Revolutionizing Ice Fishing with the Ice Team

I can’t help but think of the buzz that surrounded Allen Iverson a few years ago on most of the sports channels for nearly a week. It was in regards to his lack of willingness to practice. For fisherman practice really does make perfect, even though we don’t think of it as that. 

This week’s entry has a dual meaning. I am writing this late in the evening of February 3, 2013. Earlier today we said our last goodbyes to Jim Hudson, a fellow Ice Team member who lost his life in a tragic accident on Lake Superior on January 26th. I had planned to tell you all about the forgotten and under-appreciated burbot, but I can’t help but think of Jimmy… He loved the slimy buggers as much as I do, and would’ve wanted me to let you in on the secret of the often overlooked freshwater cod, so we’ll start there.

The action has been good, and much fun, with the great conditions, yet, really whacking ‘em hasn’t been the case; that being said, no skunks either. 

When you think of high country Colorado you think trout, but typically that quintessential mountain stream, right? Well, start thinking reservoirs. 

We started out fishing the “basin” area outside of Pine island. Although it was still fairly fresh ice (there was still some open water only 2 days before we arrived), the ice conditions out to about 30 foot were 5 to 10 inches so we were able to get out there with snowmobiles, ATVs and our portable Clam shelters. Many of the resorts had their first slew of permanent houses positioned from about 22 to 26 feet. We opted to get outside of them and fished 28 to 30-feet. 

Early ice presents the opportunity to fish for fish that have not seen a jig in months.

Northern Minnesota fishing has been on fire in the past week for species ranging from walleyes and northern pike to crappies, perch and bluegills.