Using a no sinker approach in your ice fishing technique. Jim Hudson explains when, where and why you should use this approach. He also shows you how. by Jim Hudson You know that age old comedic saying – “I got ya, Hook, Line and Sinker”. Been around for years. Anglers always perpetrate their buddies into a punch line of a joke or story they are playing out, ending it with “giving them” the finale of a ribbing that only a fisherman can give. Same goes on the ice. Lots of ice anglers rig up just as the saying goes, and then carry on to fool their finned quarry. Works, yup? Always the best way? Nope, in actuality, this story is actually best played out without the sinker. When talking about bite detection and ice fishing technique while jigging for any fish we are going to pursue through ... [ Read More ]
Winter Trout in Minnesota
Effective winter patterns to consider trying for the season on selected streams predominantly include nymph patterns. The trout become lethargic in the cool winter moths and try to expend as little energy as possible. With water temperatures hovering between 34-40 degrees for most of the winter, trout will not chase their food down, but will suck it in as it floats by. That is why nymph patterns are so effective. Several nymph patterns are effective for southeastern Minnesota. The basic pattern is the scud, or freshwater shrimp in an orange or yellow color usually tied on a size 14-16 curved nymph hook. I usually use this pattern as my main nymph and tandem rig it with a dropper fly (the traditional two fly system). The scud is effective because of its color and appearance, not to mention ... [ Read More ]
Ice Fishing Microplastics – Zero In On ‘The Zoo’ Bite (Try It)
Downsize to ice fishing microplastics for more panfish this ice season by Scott Glorvigen In the 1990s we discovered the benefits of downsizing to 1- to 2-pound test and using Rat Finkies and Hornets for hardwater panfish. It was incredible—we began to experience unprecedented bites on tiny horizontal jigs while guys near us fishing minnows struggled to put fish on the ice. But it wasn’t good enough that we were catching lots of fish. Since I have a hard time accepting that fish eat just for the sake of eating, I had to find out why we were catching so many fish. It was odd. You’d catch a bunch, keep a few, clean them and find nothing in the stomachs. But I knew they had to be eating something. So I started cutting their bellies open, dumping the milky stomach contents into Mason jars ... [ Read More ]
First Ice Fishing Homework Starts Now
Hitting the ice at the start of the season is a new beginning. There are times where we find fish right where we thought the fish should be at first ice and there are times when the fish are not where you think they should be. Some lakes that were good last winter will not be good this winter and vice versa. Finding fish at first ice is a process of elimination. There are lakes I cannot wait to hit this winter but I truly will not know whether they are good or not until I start drilling some holes. Enhance your Edge on First Ice Fishing If there is one thing however that can greatly enhance your edge at first ice, my advice would be to watch fall bites closely. If possible, look at some lakes that you intend to ice fish during the fall. Not only can you get a really good handle of the size ... [ Read More ]
Minnesota Sturgeon Fishing: Bigger and Better
Anglers have more opportunities to fish for Minnesota sturgeon because of a new catch-and-release fishing season this year. Here’s what you need to know. What does the new season mean for anglers? The new catch-and-release season on inland waters began this year. Each year, it closes from April 15 to June 15 to protect sturgeon during spawning. During the season, anglers can intentionally fish for lake sturgeon on inland waters. This allows sturgeon fishing on waters like Otter Tail Lake and the Littlefork, Bigfork and Kettle rivers – all of which have good numbers of lake sturgeon. Anglers can also catch and release lake sturgeon on additional border waters like the Red, St. Louis and Mississippi rivers. Why expand sturgeon fishing? Comebacks staged by lake sturgeon in recent years ... [ Read More ]
Get the Net!
Netting a fish must be a coordinated effort; done right, it means sweet success and high-fives all around. Part of that success is choosing the right net for the job. Anglers should consider the type and size of the fish they expect to encounter to pick the proper net. Elements to consider are hoop diameter and size; handle length and composition and net bag depth, color and composition. A net that’s perfect for one type of fish may be totally inadequate for another. Bass anglers should consider Frabill’s new line of Conservation Series nets. Conservation Series Frabill nets are designed with safe catch and release in mind. All nets feature 100% knotless mesh netting, eliminating injuries commonly caused by sharp knots. Knots also tend to scrape away the slime layer on fish, which can ... [ Read More ]
Better fishing thanks to MN DNR musky study
The MN DNR musky study involves collecting information and studying musky populations; measurements are recorded, sex of the fish is identified, and an electronic tag implanted in the fish is scanned, before it is returned to the lake. One day, it could take an angler's lure and provide a long-remembered thrill. This process allows the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources to make well-informed decisions about how to stock musky and manage harvest. “As anglers head into the musky season that began June 4, they are enjoying opportunities that came about largely due to research-based management,” said Don Pereira, fisheries section chief. “Better information can lead to better fishing in a state that’s already a renowned musky fishing destination.” The DNR studies musky in a ... [ Read More ]
Minnesota state park bike trails offer tune up stations
Purchased as part of the Pedal Minnesota (www.pedalmn.com) initiative, which strives to make Minnesota the “Bike Friendly State”, Minnesota state park bike trails are available at several state parks and trails. The stations are equipped with basic bike maintenance tools, including air pumps. Funding for most of the stations was made possible through a grant from the Federal Recreational Trails Program and matching state funds. One station was purchased by the Gateway-Brown’s Creek Trail Association and another by the Preston Community Foundation and the Preston Tourism Board. “These stations are a convenient amenity on our trails,” says Andrew Korsberg, DNR state trail program coordinator. “They make it easy to pump up tires or do some light maintenance on your bike while out on a ... [ Read More ]
New rules for Mille Lacs bass could attract more tournament action
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources today announced a change in fishing regulations that could see more Mille Lacs bass tournaments coming to the area. The rule change, announced today by DNR Commissioner Tom Landwehr, will allow anglers to sort bass that are shorter than 18 inches, and keep the largest fish – a rule change that is essential in securing national bass tournaments. Anglers on other lakes in Minnesota already can sort bass that they catch. But currently, anglers on Mille Lacs Lake cannot sort fish they have kept by releasing a smaller fish from a livewell and replacing it with a larger fish. The rule change announced today will allow anglers to sort smallmouth and largemouth bass before reaching their possession limit of six fish. The no-cull rule will remain ... [ Read More ]
Kabetogama-Namakan Fishing Report
Kabetogama-Namakan fishing report; what's where and how to catch it. Wind set the pace for anglers this past week, and some thought it was too much of a good thing. Windblown shorelines were good to anglers that could manage boat control and stay in the 10-15’ depth as baitfish get directed into those shorelines, which usually leads to good fishing. If the wind dies down at anytime, or the following day, concentrate your efforts accordingly for great results. A suggested method of fishing while the winds are blowing is to troll artificial lures at depths between 12-16’, or use lead line and troll deeper waters. All fish species relate well to this, and boat control isn’t as critical. The walleye bite remains very scattered; there are reports of anglers catching fish on all ... [ Read More ]