Ice fishing report 2-17-21

By Erik Osberg

The inland walleye season closes in Minnesota on February 28, 2021. That means time is running out to target this sought after species here in Otter Tail County. I have yet to get on what I would consider a phenomenal walleye bite this winter, however, I have been able to land a few nice ones. The recent frigid temps didn’t make it easy, but when Mother Nature gives you frozen lemons, you can either stay inside and pout or you can give it the old college try.

Having a fish house makes fishing in an arctic blast more bearable. I moved mine to a different lake on what was a “warm” day in the middle of the cold snap. The high temp for that day was 4º F, and the forecast was calling for even worse temps to follow. So I ran out to the fish house on a Monday night, broke it loose from where I had it set up and went to find a new spot on a new lake. When I got to the new lake, I made sure to check ice conditions. There was 16 inches everywhere I checked, so I felt like I could proceed. The spot I settled on was a large mid-lake underwater point. I couldn’t decide between the inside turn along the shoreside breakline or the tip of the point. I drilled a few more holes, and decided to set up in 23 feet of water. It was dark, so I wasn’t able to use my underwater camera that first night. I fished for awhile and just caught a few rock bass. I made sure to go back during the daylight so I could drop the underwater camera and see what type of structure I was on. The very first time I sent the camera down the hole, I saw a walleye and a pike. Turns out, I was set up on a large rock pile. Pure luck! As the day went on, I saw a few more walleyes come though, so I was committed to the staying put.

I didn’t get any walleyes that night either, but I knew i was on a fishy spot. So I took my son out there the next evening. We caught a pike right away on a big flashy spoon and then landed a nice 20 inch walleye right as the sun went down. The walleye came on a plain hook and a smaller sucker minnow.

Despite daytime highs of below zero and nighttime lows as low as -30º F, I managed to get out to the fish house a few more times. I had noticed that big loud baits seemed to spook the walleyes when I saw them on the camera. So I started rigging more lines with just a plain hook and a minnow. And it worked, I was able to land a very nice 25 inch walleye while it was -15º F outside.

The moral of the story is if you want to ice a walleye or two, now is the time to get out and try. Warmer temps are in the forecast, so it should be easier to move around and find them. I’d recommend you focus on mid lake saddles or underwater points with deep water close by. I’d start looking in 28-22 feet of water. I’d rig up with plain hooks, split shot sinkers and a 2.5 to 4 inch minnow. Doesn’t really matter what kind, could be a small sucker minnow, large fat head minnow or medium sized shiner. If you are looking for bait, Gene’s Sport Shop in Perham usually has a good supply. Don’t let the recent cold snap give you a false sense of confidence. I would still check ice conditions if you haven’t been on the lake in awhile. No ice is ever safe and no fish is worth risking your life. Stay safe, have fun and remember, it’s not about having time, it’s about making time.