Ice Fishing Report 12-23-20
By Ross Hagemeister
Today is the first blizzard of the season. It’s an untimely blizzard as the lakes were just beginning to build enough ice to fish on. The exact snow totals are not yet certain, but from the looks of it (out my window) it could be a problematic total. Problematic? Yes. If the snow covers the ice sheet it will shield it from the arctic air that will follow the snow storm. If the ice is covered by more than an inch or two of snow, it will be insulated from the cold—no matter how cold it gets. This is a strong note of caution, from a guy who spends all of his days watching the ice (and have done so for more than 20 years of ice fishing guiding); be very careful after the snow!
The ice beneath the drifts, especially, will not get thicker for several days or even weeks. Remember last year? The lakes spent 2 months under a snow bank—resulting in no ice growth—and to make matters worse, the ice actually rotted last year because it never got cold (beneath the snow). Only exposed ice gains in thickness and in strength. Ice under snow, keeps warm and does not grow, not even during sub-zero temps. I’m emphasizing this point now, because folks who own large/heavy fish houses are chomping to get them on the lakes. A lot of folks will look at the forecast and believe that, because of the low forecasted temps, the ice will certainly grow. It will not.
Folks with heavy, factory built ice houses with all the bells, whistles, ceiling fans, cabinets, toilets, showers, fireplaces, will need to wait. That’s the bad news, but this is Minnesota in a changing climate. Longer, warmer falls, and winters with more precipitation and fewer cold days are a signature of the times. Is it a trend? Could be but it won’t help large fish houses and pickups float when the ice breaks. If you’re uncertain about the ice, don’t call for a report! You need to get on the ice and do the research yourself and do the math. If you are equipped with an ATV, warm clothes, a portable and a love for being outside—then things aren’t so bad. The fishing is good in the county. Both panfish and predator species are biting, in some fashion, and like you’ve heard me say before…..you just have to find them. And like you’ve heard me say before….fishing takes work; the more effort you put into it, the better you’ll do. And if you still don’t do very well, at least when you get home you fell good that you tried hard, and there’s always another time. Good Luck on the lakes this week and have a wonderful holiday! By Ross Hagemeister, meisterguideservice.com
