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Panfish action good, snow trails groomed

IRON MOUNTAIN — With temperatures climbing, anglers are landing panfish.

“They’re limiting out on bluegill of good size,” said Fay Whisler of Whisler Outdoors in Florence, Wis. “They’re also catching lots of perch.”

Wigglers have been a good seller, she said, although it seems the perch have been biting on most anything. Northern pike catches have been fair, but most walleye have been small.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers that lake trout regulations on Lake Michigan changed effective this year. The season runs from March 1 to Oct. 31 with a daily bag limit of two. The agency also notes regulations may be subject to change.

Highs in the upper 40s are predicted for today, falling to the mid-30s on Sunday. The Tri-County Snowmobile Club says all trails have been groomed and were in good condition, although in need of more snow.

Trails in Florence County were open and in good condition. Marinette County trails were listed as only partially open and fair.

The Michigan DNR reported this Upper Peninsula fishing activity:

Keweenaw Bay: Anglers caught lake trout, splake, coho, brown trout, whitefish and herring. Most of the whitefish were small. Those targeting smelt and burbot were fishing after dark, but no catches were reported. A couple burbot were caught during the day. With warmer weather this week, be sure to use caution when heading out on the ice.

Little Bay de Noc: Walleye were caught along the drop-off near Escanaba. Anglers are using tip-ups with sucker minnows, jigs and raps. No word on perch.

Munising: Fishing pressure was down, as catch rates were very slow with few fish being caught. Most angler trips resulted in few bites and no fish. Ice conditions were stable, but caution still needs to be used.

Luce County: Anglers on Frenchman’s Lake and Trout Lake were getting walleye, some perch and other panfish.

Munuscong Bay: Is producing some walleye out near the channel.

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