Improved Ice Conditions - 1/25/2021 by Brian Huser, Rock River Bait Box

Low daytime and night time temperatures have brought better ice out on area lakes for the most part now, guys are taking permanent, smaller shacks on most lakes, on four wheelers (ATV/UTV) not yet trucks. Still, remain cautious out there as many lakes are snow covered. The snow covering insulates the ice and creates a between layer of slush.

Lastly, remember to practice Selective Harvest to limit overfishing of species more prescient due to COVID-19. Do not take the bag limit each day.

Clear Lake

Ice in deeper areas is at around 8-10" up from 5-7." The pressure on Clear Lake has died down since earlier report of mile long parking.

Lake Kegonsa

There’s no open water but deeper water is at 4-6” ice. The shallow areas are now at around 6-8.". Panfish are now getting better bite. It has started to pick a little there. 

Lake Koshkonong

No open water there have been smaller light trucks and SUVs out onto ice now. Everyone should still use extreme caution and not run out on lake willy nilly. Can’t emphasize that enough. Most normal fisherman know when they’re comfortable, but there are fanatics too.Ice in the 8-10" range in deeper area with most areas up to a foot. Still some areas just at 6.” Action pretty much same as previous reports. I had enough reports to confirm that Walleye bite has been steadily increasing, shiners and chubs but also large fat head, rosy red have been a good bet for crappies and perch. Access points haven't changed.

Lake Waubesa

Ice at 6-8" up from 5-7. It’s all locked up. Use caution in deeper waters as ice is 3-5. Tip-ups getting pike walleye. Increasing better bites with panfish: bite bluegill, perch and crappie. Access points haven’t changed

Rock Lake

Ice depths at 6-8" on shallows. Deeper areas now to 3-5.". Ice not ready for permanents, portables still prevalent. Throw in some tip-ups walleye and pike.

Action at north end of rock end still holds true. Access points have not changed.

Still same.

Whitewater Lake

Ice at 6-8" for the shallows. Deeper area at 3-5" now.

Fishing pressure and bite have gotten much better with several reports of guys catching pike and large mouch bass on tip ups. Access points same.