Very good northern bite, with good action for panfish, and walleye fair, in the Eagle River, Wisconsin area.

Ice thickness in the Eagle River area is running 12-14 inches. With slush present on the lakes, travel is tough - -especially by foot. Use a snowmobile, if possible. Motor vehicle travel is still not recommended.

Northern are putting on a very good all day bite in the Eagle River area. Fish 12 feet of water or less on weed edges or in the weed beds themselves. Use a medium shiner on a tip up, and set your bait just above the weeds.

Panfish (crappies, bluegills and perch) are locating in two areas in the Eagle River area. Fish in and around the weeds in 12 feet of water or less, or fish 15-30 feet of water over mud flats. Use a small jig tipped with a waxie or crappie minnow. The perch will be tight to bottom, with the crappies and bluegills suspending up and down the water column. Depth for the crappies and bluegills is day dependent. One day they'll be up high, the next day close to bottom. Fish all depths starting from the bottom and work your way up until you hit them. Good all day bite.

Walleye action is fair in the Eagle River area. Fish 12 feet of water or less outside weed edges. Use a small shiner under a tip up, or a jigging spoon tipped with a minnow head. The walleye will be locating with a foot off the bottom. Sunset provides the best bite.

***Some special calendar highlights for Eagle River, Wisconsin:

- -Now is the time for all snowmobiling enthusiasts to get their sleds and trailers in shape for what will be another spectacular season of snowmobiling in the Snowmobile Capital of the World® --Eagle River. Home of the "Eagle River 500" - - 500 miles of the best groomed, best maintained trail network, amidst the most beautiful scenic area anywhere! Contact us for information, and make your reservations now. You'll be welcomed by all in Eagle River- - known for its caring, helpful and warm people. Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org

***** Fri.-Sun., Feb. 10-12, 2012: USA Adult Pond Hockey National Championships. 4 on 4 Pond Hockey Championships held on Dollar Lake at the Chanticleer Inn in Eagle River, Wisconsin. Dozens and dozens of rinks are set up on the ice of Dollar Lake. Hundreds of teams, thousands of competitors from around the world. The premier winter ice hockey event anywhere. Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org

***** Sat.-Sun., March 3-4, 2012: 22nd Annual Klondike Days, Winter Rendezvous, Competitions & Demonstrations. One of the country's greatest and most multi-faceted winter events. Attended by thousands each year. Authentic Voyageur encampment with re-creators and exhibitions of smithing, muzzle loading, ax throwing, and a chance to see how Eagle River's earliest settlers and explorers lived. Dog sled weight pulls, horse pulls, ice sculpture, chainsaw carving, Native American exhibits and dancing, snow sculptures, cut, stack & splint contest. Artisan exhibits and sale of superb arts & crafts, Amish quilt show and sale. Live music, entertainment, foods include Paul Bunyan burgers, chili, wild rice soup, kettle corn. Family event geared to every taste and age -- kids, adults, seniors. Eagle River Chamber of Commerce; 800-359-6315; 715-479-6400; e-mail: info@eagleriver.org; web: www.eagleriver.org

(Report for the Eagle River Chamber of Commerce based on Creative Brilliance
interviews with Eagle River guides "Muskie Matt" of Wild Eagle Lodge,
"Ranger Rick" Krueger of Guide's Choice Pro Shop, and Mat Hegy).
Contact info for Eagle River:
* "Muskie Matt", 715-479-8086; e-mail: rfrgoutdoors@gmail.com
* Mat Hegy, 715-571-7544, e:-mail: lunkerclunkerguideservice@yahoo.com
* Guide's Choice Pro Shop, guide/owner "Ranger Rick" Krueger 715-477-2248
* George Langley, Eagle River Fishing Guides Association, 715-479-8804.
e-mail: fishing@eaglesportscenter.com