find.

[Cooter]

I fished Altoona Sat afternoon and it was slow...I'm just glad I only fell on my face once - was like walking on an ice rink.

[Bobberboy]

We had good luck for Eyes and Crappies on Chain lake on the Chippewa & Rusk County line last weekend.

"Your bobbers down!"

[Blake]

Quote:

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I fished Altoona Sat afternoon and it was slow...I'm just glad I only fell on my face once - was like walking on an ice rink.

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Psssssssssst.....ahem....cooter.....it IS ice buddy!! Stay away from them beerse...

[Wicked_1]

Cooter, I just registered the FM but belong to many others. I see you have fished Hallie for Northerns. I looked for gills out there last winter by the boat landing to no avail. I was wondering where you go for the toothy critters? Or let me know if you want to try it some Sunday & I'll tag along. I fish Altoona almost exclusivly and do pretty well but I'd like to get another lake under my belt. Thanks

[Cooter]

Welcome aboard Wicked! I could tell you where I fish Hallie for northerns, but then I'd have to.....JK! They get em all over the lake but I prefer the upper end, its a tough one though as thats where lots of springs are and the very upper end never freezes - lots of caution required. Also, I don't think Hallie is half as good as it was say 8-10 years ago. Too much pressure lately plus they don't stock it with trout anymore, which in my opinion is why the 20lb northerns started showing up. But its still fun to fish and I'll certainly let you know if I'm gonna head out there. Keep us posted on that Altoona bite! Later.

[Wicked_1]

I'm heading out to Altoona in the morning. I;ll let you know how it was. I need to find a big toothy critter for pickling and for just fun pulling her in. Any other good places in the area for monster northern?