Panning for panfish in OTC Lakes Country
Happy February ice anglers. The days are growing notably longer in Otter Tail Lakes Country. It’s an interesting time of the year because fish begin responding to the lengthening days and that usually means fishing patterns change. So far, however, fish seem to be on track with last week’s fishing. I haven’t seen a noticeable shift in panfish locations yet. I like to find them suspended off of weeds near or over deep water. I’ve tried the shallow side of weed lines this week but haven’t found any action—everything is gravitating towards the deep weed edges. I saw very few northern pike last week. On most lakes, they are in a stagnant pattern—they are sticking around schools of sunfish and are just active enough to spook sunfish, but might not be hungry enough to bite a large minnow on a tip up. Walleye action has been slow and stable.
If you find a “good” walleye spot right now, it should give you 2 or 3 walleye and any others would be a good bonus. We’re close to seeing a major shift in fish locations and feeding habits, but we’re just not there yet, so you shouldn’t have to make too many changes to your fishing for this week—but keep an eye out for changes.
Good Luck fishing this week in Otter Tail Lakes Country—and don’t forget to bring plenty of propane for your heater because it’s going to be cold!
Ross Hagemeister, meisterguideservice.com