This week’s Grand Rapids MN Ice Fishing Report is provided by Sam Westensee and Bryce Busching. Photo Caption: Brooks Bauchman with nice winter walleye.

ICE CONDITIONS

Ice conditions seem to be holding steady on area lakes with 10 to 13 inches being the average.  Ice cleats are recommended as there is little to no snow cover on the ice. 

ICE FISHING REPORT

Panfish have been spooky over the past week. This could be due to lack of snow cover.  If you plan on chasing panfish, consider how much noise you’re making on the ice. This could make or break your success.  

The walleye bite has still been good overall.  Morning and evening hours have still been best but there are some daytime feeding windows on the overcast days.  Spoons tipped with fatheads and shiners or rainbows on the dead stick are the go to baits.  

A few decent pike are being caught on tip-ups with sucker minnows or frozen smelt.  The warm weather we have is perfect for chasing flags!

Remember that NO ICE IS SAFE ICE. During this time of late ice (we know it doesn’t seem possible that early February is late ice) it is good to test the ice as you walk out. Checking with bait shops and sporting goods stores on conditions is a good idea too.

COZY LODGING

Grand Rapids, Minnesota offers a wide variety of cozy lodging from in town Hotels, Motels, Bed and Breakfasts and Vacation Rentals. Minnesota Resorts and Vacation Rentals that are open year-round that are located on area lakes. Find Lodging HERE.

FUN PLACES TO EAT & DRINK

Once you have caught your limit, then it is time to warm up and stop at one of many locally owned restaurants, bars and grills, and craft breweries. These places are welcoming to all outdoors men and women, and families. Maybe you are looking for the best bar burger or the best made from scratch wild rice soup, or the best char broiled steak, or the place that will clean, batter and cook your fresh fish and serve family style for the fishing crew. Find Places to Eat & Drink HERE.

FUN FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY

Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the perfect place for the entire family. If your family isn’t into fishing, that is OK. There are fun places for the kids, places for your spouse to shop and get pampered, pools for the kids to swim, and family friendly places to explore. Find Family Friendly Things To Do HERE.