Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

Best Guess


Recommended Posts

When will the resorts let people fish?????? Which resort typically freezes over first?? Last year I went out of Zipple and had a good time, but I might try Pine Island this year a little more.....

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thats a good question as it will depend entirely on the weather and freeze up. Fisky reported some strong winds up that way. the temps are good but a couple of quiet days and nights to seal it up are needed. We had 5 above in St Cloud this morning, but 20 mph winds. Lets pray for quiet times.. Bill

Link to comment
Share on other sites

King, usually around the second weekend in December or so. Zippel, Morris and The Pine island area all sort of freeze up about the same as far as 'when'.

Bill...twas -9 at 7am and the winds sklacked overnite. River is froze up shore to shore on Sportsmans webcam I see, was wide open yesterday morning!

Yhe wait won't be a long one this year and I have'nt even gotten ANY of my ice gear ready! That'll give me something to do the next coupla days anyhow. Did run the Jiffy a coupla weeks back though.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fisky: Good to hear that the winds layed down. It was a bit of a mess last year over Pine where the winds picked up and tore up the ice that had formed. Hopefully nice and smooth like a skating rink this year. We're headed up the first time on Dec 26, don't see any problems by then.

You may want to kick it into high gear and get those rods rigged and ready. I know you like to hit it early and that could be by the weekend for walking ice. Be watching for your always interesting reports again this year. Bill

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Hey Norm, noticed on another site that someone couldn't get thru to Long Pt resort. You heard anything? Maybe vacation time for the crew.

See you on the ice.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Your probably right Steve and they're vacationing during the off season.. Maybe real busy?

Bill.. "Hang on" as you say! The 26th will get here and we will leave a few with your name on them! One of my 'goals for the hardwater season' is to carry less rods/tackle and such so getting it ready won't be a problem!!! 3 rods and 8-10 lure varients for the first week or so!

Tic tock tic tock

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Fisky make sure you get a hold of me as soon as you guys can walk out safely and get on some eyes. When do the pigs start coming back out of the river to the lake?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

The locals fish the river all winter but admit that it often slows down after the 1st of the year.

That said, last year was excellent in the river from ice-up to ice/out so go figure.

I'll let you know for sure when were in boats next spring.LOL

Link to comment
Share on other sites

By the way, the ice stopped moving at the Dutchman at 3:47 PM on Nov. 28th. We were setting trusses on our new managers unit and watching the huge sheets come down. Finally ground to a stop with a few open patches but appears to be solid this morning.

Gotta get things closed in so we can go bore some holes in a few days!

Think calm & cold!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Guest
This topic is now closed to further replies.


  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • Brianf.
      ^^^45 in the morning and 47 in the evening
    • CigarGuy
      👍. What was the water temp in Black Bay? Thanks....
    • Brianf.
      No, that wasn't me.  I drive a 621 Ranger. 
    • CigarGuy
      So, that was you in the camo lund? I'm bummed, I have to head back to the cities tomorrow for a few days, then back up for at least a few weeks. Got the dock in and fired up to get out chasing some crappies till opener!
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   Lots of ice on the main basin, but it is definitely deteriorating.  Some anglers have been fishing the open water at the mouth of the Rainy River in front of the Lighthouse Gap.  The rest of the basin is still iced over. Pike enthusiasts caught some big pike earlier last week tip up fishing in pre-spawn areas adjacent to traditional spawning areas.  8 - 14' of water using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring has been the ticket.  Ice fishing for all practical purposes is done for the year. The focus for the basin moving forward will be pike transitioning into back bays to spawn,  This is open water fishing and an opportunity available as the pike season is open year round on Lake of the Woods. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. With both the ice fishing and spring fishing on the Rainy River being so good, many are looking forward to the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11th.  It should be epic. On the Rainy River...  An absolutely incredible week of walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rain Rainy River.     Walleye anglers, as a rule, caught good numbers of fish and lots of big fish.  This spring was one for the books.   To follow that up, the sturgeon season is currently underway and although every day can be different, many boats have caught 30 - 40 sturgeon in a day!  We have heard of fish measuring into the low 70 inch range.  Lots in the 60 - 70 inch range as well.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  Open water is continuing to expand in areas with current.  The sight of open water simply is wetting the pallet of those eager for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th.   A few locals were on the ice this week, targeting pike.  Some big slimers were iced along with some muskies as well.  If you like fishing for predators, LOW is healthy!  
    • Brianf.
      Early bird gets the worm some say...   I have it on good authority that this very special angler caught no walleyes or muskies and that any panfish caught were released unharmed.        
    • smurfy
      got mine done........for the cabin.....ready for summer festivities!!!!!!   there was still frost in the ground...........but good gawd are the lakes low!!!!!
    • CigarGuy
      Just 1, 50" muskie🫣
    • SkunkedAgain
      How many walleye were on the stringer on their way out??? 
    • CigarGuy
      Saw the first boat of the year yesterday, heading towards Black Bay 
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.