It Ain’t Over Yet
By Randin Olson of Lock Jaw Guide Service
The ice fishing season isn’t over yet. There is still fishable ice here in Otter Tail County, MN. Here is some late season ice fishing advice from Randin Olson of Lock Jaw Guide Service.
It’s March now and that leaves some people split. Do you continue ice fishing? Or do you start to prepare for open water. Some of the best ice fishing will happen in the next few weeks!
Lake conditions are still good and travel is fairly easy. There are some drifts that can hang you up so if your traveling by vehicle, Keep a close eye out for deeper snow. I’m seeing 24+inches of ice on most lakes and it is still in good shape.
Panfish are still holding deeper but the shallow movement is coming. With the warmer temps, snow starts to melt and that melting dumps oxygen back into the lake making those fish move shallower. Currently I’m finding the majority of my fish in 15-20ft in small mud basins. Stay mobile and find a school of the right size. Small Tungsten jigs and waxworms have been my go to, but a variety of presentations will work. The bite can be light so having the right equipment will help. 2lb line on a noodle style rod will do the trick.
One option is tullibee. These aggressive fish often get overlooked because they can smell a little but once you catch one, you’re hooked!
A dropper rig on a light action rod works best. Make sure you fish the entire water column as these fish can be anywhere! Deep holes in the 40-90ft range will hold them. If you’ve never tried fishing for these silver bullets your missing out!
While ice safety should be on your mind all season, this time of year things can change fast so be careful and pay attention. There’s plenty of great fishing left so let the boat stay in the shed a little longer!
Randin olson
Lock Jaw Guide Service
218-640-0158
