As the winter chill sets in and lakes transform into frozen playgrounds, ice fishing emerges as a thrilling pursuit for anglers seeking adventure and bountiful catches. This sport combines the serenity of snow-covered landscapes with the excitement of reeling in fish from beneath the ice. Whether yo
Ice fishing season is officially underway in the Northwoods of Wisconsin! Here's the latest update on conditions, fish locations, and bait recommendations to help you have a safe and successful outing.Current Ice ConditionsMost lakes now have 3–4 inches of ice with about 8 inches of light, fluffy sn
In the pine-scented lakes of Wisconsin's Northwoods, where crystal-clear waters hide trophy muskies among towering timber and rocky reefs, casting big baits still reigns supreme as the go-to tactic, with trolling playing a solid supporting role. Yet vertical jigging? It's the stealthy underdog that'
As the final muskellunge of fall are landed and the North Woods fall silent under fresh snow, a new season begins—the hush of winter and the thrill of hard-water fishing. If you’ve never drilled a hole through a frozen lake and felt that unmistakable tug from below, this is your year to start. Here’
Tender Deer Backstrap with Braised LeeksThis preparation ensures a beautifully seared backstrap that stays tender, complemented by the mild, savory sweetness of braised leeks.IngredientsI. For the Deer Backstrap (Venison)1 - 1.5 lbs Deer Backstrap (Loin), trimmed of all silver skin1 tsp Kosher Salt1
🦃🍁🍁🍂Happy Thanksgiving from The Musky ShopFrom all of us at The Musky Shop, we want to wish each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving and say thank you—truly thank you—for your business and support. We greatly appreciate every one of you.For me, Thanksgiving is a special time to reflect on the past year
Though time on the water is shortening for some, those willing to brave colder weather might have a few more days in the 40s to find a late-season musky bite.With that in mind, our Lake of the Month will carry you through winter with great ice fishing, too, when musky season runs out.Big Carr Lake w
Fishing in the Northwoods of Wisconsin is still pretty darn good right now. There aren’t nearly as many anglers on the water as we’ll see heading into mid-to-late November. Many fishermen put the boat away and trade it for a tree stand, but a few die-hards—like several of us here at the Musky Shop—k
If you're shopping for a muskie enthusiast this holiday season, you know the challenge: finding gear that's not just functional but thrilling enough to spark that next big-water adventure. Musky Shop, the world's largest retailer of musky fishing equipment, has you covered with everything from high-
Ice fishing is more than just drilling a hole and waiting for a bite—it’s about embracing the cold, creating a cozy retreat, and enjoying the serenity of a frozen lake. A well-built ice shanty is your home base, keeping you warm and comfortable while you reel in the big ones. If you’re new to ice fi
As the crisp autumn winds whisper through the North Woods, signaling the end of another vibrant fishing season, many anglers find themselves staring at empty waters. The fall turnover has come and gone, transforming the lake into a chilled mystery. Where have all the muskies vanished to? That elusiv
We hope you're all enjoying a fantastic fall season!Here in the Northwoods of Wisconsin, fall has been spectacular. The vibrant colors of the leaves have been breathtaking, though they're falling fast, and the vivid hues are fading quickly. Nonetheless, fall remains a remarkable season across the co
Roasted Garlic PheasantMoreYields: 2-4 ServingsPrep Time: 20 minCook Time: 50-60 minIngredients1 whole pheasant (approx. 2 - 2.5 lbs), giblets removed and patted very dry4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened4-6 cloves garlic, finely minced or crushed1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped1 teaspoon
We’re back again with another destination lake surrounded by much more popular water, but often left to those with inside information. Nestled in Iron County, Wilson Lake stands as a serene, under-the-radar gem just southwest of Mercer, Wisconsin. While many anglers flock to the sprawling expanse of
As autumn paints the northern lakes with vibrant hues of red and gold, and crisp winds sweep across the water, musky anglers face one of the most exhilarating—and challenging—times of the year: the fall transition. In colder climates like those in Wisconsin’s Oneida and Vilas counties, this shift fr
October is a pivotal month for musky fishing, offering both challenges and opportunities. As fall transitions take hold, muskies become elusive, making it tough to pinpoint their patterns. Whether you're casting in the North Woods or southern waterways, this guide will help you navigate the complexi
If you're looking to elevate your musky trolling game this fall, drawing inspiration from expert demonstrations can make all the difference. While musky anglers often focus on species-specific techniques, exploring a variety of trolling videos—from freshwater pursuits to big-game ocean angling—can u
Fall is a magical season for anglers, with vibrant foliage and cooler temperatures setting the stage for unforgettable fishing adventures. In Wisconsin’s Northwoods, particularly in the Minocqua area, musky fishing is in full swing. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or new to chasing these elusive pr
If you haven’t looked out your window lately, let me be the first to remind you it’s fall, folks.With Fall comes a deep desire to boat those feasting fatties, so let’s focus on the steps you need to take to get the job done.Slow Your Retrieve for Fall MuskiesWhen the thermostat tips to cooler temper
Ultimate Guide to Choosing Musky Baits: Size, Performance, and Color Tips for Trophy CatchesMoreWhen it comes to selection, Musky Shop has just about everything your heart desires, but sometimes it’s hard to narrow the scope of wants versus needs. If this is a problem that regularly arises for you,
Panfish Rangoons with Dipping SauceMoreNote: This recipe uses panfish like bluegill or crappie, adapting the classic crab rangoon appetizer.IngredientsFor the Filling:1 cup cooked panfish fillets (flaked or finely chopped) - grill, bake, or steam until cooked through1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese,
As October 2025 unfolds in Wisconsin's Northwoods—encompassing Vilas, Oneida, and Sawyer counties—the region transforms into a tapestry of crimson maples, golden aspens, and crisp lake breezes. This is prime time for leaf-peeping, harvest celebrations, and wrapping up the outdoor season before winte
As early fall arrives, we hope you’re finding time to fish and perhaps planning a trip to the Minocqua, Wisconsin area. The Northwoods of Wisconsin is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful places in the world for fishing or simply visiting. With the leaves starting to change, the region will soo
Hey folks, it's that time of year again—September's here, and the muskies are starting to slide into their fall patterns up in the Northwoods. Those big girls are ditching the deep-water hangs of late summer and pushing toward cabbage edges and breaklines, chasing schools of whitefish and perch like