I’m on a little vacation up in the Great Northwoods of Wisconsin to go ice fishing with legendary friend George Hillenbrand and crew. This is an annual trip that has gone on for years we base out of Chippewa Retreat Resort. Last year I sadly missed it because I was competing in the World Masters Fly Fishing Championships in South Africa. The competition was no doubt fun but man it is good to be back in WI. Even if it was 18° below zero when we left the lodge!
Most who have never ice fished before joke about it. Personally, I grew up doing it and quite frankly, I was damn serious about it. Especially when I lived in WI, MN and my first ten years in WY. It’s a great sport and it takes a true angler to succeed at it.
This trip isn’t quite so serious however. George hires guides whom are our WI friends and they drill the holes and provide a shack and tents. They set up our tip-ups and when we catch fish they fillet them and cook them for us right here on the ice. A few good Wisconsin beers are consumed as well including one of my favorites, Spotted Cow by New Glarus Brewing.
There wasn’t much to speak about today however other than freezing cold temps. We arrived on the ice around 10 AM to frigid conditions of -14° with 15 mph wind. The wind chill was no less than dangerous. While we caught just enough northern pike for a good lunch, the fishing was painfully slow and cold.
We stuck it out till around 4 PM then packed it up. Despite the cold and tough fishing it was a splendid day on the ice. Another highlight of this annual trip is the eating. Each night George takes us to a nice restaurant and we go a bit nuts. Tonight we are headed to one of our Manitowish Waters favorites, Smokeys.
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