Northern Minnesota fishing has been on fire in the past week for species ranging from walleyes and northern pike to crappies, perch and bluegills.
It’s difficult to place priority upon which active, hot, biting-like-mad species comes first, since ice anglers have such diverse tastes and all species are available in quantity and quality in the northern half of Minnesota.
Without giving preference to any certain species, here are some interesting specifics pertaining to the current conditions.
The North American Ice Fishing Championship (NAIFC) took place over the past two days on Mille Lacs Lake, where Brandon Newby and Ryan Wilson put together a two-day bag limit of 24 4/5-pounds consisting of sixteen crappies, eight bluegills and eight perch to win the event. They beat the second place finishers by 6 1/2-pounds. Not everone realizes it but Mille Lacs isn’t simply a walleye destination.
Lake of the Woods; Anglers are heading to the lake teetering on the Minnesota/Canada border due to the high population of walleye, sauger and perch. Yet an unexpected trophy pike is a heavenly bonus as well. Ice conditions are appropriate for booking a trip to the border water right now with light machines (snowmobiles and ATV’s) heading miles out.
Upper Red Lake; the largest lake in Minnesota even though only a portion of the northern water is legally accessible by anglers, it has been fishable with strong ice for weeks. The massive lake freezes fast because of the vast shallow water acreage.
Anglers venturing out have plenty of territory to explore and are currently measuring 8-11 inches of clear, solid ice. Most groups are catching walleyes in the mid-afternoon toward evening hours by jigging spoons tipped with a minnow head.
Here’s a deadly combination: Northland Fishing Tackle’s ever classic
Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon with the head of a rainbow, shiner or fathead minnow lanced onto one of the treble hooks. You'll be sure to catch an abundance of nice-sized eater walleyes.
Tip: After fishing all day and pinching the heads off minnows make sure you scrub your fingernails before you greet your spouse and/or eat dinner.
Grand Rapids/Park Rapids/Pelican Rapids area; conditions vary from lake-to-lake since there are so many bodies of water scattered about the east-to-west corridor. The Small to mid-sized lakes have the best ice conditions. Please use caution while checking accessibility on the bigger bodies of water. Mid-sized lakes and smaller lakes have some crazy active early season panfish.
On the smaller lakes try using, small jigging spoons tipped with maggots, tiny tungsten jigs tipped with waxworms, spikes or micro-sized soft plastic tails.
The larger lakes not presenting consistent ice accumulation, it's not worth the risk. Anglers always be aware, safe, smart, and check the ice often to ensure your party is safe.
Jason Durham an Ice Team pro. The Ice Team was
at the beginning of the Ice Fishing Revolution . . . because they started it. Find out more about the Ice Team at IceTeam.com.