NHS FISH REPORT
Everything you need to know to plan your FISHING TRIP to Boulder Jct.
NHS RESOURCES
NHS PRO STAFF
Come on into the store and we can help you get set up.
Fish Report
Winter: as of February 17th
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LAKE CONDITIONS
Current Ice Status: Peak Ice
The ice in the Boulder Junction area and surrounding lakes is currently at its seasonal peak.
Thickness: Averages are holding between 16" and 20".
Surface: Recent temperature fluctuations have created a hard, crusty snow layer on top of the ice. With the warm daytime temps, that crust quickly becomes soft and slushy in some areas.
Travel: UTV and snowmobile travel is excellent. Truck travel is possible but caution is advised and always stay on established tracks to avoid any pockets of deep snow that might still hold moisture underneath.
2
FISH REPORT: The February Grind
WALLEYE - Low-Light "Feeding Windows"
The walleye are in their mid-winter patterns, which means they are moving less and feeding in shorter bursts. Look for the "deep-to-shallow" transition zones. Focus on the steep breaks in 15–22 feet of water.
Top Tactics: Tip-ups with medium-sized golden shiners or sucker minnows are the top producers. The bite is most active for about 60 minutes right at dawn and again from 4:45 PM until dark.
PIKE - Shallow & Aggressive
Pike are currently the most active predators in the area. They are sticking close to the remaining green weed beds in 8–12 feet of water.
Top Tactics: Large dead-bait (like smelt or large suckers) rigged horizontally on a quick-strike rig is effective for the larger fish. If you want more action, active shiners on tip-ups are triggering plenty of flags.
PANFISH - Basin Transition
Crappies: Most schools have moved into the deep basins. Look for suspended fish in 20–28 feet of water. Small tungsten jigs in glow-pink or white, tipped with a plastic tail or a single spike, are working well.
Perch: Holding tight to the mud flats. Jigging spoons with a heavy rattle can help call them in from a distance. Once they arrive, switch to a smaller jig tipped with a waxie.
Bluegills: Still being found in the shallower weed pockets (6–10 feet). Focus on the "pocket" openings in the weeds where they have room to move.
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Northern Highland Sports Update
The contest is LIVE! If you're heading out to brave the cold, stop in and gear up first. Reminder: Ensure your ticket is visible in your photo!
Live Bait & Pro Tips
With the hard crust on the snow, sound travels much more easily through the ice right now. If you're fishing shallow water (under 10 feet), try to keep noise to a minimum. Avoid slamming truck doors or drilling holes directly on top of your target spot during the prime sunset window.
Action: If you’re jigging, use more subtle movements. Let the bait sit still for longer intervals.
Bait: If you're out of shiners, don't forget that hot dogs (rigged perfectly horizontal) are a local secret for pike that surprisingly works when the "natural" bite is finicky.
We can confirm to all callers that we have the "Good Stuff" in the tanks and the gear to keep you from freezing:
Minnows: Large/Medium Shiners, Walleye Suckers, Fatheads, Crappie Minnows
Grubs: Waxies, Red Spikes, White Spikes
Gear: Stay out longer with Heat Hog propane heaters, Eskimo & Clam shelters, Striker float suits, and plenty of Disposable hand and foot warmers to keep the extremities warm!
Current Weather Data
Boulder Jct. Wisconsin
