We built some good ice during the last cold spell and many anglers are utilizing snowmobiles or ATV’s for travel on local lakes. There is little snow cover so travel hasn’t been an issue. With the spring-like temperatures that we are supposed to see this week, we don’t expect to build much ice in the near future.    If you have any doubts, always check ice thickness before taking any vehicle on the lake. 

 

Ordinarily, fishing can get tough in what we refer to as the “mid-winter” period.  But this winter has been anything but ordinary. Walleyes seem to be biting better with the warming temps. 18 to 25 foot structure during the evening hours has produced the best results.  Fish are biting jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head, or shiners and rainbows on dead sticks. 

 

Panfish are being found in the 15 – 25 foot basins and and can be caught on small tungsten jigs tipped with wax worms or soft plastics.   

 

Lake trout reports have been few and far between for the area, but stream trout anglers are still finding success.  9 to 12 feet of water has been best. 

Ice Fishing Safety: Make sure that you tell someone where you are going, and when you expect to be back. Also, check the ice as you go. Check with local bait shops about ice conditions, and check out the MN DNR Ice Safety guide.

Brought to you by Sam Westensee and Bryce Busching.