Walleye Or Panfish? That Is The Question!
Hello ice fishermen!
Time is flying by this winter.ย Iโm not sure why but ice fishing seasons seem to pass quickly. They are defined by ridged and intense action periods (perhaps thatโs why)?
December marked the beginning of the ice fishing season and the walleye fishing is amongst the best of the year.ย After a few weeks of strong โearlyโ ice fishing and a few major holidays, the walleye bite becomes less intense and then, like now, anglers are transitioning from walleye to panfish.ย But are the fish ready for the transition?ย Just about.ย As our days grow longer in Lakes Country, so the panfish bite become more steady and predictable โits not the full-out intense panfish bite of late ice, but itโs a time where anglers can get out and get a meal if they work at it a bit.
February arrives this weekย and then after, a few speedy weeks ( and a Super-Bowl to boot), theย walleye, northern and bass seasons come to a close.ย Ice fishing, indeed, does fly by.ย Also, as the bites become more difficult for some species, anglers are on edge about changing ice conditions as the days lengthen and warmโthe lakes become quieter in February. A lot of people look forward to open-water and sunscreenโfishing from boats and bridges.ย This is a transitional period for both the anglers and the fish! Which is great! Itโs all a part of our great sport here in Otter Tail Lakes Country.
If you do decide to keep on fishing in February, Iโd lean away from walleye and focus on panfish for fun and action.ย Where panfish hide, predators lurkโso they are there to catch as well.ย For walleye, at the momentโitโs a waiting game, and some donโt mind waiting. ย As they say: “to each,ย his own.” ย For baits and presentations, think small and think precision.ย For locating fish think work, effort and persistence.ย In my opinion fish never come to youโyou have to go to them.
Good Luck fishing in Otter Tail Lakes Country this week.
Ross Hagemeister