Outdoorsman Finds Gators and Perch on Spring Lake

Mark Walters shares his annual fishing trip to Buffalo City, Wisconsin and his unexpected switch to Spring Lake when the perch weren't biting.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 5:02am

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Mark Walters, an avid outdoorsman, shares his annual spring fishing trip to Buffalo City, Wisconsin, where he typically fishes for perch and walleye from the shore. However, this year he found the perch were not in their usual spot, so he decided to try his luck on the ice of nearby Spring Lake, where he ended up catching several northern pike, which he affectionately calls "gators."

Why it matters

Walters' story highlights the unpredictability of fishing and the need for anglers to be adaptable. It also showcases the vibrant outdoor recreation community in the Buffalo City and Spring Lake areas, where dedicated fishermen share tips and camaraderie.

The details

On his first day at Buffalo City, Walters noticed the shore ice was melting, but he still managed to catch a 28-inch northern pike. As the day went on, he caught a 29-inch pike as well. However, when he arrived the next morning, several local anglers who read his column told him the perch were not in their usual spot. Undeterred, Walters decided to try his luck on the ice of nearby Spring Lake, where he set up three tip-ups and his Eskimo pop-up shack. While the flags remained quiet, Walters was able to catch several smaller northern pike by using a Rosey Red minnow on his hook.

  • On March 10, Walters caught a 28-inch northern pike and a 29-inch northern pike near Buffalo City.
  • On March 11, Walters fished on Spring Lake, where he caught several smaller northern pike.

The players

Mark Walters

An avid outdoorsman who writes a column called "An Outdoorsman's Journal" and has been fishing the Buffalo City area for about six years.

Local anglers

Four hardcore fishermen who read Walters' column and informed him that the perch were not in their usual spot near Buffalo City.

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What they’re saying

“Crazy as it may sound, there are four hardcore fishermen who read this column I speak with quite a bit, when I fish here, but I do not know them at all.”

— Mark Walters

The takeaway

Walters' story showcases the adaptability and resourcefulness required of dedicated anglers, who must be willing to change their plans and try new spots when the fish don't cooperate in their usual haunts. It also highlights the tight-knit community of outdoor enthusiasts in the Buffalo City and Spring Lake areas, who share tips and camaraderie despite not knowing each other personally.