February 2020

Episode 6

Windy City Trout

Show Date: February 1st & 2nd, 2020

Location: Lake Michigan, Chicago, Illinois 

With a million-dollar view of the Windy City, we find ourselves alone in the Chicago harbor experiencing one of the best lake trout bites ever.  We don’t understand why more people don’t fish here this time of year.  

We got going early, determined to beat the morning rush hour traffic, and get out fishing.  We met Captain Caleb Zorn at the launch just south of downtown, right next to where the Bears play at Soldier Field.  During the winter months, it’s pretty quiet, and we were the only boat launching, and the only vehicle in the parking lot.  It felt like we had the whole place to ourselves, aside from a few joggers on the running path, we actually did. A quick boat ride, and we were on the spot, right alongside the lighthouse, with Navy Pier just a few hundred yards away.  Pitching Kalin’s Jerk Minnows with a larger darter-head jig is what Caleb said works, and it didn’t take long for him to be proven right.  

This was one of those magical days, where everything went great.  Great weather, cooperative wind (for the most part), and of course the fish bit non-stop.  We had such a great day, that we were able to get the boat back on the trailer, and beat the traffic home.  

Episode 6

Gills & Pike in Lake Country

Show Date: February 8th & 9th, 2020

Location: Waukesha County, Wisconsin

We are excited to be fishing close to home, and making the short drive for excellent fishing in Waukesha, Wisconsin.  Southeastern Wisconsin has been way behind when it comes to ice this year, which is why we are restricted to a bay on the day that we fish. The lack of ice is actually a good thing, because these fish are way less pressured than they would be in a normal year. 

We are set up on deep weeds, around 12-18 feet, even up to 25 feet deep.  Matt says to look for weeds that are still standing up, that’s the type of structure that the bluegills will seek out. 

Setting up our Beaver Dams over the top of the weed flats, again looking for weeds that haven’t fallen over, will give you the best chance.  We love the new size limits on these lakes, we are seeing a lot of big, stocky fish. Sprinkled in with all the beautiful bluegills are some impressive pike.  

Episode 7

Shallow Water Perch

Show Date: February 15th & 16th, 2020

Location: The Winnebago System, Oshkosh, Wisconsin

Guide: Captain Matt Merten [920-410-2206 | https://www.badgersportsmanoutdoors.com/ ]

This week we are fishing in a man-made marina on the Lake Winnebago System, the perch happen to be congregating here, and we are having an absolutely fantastic time fishing them.  The fun in this fishing is the amount of bites, we are getting bit most of the day, but there are a lot of small ones to weed through. You can definitely tell when you hook into a jumbo, and these are beautiful jumbos!

We’re excited that the perch population is coming back strong on this system, and look forward to more excellent fishing. 

Episode 8

Northwoods Cold-Front

Show Date: February 22 & 23, 2020

Location: Vilas County, Wisconsin

Guide: Pro Guide Rob Manthei [715-477-2042 | robmanthei.com]

It’s been a weird winter in the northern tier, and during our time in Vilas County, we’re right in the middle of a cold-front.  As we often say, we can’t choose the weather, so we will fish regardless. With the cold temps, at least travel on the lakes won’t be as much of an issue, because all of the slush has mostly frozen. 

We’re targeting a bit of everything, because everything swims where we are set up.  Jigging for panfish and walleyes, and setting up the Beaver Dam’s in the weeds for big pike and walleye will cover what we want to.