Change Is In The Air!
Good morning ice fishermen!
Things are changing in Otter Tail Lakes Country! Not only are the days growing steadily longer, but we have also been experiencing abnormally warm temps for February. Soon, another stretch of 50 degree days will begin. Wow! What does this do to the ice and ice fishing? Watch the ice, especially around access points to lakes and zones near inlets and outlets to lakes (current areas). When abnormal climate changes and swings occur, it’s time to make common sense predictions about your fishing situation when it comes to safety. Do not ask other folks what they think. Most people will have different opinions on how to respond to warm periods in February. The truth is that most of us haven’t seen a lot of warm periods in February that last more than a week, so there’s not a lot of information or experience to trust! Travel at your on risk. Leave your ice house on a lake at your own risk!
What do the warm temps mean for fishing? By middle and late February, fish are responding more to day-light hours, rather than air temperature. A lot of anglers think that because it’s warm outside, that the fish will bite. Don’t confuse fish behavior with human behavior. Your comfort and their physiological agenda do not match up, so be careful to assume fishing will be “easy” just because it’s warm outside.
When we see warm days in late winter and spring, the snow on lake surfaces melt allowing sunlight to easily penetrate the ice. Suddenly, lakes become bright and full of life. Plants produce more oxygen and I can only imagine that more light beneath the surface means a new and improved “vision” for predator and prey fish species alike. The new brighter environment will change the time when fish feed and where they are located.
There’s a lot more that can be said about our late winter and spring warm weather transitions—but much of it will just have to be experienced for yourself! My point is that you should expect changes—fish are going to be changing their habits over the next few weeks, so keep your eye out for these different fishing patterns. Expect fish to relocate feed at different times – and even on different colors.
Have fun fishing this week in Otter Tail Lakes Country, and keep and eye on the changing ice conditions.
Ross Hagemeister