Monona Bay

Ice condition updates would be greatly appreciated as the week progresses.  Could get up to a half inch of rain Thursday.  I'm leaving for to months starting 2/1.  Need to get out at least one day this weekend.  Any info would be great.  Thank's. Rat

Seen this on fb

The snow we are getting tonight will help absorb some of the rain, too. 

cherrycoke, unless we get a TON of rain this week the ice will be fine! mid to upper 30's for high temperatures doesn't melt the ice at all.  Remember, you're sitting on top of a freezer.  Except for right near shore the ice will probably not melt at all.

Hi all, with the warmer weather coming this week, do you expect the ice to be at a safe depth come this saturday (1/27)?

Out Saturday for first time this year with partner.  Drilled two holes, set up the tent and proceeded to catch about 50 fish in 90 minutes, with most everything 6 inches or better.  Kept 12 and  threw all large fish back.  Sunday out with daughter in slightly different area. Decent action but not the same intensity as Saturday.  Was able to relocate the first set of holes, augered them out, and proceeded to catch as many fish as we wanted. All fish released.  I expect action will subside somewhat  as limits are removed, but a lot of fun on the bay so far.

Rat got messaged and realized he give bad directions.  I was fishing off of Brittingham Place.  There's that psuedo ramp with a chain blocking access.  My apologies.  Rat.

Fished bay off of North St.  Out about three hundred yards from that ramp.  Drilled six holes and found Nirvana on hole five.  Saw gills everywhere.  The other holes had zero fish.  Got a crappie on my first drop at 10:45 am my third fish was a crappie.  That was it for them.  Caught gills until I left at 4:45 pm.  

Was planning a catch and cook so I started keeping.  Threw a lot of bigger ones back after keeping 12. Threw back a limit easily.  One of my better days of ice fishing.  Every jig/color/type worked. Waxies, spikes, and Gulp red wigglers all worked. Fish were down five to six feet but also bit as I raised my bait towards the surface.  Overall just very aggressive bite.

Ever since I started drilling holes and not setting up until I see fish on my camera my ice fishing success has improved quite a bit.  Sometimes it takes a while but it's worth it.  Good luck out there. Rat

Thanks for the report Rat. Hopefully you did better on the bay today. I fished the north triangle this morning with a buddy  and my son-in-law.  Pretty  slow overall. Used a gold tungsten jig and red spikes. Caught some small gills with a few decent ones mixed in.

Hit north triangle early. Drilled holes did not see gills.  Too cold to mess around so I set up just to see muskie and pike.  Checked out another fishermans abandoned hole. More toothy critters.  Drilled another hole thirty feet away from that hole, Camera down another pike.  Saw no gills.  Packed up and went to Wingra. Knew I could catch fish there.  Hitting the bay tomorrow.  Will report that tomorrow. Rat.