Walleye Or Panfish? That Is The Question!
Hello ice fishermen!
Time is flying by this winter. I’m not sure why but i
ce fishing seasons seem to pass quickly. They are defined by ridged and intense action periods (perhaps that’s why)?
December marked the beginning of the ice fishing season and the walleye fishing is amongst the best of the year. After a few weeks of strong “early” ice fishing and a few major holidays, the walleye bite becomes less intense and then, like now, anglers are transitioning from walleye to panfish. But are the fish ready for the transition? Just about. As our days grow longer in Lakes Country, so the panfish bite become more steady and predictable —its not the full-out intense panfish bite of late ice, but it’s a time where anglers can get out and get a meal if they work at it a bit.
February arrives this week and then after, a few speedy weeks ( and a Super-Bowl to boot), the walleye, northern and bass seasons come to a close. Ice fishing, indeed, does fly by. Also, as the bites become more difficult for some species, anglers are on edge about changing ice conditions as the days lengthen and warm—the lakes become quieter in February. A lot of people look forward to open-water and sunscreen—fishing from boats and bridges. This is a transitional period for both the anglers and the fish! Which is great! It’s all a part of our great sport here in Otter Tail Lakes Country.
If you do decide to keep on fishing in February, I’d lean away from walleye and focus on panfish for fun and action. Where panfish hide, predators lurk—so they are there to catch as well. For walleye, at the moment—it’s a waiting game, and some don’t mind waiting. As they say: “to each, his own.” For baits and presentations, think small and think precision. For locating fish think work, effort and persistence. In my opinion fish never come to you—you have to go to them.
Good Luck fishing in Otter Tail Lakes Country this week.
Ross Hagemeister
