WINNEBAGO COUNTY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The weekend deep freeze is giving ice conditions on some area lakes the chance to improve.
At Noffke’s Landing west of Winneconne, a lone UTV ventures onto the Monday morning Lake Poygan ice. fishermen who live in the area say a couple weeks of cold are starting to show results.
“I think the warm weather kind of opened the lake up a little bit, but that actually helped. With all the snow we had, and when it refroze, it actually froze and locked up really good,” said Larry Redmann, Borth.
At Critters Wolf River Sports nearby, the assistant manager says after a slow start to the season, ice conditions are gradually improving.
“Right now, there’s probably 3-8 inches. They are driving four-wheelers out there, but there are some spots that are a little iffy,” said Cessy Clark, Critters Wolf River Sports Assistant Manager.
With current flowing from the Wolf River, and springs feeding parts of the lake, Redmann says navigating Poygan in the winter can be challenging.
“There is a crack that’s running north and south. So just be aware of that,” he said.
Redmann says using lighter, portable shanties is a good idea, and the same goes for vehicles.
“Snowmobiles, and four-wheelers are going out right now. No trucks yet,” he said.
In the meantime, Redmann says fishing on Lake Poygan is pretty good.
“White bass, walleyes. They’re getting some good limits out there, of nice-size walleye. White bass if you can land on those, it’s been really hot and getting mixed-in perch as well,” he said.
People are encouraged to check bait shops in the area for changes with conditions.
Experts warn people ice is never considered to be 100 percent safe.
