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Were about a month into the ice season, how does this year rate compared to "normal" for everyone?

Some highlights from my journal; I've been out 11 times on 7 differnt lakes, compared to this time last year I've only fished half as many days and 2 less lakes. What it also means is that I've struggled to nail down any type of a consitant bite. 17 walleyes have ended up on the right side of the ice so far, along with about ~20 small crappies, a handful of sunfish and some tiny perch. I also had a blast icing about ~15 channel cats last weekend.

Of the 11 trips, 8 have been to target walleyes, 2 for panfish and 1 for channel cats. All of the walleyes have come from shallow "bowl" type lakes, most have been taken on Buckshot spoons and #3 Chubby Darters. I found crappies relating to shallow weeds just like last year, but the size of these fish was lacking.

So it hasn't been bad but it also hasn't been lights out either. Hopefully we get some consistant weather here soon and some type of pattern starts to emerge!

Hows everyone elses year shaping up?

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Terribly slow for this guy...only been out once all year. Weather has something to do with it as well as a very busy schedule.

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I have been out 11 times and have not caught much. Went to 4 lakes and so far just 1 tiny eye and maybe 20 decent crappie(10-11 inch). Nothing like last year. I wish we would get some consistent weather to turn the fish back on.

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Slower then normal but given that Ive nailed 2 of my personal bests in the walleye category. First fish through the ice in december was the second fish I had seen on the screen ealy ice and it was my new current pb 8.5 lbs eye released! I have since managed some fingerling eyes and 2 eaters is all until today....a second best pig at 6.5 to 7lbs released eye! what a trip. Finally found some fish cruising structure in 17-25 feet and this storm is only making things better!

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the times I have made it out I have struggled to find a pile of them. a few small eyes and 1 meal of sunnies so far. still very fun and glad to get out when I can.

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Inconsistant for me as well. Some nights the bobber never moved. Another night sat there for 4 hours without anything then picked up 3 walleyes in ten minutes then would shut off again. Did make it up to LOTW for early ice and picked up good eater size mix of walleye and sauger but we didn't catch any big fish. Hopefully some warmer weather will push in this upcoming week and get the fish biting.

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It has been quite slow for me this year, I have picked up a few more Walleye this year than in years past but Im just happy being out on the ice reguardless of what I catch.

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I've been out only three times. First before the Christmas Blizzard and did ok, but the panfish were small. Second time on an unknown lake, I worried about getting skunked but I iced two fish right before I called it quits. The last time I went out, I did really well on a morning bite and the fish were active and striking hard. I was able to bring home enough gills & crapppies to have a nice meal for my family.

I'm hoping to get out next weekend and trying a new lake, but I like to go back where I know there's fish so, I'm torn between: exploring and taking the risk of gettin' skunked, or, going back to where I've done well.

What would you all do: explore a new lake, or go back to an old favorite?

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werent many fish in my early season crappie spots. Still can't get to most of my mid winter crappie spots. Walleyes have been biting decent though. I haven't seen too Many pike but I've been on big fish lakes. I have seen some big ones but haven't speared them because thier not that magical 20 I'm looking for.

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What would you all do: explore a new lake, or go back to an old favorite?

Explore a new one, maybe make a new favorite?

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I've been out almost every day somewhere. Lots of sunfish and crappies so far. A few pike,eyes, and cats too. I would say it is an average year so far.

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been out on the ice more this year so far due to a slower work schedule. best year so far for icing walleyes but none to keep yet. Panfish has been hit or miss but I have caught enough where I could make dinner for my grampa and a meal for the fiance and I. Hopefully this warmer weather will help pick things up and I can pick up a few eyes with some size. good luck to all..

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  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • jparrucci
      Very low, probably 2 feet lower than last year at ice out.
    • mbeyer
      what do they look like this spring?
    • SkunkedAgain
      I might have missed a guess, but here are the ones that I noted:   JerkinLips – March 27th, then April 7th Brianf. – March 28th Bobberwatcher – April…. MikeG3Boat – April 10th SkunkedAgain – early April, then April 21st   Definitely a tough year for guesses, as it seemed to be a no-brainer early ice out. Then it got cold and snowed again.
    • mbeyer
      MN DNR posted April 13 as Ice out date for Vermilion
    • 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.        
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