Fishing Report Reedsburg Dam & Backus Lake: Feb 20, 2012

Reedsburg Dam Fishing Report

Wood Ducks at Reedsburg Dam

Due to the warm temperatures and the early spring like weather, the ice has begun to recede on the flooding (lake) side of the dam. Another sign of an early spring is the wood ducks already swimming near the boat launch. On the low side of the dam (the river side) the water levels are rising and are already high enough to make fishing from the shore difficult. And as of a few days before this post I saw one fisherman wearing waders casting his line from the bottom of the stairs on the far side. The water levels have gotten that high.

The last word I had was some small Northern Pike being caught but nothing large enough to keep and I've heard even those have stopped. On the flooding side the ice is still a hindrance to fishing from shore.

I would rate fishing poor at Reedsburg Dam.

Backus Lake Fishing Report

Several Ice Fisherman at Backus Lake

The ice is still solid at Backus Lake (probably due the shallowness of the lake). And fishing for Perch is moderate and some Northern Pike are being caught but nothing of any size. Although Backus Lake is great for Sunfish, Bluegill, Perch and the occasional Bass and Northern Pike, it can be difficult to get to in winter as access is a seasonal road. Still some anglers brave the icy ruts and actually pull trailers with snowmobiles out to the access point. Considering Houghton Lake has many easily accessible entry points, Backus Lake may not be worth the hassle. Still if you don't like crowds it could be worth the drive.

I would rate fishing moderate at Backus Lake.

Note: There is a lot of open water near Korbinski's Marine on M-55. Another sign of possibly an early ice out this year.

Stay warm and safe on the ice,

Ken S.