IRON MOUNTAIN — Ice fishing is moving into a higher gear — as anglers in northern Dickinson County were having good luck with northern pike — and snowmobiling is revving up as well.

The Tri-County Snowmobile Club expects to have its entire trail system groomed by tonight. Swamp areas won’t be groomed, so operators are advised to use caution.

The club’s next meeting is 6 p.m. Tuesday at Famers at Pine Mountain.

Snowmobile trails in Florence County were open and in good condition, while Marinette County trails were partially open and in fair condition, according to travelwisconsin.com.

Colder weather has thickened the ice, though the Michigan Department of Natural Resources will have no fishing reports until the first week of 2022.

“A lot of pike fishing,” said Bob Kennard at Midtown Bait & Tackle in Channing, mentioning catches up to 39 inches.

Panfish action was good at Squaw Lake in southern Marquette County and there was good fishing at Lake Ellen in eastern Iron County, Kennard added.

Ken Dabb at Whisler Outdoors in Florence, Wis., said anglers were generally happy with the conditions.

“Ice on the lakes in the 10-inch range,” he said. “We’re selling a lot of bait.”

The Homestead Aurora Conservation Club will host its annual Pete “Toad” Church Ice Fishing Derby on Saturday, Jan. 15, which is free fishing weekend in Wisconsin.

Sign up in advance at Bob’s Midland in Aurora, Wis., and fish anywhere. Register fish at the C & R Bar in Aurora by 7 p.m. the day of the derby.

Entry fee is $10 and free for ages 12 and younger. Door prizes and cash prizes will be given.

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources reminds anglers to help prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species when ice fishing.

Anglers can reduce transmission by checking for and removing any mud or plant material clinging to their gear, including sleds used to haul supplies, before leaving fishing spots.

U.P. Trappers of District 3 has set Saturday, Feb. 5, as the date of its annual Youth Trappers Workshop. The event takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Center in Hermansville. Admission is free.

For more information, contact Mike Lewis at 906-774-3592 or go to www.uptrappers.com.