FISHING WITH THE GUIDES with George Langley - Week of 3/16 to 3/22/2026

Well, if you were hoping spring had arrived to stay, this week is here to set you straight. After flirting with some milder temperatures recently, we're right back into the deep freeze here in Eagle River for the time being. With only a modest warm-up in sight by Wednesday and Thursday, we’re not losing ice any time soon. That's the Northwoods in March for you – she's not done with us yet.

We’d like to be able to say that at least the cold is holding the ice well, but with all the snow we got at the end of last week into this, there may be plenty of ice but getting around is tricky. There are layers of pitted ice and snow now, with water at the bottom in many places. While there are still plenty of people going out and well-traveled areas will be easily accessible, be prepared for some “muck” if you plan to travel off the beaten path.

 Crappies continue to be the main story right now. Fish are turning up along weed edges in 6 to 10 feet of water, with schools also showing up over deeper mud flats in the 18 to 22 foot range. Small vertical jigs tipped with waxies or crappie minnows have been the ticket, with late afternoon and into the evening being the most productive window. If you can find a school that has settled in, you can have yourself a very good day out there.

Bluegills remain steady and reliable. They are holding a bit deeper over mud flats right now, and a 1/32 oz. jig tipped with waxies or red spikes is a hard combination to beat. Light line and subtle presentation are important – these fish can get finicky this time of year, and a heavy-handed approach will shut them down in a hurry.

Perch have been a little inconsistent, but when they decide to bite they are biting well. Look for them deeper over mud flats, and if you want to sort through to the bigger fish, crappie minnows or rosy reds will help weed out the smaller ones. Those minnows under tip-downs are a great choice for this time of the year.

With temperatures climbing back toward the mid-30s by Wednesday and pushing 40 by Thursday, conditions should be very fishable heading into the weekend. Mornings will be your most reliable time on the ice this week as things firm up in the cold overnight. The next couple of weeks should offer some excellent late-season panfish action before we start really thinking about open water.

And if you’re just done with winter at this point and open water is all you can think about, it’s never too early to start getting ready! Pull those spools and get new line, sort that tackle, grease the reels, check your rod’s guides and have them repaired if needed, prep that boat and make sure your battery minder has been minding itself properly. And all the while you’re doing all of that, we’re getting one step closer to REAL spring.

Good luck and good fishin'!

Wisconsin Fishing Information

                                                                                                                           

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