Ice Is On The Horizon

Ross Hagemeister,

meisterguideservice.com

Ice fishing season is knocking on the doorstep in Otter Tail Lakes country!

There is ice to fish on around the county, but there is also plenty of open water. Why the open water? I’m not a hydrologist or geologist, but I believe it has to do with changing aquifers and spring action. Open water makes things easy, however, because you can’t go ice fishing on open lakes. As for the lakes with ice, watch your step and be careful to be too fast/sloppy.

I have done some ice fishing in the past few days and I walked out a mile and walked back when I was done. The great thing about walking out to fish is it’s quite peaceful and it’s good for you.  If you’re after walleye, just pretend like you’re fishing in late-May and early-June. The fish seem to be in a lot of different areas, and they are typically feeding, so if you’re not getting a lot of action it’s time to find a new spot.  Also, use jigging spoons on one line and hang a nice sucker or shiner on a set line too—and that usually covers it.

Northern pike will be near walleye on a lot of lakes this time of year—I like to use suckers on tip ups or rattle reel inside fish houses.  For some reason they’re fun to catch on “hand” lines.  For panfish, check out mid-depth weed flats and holes in the lake’s basin.   Keep an eye on the weather and shifting ice conditions if you’re going to head to the lake this week.  When in doubt, early in the year, give walking a try, or just head home and wait to try it in a week or two.