FISHING WITH THE GUIDES with George Langley - WEEK OF 1/4 to 1/11

We’ve officially turned the calendar to 2026, and winter is starting to show a little more consistency here in the Northwoods. After the snow that arrived late last week, followed by colder temperatures, ice conditions are generally improving, though travel has become more challenging. Snow cover has locked in some slush in low spots and that’s likely to be the biggest hurdle for anglers over the coming week. Patience and caution are still very much required.

Ice conditions around the Eagle River area remain variable. Most reports are still putting ice thickness in the 8-12” range, depending on location, with some thicker pockets where ice formed earlier and stayed protected – and thinner spots, too, to keep it interesting. Snow cover, pressure cracks, and shoreline heaves continue to be present, particularly on larger lakes and flowages like the Eagle River Chain. Areas near current, aerators, narrows, bridges, and access points demand extra attention. We’re still strongly encouraging spudding as you go and spacing out when traveling in groups. Foot travel remains the most common and safest option for many anglers right now, especially with the added weight of snow on the ice.

Walleye fishing has remained one of the bright spots of this season. Shallow weed edges are still producing fish during low-light periods, but more anglers are finding consistent action sliding out toward mid-depth breaks and transition areas in the 10-12’ range. Tip-ups with medium shiners or sucker minnows are doing the heavy lifting, especially early and late in the day, with some solid after-dark reports coming in. Jigging has also been effective, particularly when anglers use rattle spoons or aggressive jigging minnows to call fish in, then switch to more subtle presentations once fish show up. Expect that deeper action to continue now into later winter.

Northern pike action continues to be strong, also. Fish are still closely tied to remaining green weeds, and tip-ups set along weed edges in the 10 to 15’ range are producing the most consistent results. Large shiners or sucker minnows and larger, flashy and loud baits remain the top choices. As weeds continues to fade, expect pike to gradually spread out and roam a bit more.

Panfish are providing reliable action and some excellent table fare. Perch are showing up in deeper water now, with reports of some very respectable fish mixed in. Look in the 15 to 20’ range over flats for these guys. Bluegills are generally holding shallow, often in less than 10 feet, and are responding well to small jigs tipped with waxies or spikes. Crappie reports have increased, particularly during the afternoon and evening hours. Look for them around weeds and basin areas in the 8 to 16’ range, or slightly deeper if needed. Fatheads, rosie reds, and waxies are all producing fish right now.

As we move deeper into January, expect pressure on the ice to increase with both locals and visitors taking advantage of the season. We are still seeing reports of vehicles going through the ice in the area over the past couple of weeks, a reminder that conditions are still early-season-like, despite the calendar. Many experienced anglers are sticking to walking for now, especially with the added snow load. A stretch of consistent cold would go a long way toward improving travel and overall safety, however it looks like we’ll have to wait on that.

It's been a great start to 2026 on the ice, and that should continue. Variables like cloud cover, weather fronts and the solunar times can make a difference right now, but generally the fishing is great! Be smart, take your time, and enjoy everything winter fishing has to offer. There’s nothing better than a fresh meal pulled through the ice, no matter the time of day.

Good luck and good fishin’!

 
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