Fishing Report 2-23-2022
By Dan Amundson, Sporting Journal Radio
As the walleye season wraps up this weekend, (2/27) it’s time to shift our focus to panfish and other species, or get in a few more days of walleyes before Sunday!
If you are planning on chasing ‘eyes, just know they’ve been finicky. It’s cold, oxygen levels are lower in the lakes and they’ve seen a ton of lures. The low-light hours of the day have been best, and the typical jigging spoon has been most successful when they want to bite. Baits like rippin’ raps or jigging raps have also been good. Be sure to always have a deadstick down as well, whether it’s a tip-up or a bobber rod. Oftentimes those finicky fish will favor the simpler presentation of a whole minnow with a small jig or plain hook.
Sunfish continue to be fun to chase, and they’ve been found along shallow weedlines. Crappies are still being found in the basins, but remember as the season progresses, those fish will be getting ready to head back to their spring spots. Just because you caught them in a spot one day doesn’t mean they’ll be there the next. Don’t be afraid to move around. Tungsten jigs with spikes or waxworms is still our best presentation right now.
Don’t overlook other fish like tullibees this time of year. They can be a fun option and are pretty tasty when smoked. Big flashy spoons with dropper chains are a solid choice when targeting them. They also prefer deep basins that are adjacent to shallow points. Again, be on the move and trust your electronics. If you’re not seeing fish, make a move.
Remember that permanent fish house removal dates are coming up. Houses north of the line made up of highways 10, 34, 200 and 2 must be removed by March 21st, but houses south of the line must be off by March 7th. Refer to the MN DNR website or handbook for a map, dates and more information about shelter removal.
