MIDWEST FISHING REPORT
ICE DERBY: The Island Lake Lions Club Ice Fishing Derby, headquartered at Eastway Park, is on for 7 a. m. to 2 p. m. Saturday.
AREA LAKES: Iffy and dangerous. Some northern lakes will have ice fishing, while some southern lakes might remain open- water. Public site ice- fishing regulations are at t. co/ 8EicLRusND.
CHAIN O’LAKES: Triangle: Ice conditions are treacherous. Stay out of most middles, but there are fishable shoreline areas. Better to ice- fish smaller local lakes than the Chain. Bluegills are going well on the smaller lakes. Some pike staging near creek areas, which are extremely dangerous.
GREEN/ STURGEON BAYS, WISCONSIN: Howie’s Tackle: Ice conditions are improving, but cracks still can form quickly with open water on the other side and to the north. Whitefish have been excellent. ‘‘ The key is to stay mobile and stay away from other fishermen. Your success will greatly increase.’’’
LAKEFRONT: Arden Katz: A flurry of jumbo perch on the west end of Navy Pier, but window was small and light line essential. He caught better numbers at South Side slips. Slez’s Bait: Smaller minnows best for perch. Some days take sorting, but best perching in years at South Side slips. NAVY PIER NOTE: Fisherman’s parking is $ 6 if out by 10 a. m. PIER PASSES: Passes for legal access to select piers are available at Henry’s ($ 6 cash, one per valid fishing license). NORTHERN WISCONSIN: MINOCQUA: Kurt Justice: Perch ( cover mud flats in 20 to 26 feet) and bluegills are good to very good, and pike are good. Pay attention to conditions, but overall ice is 17 to 18 inches. NORTHWEST INDIANA: Slez’s Bait: ‘‘ A lot of steelhead’’ were caught in Trail and the Little Cal over the weekend on Voodoo jigs and wax worms or spawns, mostly under floats. Weather limited action on Lake Michigan, but a few browns at Portage lakefront park and Port of Indiana. SHABBONA: Park hours go to 8 a. m. to 6 p. m. daily starting Wednesday. Night ice fishing on Saturday is canceled. Clint Sands: As of Tuesday, half the lake was open and the rest was honeycombed. Lakeside closed until safe ice.