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Late Winter Ice Fishing Report 3-16-2022
The warm weather is a very welcome change and bringing the snow depth down to manageable heights will make late winter-season ice fishing a bit easier to get around. With several opportunities available for Crappies, Bluegills, Tullibees, and Perch, late ice fishing won’t last long with warmer weather upon us. Make sure when venturing out you bring along or wear higher boots because of increased water on the ice.
Perch fishing, especially in the late winter, can be some of the best ice fishing opportunities of the winter. Perch start to move shallow prior to spawning and are schooled up in big bunches. They are nourishing their bodies and eating several different critters that are available. As the melting water seeps into the cracks and holes of the late ice, perch will go on a feeding binge right up into ice out. Looking at your lake maps try to target areas that come out of deeper water to flats that are adjacent to shallower rocky areas. These are key locations to contacting late ice perch with consistency. Make no mistake you will still have to drill several holes to stay on them, but it’s worth the effort.
Yellow Perch are one of the best-eating fish available and that is why many anglers have learned their food value. The firm, sweet flesh of perch are like no other species. For generations in Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, and Illinois, perch have been part of the “Friday night fish Fries” that many have grown up with. The reason is they are very tasty and fun to catch. We in Minnesota for many years never knew the value of perch until the last 20 years or so. Now there are many anglers targeting perch like never before. Limits were reduced to preserve the perch and now it has rebounded in several lakes where it was decades ago.
Small baits, like Northland Tackle’s Forage Minnow and the Forage Minnow Spoon, are deadly on late winter ice perch. Attach a minnow head or a couple of wax worms and subtly jig it until you get bit. Plastics also work excellent at times and the Impulse Bloodworm can be a bait that will put perch on the ice. Good electronics and an Aqua Vu underwater camera can be all-important ingredients in finding and staying on the perch. Much of the same tackle you use for other species of panfish are well suited for perch fishing also. Lite line in 4# test and a lite action rod is sufficient for perch and loads of fun.
Some of the good lakes in the Grand Rapids area are Big Winnie, Pokegama, Bowstring, Sand, Big Ball Club, and Jessie. Contact local bait shops for updated information on where the perch are biting. It can help in making your decision on where to fish.
To book a last-minute late winter ice fishing trip or book an opening fishing vacation, click HERE.
Ice Fishing for Bluegills in the Greater Grand Rapids Area
Ice fishing continues to play a major role for visitors to the Grand Rapids area. There are some of the best-groomed snowmobile trails in the state and breathtaking cross country ski areas as well, but ice fishing opportunities for several panfish species are a good choice. Until the snowpack recedes it seems the best travel out on the lakes is to stay on plowed roads, snowmobiles, or track vehicles to access the ice. Smaller lakes seem to be good choices for there is far less traffic and less slush and water pockets. There is plenty of ice and most lakes report anywhere from 20-30 inches of ice under all the snow.
Ice fishing for bluegills has been targeted by many anglers for they are less picky during the day and usually once found, can provide action the entire time on the ice. Crappies seem to be more active early and late in the day, but bluegills will provide action consistently. Most good bluegill anglers will provide a lite presentation when chasing bluegills. 2-4# test monofilament line is almost a must for many times the most subtle of bites you will experience. Over the years anglers have switched from spring bobbers on the tip of their ice rod to the softest tip that will detect the slightest bite that bluegills will give you when they inhale your bait. St. Croix Rods have developed a series of panfish rods that will help you to see the bite and even with the lightest of baits. Small tungsten jigs like Northland Tackle’s Punch Jig and Mud Bug are super bluegill baits that will consistently put fish on the ice. Tip them with a waxy or a couple of euro larvae and you’re in business.
Electronics when ice fishing bluegills is essential because of their tendency to be indifferent depths of the water column. As the season gets closer to spring, bluegills will start to relate to transition areas from mud to harder bottom and old weed edges. Their primary food sources are tiny larvae that live in these softer bottom areas and will most often suspend during the day. Having a good underwater camera can be a key ingredient to seeking out schools of bluegills that you might not have seen. Many times there are crappies mixed in with them and that’s always a bonus to include a few in your catch. Pay attention to limit changes the DNR may have implemented and check the new regulation book when purchasing your license. Several trophy bluegill lakes have gone to a 5 fish limit, so make sure you check before going out on the lake. Most public accesses will have any changes in limits for all species on that particular lake, posted near the landing.
There are over a hundred good ice fishing for bluegill lakes within 40 miles of Grand Rapids that can provide you with great opportunities. A few lakes to give a try are Graves, Little Turtle, Little Ball Club, Dunbar, Bellow, Gunn, Clubhouse, Pokegama, and Big Rice. All have good populations of bluegills and crappies. Some of the best ice fishing for panfish is coming up in the next month and warmer weather is on the horizon.
To book a fishing trip, click HERE!
Head North To Catch Winter Crappies
Tom Neustrom, owner of MN Fishing Connection, encourages to head north to catch winter crappies now. Read the Grand Rapids area ice fishing report below.
The walleye-northern pike season has ended until May, and the pursuit of panfish will take center stage. Crappies, Bluegills and Yellow Perch will be fished by serious ice anglers looking for late season opportunities. Some of the best ice fishing of the season for these species will be in the next few weeks while ice is fishable. Grand Rapids has numerous lakes within twenty-five miles that support all three of the mentioned species. Check out the MN DNR Fishing Regulations page for more details.
Now is the perfect time to head north to catch winter crappies! Crappies are one of the three that bring special attention to local anglers and visiting ones as well. Being prolific in so many lakes, and a great tasting fish, it’s no wonder this is one of the favorites of ice fisherman throughout the winter. Locating and catching them is always an issue, but as spring and late ice approaches, they tend to school up tighter and are fairly predictable. Throughout the winter deeper soft bottom locations will hold crappies and can be temper mental and many times hard to catch. As the melting starts to take place and the sun burns brightly, crappies as other species know that changes are taking place. There is more activation of bottom critters and the different larvae that live in these soft bottom areas are just what crappies and other panfish are looking for. The reproductive cycle is soon to happen, and fish need additional nourishment to survive through the rituals. They will feed more often during the day and mayfly and other larvae are their choice of diet.
Lite tackle and small baits are needed to target crappies throughout the winter, and it is essential to use these tactics during late ice. Two of my favorite late ice baits are Northland Tackle’s Gill Getter and Tungsten Punch Fly tipped with a couple of euro larvae or a single wax worm. Use your electronics to find the depth crappies are occupying and you’re in business. My Humminbird Helix 7 is so sensitive I can pick up small clouds of suspended larvae and crappies right there dining on them. Remember to keep your bait just slightly above them when dropping your bait to their location. Don’t jig your bait too erratically to spook them. Just a slight twitch and pause will usually do the trick.
Some of the preferred lakes in the Grand Rapids area that hold good numbers of crappies are Big and Little Splithand, Little Moose, Pokegama, Graves, Big Rice, and Loon. Any of these lakes offer good opportunities to provide good opportunities for excellent crappie fishing late in the ice season. March is the perfect month to head north to Grand Rapids, MN to catch winter crappies and panfish.
Watch this short video where Lyle Unger, Grand Rapids Guide Service highlights his ice fishing success for winter crappies this week.
Book Your 2022 Fishing Trip Now!
This summer head north for the perfect fishing trip. Now is the time to book your fishing trip in the Grand Rapids, Minnesota area. Hiring a professional fishing guide for your trip will ensure that you have the trip of a lifetime. Check out our Lakes/Fishing page for a list of professional fishing guides to consider. Professional fishing guides are licensed and insured, they know the Grand Rapids area lakes, they provide the state-of-the-art fishing equipment and technology, and they can get you on fish faster and with more success. Make fishing memories on our lakes in Minnesota’s nature. Consider Grand Rapids this year for your fishing trip destination. With over 1,400 lakes in the Grand Rapids area, you are sure to catch fish! Consider bringing the entire family. Grand Rapids offers over 2,000 miles of trails to bike, hike and ATV. Grand Rapids has two craft breweries, boutique style shops, great place to eat & drink, nightlife entertainment, public art, and area attractions to discover MN history. Grand Rapids is also the perfect place to recharge, reconnect and relax. Stay in Grand Rapids where you will find an abundance of cozy lodging options.
Top 5 Trip Ideas for a Romantic Getaway
Valentine’s Day is just around the corner plan your romantic getaway in Grand Rapids, MN. There is no better gift than a special weekend out of town. If you haven’t planned what to do for your special person, here are 5 ideas to make this valentine’s day extra special.
1. Hotel, Wine Bar, & Snowshoeing!
In Grand Rapids, there are 5 outstanding hotels. Some of the great amenities that are offered at some of the properties include a pool, hot tub, dog-friendly, attached dining/bar and all are conveniently located close to town. During your stay, visit UnWined Up North. They were voted the #1 wine bar in Minnesota by Star Tribune. Locally owned and known for a wide array of wine and beer all made in Minnesota. During your stay, spend some time outdoors exploring the snowshoeing trails. Rentals are available at Ardent Bicycles. Guided snowshoeing is available every Thursday from 12:30-1:30 at Tioga Recreation with Stephanie from the City of Cohasset Park and Rec. Department. Snowshoes are available during this guided service for FREE! Check out other trails in the greater Grand Rapids area by clicking HERE.
2. Experience the Arts During a Weekend Up North!
Part of a great romantic getaway is to take in a performance together. See the Itasca Strings Orchestra on February 12th at 7 pm at The Reif. The Itasca Symphony Orchestra Plays Bizet Featuring violist Evgeny Zvonnikov they will be playing Carmen Fantasy. Before the show, there are great dining options in the Grand Rapids area to treat your special someone. Don’t forget to stop at MacRostie Art Center to see their Face Value exhibit by Russ White. There is also a cool store on the corner called Stained Glass with Class that offered stained glass classes. Call today to book a time!
3. Relax & Re-connect at a Resort or Bed & Breakfast
Enjoy the coziness of a cabin in the winter or the ease of a Bed & Breakfast. Re-connect with your loved one for a romantic getaway while exploring Minnesota’s nature. Set up an ice shanty on one of 1,000+ lakes in the area for some amazing ice fishing. Check out the latest Ice Fishing Report. Another idea is to head over to Blackwater Cross County Ski trail for a night ski on their lit trails. Lights are on until 10 pm and they have a heated shack! For more cross-country ski trails, click HERE.
4. Weekend Ideas for the Adventurous Couples
If you and your significant other love snowmobiling or fat tire biking, the Grand Rapids area is the perfect place to make a valentines day weekend trip. There are over 1,000+ miles of groomed trails to explore. Check out the trails in advance by clicking HERE. If you are visiting to fat tire bike, Tioga is the place to go. There are over 25 miles of groomed trails from beginner to advanced. Click HERE to see the trail report.
5. Beer Flights & Museums
Come experience a fun weekend at the local breweries! Sip a flight of craft beer while listening to live music and enjoy some great food. Rapids Brewing Company has a special menu for Valentine’s Day and Klockow Brewing Company allows you to bring in your own food! Near the breweries are 2 unique museums. Check out The Itasca County Historical Society which has a ton of unique exhibits and has an escape room. Call to book an hour! If you and your significant other are looking for a guided tour, the Judy Garland Museum has a guide every Friday and Saturday. Take a walk around and learn about the life of Judy Garland. The museum included the home she grew up in.
Information on Booking a Trip
To see the different lodging properties in the greater Grand Rapids area visit our Stay Page. If you have any questions about booking a romantic getaway, feel free to call the Visit Grand Rapids office at (218) 326-9607 or e-mail us at info@visitgrandrapids.com
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.
Ice Fishing Report 1-13-22
Winter is here with a bit of normalcy and the cold weather and mounds of snow are not unusual for Minnesota and especially the Grand Rapids area. On a positive note, it opens the door for many outside activities. Ice fishing is just one of the activities that are available and with so many lakes and species to catch, it’s no wonder that folks seem to be coming north every weekend to try their luck. The cold fronts of late have slowed things down at times, but with warmer consistent weather look for the bite to get better.
For walleyes, many of the area lakes are turning out nice fish early and late in the day. Some of the better lakes in the area to try are Trout Lake in Coleraine, Pokegama, Wabana, Big Splithand, Big Cutfoot, Jessie, and the north end of Big Bass Lake in Cohasset. Most successful anglers are drilling several holes in the same area and fish side by side holes with an active bait like a Northland Buckshot Spoon and minnow head and the other hole with a lively shiner or chub on a plain hook with a split shot. Many times the “Dead Stick” with the plain hook and minnow will outfish a moving bait. Make sure you change your bait often to offer a lively supper. Time and time again this will put fish on the ice when all else fails. Offshore structures can be your best bet for locations, but also with mapping as offered by Lakemaster can pinpoint specific points and flats that can produce walleyes in the winter. Also, don’t discount weed beds for many times on lakes that have substantial shallow water areas that can outproduce offshore structures. Many times scattered tip-ups with 3-4 inch shiners or sucker minnows can be a presentation that can put walleyes on the ice on flats that have cabbage weed beds. This also can attract other species that occupy the same weed beds such as nice northern pike as a bonus.
Crappies, Bluegills, and Yellow Perch have been the most fished species of choice. With the recent snow, the accumulations have made travel on lakes a bit difficult unless on plowed roads or use of snowmobiles. Also, beware of slush areas off main plowed roads with the additional snow. Some of the better lakes in the Grand Rapids area to try panfish are Little Splithand, the bays on Pokegama Lake, Jay Gould Lake, Bass Lake in Cohasset, Bowstring, and Big Cutfoot Lake. Be mobile until you find pods of active fish. You may have to drill lots of holes and then use your electronics to hole hop.
Besides the noteworthy ice fishing, there are great Ski Trails, Fat Tire Bike Trails, groomed snowmobile trails, and foot travel trails to just explore. Go to Visitgrandrapids.com for all the information you will ever need.
5 New Year’s Resolutions You Can Achieve in Grand Rapids
Make 2022 you’re year to do things that make you happy. One of the best ways to check things off your bucket list is to get started on it right away. Below is a list of 5 New Year’s resolution ideas that can be achieved in Grand Rapids.
1. Relax for Some Self-Care Time
Enjoy a day at the spa getting a massage, facial. manicure, pedicure, and other treatments. Self-care can also be spending time doing something you love.
2. Change of Scenery/ Travel
Get out of the busy city and work remotely from a Bed & Breakfast, a cozy hotel or try the resort life on the lake. Traveling to a new place can spark new ideas. Come see what a charming rural Minnesota town looks like and leave re-energized after relaxing up north.
3. Learn a New Skill or Hobby
The Grand Rapids area is home to a wide variety of outdoor recreation and art experiences. Try a class at Stained Glass with Class or MacRostie Art Center. If you’re looking to try something outdoors, head over to Mt. Itasca to try tubing, skiing, or snowboarding. Other hobbies to try include: snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and fat-tire biking. All of these rentals can be found at Ardent Bicycles.
4. See Live Music
The Reif offers spectacular shows and music acts. Visit their website to see upcoming shows. Other local musicians play at Klockow Brewing Company, Rapids Brewing Company, and UnWined Up North.
5. Take Time to Learn Some History
In Grand Rapids, there are 3 must-see museums. The Itasca County Historical Society, Judy Garland Museum, and the Children’s Museum. All of the museums offer interactive exhibits and the Itasca County, Historical Society offers the opportunity to book an hour to try out their escape room.
Come explore the greater Grand Rapids area and start fresh in 2022 by trying one of the above New Year’s Resolutions. Wishing you a happy and healthy 2022. For help with booking a trip, please call our office at (218) 326-9607, or to request a visitor guide, click HERE.
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.
Ice Fishing Report 12-21-21
Winter is always a slow process and an exciting one. In the Grand Rapids area, there is so much to do. Winter brings enjoyment with ice fishing, cross country skiing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and fat-tire biking. Come ice fish and explore the hundreds of miles of groomed and off-road trails. The beauty of the Grand Rapids area is that all seasons make this destination one to add to your list of places to visit.
There are so many lakes to try out your ice fishing skills. If walleyes are your passion, there are countless lakes to try to catch trophy-size fish. When the ice conditions improve, there are several lakes that can produce walleyes in the 8-9 pound class as well as eating size walleye. Big Cutfoot, Big Splithand, Deer, Pokegama, and Trout lake produce big walleye every season. Most often early in the day and the last 2 hours are some of the best times to do battle with big walleye. A lesser thought of approach is daytime weed beds that can hold the biggest of walleyes during the day, especially during low light conditions. Tip-up fishing with a lively shiner or small sucker minnow can be just the meal they are looking for. Drill several holes along the edge of the weeds and change your tip-up position every 20-30 minutes. There may be a few pesky northern pikes that may come calling, but this can be a great presentation for catching big walleyes.
A most sought-after species that gets little attention until March and early April are the Yellow Perch that are located on nearly all our area lakes. Many anglers across the ice belt come to several of our lakes in search of the fast action of Yellow Perch. Not a very finicky fish but, they can be caught in great numbers and are an awesome species for the table. Big Winnie has had a reputation for jumbo Perch for decades and anglers from Wisconsin and Michigan have made yearly trips to the big lake for consistent fishing. Winnie provides great habitat for producing good numbers of larger Perch and that is what draws the anglers. Other lakes in the area to try for big Perch are Bowstring, Jay Gould, Big Splithand, and Pokegama. Drill several holes in depths of 8-20 feet around rocks and weeds and hole hop until you find them. A small spoon tipped with a minor hear or a couple of wax worms will do the trick.
Merry Christmas to all and put Grand Rapids on your list of places to visit during the holiday season.
