First Signs of Ice Fishing Are Here!

Good morning anglers and outdoors lovers!  Yesterday it was nearly 50 degrees, and this morning it’s 15 degrees and windy.  It’s the time of year when the lakes want to rest for another winter.  It’s time for ice!

I’ve seen some ice fishermen out around Otter Tail Lakes country. Be careful on the first ice—especially with varying weather and wind conditions!  Ice that was in place yesterday, may be blown to shore today. I’ve seen 2 and 3 inches of ice blown off of lakes before. Don’t trust the ice yet—the weather has been too inconsistent for sturdy ice making.

If you decide to risk it, be sure and have a fishing partner nearby (not too close!).  If one of you goes down, you’ll have some help getting out.  A good idea, for those of you who are super excited to ice fish, is to go to the edge of open water (now), which is probably near a current area, and stick most of your arm in the water and wait for 20 seconds. You’ll get a very achy feeling up your arm and it actually hurts. It’s a good reminder what it feels like to be submerged in ice water.  We’re in the “in-between” time.

It’s difficult to wait but fishing in Otter Tail lakes country is still a week or two away. Relax, prep your ice fishing gear and dust off your Vexlars and check the blades on your augers.  Another way to pass time outdoors in Otter Tail County is to find some geese to hunt. There are a lot of geese in the region, and it’s a fun way to pass the time until the ice is ready. If you take a kid deer hunting this weekend (for muzzle loader season), dress them warm and give them some binoculars.  My daughter Mae, loves the deer stand and looking for critters.  There’s still lots to do outdoors!

Have a great Thanksgiving!

By Ross Hagemeister | meisterguideservicecom