Wisconsin ice-fishing regulations allow three lines per angler. Set tip-ups in a triangle pattern with rosy reds or fathead minnows suspended about 1 foot off the bottom on a No. 8 treble hook tied to 10-pound monofilament line.

A power auger is a wonderful tool for poking many holes. Grind at least nine per angler about 50 feet apart, then put the drill away. If you don't get a flag in 45 minutes, move the quiet tip-up to another hole.

Leave your vehicle, ATV or snowmobile in a central location. Approach flags quietly. Be patient. Big walleyes will often mouth the bait and not move away from the hole for several minutes.

Contact: Dick's Tackle & Bait, phone (608) 362-8712.

LAKE WINNEBAGO
Last summer, the specter of viral hemorrhagic septicemia (VHS) had anglers across the state sounding a death knell for the walleye population on this east-central Wisconsin walleye factory.

Further review indicates VHS may not be as serious as WDNR biologists first thought.

"There are at least six strong year-classes of walleyes swimming here," said Capt. Greg Karch of the MDNR's Oshkosh office. "Filling a five-fish limit is almost too easy some days. That's why I target the perch on Winnebago instead."

Winter is truly fishing's fourth season on this lake, which boasts an impressive ice-road system once winter arrives in earnest. This travel matrix provides access to hundreds of permanent ice shanties, which are typically placed atop Winnie's countless reefs and humps.

While there is much to be said for munching hot nachos fresh from the microwave while watching Oprah on TV in some of the better equipped ice "condos," this isn't necessarily the best way to ice a five-fish limit of 'eyes or a mess of jumbo ring perch.

The key to consistent success on this vast fishery is mobility. Hard-water shantytowns are great reference points for locating sub-surface structure. However, if you're out there to catch fish rather than a buzz or a few Zs, frog around with a jig stick and two "boards," targeting transition zones at the edges of more significant structures.

Like Koshkonong, the basic treble hook, split shot and minnow is the way to rig tip-ups. Milwaukee shiners are the bait of choice, set about 18 inches off the bottom. Once fish are located, the action can be intense.

The most efficient way to chase Winnie's perch and 'eyes is to head out with several buddies with a plan of fishing together -- but separately -- until fish are located. Inexpensive walkie-talkies have a range of several miles. Poke half a dozen holes and probe with a jigging stick and Swedish Pimple. Watch for fish passing through on a flasher or underwater camera.

When one of your crew finds the mother lode, use the radios to summon the troops. The problem here is not catching fish -- it's being the first in your party to fill out, thus collecting the proceeds from friendly wagers.

Contact: Oshkosh Convention & Visitor's Bureau, phone (877) 303-9200.

SHAWANO LAKE
Although this 6,000-acre northeast Wisconsin lake sees considerable recreational use in the summer, Shawano Lake absolutely thrives when the iceman cometh. Local anglers will tell you the next three months offer your best opportunity to catch a trophy female walleye at dawn or when the sun goes down, setting tip-ups off main-lake points in 12 to 15 feet of water.

As is the case with fishing in many other Wisconsin waters, a tackle rig at Shawano Lake amounts to putting the basic split shot, small treble hook and minnow rig within 2 feet of the bottom. But local angler Rob Netrefa adds a twist -- two small shiners or fatheads on the hook instead of one!

The 12-foot contour and points are also great places to target pike, with 10 a.m. and about 2 p.m. being "prime times." The most popular baits here are big golden shiners. Set just two boards for pike, using your third line to jig for panfish. Shawano is certainly in the top 10 as a multi-species Wisconsin fishery.