Situated in upper Mississippi, Onalaska is a city in La Crosse County, Wisconsin. The city lies on the Black River and is adjacent to several large lakes, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
While Onalaska is most well-known for its fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities, the lake also offers a variety of winter activities, including ice fishing.
So, can you go ice fishing in Onalaska?
The short answer is yes! Ice fishing is a popular winter activity in Onalaska and the surrounding area. There are several lakes that offer good ice fishing opportunities, including Lake Onalaska.
If you’re planning on going ice fishing in Onalaska, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. First of all, make sure that the ice is thick enough to support your weight. The general rule of thumb is that the ice should be at least four inches thick before it is safe to walk on.
Starting mid-December, the ice on Lake Onalaska is typically thick enough to support ice fishing. However, it is always a good idea to check with local authorities or the bait shop before heading out onto the ice.
What Fishes Can I find Ice Fishing In Lake Onalaska?
Some of the best fish to target when ice fishing in Onalaska are crappie, bluegill, and panfish. The lake inhibits large amounts of these species, and they can be found in most of the lake. Other popular fish to target include Northern Pike, Bass, and Walleye.
Because of its rich vegetation, Lake Onalaska is an excellent place to fish for crappies. The best spots to look for these fish are near sunken islands, submerged logs, or any other type of structure that provides cover.
When it comes to ice fishing in Onalaska, there are a few popular baits and lures that you can use to catch fish. Some of the best lures for panfish include jigs, small spoons, and ice flies. For Northern Pike and Bass, you can try using large spoons, plugs, and jigs. And for Walleye, minnows or jigs are usually the best bait to use.
As with any type of fishing, it is always a good idea to experiment with different baits and lures until you find what works best for you. There is no wrong way to go about ice fishing in Onalaska, so have fun and enjoy the experience!
To wrap up, ice fishing in Onalaska can be a great way to spend a winter day. There are many lakes that offer good ice fishing opportunities, and you can target a variety of different fish. Just make sure that the ice is thick enough to support your weight, and always check with local authorities or the bait shop before heading out.
Best Fishing Spots for Ice Fishing in Lake Onalaska
There are many good spots for ice fishing around Lake Onalaska. Some of the best spots include:
Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife & Fish Refuge: Located in the upper Mississippi River, this refuge is a great place to find crappie, bluegill, and other panfish. One can have a great time ice fishing here as the fish are known to bite well in winter.
Best Dam fishing Float: Food and Fishing in this facility is great. The best time to fish here is in the morning as the sun reflects off the water making it easier to see the fish. In winter, this place is known to be good for catching pike and bass.
Irvin Fishing Hole: A great place to hang out with friends and family, this place is known to have a lot of different fish. The most common fish found here are bluegill, catfish, and crappie.
Sunny The Sunfish: The owners are really nice and the place is really pretty. This place is good for fishing in the summer but can also be a great place to ice fish. The most common fish found here are sunfish, catfish, and bluegill.
These are some of the best spots for ice fishing around Lake Onalaska. Each spot has something different to offer, so make sure to check them all out!
Tips for Ice Fishing on Lake Onalaska
Here are a few tips to help you have a successful ice fishing trip on Lake Onalaska:
– Make sure that the ice is thick enough to support your weight. The general rule of thumb is that the ice should be at least four inches thick before it is safe to walk on.
– Check with local authorities or the bait shop before heading out onto the ice. They will be able to give you up-to-date information on the conditions of the lake and tell you if there have been any recent reports of thin ice.
– When choosing a spot to fish, look for areas that have a lot of structure. This could be anything from submerged logs to sunken islands. The fish tend to congregate around these areas, so you are more likely to have success if you fish near them.
– Pack your ice fishing flashers and cameras, as well as a bait tip-up. These items will help you to have a successful ice fishing trip and make the experience more enjoyable.
-Packing your ice shelter is also important. This will help you to stay warm and dry while you are out on the ice.
– Finally, always practice safety when ice fishing. Make sure that you have all of the proper safety gear with you, and never go out onto the ice alone.
-Take a buddy and some hot chocolate, just in case!
With these tips in mind, you are sure to have a successful and enjoyable ice fishing trip on Lake Onalaska. Just remember to always practice safety first and have fun!
What To Wear For Ice Fishing on Lake Onalaska
Wearing the proper clothing is essential for a successful and comfortable ice fishing trip. Here are a few items that you should consider packing:
– A pair of insulated boots: These will keep your feet warm and dry, even if you have to walk through some slush or puddles.
– A pair of thick socks: Wool or synthetic materials will help to keep your feet warm.
– Waterproof gloves: Your hands will be in the water a lot, so make sure that they are protected from the cold.
– A hat: A warm hat will help to keep your head and ears protected from the cold wind.
– A scarf or face mask: This will help to keep your face warm and protected from the wind.
– A pair of insulated pants: These will keep your legs warm, even if you have to sit on the ice for a long time.
-Warm clothing: The most important thing is to dress in layers. This will help to trap your body heat and keep you warm.
With these items, you will be sure to have a successful and comfortable ice fishing trip on Lake Onalaska. Just remember to dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing as the temperature changes.
Travel Plans
People love to walk, snowmobile brings their ATV/UTV or their cars out to the lake. There are many opportunities for people to come out and enjoy the winter wonderland that is Lake Onalaska.
The most important thing when planning your trip is to make sure that you dress properly for the weather conditions. Ice fishing can be a lot of fun, but only if you are prepared for the cold weather. Let us now look at all travel options so you can plan your trip accordingly.
Walking Out to the Lake
This is probably the most common way that people get out onto the lake. If you are planning on walking, make sure that you wear a pair of insulated boots. This will keep your feet warm and dry, even if you have to walk through some slush or puddles.
You should also dress in layers so that you can adjust your clothing as the temperature changes. A hat and scarf will help to keep your head and face warm, and gloves will protect your hands from the cold water.
Snowmobiling Out to the Lake
If you are planning on snowmobiling out to the lake, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First of all, make sure that you have a sled that is big enough to carry all of your gear. You will also need to dress properly for the cold weather.
A pair of insulated boots and gloves are essential, and you should also dress in layers. A face mask or scarf will help to keep your face warm, and a hat will protect your head from the cold wind.
ATV/UTV Out to the Lake
If you are planning on driving an ATV or UTV out to the lake, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First of all, make sure that your vehicle is equipped with the proper tires for driving on snow and ice. You will also need to dress properly for the cold weather. Dress according to the same guidelines as if you were snowmobiling or walking out to the lake.
Car Out to the Lake
If you are planning on driving a car out to the lake, there are a few things that you need to keep in mind. First of all, make sure that your car is equipped with the proper tires for driving on snow and ice. You will also need to dress properly for the cold weather.
Dress according to the same guidelines as if you were snowmobiling or walking out to the lake. A pair of insulated boots, gloves, and a hat are essential, and you should also dress in layers.
With these guidelines in mind, you should be able to plan your trip and dress accordingly. Ice fishing on Lake Onalaska can be a lot of fun, but only if you are prepared for the cold weather.
Happy ice fishing!
What You Need to Bring
Now that you know how to dress for your trip, let us take a look at what you need to bring. The most important thing that you need to bring is a fishing rod and bait. You will also need a bucket or cooler to store your catch in.
Other essential items include:
– A spud bar: This will help you to break through the ice
– An ice auger: This will help you to drill holes in the ice
– A fishing line: This is used to fish through the holes that you drilled in the ice
– A bait bucket: This is used to store your bait in
-Tackle Box: This is used to store your fishing lures, hooks, and line
– A first-aid kit: This is essential in case of any accidents
– A flashlight: This will help you to see in the dark
– A fishing license: You need a license to fish on Lake Onalaska
With these items, you should be all set for a successful day of ice fishing on Lake Onalaska.
Conclude:
Ice fishing in Lake Onalaska can be fun and rewarding, but only if you are properly prepared. Dress in layers, bring essential items and be sure to get a fishing license before heading out onto the lake. With a little preparation, you can have a great time ice fishing on Lake Onalaska. There are plenty of fish species to target, so get out there and start fishing!
Clifford Slater is a seasoned writer with over 25 years of experience in boats and fishing trips. With his extensive knowledge and expertise in boats and fishing, he has become a recognized authority in the industry. Clifford has made it a point to regularly visit popular fishing destinations such as Florida and other places in the USA to stay up to date with the latest trends and techniques in the field.
Over the years, Clifford has acquired a wealth of knowledge about boats and fishing, which he has shared through his writing. His articles and books are widely read by fishing enthusiasts and professionals alike, and his insights are highly valued by those seeking to improve their skills in the field. Clifford’s passion for boats and fishing is evident in his writing, and his readers appreciate the depth of his expertise and his ability to communicate complex topics in an engaging and accessible way.
Clifford Slater’s impressive credentials and dedication to his craft make him a trusted authority in the world of boats and fishing. His commitment to staying up to date with the latest developments in the industry, combined with his deep knowledge and understanding of the subject matter, ensures that his writing is always informative and valuable. For those seeking to improve their skills or simply enjoy the beauty of the sea, Clifford’s writing is a must-read.
