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Ice Fishing for Northern Pike in the Grand Rapids Area
As winter continues to move forward, Ice fishing has sort of taken a back seat to other winter activities in the Grand Rapids area. With snow levels at ever-increasing levels, snowmobiling and cross country skiing have been extremely popular. It continues to be an “Old-time Minnesota Winter” that we haven’t seen in several years. A gentleman once told me the higher the Muskrats build their winter houses the more snow we are going to have. Well, he was correct. Even the weather folks predicted this winter wrong, but the Muskrats knew.
End of Season for a Few Species- Northern Pike & Walleye
Winter fishing is still a popular time to be out enjoying the outdoors. Right now locations are very important in contacting fish of several species. As we are into the later period of ice fishing, the cold water has definitely slowed the metabolism of fish but that will increase their feeding activity as we continue to move forward. Species such as walleyes and northern pike have only a few more weeks to show in your bucket. February 28th will end the season for both species, but there are still others to fish for.
Ice Fishing Tips!
Northern pike is moist often a fish that is less affected by cold water and they can continue to be active. By using Lakemaster mapping you can target areas where weeds and hard bottom near drop-offs exist. Tip-ups are still a good way to target these late-season pikes and allowing two tip-ups per angler can up your odds if you bring a friend or family member along. Smaller sucker minnows will most often produce the most flags. If I’m going to jig them or fish live to bait with a rod and reel I most often will use a slower moving bait then in early winter, drill several holes in an area from 8 to 20 feet and change holes often until you get bit. Many times attach a small sucker or medium shiner to your jig if that’s your presentation and it will definitely help. If there are weeds anywhere in the holes you drilled, concentrate your efforts in and around those locations.
Great Lakes to Fish for Northern Pike
Several of the good northern pike lakes in the Grand Rapids area that you may want to try are Swan, Trout Lake in Coleraine, Wabana, Big Winnie, and Pokegama. The last 2 weeks of the ice fishing season are coming up for northern pike and walleyes. Get out and give it a try on the mentioned lakes and it may be a good choice for the last of the season ice fishing trip.
To locate lakes, click HERE
There are great lodging properties in Itasca County on or close to the lakes mentioned above. To book/check out the lodging properties, click HERE. If you can’t make it up this winter to ice fish for northern pike or walleyes, don’t worry Summer and Fall are great times to book a fishing vacation too.
Ice Fishing Report 1-20-22
There is always winter to respect and just because the last two winters were a bit short of Northern Minnesota standards, this winter has come to the deck as a familiar winter. Lots of snow and cold has made for conditions that are good for great winter destinations and ice fishing has been one of the number one activities in the Grand Rapids area. Snowmobile trails are groomed, cross country ski trails are in great shape, snowshoeing is awesome, and ice fishing opportunities are numerous.
With additional cold weather ice conditions are doing well but always treat ice with extra care. Many of the smaller lakes in the area are producing nice catches of panfish and that should continue to be good all through the winter. Most of the target areas on lakes have been off the first break in 16-22 feet or a dominant hole of 24-32 feet. Mud bottom is a key to the deeper water locations for their diet during the winter months. There is all kind of different larvae that live in the mud especially during the cold-water period. This is one of the reasons over the years that anglers targeting panfish have learned that wax worms and euro larvae will outproduce other baits such as minnows and plastics. When they are fished on lighter tackle and smaller baits such as a 1/28the ounce Tungsten Northland Mud Bug or Gill Getter they can just be the right bait at the right time. By using your electronics, and keeping the bait just above the fish, it’s a system that is hard to beat.
Some of the smaller lakes to try in the Grand Rapids area are Little Moose, Little Cutfoot, Little Bowstring, Loon, Rice, and sections of Bass lake are all good choices. Remember when out in the winter weather to dress in layers and a facemask is not a bad idea either. Pocket and foot warmers are not a bad idea and placed in your gloves and boot can make for a better day on the ice. These are available at all bait shops, most gas stations, and many of the retail stores in the Grand Rapids area.
Grand Rapids, MN Ice Fishing Report 1-4-22
Happy New Year to all Minnesotans and come visit us in Grand Rapids all year long. The start of the 2022 year has brought us lots of snow and very cold temperatures. It is winter that Grand Rapids and all the things one can do when visiting.
Ice fishing is in full swing and with the colder weather, conditions continue to improve. Ice thickness varies from lake to lake and safety should always be implemented when out on the ice. It never hurts to call ahead and find out conditions. Any of the bait shops in the Grand Rapids area can provide you with up-to-the-minute conditions. So give them a call before venturing out on the ice.
Walleye fishing has been good on area lakes and the best times seem to be early and late in the day. Big Winnie has been providing additional options for good size perch and nice northern pike. Now with the additional snow, travel by snowmobile or on a plowed road is the best option currently. Most of the offshore structures are giving up walleyes and nice perch mixed, but moving can be the key to finding pods of fish that want to bite. A Northland Buckshot Spoon or Coffin Spoon tipped with a minnow head is a sure-fire way to attract either species to the hole. If you drill 2 holes close together put a Dead Stick presentation in the hole you’re not jigging in with a single hook spoon or plain hook and a split shot. The “Silent Partner” approach can be the ticket at times.
Other lakes in the Grand Rapids area that are also producing walleyes are Pokegama, Big Splithand, Big Jessie, Moose, and Trout in Coleraine. The panfish bite has been decent on area lakes and especially during the midday. Small creatures that excite bluegills and crappies get active as the day goes on. Drill several holes in an area and use your electronics to locate schools of active fish. The bite may only last a few minutes and by drilling several holes you can literally “Hole Hop” and find the school again. Small tungsten jigs, tipped with a wax worm or soft plastic, in the 1/16th to 1/32nd size are great choices to use on 4# test fluorocarbon. A St. Croix Rod to SCT 30LXF is perfect for detecting those lite biters. Many lakes in the Grand Rapids area offer outstanding panfish opportunities. Little and Big Splithand, Pokegama, Big Bass in Cohasset, Bowstring, and Big Balsam just to mention a few.
Ice fishing is not the only activity available in the winter with prime snowmobiling, cross country skiing trails, snowshoeing and even Fat Tire biking trails becoming more of an opportunity. Couple that with great restaurants, and motel and hotel accommodations, and Grand Rapids continues to be a destination for all seasons.
Lyle Unger
To contact and check availability for a guided ice fishing trip.
Top 10 Things To Do In Itasca County This Fall
Itasca County is vibrant with fall colors, and a warm fall breeze! Come explore and see what’s happening up north this fall. Here is a list of the top 10 things to do this fall!
1.Rasmussen’s Cowhorn Crossing Farm
Pumpkins, hayrides, animals and fall activities can all be experiences from September 25th- October 31st at Rasmussen’s Cowhorn Crossing Farm. Hours include: Thursday & Friday evenings 4-6pm, Saturday & Sunday 10am-6pm.
2. Fish in Itasca
There are over 1,000 lakes to fish in Itasca County. Fish from a variety of fish and stay up to date on fishing conditions by checking out our weekly fishing report done by local fishing guides. To see a full list of lakes in Itasca County, click HERE.
3. Fall Colors Tour Road Trip!
Fall colors have began to show on the trees up north in the greater Grand Rapids area. Take a fall colors tour on Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. Stop along 4 communities and 14 discovery sites along 47 miles. On your way up, travel along the Great River Road.
4. Live Music Downtown
There is always live music going on downtown at Klockow, Rapids Brewing Company and UnWined Up North! In addition, see music at The VFW, The Eagles Club and The Reif.
5. Fall Hiking
Hike two beautiful State parks in Itasca. Scenic State Park is located in Bigfork and Schoolcraft State Park in Deer River. Both are great groomed trails, perfect to experience fall leaves. For other great hiking spots in Itasca, click HERE.
6. See a show at The Reif or Edge Center for the Arts
The Reif is located in Grand Rapids and the Edge Center for the Arts is located in Big Fork. Both have a variety of shows in the upcoming fall season. To see the full list of show, Click the hyperlinks.
7. Lavaliers Berry Patch
Although Lavaliers doesn’t have any apples this fall, visit Saturdays and Sundays September 15th- October 24th to get pumpkins, squash, brussels sprouts, honey and sunflowers. Hours at 9am-2pm. Stop by to get get the perfect sunflower photos!
8. Fall ATV Ride
The Itasca County area offers thousands of acres of federal, state, county and industrial forest land that are open to off-highway vehicle riding, and several designated trails. Forest or logging roads are an excellent choice for ATV/OHV use as well. In Itasca County, there are over 200 miles of ATV trails to ride. To see the different trails to ride and learn more, click HERE.
9.Farmers’ Market
The Farmers’ Market is open until the end of October. Stop by Wednesday’s and Saturday’s from 9am-1pm. They now have online ordering and pick-up!
10. Fall Events Happening!
Fall is a great time to get out and explore beautiful Northern Minnesota. To see events happening, go to our calendar page. Some fun events coming up include Klockotober Fest, Fall Phenology at Forest History Center and First Friday Art Walk.
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, see our lodging page for a list of Hotels, Motels, Vacation Rentals, Airbnb’s and Resorts.
To receive a physical Visitor Guide or see a interactive version, click HERE.
Last Minute Labor Day Trip Ideas
Welcome to Grand Rapids! This Labor Day weekend there is so much to do and explore. Here are a few ideas to make for a fun 3 day weekend!
Things To Do
1. Forest History Center
Join meteorologist and astronomer Mike Lynch to view the wonders of the night sky such as planets, stars, nebulae and more. Lynch will have his large reflecting telescopes set up for viewing, including two giant 20-inch reflector telescopes that are among the largest mobile telescopes in Minnesota. Learn about celestial photography, as Lynch takes amazing photos that will be made available to participants at no additional charge. This event will take place September 4th from 8:30-11:00. In addition to regulars hours, they will be open Monday from 10am-4pm. For more information click HERE.
2. Bovey Farm Days
Bovey Farm Days was established in 1912. Enjoy a variety of events happening this weekend.
3. Spend Time On The Lake
There is nothing better than a cruise on the lake or a day of fishing. As summertime comes to a close, relax with an extra day on one of the many many lakes in the greater Grand Rapids area.
4. Hike Great Trails and Explore State Parks
Hike over 1.6 million acres of the Chippewa National Forest. If that wasn’t enough ground to cover, check out Hill Annex Mine State Park, Scenic State Park and Schoolcraft State Park!
5. Live Music Downtown!
All weekend you can hear music downtown! Rapids Brewing Company, Klockow Brewing Company and UnWined Up North all have music. Also, you can Sam and Matthew Miltich, Nathan Norman, and Briand Morrison performing from 6 – 8 at Old Central School for First Friday! Also, see Michael Smith at Hotel Rapids.
6. Mountain Bike at Tioga Recreation
Looking for an adventurous way to spend the extended weekend? Check out Tioga Recreation. Ride 25 miles of easy to hard curves, loops, and hills. These world class trails make for the perfect biking adventure. Hop in the crystal blue mine pit after a ride.
7. 27th Annual Wissota Classic at the Speedway
Have a fun date night or family night at the Grand Rapids Speedway for their annual Wissota Classic. For more information on the races, click HERE.
Lodging Options
The greater Grand Rapids area offers a variety of lodging options. Choose from a Hotel, Motel, Airbnb, Resort, Vacation Rental and a Bed and Breakfast. To see a full list of properties, click HERE.
Next Weekend in Grand Rapids
Already have plans for Labor Day Weekend and still want to Visit Grand Rapids? Next weekend September 10th-11th is Grand Rapids Riverfest! See Headliners Trampled by Turtles and Yonder Mountain String Band. Get your tickets today!
Labor Day Minnesota Family Vacations
Grand Rapids, Minnesota is a great location for Labor Day Minnesota Family Vacations. Head North for the perfect drive destination located in rural northern Minnesota. Grand Rapids offers an abundance of outdoor recreation, lodging options with a view, arts & history, scenic byways, great shopping and fun dining for all ages. Come escape, experience and explore to Grand Rapids Minnesota this Labor Day Weekend.
Lodging Options with a View
Come experience “Grand” hospitality in Minnesota’s nature. There are many lodging choices to choose from. Whether you are looking for a clean and economical motel or you would like a property that has full amenities we have you covered. You will find Hotels, Motels, Resorts, a Bed & Breakfast, Vacation Rentals, Lake Rentals, and Camping. Find Grand Rapids Lodging HERE.
Things To Do in Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids has an abundance of outdoor recreation. We have hundreds of miles of Hiking/Biking trails, 1,400 area Lakes. We are known for our lakes and trails. Check out our NEW Tioga Recreation Area is northern Minnesota’s premier outdoor adventure destination. Five hundred wooded acres located on two of the region’s most unique lakes features 30 miles of world-class, single-track mountain biking, snowshoe trails, beaches, and access to hundreds of miles of waterways. Every season is adventure season at Tioga. You will also find outstanding Art and History Attractions that offer visitors a chance to see a wide variety of exhibits and performances, both indoors and out. You can pick up a public art walk 
map at MacRostie Art Center to take a self-guided public art tour. Create special memories by weaving some fascinating history into your Grand Rapids vacation. Grand Rapids has a rich history having originally been founded as a logging town on the Mississippi River. Check out the FREE museum at the Itasca County Historical Society located in downtown Grand Rapids where you can view fabulous preserved historic artifacts. Take a drive up the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway and stop at the Edge of the Wildereness Discovery Center in Marcell to get an environmental history and view many northwoods wildlife in their natural settings. Tour the Judy Garland Museum for a self guided tour of the 3,000 piece Wizard of Oz exhibit and to tour the home that Judy lived in while living in Grand Rapids. Make sure to check our Event Calendar before you arrive.
Come Together in Minnesota’s Nature This Labor Day
Grand Rapids Minnesota is that place where you can all come together to un-plug and reconnect! Grand Rapids is conveniently located, but far enough away to create a true destination vacation. We welcome you to join us Up North in Grand Rapids, Minnesota this Labor Day.
Fun, Free Things To Do With Kids This Summer
Come to Grand Rapids, MN this summer for fun FREE things to do with kids!
Do you remember some of your favorite summer vacation memories were when you were a child? What made them special – the scenery? The people you were with? The delicious food? There are so many different things you can do with a family to create those forever memories that always leave a smile on your face.
In Grand Rapids, some of the best activities where your family can cultivate dreamy summer memories are FREE! Here is a list of the free family adventures you can tackle when you visit:
Walk About Downtown
Small town downtown’s are the heart of the community! This is definitely true for Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Downtown Grand Rapids is a vibrant place to shop, dine, view public art, and enjoy historic buildings and attractions. The Itasca County Historical Society Museum is FREE to tour. Here you will find interesting history of Itasca County and annual exhibits include: The Picture Grace, Veterans Memorial, and Itasca Camps to name a few. Kids enjoy the trains and woolly mammoth tusk. The cute gift shop includes responsibly priced items that represent your trip to Grand Rapids. Make sure to stop and take a picture at Paul Bunyan’s Chair located on the corner of Pokegama Ave and 4th Street.
Land Of 10,000 Lakes
You can enjoy Minnesota’s beauty from dry land, but in the land of 10,000 lakes, we have got to show you Tioga Beach on Pokegama and Blandin Beach on Forest Lake! These two beaches and recreation areas make for the perfect summer swimming afternoon for your family. Pack lunch and enjoy a picnic. Don’t forget to protect your skin from the sun and keep a close eye on swimmers so everyone can leave your beach day happy and healthy. There are fishing piers to fish from on both of these lakes. The fishing piers maybe located just down from the beach area.
Taste The Harvest Rainbow
Have you ever seen a child’s eyes light up when they see a humongous watermelon? Or how interesting it really is to see fruit and veggies go from farm to table? Grand Rapids has an amazing farmers market every Saturday and Wednesday from 8am-1pm.
Take a group or your whole family here to get the inside scoop on what we grow and harvest in northern Minnesota. Kids are often curious to check out the handmade syrups, jellies, and canned goods and market members are always delighted to share their process with anyone willing to learn! Kids can sign up for Power of Produce (POP) Members (ages 2-17) to receive FREE produce. Learn more: https://www.facebook.com/POPClubGrandRapidsFarmersMarket
You can pre-order from the Grand Rapids Farmers Market:https://www.localline.ca/grand-rapids-farmers-market
Dabble In Deep Woods 
Quite a few outdoor enthusiasts attribute their wilderness yearnings from exploring state and national parks with their families when they were young children. Grand Rapids has everything you need to spark the back-country bug in your little ones.
The Chippewa National Forest has many trails to go exploring safely into the forest to view mix forests of tall pines and hardwoods, view wildlife and native plants. Take a step back in time and spend the day in the serene, secluded Lost Forty, located in the Chippewa National Forest, where the pine trees are over 300 years old! Here your family can enjoy camping, hiking, picnic areas, and amazing fishing. This location is definitely worth the drive north about 1 hour of Grand Rapids.
Visit The Forest History Center where you get a chance to look into the past with a recreated 1900 logging camp, nature programs, trails and visitor center. Their hours are Wednesday-Saturday 10am-4pm.
We hope these suggestions can help your family create the bellyaching, Popsicle stained laughs that freeze in a brain’s memory for later. Grand Rapids is ready to take you on a memorably Minnesota vacation.
Top 5 Things To Do Downtown
Downtown Grand Rapids is a great place to explore no matter the season. But, in summer it is full of live music, blossoming art, events, shopping opportunities and a chance to experience the history under the sun on a warm day. Here are the top 5 things to do downtown from a local perspective.
1. Events
Every first Friday of the month is First Friday Art Walk. Businesses downtown host local artist and musicians. There is also food trucks and live music in the Old Central School grounds. Also, downtown August 6th-8th is Tall Timber Days. Come downtown for a weekend of vendors, a street dance, pet parade and of course lumberjack shows. New to downtown is Grand Rapids Riverfest!!!! September 10th-11th we have headliners Trampled by Turtles and Yonder Mountain String Band. Get your tickets HERE.
2. Visiting Art & Historic Sites
Grand Rapids is known for the art and history that the downtown has. Great historic spots to check out are Old Central School, Pokegama Hotel, and Pokegama Bridge. For art spots, head down to the Mississippi River to see the Angel of Hope, the metal canoe sculpture, and the Blandin Paper Company Grinderman Stature. To see the full list of art and historic sites click HERE. Lastly, don’t forget to stop at heart of downtown and get a picture on the Big Red Chair.
3.Shopping
Downtown you will find locally owned stores with unique Up North souvenirs. Also, we have a wide variety of antique shops to explore and of course we have stores with new items. Find a new top, a Minnesota mug, or an antique record. When shopping downtown, there are so many treasures to find. Here is a list of great places to check out. Central Square Mall, Old Central School, Lake Lover Vintage, Wings and Willows, Lake & Co., Stained Glass with Class, Briers, Benders, Shaw Florists, North In Bloom, 218 Style and Plumer’s Fine Furniture .
4.Live Music
There is live music most days in the downtown area. Check out our events calendar to see a full list. Places that typically host live music include Rapids Brewing Company, UnWined Up North, Klockow Brewing Company and The Reif .
5.Meet the Community
When you visit downtown, there is an instant sense of community. If you go into a store, a place to eat or drink, you get the Minnesota Nice and will more than likely meet the owners. Grand Rapids is home to many locally owned businesses. We welcome everyone with open arms to visit out community and hopefully for summers to come. There’s no place like Grand Rapids.
Family Fun In Grand Rapids, MN
The kids are officially out of school. Whether your children were attending school in-person or virtually from home, EVERYONE needs a vacation. Time to head to Grand Rapids, MN for some family fun. Here are a few trip ideas!
Lake Day
Rent a cabin on the lake and enjoy a few days of lake fun. Bring floaties, fishing poles and relax down by the water. Some properties offer boat rentals but, for the ones that don’t there are two places in Grand Rapids that you can rent fishing boats, pontoon, speed boats or jet skis(R&R Rentals, Grand Rapids Marine). Right on Lake Pokegama you can rent paddle boards, kayaks and canoes at Paddle Hoppers! There is not shortage of lakes near Grand Rapids, there are many public access points and a local favorite fishing spot is Cohasset beach. Pack up and head down to the lake. Don’t forget sunscreen and a towel!
Biking
Summer time is perfect for biking with the family. For a paved path, check out the Mesabi trail that begins at the Itasca County Fairgrounds. For a more adventurous path, check out Tioga Recreation. They have trails that vary from beginner to advanced. Most bikers like to even take a dip in the crystal blue mine pit after a fun ride.
Museum’s to See
Grand Rapids has the Itasca Historical Society and the Judy Garland and Children’s Museum. At the Itasca historical Society they have a train room, river room, a war room and a escape room! All of the rooms are filled with history and the volunteers and employees there are extremely knowledge. Their escape room currently is 50’s themed. Solve the mystery by unlocking clues.
The Judy Garland and Children’s Museum are in the same building but are split. One side is the children’s museum with rooms for play and the Judy Garland Museum is filled with mementos and stories of Judy Garlands life. the Museum itself is connected to the house that Judy spent the first part of her life in.
Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway
Take a mini road trip to the Edge of the Wilderness Scenic Byway. The road is 47 miles long up to Effie. On this drive you are able to explore numerous discovery spots to pull off and see lakes, read about the tamarack trees, hiking trails and see the see the Chippewa National Forest. This drive flows through 4 different towns with so much to see. It truly is an experience in Minnesota’s Nature.
Summer is booking up fast…..
Find lodging by clicking HERE!