Lake Wisconsin locked up with ice in November 2013, and ice conditions have been consistently good through February, but open water fishing is just around the corner so be cautious if venturing out on late winter ice as increased current from snow melt rapidly erodes the ice. In anticipation of the spring walleye run, follow these tips to help you be prepared: 1) take time now to make sure those boat batteries are still charged, 2) begin sorting through and organizing your tackle, and 3) put new line on all of your reels. In addition, don’t forget to read the regulations for the waters you intend to fish, and remember that your fishing license expires on March 31st.
We are fortunate to have a continuous open season for walleyes and saugers on Lake Wisconsin and the Wisconsin River, so there is no need to wait for the inland waters opener which occurs annually on the first Saturday in May. For those who prefer to target trout in streams, the early catch and release season opened on March 2nd.
In March, you will typically find open water below the Prairie du Sac Dam where you can either fish from shore, wade in the shallows to cast, or put your boat in at the VFW launch. Open water can usually also be found in early March on the northeast end of Lake Wisconsin. There are three launches on Tipperary Road from which you can launch a boat to fish the Wisconsin River at the head of the lake and an additional launch on the Wisconsin River four miles to the North on County Road V by Hooker’s Resort. Additional fishing opportunities for pre-spawn walleyes and saugers from either shore or a boat can be had on the stretch of the Wisconsin River below the Kilbourn Dam at Wisconsin Dells. Access is on County Road A at either River’s Edge Resort or the new county boat launch right next to River’s Edge.
Gary Sanders