Chippewa Flowage

Just returned from a week at the CHIP, I fish the WEST SIDE. My Third trip of the year, I'm finding the panfish CRAPPIE/BLUEGILL all to be on the small side and I don't target them for a fish fry since they are so small. PERCH were a good target as they were large early this year, but I did not find them on my last trip. Best was BASS and NORTHERN.

Wouldn’t that be 2.11 feet low?

https://wi.my.xcelenergy.com/s/energy-portfolio/hydro 

Down 2.89 feet

Chippewa Flowage Data (external link)

Elevation (feet): 1310.89

Discharge (cfs): 300

Full pool (feet): 1313.00

Information last updated: 8/24/23

Thanks

The last report I saw was from Jenk’s Bait Shop at down 2.5 feet. Was on the Chip last week and it was noticeable as our group dinged a few props and heard many similar stories from other boaters.

How's the water level's out on the big Chip?

I've noticed more walleyes and really nice perch as well. A couple years ago I found a few spots where I couldn't keep the walleyes off while trying to catch crappie. As near as I could tell they where feeding on young leaches on stumps in deeper water. Almost every eye caught was just under 15 inches but I didn't mind because the bite was so crazy. I'm hoping we start to see the size increase on crappies and it will be interesting to watch how it plays out

SC

One thing our group have noticed, we are catching more walleyes. Both undersized, legal,  and a few in the slot.
 We are all for the slot limits!
Big Mac 

I like the discussion on the panfish limits. I’m on the SW portion of the Chip and concur. I haven’t seen much change in gill sizes. The crappies seem somewhat smaller. The perch this year have been the best we’ve seen. It’s not been uncommon to see multiples in the 10” range. Time will tell on the overall effectiveness but definitely worth trying. Fished deep cribs once last week and really didn’t see much where I was.
Tight lines,
Rick R.

I think MOST guides are ethical & want to preserve the flowage & fisheries. 
 Keep the current panfish limits . Maybe add crappie size limits! 
Big Mac