Fishing Report 2-16-2022

By Randin Olson, Lock Jaw Guide Service 218-640-0158

The February Heal

We’re in the middle of February now and that means two things, ice conditions get better and so does the fishing! Warm temperatures tend to pack the snow down which makes travel a whole lot easier on area lakes. 

Panfish bite has been pretty dang good lately but the bite has been focused around low light periods. Both basin and weed fish are going good. For those that want to run and gun you can do just fine but you will be running! Small spoons help to weed out the small ones and if you’re not using plastics well,  I’m sorry but you should be! 

Pike are still cruising edges and starting to patrol open water. Big suckers or dead bait has been best.  

Eyeballs are in there February funk and you will need patience to temp them to bite.  Both deep and shallow patterns are present but again be patient and spend time with your underwater camera like the Marcum pursuit had to find those sweet spots. 

One of my favorite winter time fish have been hot lately. Tullibee are going strong on a large number of lakes. Although it can be easy to put a Pyle of them on the ice,  I urge you to only keep what you need. A dropper rig and small plastic have been working great! 

This is by no means a green lift to go where you’d like but things are improving. Take your time and travel carefully and you will have a great time on the water! 
Tight lines!